Goodreads Reviewers' Group discussion

Is there any particular reason why you review? Have you ever read a book and been unable to write a review for it?

I find that if I can't get into a book, or I read it and didn't enjoy it that much, I can't write a review for it. It seems that if I can't enjoy a book much, I can't write much about it. Does anyone else have that problem?

Certainly if the book has been so bad I couldn't finish it I don't feel I can write a review. It might just be a perfectly competently written book that wasn't to my taste.
For example if I were to review Catcher in the Rye, I'd pan it, couldn't finish it, but it is an acknowledged classic.

A book has to push me to extremes to bring about a passionate review; love or hate with no shade of grey. Primarily I review to remind myself what I thought of the book. If I really loved the book, to encourage others to read it.

David wrote: "A book has to push me to extremes to bring about a passionate review; love or hate with no shade of grey. Primarily I review to remind myself what I thought of the book. If I really loved the book,..."

I'd go with this too, at least for the most part. If I don't like a book ( just because it isn't my thing), then I'd probably not write a review.

I don't want to pan something purely because it isn't for me.

However, if it greatly annoys me on some level, then it might just get both barrels!

I do try to be polite though :)

David wrote: "I don't want to pan something purely because it isn't for me.

However, if it greatly annoys me on some level, then it might just get both barrels!

I do try to be polite though :) ..."

I think that's fair, even a 'bad' review can be written to be helpful.
I think a review should help the writer improve and help the reader find good books.
A review is not there to boost the ego of the reviewer :-)

If I've been reading a lot sometimes I write a quick review as a reminder of what I thought of it. Then 6 months or a year later I know whether to recommend it. Sometimes I write a review if there aren't very many or the synopsis was crap and I think a review would help clarify it to other readers.

I review a book to better know the book. Reviewing books (I did this for a while for a local newspaper) has had the added benefit of greatly enhancing my appreciation of every book I read. And last but not least it is a way of acknowledging the hard yards of a writer - a way of thanking them. That said here is my addition to the world of books. If its title peaks your interest and you'd like to review it, let me know and I'll send you an e copy. The Way is a River of Stars: A Buddhist's Journey Through Northern Spain on the Camino Pilgrim Route

I love reviewing books. Writing out all my feelings and thoughts, sharing my opinions. I like reading reviews too, picking up recommendations :)

Helen E wrote: "I review a book to better know the book. Reviewing books (I did this for a while for a local newspaper) has had the added benefit of greatly enhancing my appreciation of every book I read. And last..."

Hi Helen, do you want to make you own thread in the Author's folder? That way your book will be more noticeable :)

I read a lot and I am very eclectic in taste. I have never read a book so bad there was nothing nice to say, there is always something within a piece if you want to look for it.
A review often says more about the reviewer than the book- especially negative ones that don't back up why something is wrong.
As an artist I appreciate a constructive opinion. That is why I review.

You're so right about a review often saying more about the reviewer than the book. I hadn't noticed this until I started getting reviews for my own books, but it is fascinating to see different readers take on the same book, and what differences are extracted as being worthy of mention.

David I like that too, the different things people see- things even as the author you had not seen yourself.

I right reviews to express my opinions about a book, and to help readers decide if they'd like to read it or not.

It's complicated, but when I see a rating I feel like commenting 'why did you rate it this way?'. I don't want other people to feel that way.
Also, it helps my aspiring-author writing skills...and, of course, reviews get liked where ratings don't. :)

Raevyn wrote: "It's complicated, but when I see a rating I feel like commenting 'why did you rate it this way?'. I don't want other people to feel that way.
Also, it helps my aspiring-author writing skills...and,..."

I'm the same, when I just see a rating I think "Why? What makes it worth that amount of stars?"

