When I Didn’t Realize I Was Writing a Book Review

Image Credit: selline

In school, English classes included books assigned for us to read and then to write and discuss certain elements about the books in class. Now, while we weren’t putting our opinions on social media platforms as we do today (the only social media at the time were newspapers, magazines, and radio or TV), we still had our personal opinions about the educational supplements we read and formed an opinion on.

As I compare the book reviews I write now, compared to the book reports I wrote in school there is an uncanny similarity in our opinion-based thoughts that we write or have written about. I never really thought about whether the assignments we were given, especially in college, were considered a review, but they were, even if only our class heard them.

This social writing forum is one of several in which we find many reviews written by famous and non-famous authors. We freely post our likes, dislikes, or confusion about a book we read, whether non-fictional or fictional. Reviews can be helpful in many ways. They can let you determine whether a product or service is recommended or should be avoided at all costs. But do your homework when referring to sites where people can say the wildest and most ridiculous things about legitimate products or services.

My problem with writing reviews is brevity. We consume so much information every day and folks don’t have all day to read one long behind review. There’s so much I want to include, but it must be as concise yet detailed as possible. Typically, book reviews are not long. In most cases, reviews are between 500 and 750 words. 

My book reports and reviews speak on behalf of what that individual book spoke to me. To writers, good reviews are valuable and can be a critical asset to their future work. Books are an introduction to new worlds we never explored. When I read a review before purchasing or checking out a book from the library, it lets me know what to expect and whether I want that selection to be a part of my reading journey. 

Happy Reading and Happy Reviewing!

Image Credit: Engin_Akyurt

50 thoughts on “When I Didn’t Realize I Was Writing a Book Review”

  1. You put a lot of thought into this essay, Miz Kym. I like the analysis. Audrey Driscoll has written quite a bit about reviewing books. There are a few bloggers that specialize in books reviews, often featuring Indy authors. When I worked in a post library (public library on an Army post), I used to read the New York Times book reviews regularly. I often thought that the book reviews had little to do with reviewing the book (good or bad) and more to do with the reviewer showing off their opinions and alleged writing talents. Keep up the good work, my Sistah.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Once again, I identify with you, my dear friend. When I was in second grade, Sister Mary Otto told me about book reports. She explained that I did not have to go into detail about the philosophy behind the story and the report is never 10 pages longer than the book. She was quite surprised when I handed in this stack of paper for my report.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Oh my, chickiepotpie! You brought back memories of me in the 4th grade trying to figure out how to write my first book report. It was a nightmare. LOLOL

    I like how your reviews are written about how the particular book spoke to you. I like the personal flair.💕🌺

    Liked by 1 person

  5. My first book review was tras but I though it was frame worthy and no one could tell me anything else. LOL
    Reading reviews is a must for me, especially like to se if several people wrote that the book builds very slow or the author is to repetitive.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. All social media posts nowadays should be brief and to the point. As far as book reviews go, I’ve found that a lot of people just summarize the plot and never reveal their own feelings about the book. I don’t want a summary of the book. I want your reaction to the book.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Awww thanks a million Miz Pat. Yep, Audrey does an amazing job with her literary information she so generously shares with us! But look at you Ms. Book Review Critic, I’m impressed! 😍📚🤗 But as you noted, those past reviews I’ve read, whether about books or food did tend to come off rather snobbish and extremely critical. Alleged writing talents is so true. You can critique without being brash! 🤜🏼🤛🏼

    Like

  12. Well Mary, while our teachers would tell us what to do, we must respond to those directions as it affects us personally. So, Sister Mary Otto should never have underestimated the power of a future Writer-in-Chief! 😂😝🤣 I love it! 💖

    Liked by 1 person

  13. KymberNoodle, book reports and book reviews are suppose to have that personal touch as you noted. Oftentimes, the sheer mention of the words “Book Report” creates anxiety to the 5th power! 🤣😜😂 Trust me girlfriend, I know. That was way too much stress on a 4th grader! UGH! 😝😲😁

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Yep, reviews can be either a deal maker or a deal breaker for sure Queen B! I think with any type of writing, be it personal or technical, it’s got to have a bit of personality to be interesting. That’s where graphics come in! 🤣😝😂

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Honey Maggie, I am doing better at not writing a “thesis” for a review! LOL 😝🤣😜 Yet I find that the more we write, the better we get…in my opinion of course! Thanks so much for your sweet words my dear! 😍💖🎉

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Honey Maggie, what you talkin’ about girl? 😜 I am so there with you my friend. 👍🏼 It can either be a turn off or a tune in. What a learning process writing is! Thanks so much for your insight! 😍💖🤗

    Like

  18. Rosaliene, I get you. It is an ongoing process to try to master, but at times I drift off and lose my balance and concentration, then somehow I snap out of it to return to saying something substantial. 😲 But writing should have a personal touch, and as evolving as the craft is, I don’t think I will ever be perfect in my evolution. Thus, we continue to forge ahead and get better with each written word. Thanks so much for chiming in! 🥰💖😘

    Liked by 1 person

  19. You’re such a thoughtful reader and person. Glad to know you, Kymbelina. Reviews are helpful, whether buying or selling. Your intro reminded me of all those book reports as a youngster and as a teacher, assigning book projects. 🙌🏻📚🤓 🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Oh my gosh Michelina, don’t talk about those book reports. Writing them is one thing, but reading all of them…girl, I feel your pain!! 😜 Thank goodness those nightmares are over…at least for now anyway! 😂😝🤣

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Wow! Wow! Wow! My dear friend Kym always writing wise post, agree with you when an author
    write a book put inside so many things, time, dedication, love, passion, knowledge, it’s so special
    thing. And read a book must be a celebration for the author, grateful for that gift and a great review
    for that amazing work can have an special meaning. You are a very special woman, writwr, poet,
    person, friend and many things because you use the love inside you for being you.
    Thank’s for share, have a lovely, relaxign evening! Cheers!
    Abrazote mi amiga!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Such a wonderful write and you are so gracious in your support with your reviews that really make a difference to the writer and the reader. It is such a gift!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing and your support always💗

    Liked by 1 person

  27. I hear you! I tend to get long-winded, but honestly, cutting a review “down to size” makes it more manageable for the reader/consumer, and we are catering to them. Your reviews are fantastic, my friend. I always enjoy them, always learn something too, and I appreciate that. 🙌💖💐💐

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Oh my dear friend, you are such a breath of fresh air and your words mean more to me than you realize. Thanks so much my Queen of Erotic Romance and Mystery! When are you returning with your “steamy” stories? 🔥🧊🥵🧊🔥 I still have my sofa on ice!!! 🤣😝😂

    Enjoy the rest of your evening my friend and thanks so much once again. Abrazote!!! 🤗💖🌞💐☕

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Aww! Thank’s so much my dear friend Kym for your kind words.
    My Ambassador of Poetry it’s a pleasure read your post. Well, hope soon as possible I will be back with my crazy stories. Thank’s for ask.
    Please keep your ice sofá it’s going to makes you younger. Cheers!
    Have a wonderful evening as well!
    🙏🥰💝🥳🧊💐🧁🫖☕✨🥂 Abrazote!

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment