Rules on Reviewing A Book just from the Look Inside Feature

[Shalonda]

Is there a rule about writing a review simply based on what we read on the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon?

[Shalonda]

I know it may seem like a silly question, but I do want to know. :-) I am so new to this.

[J.]

IMHO, I don't think a book should be reviewed unless the entire book has been read. I know that, due to time factors, a reviewer will have a "20 page rule" or a "30 page rule"; it's my opinion that the rule is fine if you are deciding what you want to take the time to read - certainly there is no reason to read the entire book if it's not interesting to you - but just as you can't judge a book by its cover (though a great cover will get you noticed!) I don't think you can judge it by the excerpts that you would read on a "Look Inside" feature.
As far as a rule, though, I don't think there is any rule. I do think, however, that a reviewer who is using that criteria for evaluating a book should say so up front in the review.

[Rowena]

If you have not read the entire book, do not call your opinion of parts of the book "a review".

If you have not purchased the book, or been sent a copy by the author or her publisher or PR executive, you have no business passing yourself off as "a customer".

Amazon's review system is explicitly for customers to give good information to other customers.

[Harry]

I agree with your all your commentsRowena. The whole book should be read for a balanced review to be given.
I dread to think of a part read review for my new novel Sins of the Father'
Harry Riley Nottingham England

[Shalonda]

Thank you so much for your answers. I think that what you have to say makes sense. I was asking not for someone else but for me.