I have several reasons for reviewing. The main reason is, I have a photographic memory, and writing down what I thought about a book helps me to get it out of the front of my mind, so I can read another book without the memories overlapping too much (it's complicated...). I didn't know there was an area for professional reviewers until this year, and once I found it, I figured that could be a great thing to do! I write down everything already, why not share it, and help the author with another review? :)

I write a review no matter what, whether I liked a book or not. My reviews are always written respectfully and if it's a negative review, I try an make it constructive. There are always good things about a book though, even one you didn't like, and they're worth mentioning as well. I try and keep my reviews balanced, so they are as helpful to others as possible.

Last reason, is that I'm a writer myself, and reviewing other books helps my own writing skills, and helps me determine what about a book I liked, or didn't like. It's as much for me, as it is for others, and hopefully helpful as well :)

I never review historical romance though I read a lot of it, because that's what I write. Everything else I read, whether research or for pleasure, I do put on Goodreads, but I have a policy of not rating if I can't give it less than three stars. If I can't rate it though, I always try and give a reason.

Why I review - because I like to share what I've loved and what didn't work for me, which is exactly the same reason I read reviews on GR. What makes me rate rather than write a review - if it was just okay, or did what it says on the tin, I guess.

The author took the time to craft a story and characters just for me, I could at least let them know how I felt about it. Also there are others somewhere that are on the fence about a book and a little info about what worked for a reader might work for them. And they keep me connected with my book friends letting them know what I'm reading, what I liked & what to recommend. Reading their reviews lets me know what I could recommend to them.

I really have no problem writing reviews unless its for a book that's in the middle of a series. I find that extremely hard, not sure why.

I had the pleasure to review a powerful, motivational and practical book, Planning For Success: Overcome Adversity & Attracting Success by Sam Edge. We live in times full of uncertainties and challenges, merely exceptional is not sufficient, we need more. This book will provide you the required tools both to overcome adversity and attract success simultaneously.

This is a well-written book, embedded with author's real life experiences, insights and hind sights on how he has created success in his life. Sam Edge does a magnificent job at telling his story and what learned along the way.

I subscribe to similar formulae to achieve my own success. By knowing ourselves deeper we are able to solve whatever challenge life throws at us. This is because there are no challenges, even when combined, larger than the greatness within us.

Sam Edge is a firm believer that we will be the best we can be by connecting to our Authentic Self. Here, he will show you the way.

"Planning For Success: Overcoming Adversity & Attracting Success" is a book which serves wide and diverse needs especially for those who want to gain the highest, positive and broader perspective on life. It is not meant to persuade or dissuade you – it’s meant to inform, ingrain and inspire you in gaining appropriate and broad perspectives in everyday life.

His approach is also practical with statements like:

“The path to Authenticity is relatively simple - we do more of the things that make our lives better and less of the things that don't."

I also enjoyed Sam’s description of the "4 S's" of success - Survival - Stability -Success - Significance.

To know more, please grab hold of the book immediately and read it from the horse's mouth. Well done and keep up your good work.

James Oh, Author of “Growing your Wealth Exponentially”

http://my.linkedin.com/pub/oh-james/1...

http://www.facebook.com/people/James-...

http://www.facebook.com/people/James-...

Skype me at james.oh18

Rebecca wrote: "Is there any particular reason why you review? Have you ever read a book and been unable to write a review for it?

I find that if I can't get into a book, or I read it and didn't enjoy it that muc..."
I am that way as well.

This is going to sound quite weird and not at all
intellectual but I first started reviewing books
(the same as my movie reviews) so I could actually
remember them. And also most of the books I read
I feel strongly enough to write a positive review - but ask me to write one a couple of weeks after and I
would be really groping around, trying to remember
vital points.

haha Diane, you make me feel good! I'm so glad I'm not the only one! It bugs me that my son could recite words for words what is said in a movie even by second characters when I can't even remember what the movie was about. I'm same with books. I know that I liked it, (or not) and sometimes the protagonist(s) names but I often need to check the blurb to remember what it was about and even then, it depends how long ago I read it... You just made my day! Thank YOU!

