Comments on: Hey! Your Book Review Sucks!

By: Meryl

Meryl — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:29:19 +0000

Karen, well — it ain’t often I can come up with a catchy headline. Thanks for confirming I did. I was a little concerned about using “sucks,” but then I thought about how many professionals use it — it’s got punch!

Yes, it’s hard when you consider the authors’ feelings… but I would be more concerned if I waste readers’ cash.

By: Karen Putz / DeafMom

Karen Putz / DeafMom — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:15:37 +0000

I’m laughing, Joanna, because Meryl’s title made me click through and find out what sucked and where!

I’ve done several book reviews over at Epinions and sometimes I’m too general because I hate, hate, hate to hurt an author.

Karen Putz / DeafMom´s last blog post… A Neat Gift: GiiNii Digital Picture Frame

By: Meryl

Meryl — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:45:52 +0000

Avid Book Reviewer — right on! I usually I don’t follow a template. I just make sure I provide enough info to help the reader buy or not. Sometimes a book can inspire a creative review.

By: Avid Book Reviewer

Avid Book Reviewer — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:25:59 +0000

Great Hey post. I agree, there are some classic quotes that should not be in any review. However, I don’t follow any template, but try and come up with a unique angle for each review if possible.

Avid Book Reviewer´s last blog post… Reformed Organized Crime Boss Talks About His Book and His Father: Tony Napoli and My Father, My Don

By: Meryl

Meryl — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:26:00 +0000

Lillie, thanks for your comment and your inspiration for this post.

Joanna, sorry to give ya a little scare. I'd never say that about your work! I might disagree or if I point out something, it'd never be that blatant. I doubt I will ever have to do that as I often agree with your thoughts. Also, thanks for the inspiration.

By: Joanna Young

Joanna Young — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:10:34 +0000

Phew, when I saw the trackback Meryl I thought you were saying my review sucked!

I think this is the most important point:

“When I write reviews, I think of readers first. My words could help them to decide to buy or not to buy. I don’t want to waste their money any more than I don’t want other reviewers wasting mine.”

If we hold that in mind we shouldn’t go too far wrong

Joanna Young’s last blog post… Quotes on Experimenting, Writing, Art and Life

By: Lillie Ammann

Lillie Ammann — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:04:29 +0000

Meryl,

Your statement that you think of readers first is key to good book reviews. Too many reviewers are thinking about themselves or the author or something/somone else when writing a review.

Thanks for mentioning my post!