More than Just a Rating discussion

I'd personally like to see goodreads reviews here, but if you've seen something extraordinary in a blog or journal, give us the link. If you'd like to share thoughts about what made the review so special, that'd be great, too.

I would like to say this review "nails" the raison de être of book reading for me. when I see a review like this one, I am glad to pick up the book and look forward with confidence that I will enjoy it. Not simply because "she said" but the nature of the review reveals things that I know I like in a book. For example the reviewer says "There was a sense of wonderment and enchantment in their conversation that was just infectious". This statement is descriptive of a feeling I look for when I read a book. Have a look yourself...Bed of Spices review by Ridley.
My thanks to Ridley for her frank and very helpful reviews!

Oh gee, now I have another book on my wishlist. Yes, good review, as Ridley writes so naturally, as if she's just talking to us.

I had read and enjoyed Outlander. Its a bit smutty and very indulgent. Cuising the web I came across the following review. My reaction was. I have got to be part of this. I had never been involved in an on-line forum before. :D

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I haven't read it for a long time. I wonder if I would still find it so amusing. At the time it cracked me up.

Gail «Cyborg» wrote: "I had read and enjoyed Outlander. Its a bit smutty and very indulgant. Cuising the web I came across the following review. My reaction was. I have got to be part of this. I had never..."

Good one! I didn't think I wanted to read this book/series in the first place, this review confirmed it!

You might be surprised to find out that Holly, the reviewer, is addicted to the series. I think it's a bit of voyeurism or something. She just can't help herself.

Wow. Totally not for me. I can see why others might find that funny - but neither the book nor the review are for readers of tender sensibilities.... Oy. Thanks for sharing!

Better you find out now that I don't have tender sensibilities. :D

LOL!

This review of A Wizard of Earthsea is one of my favourites. I think I only found it initially because someone had linked to it in some forum somewhere. I love how there is so much of the reviewer in the review, that her enthusiasm of the book is so clear and so passionately communicated.

Gail: I was thinking of just that review of Outlander while on my way here to post. I will never ever read the series, but the review is just brilliant (and I don't have tender sensibilities either!) There's another that I read recently... I remember the reviewer, but not the book... will go research.

ETA: didn't find the one I was looking for, but found an even better review of Gone With the Wind

I love this review of Farthing. It says everything which needs to be said about the novel and communicates the passion of the reviewer. (I should say that the book was recommended to me by the reviewer - BunWat - and her review sealed the deal. I love the novel as much as I love the review).

I hadn't seen the Outlander review before, but it's fabulous. I'm another one who won't read the series (notwithstanding my total lack of tender sensibilities!), but I would be happy to read anything the reviewer writes.

I would say that both of the reviews mentioned above, that in msgs 10 & 12, are too long. But keep in mind these are books I wouldn't be interested in reading in any case, so perhaps that colors my reaction.

I came across this today. It's short, but says so much. J's Review of Gilead

Beautiful review. Doesn't actually make me want to read the book, though, somehow. Hm.. Thanks for sharing!

Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "Beautiful review. Doesn't actually make me want to read the book, though, somehow. Hm.. Thanks for sharing!"

Cheryl, I'm not sure it's "your" kind of book. But I loved how it started - This is not a review.

BunWat wrote: "Thanks for adding mine of Farthing Kim, and for the vote of confidence. ..."

You're welcome, BW. Farthing is one of those books I never would have read but for joining GR. I am in debt to both GR and to you for expanding my literary horizon!

^^ This is another I can't really participate in, sadly. I normally just go through, 'like' them and forget. Sadly. I'm going to try harder!

Also, there's this cool blog I found (which got me into blogging) called mochalattereads.blogspot.com. As far as I know, it's got pretty good reviews.

Concise, witty, and you know what you're getting into if you choose to read this book:
Ralph's review of Island of the Sequined Love Nun

Underworld showed up on a list of 'books everyone should read.' I'd never heard of it. It has lots of wonderfully written reviews here on GR. I've decided I've no interest in reading it, but I do especially want to share this review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... because, especially, the way it talks about critics' reactions.

Hah! Love that review.

Also thinking of mentioning one of the comments to that review in the thread about how to get people to review. As a lesson in how not to do it.

Too funny - y'all be sure to read the comments. What's interesting is that I can't spell that word that is a synonym for 'once in a while' either....

Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "Underworld showed up on a list of 'books everyone should read.' I'd never heard of it. It has lots of wonderfully written reviews here on GR. I've decided I've no interest in reading..."

loved this review..i am surprised at some of the nasty comments it produced...after all a review is a personal opinion..and should be treated as such.

That's true!

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

the 'why' is in my comment...

Oh! Check out this review, by a member here, of Jane Eyre:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

She 'gets' it - and I bet if she taught the book to those of you who didn't like it, you'd have enjoyed and appreciated it much better yourself.

A review of a romance novel, by a young woman:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
This guy's review of Pride and Prejudice is JUST SO AWESOME.
I feel like it really manages to define how some books can be appreciated with the help of guides and from a shift in viewpoint.
Also, it hits me right in the feminism when dudes get into books about ladies and their life experience.
Everything about it glee!

Yup - I'm following his reviews now. He didn't actually help me be more interested in P&P but I am glad he reminded us all to try to understand context in order to appreciate literature.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I hope you all 'like' this review. It's so much wiser and more insightful and helpful than the ones that are showing higher on the page. Based on this review alone I am now following Sarah's reviews.

The book is a YA literary thriller, but even if you're not the least interested in reading it, the review is worth a read. (I say why in my comment to Sarah.)

(not our lovely co-host Sarah, a different one :)

Grumble. The link didn't take me to a review. It took me to my page.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
should work better....

It is a fine review. Let me know when the reviewer writes and publishes her own work.