The study guide is provided for free, and it is a great resource, however I have to disagree that it's a short read. It's about 60 pages, and there are many details to remember, such as places, dates, important names etc. I'll read it once or twice for sure, but don't expect me to memorize the insignificant battles that happened over centuries ago. NO Canadian I asked were able to answer citizenship test questions anyways. Most people wait too long to get their citizenship, and failing the test will only extend their waiting time. The test is more difficult now, compared to the previous years, and again, just because someone got "easy" questions doesn't mean that you'll get them as well.
I guess everyone needs to wait and see, but there are very useful free and paid resources available online, and I suggest everyone to do their own research and pick the resources that they think will be helpful to them.