A discussion guide for good reviewing of books

[Joni]

here are General notes to good reviewing (I've been reviewing books for more than a decade and run a team of reviewers on https://BookGobbler.com)
1) Start a new book and a new genre with an open mind - "to a man with a hammer - every problem is a nail." Put your hammer down before starting.
2) It's okay to hate a certain author's style straight off the bat, but refrain from then attributing his style to "editing faults".
3) When swimming in uncharted territory (i.e. New genres) people tend to generalize and compare. If you are looking for Ian Fleming - read Ian Fleming. Otherwise you'll be disappointed.
4) When I can't get past a few chapters, I don't review the novel. I give the author the benefit of the doubt and simply concede that it's not for me
5) Constructive is better than destructive. I.e: "The author should have shown more like he has done at these occasions..." is always a guideline and will be looked as one, rather than "the author lazily tells and doesn't show throughout..."

These are a few examples, happy to engage in a new chat regarding reviewing if Werner will open a subject.
At the end of the day remember that someone invested time and effort in something (and possibly his life's dream), so make sure you direct him with your review rather than become a ruthless critic. Well, that's what I do , in any case, when I read a novel from an author new to me.

I'd be happy to hear your thought / notes and tips.

Thanks!

[Elisabeth]

Good points. Also remember that if you ask for feedback you’ll get it - good and bad. It’s up to the author to sift through the reviews and determine what’s valid vs not. Learn from mistakes pointed out and dismiss the rest. Even though we pour our hearts and time into our writing, when it’s time to weed through feedback we need to be in editor mode.

[Joni]

Elisabeth wrote: "Good points. Also remember that if you ask for feedback you’ll get it - good and bad. It’s up to the author to sift through the reviews and determine what’s valid vs not. Learn from mistakes pointe..."

Completely agree!
Authors that as rule start 'defending' their books vis a vis terrible and ridiculously written reviews are just as bad as their reviewers, to some extent of pettiness if nothing else.