What do you look for in a book review?

[Gerry Steen]

Book reviews are a big part of OBC. As a book reviewer, I am looking for feedback from people regarding what they expect from reading a book review. So let me know—what kind of information do you expect to find in a book review? Happy reading!

[Maggie Johnson 2]

I want to know what to expect from the book.
I'm someone that likes to read reviews before committing to a book so I know what I'm getting into. A cozy mystery, or something that will give me nightmares? If it's a romance, am I going to feel happy or emotionally devastated? Does it fade to black, or have sex scenes that span entire chapters?
When I'm writing reviews, I try and think about what would make me decide to read a book vs. put it back on the shelf. Sometimes it just comes down to my mood and what I'm looking for at that particular moment. But I also think people tend to have expectations for certain genres. For example, in mystery/thriller books plot is everything, and people tend to be a little more forgiving when it comes to character development. But if a review mentions a great plot AND really strong characters, that's something that would make me want to read it. Or if it's nonfiction and the review mentions lots of errors and typos, then I'll feel like I can't trust the information and will decide against reading it.

[Gerry Steen]

I want to know what to expect from the book.
I'm someone that likes to read reviews before committing to a book so I know what I'm getting into. A cozy mystery, or something that will give me nightmares? If it's a romance, am I going to feel happy or emotionally devastated? Does it fade to black, or have sex scenes that span entire chapters?
When I'm writing reviews, I try and think about what would make me decide to read a book vs. put it back on the shelf. Sometimes it just comes down to my mood and what I'm looking for at that particular moment. But I also think people tend to have expectations for certain genres. For example, in mystery/thriller books plot is everything, and people tend to be a little more forgiving when it comes to character development. But if a review mentions a great plot AND really strong characters, that's something that would make me want to read it. Or if it's nonfiction and the review mentions lots of errors and typos, then I'll feel like I can't trust the information and will decide against reading it.

Hi, Maggie. I appreciate your feedback.

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

I like to read a review and get the gist of what the book is about. I also like to know if the book is loaded with errors. Numerous errors are very distracting and time-consuming, as you are writing down the errors for your notes. A lot of reviewers think that they need to bash the author and criticize their writing for the entire review. That is not a book review. That is a review of the author. I often wonder, have you written a book? Don't criticize someone until you have walked in their shoes.

[Gerry Steen]

I like to read a review and get the gist of what the book is about. I also like to know if the book is loaded with errors. Numerous errors are very distracting and time-consuming, as you are writing down the errors for your notes. A lot of reviewers think that they need to bash the author and criticize their writing for the entire review. That is not a book review. That is a review of the author. I often wonder, have you written a book? Don't criticize someone until you have walked in their shoes.

Hi, Shirley Ann. Thank you for your feedback. I know from reading your reviews that you are an experienced reviewer and good at your craft.

[Catherine Sweet]

I agree with Shirley Ann that there's no need to bash the author. I always think that it takes a long time to write a book, and that dedication should be respected.
I like a review to tell me what a book's about and what the main characters are like. If it says the main character is quirky, I'll usually read it, hoping for another Eleanor Oliphant.

[Gerry Steen]

I agree with Shirley Ann that there's no need to bash the author. I always think that it takes a long time to write a book, and that dedication should be respected.
I like a review to tell me what a book's about and what the main characters are like. If it says the main character is quirky, I'll usually read it, hoping for another Eleanor Oliphant.

Hi, Catherine. I agree with you and Shirley Ann that there is no need to bash the author. I believe that every author who has written a book and then paid OBC to get it reviewed has put their whole heart into it. As reviewers we must be honest and helpful with constructive criticism to help the author improve. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Vartika Joshi]

Bashing the author is like blaming the chef because you don’t like mushrooms. Just say it’s not your taste and move on.

[Gerry Steen]

Bashing the author is like blaming the chef because you don’t like mushrooms. Just say it’s not your taste and move on.

Good point, Vartika. Thank you for your feedback.