I realize I am a little late for Day 2, but I just couldn’t get into it last night.  So I will be posting twice today.

So, today might sound like a bit of self-promotion, but understand that is not my intention.  I have been a book blogger almost from the beginning.  I didn’t realize how much I liked reviewing books until I began doing it.  And now I have so many books to review, and I get very far behind.  But most good book bloggers are in my same position.

One of the things that I always hear from authors, agents, publishers, book tour company organizers, and even commenters is that they really enjoy my book reviews.  Now, I don’t intend to sit here and say that I am an expert book reviewer.  I have read some truly professional book reviews written by some amazing bloggers and writers that would put my paltry attempts to shame.  My first book reviews were truly pathetic.  But let me share a few things that I have learned, and then feel free to comment and tell me what you think.

• Do not summarize the story and/or give spoilers.  This is the biggest pet peeve for me.  A review is to be just that–what you thought of the writing, the story, the characters, etc.  This is not your chance to tell all the details or even summarize the synopsis.  I know I have given a few spoilers in my hundreds of reviews, but I work extremely hard not to.  I try to interact with the material and truly give my opinion of the work, but rewriting the synopsis is NOT a review.
• Do not let the potentially objectionable content affect the rating except in specific circumstances.  This is one of the hardest ones for me.  The vast majority of books I read have some profanity, sex scenes, and maybe even some offensive elements in them.  I used to mark books down if they had these items in them.  I realized some time ago that was not appropriate.  I always point it out–I think that is imperative.  But I do not let it affect the rating except in the following situations: a young adult book that has strongly objectionable content not suitable for a young adult book, a Christian book that has content not suitable for a Christian-marketed book, a book that is so full of objectionable content that the story is completely obliterated.
• Make sure that if you are criticizing the book that you inform that reader that this YOUR opinion.  This is extremely important.  We are all entitled to our opinions, but what you think may not be what someone else thinks.  Not everyone may love or hate the book you are reading.
• Be honest.  It’s okay to point out why you did or did not like the book.  True authors are not desiring a superficially good review.  I can’t tell you how appreciative authors are when I am truly honest.  I have even had authors apologize for my not liking a book–that always amazes me.  I never expect anyone to apologize for what they write, and I tell the authors just that.
• Try to find something good.  No matter how much you hate the book, there must be something redeeming about it.  There is only one book I can think of where I struggled to do this.  Point out what you didn’t like in a respectful manner.
• Above all, write more than two sentences!!  I can’t tell you how many book reviewers write something like: “I really liked this book.  It really held my interest, and I look forward to reading more in the future.”  Really???  That’s it???  How on earth is that  review?  I try to write three paragraphs if at all humanly possible.  I try to point out the good points, bad points, and anything else I can think of.  This is sometimes a struggle.

I hope I gave you some things to think about as you write book reviews.  Whether you are just a book reader, blogger, or a professional journalist, writing a quality book review is something authors deserve from us.

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