What do you like most about book reviewing?

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moderntimes
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Re: What do you like most about book reviewing?

Post by moderntimes »

What Skillian said about reviewing being a way to see other writers' mistakes and avoiding them. And, sigh, I've got a list of the "don't do" items from this current book.

Right now I'm plunging my way through a sadly flat and featureless novel, what's supposed to be a great noir author of Scandinavian mystery, but it's awful. Plenty of mistakes, too. I won't be able to list the errors because the copy I received is an early rough printing, but the writing itself is dreary. Reads like a grocery list. I know that a negative review affects sales but I'm duty bound to my readership audience who look at my reviews and use them to choose. So I need to call 'em as I sees 'em. Tough.
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Post by Aspen_Reads »

I love being able to share my love of literacy with the world. I love that I can give great recommendations, and who knows? Maybe the book that I recommended will be the one that changes someone's perspective of reading!
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Post by Amheiser »

I like being able to have an excuse to read. I feel like there is always so much stuff to do that taking time to read takes time away from stuff that probably should be taken care of, but if I'm doing a review then I get to do something that I like to do that makes me feel like I am accomplishing something for myself and for someone else. I have been exposed to lots of different genres by reviewing books that I might not otherwise have looked for.
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jkclay1
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Post by jkclay1 »

I love reading and telling others about the way the book affected me, but also tell the book like it is and be honest about it. I also really enjoy reading the reviews!
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ALynnPowers
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Post by ALynnPowers »

Amheiser wrote:I like being able to have an excuse to read. I feel like there is always so much stuff to do that taking time to read takes time away from stuff that probably should be taken care of, but if I'm doing a review then I get to do something that I like to do that makes me feel like I am accomplishing something for myself and for someone else. I have been exposed to lots of different genres by reviewing books that I might not otherwise have looked for.
:D I also enjoy having an excuse to review. (And getting free books in the process is nice too)
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Sarita Everson
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Post by Sarita Everson »

This is the first site I joined for reviewers. I have never actually reviewed a book. But I would like to start because when I get recommendations and struggle with making a decision I read other reviews on Goodreads. I would like to do the same for somebody else. I also really love reading. So why not read and share.
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moderntimes
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Post by moderntimes »

Besides getting free books (always nice!) and maybe getting a little publicity by writing reviews, when I read and review other mystery books, it really helps me better approach my own mystery writing. If a flawed book can prevent me from making the same mistakes, so much the better. And when I review an excellent book, I'm also inspired to strive more diligently with my own writing.
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Aivlys
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Post by Aivlys »

I haven't done any reviews for this site yet but I have been doing paid reviews for a different site (which has slightly different requirements and a minimum word count vs the more specific structure here and actually requires me to post the reviews places like amazon if requested). The thing I like most is discovering new authors and the way it encourages me to pick up books that may be a different genre than I would usually choose but are things I enjoy anyway. If left on my own, I can get into a rut and not read as widely as I could. I end up missing very good books that way so it's good to get me to step outside of my comfort zone reading wise.
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Post by GKCfan »

One great thing about forums about these is that you can review books, and then connect with other fans. You can clarify your reviews and try to tailor books to certain audiences so people can read what they like.
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Post by ALynnPowers »

The thing I like least: dealing with authors who can't take criticism. But it is a bit enjoyable, because it makes me laugh. :lol:
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TLGabelman
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Post by TLGabelman »

ALynnPowers wrote:The thing I like least: dealing with authors who can't take criticism. But it is a bit enjoyable, because it makes me laugh. :lol:
Do the authors contact you after you review?
This wasnt something i expected. Not that i mind. I think it would be interesting to hear what they thought of my review. Ive noticed most reviews here go without comment.
Last edited by TLGabelman on 31 Dec 2014, 12:30, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Himmelslicht »

There are so many reviews in English. I always write reviews in my own language. It may reach less people but at least I know that those who weren't blessed with the opportunity to learn English for one reason or another, may also know what exactly people think. People of their own background and culture.
And of course, sometimes it feels good to know what other people think and it also helps me a great deal to choose what I should or should not read.
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Post by zeldas_lullaby »

TLGabelman wrote:
ALynnPowers wrote:The thing I like least: dealing with authors who can't take criticism. But it is a bit enjoyable, because it makes me laugh. :lol:
Do the authors contact you after you review?
This wasnt something i expected. Not that i mind. I think it would be interesting to hear what they thought of my review. Ive noticed most reviews here go without comment.
Yeah, I notice too. Lately, I'll even congratulate the author on receiving a 4-star review, and they don't reply. It makes me feel a little blue, but maybe they think they're not supposed to reply, or something.
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PashaRu
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Post by PashaRu »

zeldas_lullaby wrote:Yeah, I notice too. Lately, I'll even congratulate the author on receiving a 4-star review, and they don't reply. It makes me feel a little blue, but maybe they think they're not supposed to reply, or something.
Occasionally I see an author respond to a review. I've had it happen just once, and he was very gracious and seemed to value the objective feedback. Some are like this, and others can't seem to handle criticism. I agree with you, it would be nice if there were more interaction between authors and reviewers. But only the authors who aren't oversensitive, arrogant jerks. :lol:
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zeldas_lullaby
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Post by zeldas_lullaby »

HA HA HA.

Well, my dad is always telling me that I'm being too sensitive. You know, to everything. Kind of like that boy in My Girl who was allergic... to everything.

(On his behalf, he's the only man who can live with me.)

I've got a book in the review system right now, and I plan to respond whether I get 4-stars or 1-star. Of course, my response will vary greatly from those extremes: either, "Wow, thanks for the great review of my book!" Or, "Thank you for taking the time to read and review my book. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it more." Well, we'll see what happens. :-)
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