Writing Book Reviews

I’ve been thinking a lot about writing book reviews. How can I be fair and honest with the book, reader, and myself? I’ve come up with five areas in which I will rate books I review.

Notice I say book, not author of the book. I feel that books should be judged for the content they contain and not necessarily who wrote them. I’ve read novels by well-known authors who, after becoming famous, felt because they signed their name it should be a best seller. Some probably could market their grocery lists and be successful, but that doesn’t mean the content would be worth reading.

I’ve read other novels, by lesser known authors, which are comparable to lists of vegetables and dairy products. I think the reader is entitled to know what they are getting into, and if it is worth their investment of time and money.

Writing my own novel makes me appreciate the angst authors feel putting their work out there for criticism. It also makes me painfully aware of my own weaknesses where writing is concerned. I know I commit grammar mistakes that cause some to shudder and cringe. I’m working on it.

At first I thought I would write reviews only from the viewpoint of a reader. The multiple filled bookcases adorning my home can attest to my love for feasting on the written word. I’ve re-read so many of the books on my shelves I’ve purchased additional copies as replacements. However I cannot just review as a reader, the author in me notices things I cannot remain blissfully unaware of.

As time goes on this list may change and it may vary slightly based on the novel I’m reviewing. I’ll give each of the five areas points from one to five. The overall score will be based on an average of each of the five areas.

Therefore, here are the things I will review books for:

1.Overall Plot
2.Characters
3.World (Mostly for fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal genres, but still applicable to others)
4.Would I read it again/buy the sequel
5.Would I Recommend it