More than Just a Rating discussion

I figure since I presented the idea about reviewing each other's reviews, I should throw one of mine into the mix. :)

My review for A Visit from the Goon Squad is below. I am curious if any of you consider it spoiler-y, specifically the third paragraph. I don't think it is (which is why it's not in spoiler tags), but I wanted some other opinions. :)

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The book was well written and the prose was elegant, but it seemed more like a collection of short stories based on an extended network of people than an actual novel.

I loved the first chapter where we are introduced to Sasha, and I was looking forward to get to know her. The second chapter introduces Bennie, who I wasn't as fond of (though he did grow on me). The story then continues in web of six degrees of separation and we get a chapter about Bennie's wife's old employer or some other relation. Weaving the stories together as Egan did was impressive, but I wanted to know more about the characters I loved and felt like I had to drag myself through chapters with other characters to get there.

All of the characters were deeply flawed. I'm not talking about your normal every day flaws - we have a kleptomaniac, a few characters with suicidal tenancies, divorcees, drug addicts, a convict, almost everyone of the major characters has had a severe fall from grace and there's even a genocidal army general thrown into the mix as a minor character. Though I think it was part of the world Egan was creating, it seemed overly exaggerated to me.

Each chapter is written from a different point of view. Mostly in 1st and 3rd person, but one chapter was written in 2nd - which I just don't like, and one was written in PowerPoint - which I found very clever. The 1st person chapters were never from the same person's point of view, and you often didn't know who the "I" was until several pages into the chapter where someone would address the narrator by name.

It had some great thoughts on the passing of time, how people age (some gracefully and others not so much) and how they deal with change. But overall, it just wasn't my thing and I definitely don't get the hype.

Vicki I don't see anything I'd consider a spoiler. You did a good job detailing the writing "quirks" that didn't work for you but I would like just a little paragraph about the plot. I'm not sure what type of book it is. Or was it too incoherent and scattered to outline the plot? I've read a few like that myself.

Ok, first, I don't think you're spoiling anything. Other reviews say more. Even the book's own description says plenty. In fact, with all due respect, I disagree about you needing to say something about plot. Again, the book description pretty much covers it.

I find no awkward constructions or transitions, no errors, and your paragraphs and your overall review are (imo) just the right length.

But here's my own reaction - despite the fact that you say (or seem to say; correct me if I'm wrong) you didn't enjoy the book and don't recommend it to undecided people, and despite also the fact that I have already put this book on my 'rejected' shelf with a comment of 'yuck,' ... despite all that... your review makes me almost want to read it!

So, um, that means you did a great job of being objective and talking about the book on its own merits. And that's a really good thing - we need more reviews like that, because a personal reaction has limited value to readers who don't have a personal relationship with the reviewer.

Re-re-reading, I see you do say things that are personal, that reflect your own enjoyment. But somehow they aren't coming through very strongly. I have no idea how to fix that, and in fact I'm thinking it probably doesn't need to be fixed. But if you do, by any chance, want to warn undecided people off because you really really didn't enjoy it, then you might want to add a bit of loaded language like 'yuck' or 'depressing' or 'pretentious' or whatever is apt. But only if you want to - please don't feel like you should change anything on my say-so!

But Cheryl I haven't read any other reviews or the blurb. That's why I would like a small paragraph or even a sentence to tell me what it's about, what genre, etc. I am completely unfamiliar with this book. I don't want to have to click an external link to find out more about the book when I'm reading a review.

I only read about the book on this discussion page. I am not purposely being dense. In order to find out more about the book I would have to click the book link which the reviewer kindly added. All I'm saying is that I personally prefer a little line about the plot and genre when I'm reading a review. We all like different things in our reviews and she bravely asked for comments. I thought she did a great job but I'm lazy and like everything in one place.

I liked your review and didn't see a spoiler insight. You gave me a good understanding of your feelings about the book and helped me decide whether to read it.

As for book description, if the review is linked to a book site such as Goodreads, B&N, Amazon. A recap is not really necessary. If you are writing a book review blog and introducing your followers to a new book, then you need to either copy and paste synopsis provided by publisher or gives a brief description of books plot, genre, series # etc. in your review.

I think your review is perfect. As a reader, a review like that would help me make a decision on whether or not a book is worth my time and money.

In regards to plot, unless the review is posted on a blog or something, I don't think it needs to be added. Or if added, it should be at the end of the review.