Cheryl’s Comments (group member since Jul 30, 2011)

Cheryl’s comments from the More than Just a Rating group.

I'm not sure. Good point. I've started something in the 'questions and discussions' folder.

Sometimes the edition reviewed makes a big difference to potential readers. *Iff* we can get everyone to try to review the specific edition they read, or heard, we can do our 'citizenship of goodreads' duty and make the set of reviews for each book more helpful.

When you write a review you are reviewing a specific edition. And those reviews are generally combined, but a reader can 'filter' by edition, say to get only the audiobooks, or the unabridged, or the illustrated, or the classic that has extensive notes vs. one that is just the text.

There's also an ability to use 'format' when using your shelves now, which is tremendously helpful for users.

I omit the rating (unless I read the majority of it, enough to get an understanding of it, like say a cookbook or an essay collection) but do briefly say why it wasn't too my taste. I'm especially careful not to say 'garbage' or rant about something I really didn't read enough of to review.

Caveat - at least the above is what I *try* to do. Sometimes my reviews are more like 'reactions' and I forget to be tactful & helpful. Sorry.

"how it kept my attention" - hmm... that's a good place to start...

Oh, Elizabeth, I see what you mean - yes, setting, a sense of a place and a time, can be the most significant thing ... that looks like a truly special book.

As Tammy points out, the idea for this group wasn't entirely my own, and without support from her and other like-minded feedback participants, I wouldn't have started this. So, really, it's *your* group, everyone, I'll just try to facilitate...

I guess it depends on how rich that one sentence is, eh? Reviews don't have to thoroughly analytical every time, but even 'gut reactions' are more meaningful if backed with a little thoughtfulness. In my opinion. :)

Fyi, for a review to 'count' in goodreads' database, just in case anyone is feeling competitive, it needs to be 50 characters long. (If I recall correctly.)

Wow, y'all do have lots of neat thoughts to share! Thanks!

Karla - very cool - that 'book' obviously needed your review!

Beth - I for one am very glad you've decided to share your efforts here - I used to rely on Amazon's reviews and now I almost never look at them (only when nobody has adopted a lost book here, as Karla did, and as Ralph is doing with the librivox stories)

Debra - glad you joined! Specifically reviewing different editions definitely counts for lots of books, especially, for example, audiobooks with narrators of different abilities. We need to have a topic thread about reviewing editions somewhere in this group... (off to check...)

Oh, but sometimes, if there are lots of reviews saying lots of similar things, and there are lots of 'likes' happening already, I'll 'like' a review that offers a different perspective on the book.

That way the algorithm that decides which reviews to list first might be able to show other potential readers more diverse opinions.

I'm not laughing. I find it easier to remember to 'like' reviews from friends. But, I try to remember, 'a stranger is a friend you haven't met yet,' so I *try* to remember to 'like' the best reviews for any book, regardless the writer.

That's actually quite nice - and I like how it says right up front that 'there's no right way' and talks about different purposes. It might not be a bad place to start, especially for people who like to be offered a little structure.

I appreciate it when people who review science books talk about whether the author really understands science, or is just cobbling together whatever sources s/he can find to support a theory.

What do you look for, or try to include, in reviews of non-fiction?

I'm often stumped when reviewing poetry anthologies. I don't have much experience or education/ training, so what I like is really really subjective. I don't know what to say about it.

Don't forget another possibility, I don't know if anyone says it, but some stories & novels are also 'idea-driven.' Like some science-fiction, where plot and characters are mostly just tools the author uses to explore ideas about technology, or alien cultures, or whatever.

Welcome everyone! Some of you are making me feel a titch intimidated - I look forward to learning from you-all!

How long should a review be? What factors make the answer to that question vary?

I personally don't read every word of most long reviews, but if it's about a book I really liked, or by someone I know writes interestingly*, or is very clearly laid out, I'm more patient.

*Of course we all have different definitions of 'interestingly,' too....

LOL!

Oof da. That's more complicated than I, personally, want to adhere to in my reviews. :)

Wow. Totally not for me. I can see why others might find that funny - but neither the book nor the review are for readers of tender sensibilities.... Oy. Thanks for sharing!