I review certain books on my blog, contemporary fiction in translation or something that has pleased or intrigued me and is not well known. I review on Goodreads and Amazon much more widely, including non-fiction. The reason I review is that it helps others and it makes me reflect in a different way on my own writing.
Finally, if an author buys my book I will review theirs. It's a way of saying thank you.
Other than that I have reviewed extensively for other writers' sites in a review exchange situation.

I review books for The Romance Reviews. I read a terrible book once and didn't want to finish it but had to as the review was the condition for receiving a free copy. Reviews also have to be quite comprehensive. It does get me some good books for free and I like writing so it isn't a problem but it is sometimes a little bit of a chore. I prefer writing a review under my own terms and when I am really blown away by a book. I agree with Diane - I read so much that I should write more reviews (even if they are short) to remind me of what I have read and how I felt about a book.

☯Desert Rose❀ wrote: "I have several reasons for reviewing. The main reason is, I have a photographic memory, and writing down what I thought about a book helps me to get it out of the front of my mind, so I can read a..."
I really like what you said about reviewing. I love reading and try to review when I have enjoyed a book. I am also a reviewer for The Romance Reviews website.Behind the Facade Would you consider reviewing my book, a Romantic Suspense novel called Behind the Facade, if I sent you a free copy? I would also consider doing a swap and reviewing one of your books in exchange?

Far Beyond Rubies

I write romantic historical fiction. As an author I appreciate how much hard work is involved in writing a book; as a reader I enjoy well-written fiction and interesting, well-written non fiction - the type which is not as dry as dust. To show my appreciation of hours of enjoyment I write reviews. However, if a novel does not make me want to turn the pages and find out what happens next I don't struggle through it. Usually, I post 4* of 5* reviews because I have not finished books which rate less.

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

This has been a great thread to read... So, here is mine.

I review to share my experience of a product. At first, I did not review books. This only started when I realised how much authors appreciate them and how much I enjoyed getting my thoughts out there. Like some of you have said, it also helps to keep a record of the books I have read and what I thought.

However, since I realised "trolls" exist I do not tend to rate a book if it is going to be less than a 3. Saying this, for a recent traditionally published book I rated a 4 and two people said it was not helpful! How can an opinion be unhelpful, when it's obvious I did not hate it?

I am convinced some people are out there to undermine the system.

I also do not review erotica books I have stumbled across, mainly because - and sorry if you disagree - they are porn. Writing is poor, story has no real substance, characters are pathetic! Yet, loads of readers love them... So, it's best if I stay clear!

Sometimes, I think it would be easier to review under a different name... Then I could let rip! But, as someone said that says more about me than the book. If its not for me, it might be for someone else. And that's the beauty of art of any form.

For the most part, I write reviews because I realize how important they are for authors. As a writer, I understand the need for reviews and honest feedback. When my stories are published, I would like people to do the same for me.

Writing reviews helps me as an writer. When pointing out positives and negatives, I am learning how to look at a book and look for things that work and don't work. This helps me with my own writing.

I write honest reviews whether I considered the story to be a 1 star or a 5 star. I try to give constructive feedback for improvement and give reasons for praise. This could help writer and the prospective customer.

I don't review books I don't finish. I haven't been in a situation where I contacted the author that I cannot finish. There are books I don't like, but I tough it out and finish - even it it will take longer to read. It's important for me to read the whole book to give honest feedback.

I read almost anything, but I don't feel comfortable reading free-form poetry since I don't really know what to look for.

Writing reviews is also fun. It's getting to be a hobby to me. I feel honored if authors ask me to read their book for a review. I would imagine that are trusting me to give honest feedback that will help improve their craft.

The only concern I have when someone struggles to finish a book is that they are reviewing something that was not suited to them, and therefore does not give a fair reflection. I also think it is patronising for an author to "give advice" to another writer, unless it is solicited.

Sometimes an author is too blinded by their own style to appreciate someone else's - this is why (as an author) I choose not to review books I truly hate. I am not objective...

