I read a lot, on average three books a week (based on my Goodreads Reading Challenge numbers). I live the maxim that writers must be readers. Because I love writing, I review many of them for one of my three blogs. When Amazon asked me to be a Vine Voice, I was flattered and wanted to understand why my reviews caught their eye. I spent time reading a wide selection of reviews and came away with a framework of what all critics included:
- a brief plot summary
- an overview of characters
- a discussion on the theme/plot/goal and whether it’s well-delivered
- the reviewer’s evidence-based opinion
- an appealing voice
Reviews I didn’t like often covered these critical areas, but got lost in the ‘personal history’ weeds. Unless the reviewer is Michiko Kakutani or James Wood (both listed among the top ten most feared literary critics), I’m ambivalent to a reviewers’ personal opinions.
As a result, I’ve developed a template for what to avoid in my reviews. See if you agree:
Opinionated
Book reviews aren’t opinions; they’re factually-based summaries. Sure, many books include the author’s opinion. A reviewer’s job is not to disagree with the opinion, rather discuss how the author rolls it out. Do they provide evidence? Is their argument well-developed or gratuitous? Do readers find themselves nodding in agreement or fuming in anger? They should feel the reviewer is even-handed, neutral, and an arbiter of the discussion rather than a participant.
Narrow perspective
The author writes from their personal experience. True, the reviewer’s personal fable is as unique–and likely different–as the author’s, but that isn’t what’s being reviewed. Show how motivation/theme/goals connect to a vast swath of readers even as the character/plot/setting are fresh and unique.
‘This isn’t my favorite genre’
Not only do I avoid that phrase, I hate hearing it as an excuse why the critic has her/his opinion. In fact, it tells me to ignore everything they’re about to say. If this isn’t the reviewer’s genre, research it. For example, literary fiction delves into characters; thrillers focus on plot. I wouldn’t down-star Ted Bell’s Patriot for the lack of Lord Hawkes’ personal thoughts.
If the reviewer isn’t willing to understand the book’s genre, stick with traditional traits like a compelling voice, developed characters, and well-paced plot.
Takes too long to get to the point
Reviewers should be pithy and laser-focused. Sometimes, they’re neither. Often, that happens because the reviewer isn’t sure of what they’re saying and hopes to throw enough words on the page to hit the bullseye for most people. Long reviews should be stuffed full of meaty information, not fat.
Conclusions without evidence
I love hearing a conclusion I may not agree with because it means I’m about to learn something. I feel cheated when that conclusion lacks evidence. Unless the reviewer is part of my inner circle (people who I tend to accept at face value), please cite sources–multiple sources–and give me linkbacks so I can verify statements.
Superiority
Reviewers aren’t there to judge writers, rather evaluate. A debut novel is different than the tenth in the series, and a young thriller writer should not be compared to Lee Child. Critics offer advice to inform the reader’s decision on whether they should read more of this author. That’s a weighty responsibility. Approach it with respect and humility.
For more on this topic, check out Adam Kirsch’s article (he’s considered one of the top ten reviewers by some). To see the review of what might be the most famous review ever (on John Keats), click here.
More on critiques:
7 Reasons For and Three Against Critique Groups
25 Take-aways from the Richard Bausch workshop
Writers Tip #52: Join a Writers Groups
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her book at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.
Great guidelines here. The worst reviews are from readers who pick apart the author personally, and those who don’t like the genre of the book. So why read it? And why give a low rating because of their personal choice? It happens too frequently.
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Ah yes–attack the messenger. Those put me over the edge. How about the ones that say, “I couldn’t finish this book” and then rank it 2 stars. What is wrong with people?
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I knowwwwwwwwww right? 🙂
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Yes, yes and yes. I hate it when they say this isn’t my favorite genre. Grrrr…then don’t give me your opinion. You’re spot on with these. And I think this applies in a broader sense too, to other reviews.
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I think they mention the genre thing because they’re trying to be honest, but too often, it comes out as an excuse for not truly analyzing the writing. After all, as writers, that’s what we do.
Having said that, I was appalled at myself when I actually said that at a critique group meeting!
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Haha. I guess you were trying to be honest. It’s one of those “filler” phrases when you’re trying to be nice:)
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It is–saying something while my brain engaged in the real critiquing. Next time, I’ll just offer a protracted silence!
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This was helpful. Great points.
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It’s the way I think about reviews. I know lots of people who are different than this. Thanks,
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I don’t follow all the rules all the time, but it’s a good list to aspire to 🙂
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Well stated… excellent tips on how not to write a book review…
Sending best wishes, dear Jacqui. Aquileana 💫.-
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Thanks, Aquileana. They’re pretty common sense, don’t you think?
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Thanks Jacqui. I have a blog where I publish book reviews and try to follow many of the points described in the article by you. However, have got many more worthwhile inputs and will try to incorporate those in my future reviews. Thanks again.
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I’m going to check out your reviews… OK, I’m back. I like a lot about your reviews. The red box for quotes is clever–a great way to make them stand out.
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hello im an aspiring author and i am more then surprised to know how much work and thought goes into reviews. it makes mw appreciate what you guys do a whole lot more.
