Review without spoilers

[DennisK]

How do you folks write a thorough review without putting in spoilers? Just what is a spoiler, anyway - and how do you formulate methods to use to avoid them?

[Kourtney Bradley]

A spoiler is something that would take the "edge" out of the book. You wouldn't want to reveal something big that happens, because then the reader would know what to expect and wouldn't have that same feeling you had while reading it. It's definitely hard to sometimes avoid spoilers, but if you feel like you are giving away something that you would have wanted to read in the story line yourself, you should probably leave that part out.

[DennisK]

A spoiler is something that would take the "edge" out of the book. You wouldn't want to reveal something big that happens, because then the reader would know what to expect and wouldn't have that same feeling you had while reading it. It's definitely hard to sometimes avoid spoilers, but if you feel like you are giving away something that you would have wanted to read in the story line yourself, you should probably leave that part out.

It is clear to me when dealing with a “who done it” what the spoiler would be, but in the case of, say, an adventure story: Each challenge faced along the story line is something experienced by reading the story. I think to read an outline of those challenges before reading the story would spoil the whole experience. But when I read many of the Official reviews in this forum, I notice they are long winded with, perhaps, to much detail. Trying to copy them, I feel as though I've turned myself into a mini Reader's Digest which causes me to wonder if have said too much, and that I may have spoiled the book for someone else.

[gali]

When I review a book, I try to talk about the plot in general lines as to avoid spoilers. I write more about the characters. writing, themes, and pros and cons of the book than about the plot itself.

[Kourtney Bradley]

Usually, I try to read backy through my review and if there is anything in it that I remember being shocking to read, I take it out. You don't want to take the surprise away from the next reader who has read your review. That would be a lot like if you watched a preview for a movie and they showed all the important parts happening in the preview- you wouldn't even care about going to see the movie because you would already know what happend

[MsMartha]

When I review a book, I try to talk about the plot in general lines as to avoid spoilers. I write more about the characters. writing, themes, and pros and cons of the book than about the plot itself.

http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/
I agree--this is what I try to do. I think it's important--and not always easy!-- to let a potential reader know why the book is interesting without sharing too much information.

[DATo]

[DennisK]

Concentrate on the characters - not so much the plot ..... interesting. I've been wondering what makes some TV sitcoms so popular while others never make it through their first year. I believe it all has to do with the characters in the show. For instance, I like the Big Bang Theory because I like the characters. The story's plot doesn't seem to be all that important. Perhaps this principle applies to literature as well. I'll try writing a review with this in mind. I am reading the Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin and, so far, I have a lukewarm feeling about it. I just realized I don't really connect with the characters.

And a great weekend to you too, DATo

[Annie2019]

When I review a book, I try to talk about the plot in general lines as to avoid spoilers. I write more about the characters. writing, themes, and pros and cons of the book than about the plot itself.

This is so helpful! I now know. Thank you so much

[Mvictoria]

I hope this is the right place for this question, but if it’s not I would love some direction, as I am brand new! I am currently reading a book that has an almost rape scene that I’m concerned may be triggering for some people. I’m not sure how to share that without “spoiling” the scene. I would love any advice!

[Caleb 044]

Concentrate on the characters - not so much the plot ..... interesting. I've been wondering what makes some TV sitcoms so popular while others never make it through their first year. I believe it all has to do with the characters in the show. For instance, I like the Big Bang Theory because I like the characters. The story's plot doesn't seem to be all that important. Perhaps this principle applies to literature as well. I'll try writing a review with this in mind. I am reading the Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin and, so far, I have a lukewarm feeling about it. I just realized I don't really connect with the characters.

And a great weekend to you too, DATo

Thank you very much, this has been very helpful, I was having this problem and I think you have solved it.