With two novels releasing within one week of each other (Like the Wind earlier this week and All She Ever Dreamed on Monday, Dec. 5), I’ve been reading a lot of reviews. I’ve become increasingly aware of what makes a good review and what doesn’t. I thought I’d share my opinion.
First, let me say that I write reviews for all the books I read and I post them on Goodreads. I do not claim to always write good reviews. Mine are usually short and pithy. I am not a “professional” reviewer, and I don’t always have the time to do more than toss off one or two sentences. So if you follow me on Goodreads, do as I say below and not as I often do. LOL!
I did take the time to create a rating chart that fully explains what my starred system means, and I include it at the bottom of every review I write. I suspect this often says more than my actual reviews. Here it is:
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Spelling out what I mean when I give a book 3 or 4 or 5 stars helps me, and I hope it helps the readers of my reviews too.
Here’s an example of one of my 5 star reviews. I usually write more if a book earns 5 stars from me. This was for A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman:
Audiobook (narrated by J.K. Simmons):
I’ve heard about this novel for years. It’s been in my Want To Read list on Goodreads since I don’t know when. Why did it take me so long to read it? I laughed and laughed my way through the novel until almost the end. Then I cried and cried, sometimes while laughing at the same time. And J.K. Simmons does a great job of narrating the audiobook. Perfect.
I plan to watch the Swedish movie based on the novel, and I will also see the Tom Hanks movie (A Man Called Otto) when it comes out because I can so see Hanks playing this old curmudgeon with a heart.
Note: There is crude language in the book that some readers might find offensive. Be advised.
Okay, now for the nitty gritty of writing your own reviews.
What a reviewer shouldn’t do.
Please don’t summarize the entire plot, giving away what happens in the book. There is a reason a book blurb teases with a little info and then requires the reader to read the book to find out what happens.
I’ve read quite a few of this kind of review, and it isn’t helpful to the author or to other readers.
Also, if you don’t like a book, you don’t need to be cruel in order to be honest. Because most of the books I read are because I know the authors or I trust the recommendations of others, I read very few 2 star books (maybe one a year, if that) and I don’t remember what the last 1 star book was. But if I don’t like a book, I usually say something like, “This just wasn’t for me.” And I leave it at that.
What a reviewer should do.
- A truly good review should have a strong opening line, i.e. “Bring out the tissues, folks.”
- Then, especially if your review is somewhere other than on a specific book on a site like Goodreads or BookBub, give the author’s name and the title of the book, and perhaps some essential information, i.e. “In Robin Lee Hatcher’s The Forgiving Hour, very real characters are placed in a heartbreakingly painful situation. The theme of this novel is adultery — not just the betrayal but the lasting effects and the need for restoration.”
- Next comes a summary that should be very short and sweet, one that gives away no more than what the back cover blurb does, i.e. “Twelve years ago, Claire Porter thought her entire life was over when she learned that her husband, Dave, was having an affair with a young college student. Secrets never stay buried long, and only God can help Claire find forgiveness when betrayal comes back to haunt her.”
- Finally, you want to write your critique, give your praise, make your recommendation. Again, this doesn’t need to be long, i.e. “Every once in a while a book comes along that challenges your thinking, changes your perspective, yet entertains and satisfies you at the same time. The Forgiving Hour is such a book. Hatcher uses her well-honed skills to craft a compelling story of betrayal and forgiveness that will leave readers both emotionally drained and spiritually satisfied. Don’t miss this one.”
Note: The examples used above came from actual reviews and endorsements of The Forgiving Hour, plus a snippet from the blurb.
I hope this post is of help the next time you go to write a review of a book.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Very helpful. I often agonize over what to say, especially if I didn’t love the book.
I’m glad it helped, Terri. Go forth, read and review!
I have never left a bad review, hardly ever have I left a four. I know the hours and hours that the writer puts in to write a book and I feel so guilty that they have allowed me to read their book and that I would leave a poor review. But reading this from you has helped me maybe I can leave better reviews and be more honest, even though I know the hard hard work that was put into the book. Most of my reviews are the books that the publisher and the authors graciously allow me to read.
Judy, I’m glad the post was helpful to you.
Thank you Robin!
Very helpful.
Thanks for letting me know, Jen.
Great advice!
Thanks, Becky.
Great advice and examples! Thank you.
You’re welcome, Betty.