The one who reads several books discussion

Here you can give tips for writing book reviews!

I’m still new to reviewing so would love some advice!

Same! I need some advice😅

I don't always write long reviews, and often a book falls in a "good, but not great" range where honestly there's not a lot to say beyond that. But, some of my reviews are fairly long (several paragraphs).

If you dislike a book, give examples of why (The main character, was just too good to be true: I had my doubts when she rescued an escaped circus animal early on. Then, she donates a ring inherited from her grandmother to charity. The woman has no flaws!

Same thing if you like a book, for instance I'm reading one now that has essays about nature, including one in Antarctica, which normally wouldn't interest me. But, in this case, I was aware of how well written they were while I was reading; the content itself didn't really matter.

Also, if you're conflicted about a book, say so. Tell why you liked it, then go into what keeps you from a gushing recommendation in spite of that. Also, you might want to mention a book that others may like, there's nothing really 'wrong' with it, but you personally weren't fully engaged. That's fine.

Bottom line: Do Not Compare Yourself to others with lengthy 'professional looking' write-ups.

John wrote: "I don't always write long reviews, and often a book falls in a "good, but not great" range where honestly there's not a lot to say beyond that. But, some of my reviews are fairly long (several para..."

Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely keep that in mind.

I don't have much experience either but I am taking a reading course and I will be writing a professional book review soon! (I am excited lol) But in general, my instructor said its about your thoughts and feelings, not a summary of the book. what you like/dislike..etc, you could also include an overview, but spoiling the book is not recommended (but that is fine for goodreads lol)

Maitha wrote: "I don't have much experience either but I am taking a reading course and I will be writing a professional book review soon! (I am excited lol) But in general, my instructor said its about your thou..."

Great advice! Also good luck for writing your professional review. :)

Bhavya wrote: "Maitha wrote: "I don't have much experience either but I am taking a reading course and I will be writing a professional book review soon! (I am excited lol) But in general, my instructor said its ..."

Thank you!

John wrote: "I don't always write long reviews, and often a book falls in a "good, but not great" range where honestly there's not a lot to say beyond that. But, some of my reviews are fairly long (several para..."

Thank you for the great advice!

Charlotte wrote: "John wrote: "I don't always write long reviews, and often a book falls in a "good, but not great" range where honestly there's not a lot to say beyond that. But, some of my reviews are fairly long ..."

Thanks!

One of my pet peeves are folks who take up review space rehashing plots - that's what descriptions (blurbs) are for!

John wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "John wrote: "I don't always write long reviews, and often a book falls in a "good, but not great" range where honestly there's not a lot to say beyond that. But, some of my review..."

Yes that’s understandable! But sometimes blurbs can be misleading so reviews help in that way. :)

Bhavya wrote: "John wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "John wrote: "I don't always write long reviews, and often a book falls in a "good, but not great" range where honestly there's not a lot to say beyond that. But, some..."

I've run across blurbs saying" Hilariously funny!" which turned out far from my (and others') experience.

John wrote: "Bhavya wrote: "John wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "John wrote: "I don't always write long reviews, and often a book falls in a "good, but not great" range where honestly there's not a lot to say beyond ..."

Yes! That happens a lot of times, so I guess summarising the plot(without spoilers) works sometimes!