How do you write your book reviews?

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Kristy wrote: "I know when I read reviews I look for a basic summary of the book (no spoilers!), a couple of comparison references to other books or authors (e.g. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series (or) ..."


I always find it interesting/amusing to see how different people react to things, because I hate the references to other books or authors, thing, in general - though I do do it sometimes, if a book truly reminds me of something else while I'm reading it.

Generally when I've seen "the new Harry Potter' or something, I'm invariably disappointed by the comparison.

[Cheryl]

There's a difference between a blurb saying "the new Harry Potter" and a reviewer saying "if you like HP you'd probably like this because...."

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*]

Cheryl wrote: "There's a difference between a blurb saying "the new Harry Potter" and a reviewer saying "if you like HP you'd probably like this because....""

That never works for me, either.

I am one to avoid those comparisons a lot, too, Colleen.

The last time I took one of those comparisons seriously, I ended up with NOTHING like I expected. I prefer, if necessary, mention concepts but not storylines.

Like, Lackey and the Potter chick both wrote magic school books. That is the only similarity, full stop. If someone says "i want magic school books, like HP" I could rec Lackey. If they say "I'm looking for books like HP" then we have a no-go.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Cheryl wrote: "There's a difference between a blurb saying "the new Harry Potter" and a reviewer saying "if you like HP you'd probably like this because....""

I agree. I'd also like to request a moratorium on "the new HP," please.

Dear publishing houses and professional reviewers: The critical components of Harry Potter were the 1. Chosen One trope in a 2. magic school.

Ya need both. Chosen One alone doesn't get you there. JK Rowling did not invent that trope. K, thanks!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

MrsJoseph wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "There's a difference between a blurb saying "the new Harry Potter" and a reviewer saying "if you like HP you'd probably like this because....""

That never works for me, either.

I ..."

That's a good point, too Mrs J. Story/plot features vs. tone are something I have to think about a lot. They lead vastly different places sometimes.

[Dawn F]

How do I write a review? Hmmm. I usually only write a review if I have something meaningful to say or if I'm passionate about it. If I really hated it or really loved it, for whatever reason. Between the two there are a lot of books that are "just alright" and no one needs my mediocre review because a lot is personal preference, I don't see being negative serving much purpose. Just because I *can* say something doesn't mean I should :P

[Micah]

Allison wrote: "I agree. I'd also like to request a moratorium on "the new HP," please..."

I'm still waiting for "the next Beatles" who are really the next Beatles.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*]

Micah wrote: "Allison wrote: "I agree. I'd also like to request a moratorium on "the new HP," please..."

I'm still waiting for "the next Beatles" who are really the next Beatles."

Maybe the Alabama Shakes??

There are none - nobody plays instruments any more.


Musical pessimist

[Rachel]

You gotta go to Jam Bands for real instruments and creativity these days

(Runs away before getting beaten for being off topic)

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

You've made me curious if anyone's reviewed any music books.

(See how I spin that?! And I pivot!)

ETA: so far, only ratings, not reviews that I'm finding.

[Rachel]

Refuse the pivot!