For example, I have only ever got to chpt 5 of "The Casual Vacancy" - someday I might finish it. I picked it up today, read a few pages and thought... Urgh! Now, JK Rowling has enough fans for her to not care about my opinion, so I admit I have expressed my horror at the book (especially since I paid £10 for it). This is probably one of the only times I vented via my blog/ Goodreads...

That's my opinion - but you may disagree... :)

When it comes to a book that I felt passionate about the review comes easy because I want to share it to the world so others might enjoy. When it comes to a bad book it can be hard to find the words but I try anyway. It's easy to write when your passionate but it can help or writing skills to drum up a review when a book isn't so great. Doing so improves your objectivity and vocabulary plus you invoke other emotions not just happy ones. It rounds out your writing and review style. I think people turn to reviews to make an informed choice and to u are helping with that. And you get to read other people's opinions and have an intellectual debate.

Around 2000, the mother of one of my co-workers sent me a manuscript to give feedback. This woman was supposed to have gone to Princeton Univ. at aged 15 and a Mensa member. She could not form a coherent sentence in her entire 400 page book. I marked that up with more red ink than a third grade teacher would use in an entire year!

Eventually, she self published a few books, and asked me to review them on Amazon. I had never posted reviews before. There was no way that I could do that, and keep my self respect. LOL. Here we are almost 15 years later, and she goes on world book signing tours (or so she says) and has published quite a few books. Any chastises anyone who posts a negative review about her.

Any reviews that I have written have been for author friends who actually did have decent books. But I also have given fair reviews, not just the sugar coat kind because they are my struggling author friends.

This is another great workbook I had just reviewed. You may read it at the link below:-

http://liftyouup.blogspot.com/2014/03...

Thanks and cheers

James

I just started writing reviews this past month. The reason I decided to is to 1)share my love for books with everyone 2.) I enjoy it 3.) to let the author know that I have read there work and what I think of it.(even a bad review can be a good review depending on how the author looks at it) reviews are a learning experience to me.

I can't seem to help myself. Like every addiction, every once in awhile I will become burnt out and take a break. However long I stay away, I always come back to it. :)

Maybe you can all help me with this one...

Why do some people form a Goodreads account & then go on to 1 star (with no review) a book (s)... And no others!

I am wary of Goodreads now, there seems to be no control - in a way, it would be better if, like amazon, you had to write something about the book you were reviewing.

What do you all think?

Vanesssa, I can understand that, but Amazon is sometimes too strict. Someone I did not know wrote to me to inform me that amazon refused her review. I saw nothing wrong with it, and she revised it several times. She finally gave up and emailed it to me. I did not know her, and it was annoying to think that as a new author who is struggling for reviews, someone who enjoyed my work could not post.

However, it also goes the other way. I think there are jealous people out there who just want to bash. But there are also people out there who are friends with authors who just post glowing reviews.

I personally, do not care what someone thinks of another book--- or anything else. A glowing review is not going to make me buy it, neither are horrible reviews. Wanna know why? Go look for the reviews of a book you absolutely hated. Then look at all the five stars. For everyone who likes a book, there is someone who hates it. So reviews---you are relying on people you do not know, to tell you whether you would like something. How can someone who does not know you do that?

I think GR has a better concept, because I do have friends on here whose tastes I know. I can forward a recommendation to a friend, KNowing what kind of books she enjoys. Better concept than just plain reviews. I think

I guess... I just hate the fact that the system can be twisted by a few!

I do think the Goodreads community is fab - but, I have seen things over the past few months (as an author) that make me think this reviewing business is a game to some - a game they know all the cheat rules to!

Have a great Sunday - I am watching Star Wars (apparently it is maytheforcebewithyou day! Lol)

I review books after I finish them and if I enjoy them, I'll recommend them and tell you what the story is about without giving anything away. If I can't finish a book, I give up and don't review them. Plus its fun to write book reviews and I've been doing it since December 2013 and its fun to discover new reads and to give an honest review on them after I finish them. I even discover Zachary Jernigan's novel No Return: A Novel of Jerounat my local library and reviewed it and then that December I started getting read and review requests and it was fun. I love to get them now but it takes me a while to get through each one so for longer books take me up to two weeks or more and shorter ones a few days.

