A recent conversation brought up the subject of book reviews. The comment was made that a book review is really just a book report.
Uhmmm, sort of. The basics are the same. Read the book, form an opinion and write about it.
The difference is with a review the writer doesn't give away the ending; even with a book they don't particularly care for.
I believe a reviewer does have the responsibility to write their honest feelings BUT not in a harmful manner. What is the point of tearing down a writer? If the reviewer doesn't care for the story style, keep the negative comments to a minimum. Find something positive to say. Did they set a believable background? Were the characters fleshed out?
If all else fails, the reviewer can simply state the story was not to their standards but the author gave their best effort.
I'm writing a series of articles on some guidelines I think might help those considering how to review with sincerity and heart. No selling out or playing down poor books but reviews that give an honest take on a book without the need to skewer the writer.
Sable Angel
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