Rebecca wrote: "Is there any particular reason why you review? Have you ever read a book and been unable to write a review for it?

I find that if I can't get into a book, or I read it and didn't enjoy it that muc..."
Hi Rebecca and hi everyone! I write reviews because I love to. If the book is of my interest, I'd be happy to write a review and tell the world it's worth reading. If I don't like a book, I simply won't offer a review - I don't feel good saying bad things to other writer's work as I'm a writer myself but I would give friendly advice or feedback if they need and ask me to.

to check the gap between what i read, what i understood, what i meant to jot down and what finally i jotted down in the review. i write here: http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...

I write a review because it helps the author understand why their book isnt connecting to the audience and where improvements could be made

What great comments. I've only just begun to read the thread. I started writing reviews partly to raise my own profile before I publish my own book. Also to be helpful. I review everything I can, though usually they are books I'd read anyway. I always try to be constructive even if I didn't like a book, hence my review of Waiting for Wednesday, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... - which has one of the best opening chapters I have ever read but also one of the most irritating characters I have ever met. I will try to avoid negatives for indie and first time authors; establish authors are a bit different, though there's never any need to be savage. Above all I write reviews for the reason I write anything - I simply love writing.

I absorb a little bit more of the marrow of a book I've just read when I sit down to share my opinion of it. Often there are thoughts that didn't cross my mind about a book until I reflected on what I wished to say about it. I'm a writer, so giving a brief analysis of someone else's writing is a tool to help strengthen my own. I selfishly write reviews to sharpen my own craft and selflessly write them to spread word of mouth for my favorites.

I've been a reader/reviewer now for almost 2 years. I started out writing reviews on Amazon and Goodreads because I knew this helped the Indie/self published authors gain recognition and also get feedback. The more reviews/POV they got from their readers the more they can see what was good and what was OK and what might not have worked for some.

I have read books that are just not deserving of more than 2 stars, but I contact the author and say why it didn't work for me. I rarely get books I do not like as over the years I have learnt to ask questions and dig a bit deeper to make sure its almost 100% what I would enjoy, that then has a good reflection on my review for the author.

Basically, I write reviews because I love writing what I think about almost anything. And since I love reading, I try to write something about it too. It's been a habit of mine because I don't have friends who love reading as much as I do so I don't have anyone to talk about my book obsessions. This is why I talk to my laptop instead and the people here on Goodreads. I am so thankful this site was made!

Yes, there are times when I didn't feel like reviewing. When I have some more important things to do that I don't get the chance to even write anything. I still write something even those stories that I didn't like. But since I just started posting my reviews here, the number is still quite small. I like to talk so I just do!

Hi everyone. I just posted a new review on a murder mystery. Check it out at Poisoned Waters
The reviews are also posted on Amazon and Goodreads
Thanks in advance :)

I write reviews for a number of reasons.
1) Organizing my thoughts and putting them into a review helps me get a better handle on what I've read and it deepens the whole reading experience.
2) I found that there were a number of books that I'd ranked highly that I didn't really recall all that well. Since I've been writing reviews I tend to hold onto more details.
3) I'm an aspiring writer. Thinking critically about the books I read will, (I'm hoping) make me a better writer.
4) I've gotten burned buying and reading some real trash a time or two. Writing a review allows me to vent and to warn others off. Plus posting a positive review is good karma too.
5) After writing quite a number of reviews, I've been offered a number of free books to read and review. Free books! Yeah!

I write reviews because as a historical novelist I know how much time and effort goes into writing a book. With very rare exceptions I don't post reviews unless I can honestly give books a 4* or 5* review. It is hard enough for an author to draw attention to her novels and or non-fiction without receiving poor reviews which might affect sales. After all, even if I didn't enjoy the author's work, someone else might.