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I do believe reviewers should put lots of thought into their words. Every author I know cares a LOT about what people think of their books. I don’t take that lightly.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Hi Jacqui! Per our permission situation, I scheduled this post as a guest article for Dec 3rd. As usual, it includes, credit/bio/link to your book. Thanks!
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Thanks for letting me know, Ryan. I’ll try to check in on it to see if there are any questions.
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These are wonderful guidelines to follow. I keep my reviews 1-3 paragraphs long and try to cover the major points and what I liked (and if I feel strongly about a certain area, what I disliked).
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I always enjoy your reviews. They are objective, with pertinent information and just a touch of Medeia to personalize it. always nicely done.
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Hey Jacqui,
Excellent advice on reviews. I need to do more of these, and will be keeping these tips in mind. I know this is great advice, because I always find it frustrating when my books are reviewed and this wisdom is not followed. Writing a book is quite the process, and respecting the review process is an excellent way to honor the author. Even less than positive reviews, when done respectfully and tactfully, can be incredibly helpful.
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I rarely read an author who seems uncaring about their art. Even when I find typos, I know they slipped through–as they do for me!
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You’re so balanced and no-nonsense, Jacqui. Love that about your blog. I steer clear of doing reviews these days, but this article reminds me of a few people who could really use some of your pointers.
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I appreciate the effort that goes into writing a novel. I respect that in an author more than the quest for perfection.
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This isn’t my favorite genre line always bugs me.
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Me too! Like fingernails on a chalkboard. Please people–don’t include that criteria in your critique!
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Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented:
It’s nice to know what not to do!
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Great advice, Jacqui. I often get carried away when I’m writing a review, especially if I love the book – I tend to gush. I know what I’m supposed to do, but it often goes out of the window! It’s good to have criteria to work with – a check list to enable me to rein myself in 😀
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It’s so good to hear from you, Melissa. You have been busy!
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Just taking a break from blogging for a few weeks. I’m trying to check in with my friends though, as often as I can 😀
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I understand. I’ll be taking a break Thanksgiving week. Just not enough time!
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Jacqui, these are all very sensible criteria and ones that should perhaps be followed by more reviewers. It’s always great to get a bit of personal input into the reviews, as you do in yours. When you feel excited about a book I can sense your enthusiasm on the pages.
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I’m so glad to hear that. I want that to come through. thanks, Annika.
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We tend to go to reviewers that share our same tastes. Unfortunately, opinions tend to be subjective and we are at their mercy. 🙂
Don’t get me started on Amazon reviewers though.
Anna from Elements of Writing
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You mean us Vine folks? I am surprised how judgmental some of them get. I tend to focus on the craft, not my personal reactions.
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And I’d expect no less from you 🙂
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Very helpful Jacqui. Of late, I have started putting reviews of the books I read, on Goodreads. On reading them again, in some cases, I feel like cringing. From your suggestions, I think I can see some of the issues with my reviews. To better book reviews…all authors deserve them 🙂
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I went through that early on, too, Ankur. I realized I liked longer reviews, that shared details and avoided the issues above with a short conclusion about my opinion (based on evidence). So, mine are always a bit longer than Amazon likes, but work nicely for me!
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The one that really gets me is ‘This isn’t my favorite genre’ – Yikes! Why put that in there? This is great, Jacqui – I hope it’s read by all reviewers 😀
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Reviewing writing to me shouldn’t be based on my personal attitudes. There is certainly an argument to be made why it should, but for me–I would rather concentrate on flow, plot, semantics, and that sort.
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I agree with you wholeheartedly. I used to do a lot more bookreview than I do now, but I try to stick to what you outlined above.
I think many people don’t realise reviewing a book isn’t just venting your feelings about the book. There should be something youc actually ahve to say, something that – as you stressed – needs at least some evidence.
A lot of reviews on social media aren’t like this, and i wonder what they do to the author.
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You make an excellent point. To me, book reviews aren’t venting about my feelings and likes/dislikes. I want to provide feedback to the author for his/her future writing, and insights for readers to see if this book would interest them. My opinions have little to do with either of those.
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With respect to genre, I don’t think anyone should review a book within a genre they don’t like. In fact, I wonder why they would be reading it in the first place. If I don’t like a book at all I would not review it because, like Carrie, I don’t like being negative.
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Me too, and I tend to know a lot about my favorite genres. As you say, I don’t pick children’s books because I don’t believe I could discuss them well.
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Thank you, Jacqui, for a succinct list of what to do or not when reviewing a book. You do it well. I value your reviews and often consider reading a book based on what you’ve written, especially when your enthusiasm stems from the points you’ve listed.
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Thanks, Shari. Reviewing is harder than it sounds. It’s as much a responsibility to readers/authors as it is the reviewer’s opinion.
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Great article. I think formal reviewers would be wise to stick to these principles. For my own informal reviews on Amazon or Goodreads, I don’t include all these elements. I try to keep them short and often do insert my personal opinion, because that’s what I like to see from my Goodreads friends’ reviews too. Almost like a book club vibe to it. It’s always fun to see what a friend thought of a book you read. But were I to write a more formal review, I’d keep the personal opinions out. But I never get too negative. Some of the reviews out there are almost attacks on the author him or herself. That’s not necessary.
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I don’t either, Carrie. To put all of that in a review makes it too long. Amazon likes 200ish words for a review. That’s pretty short! There are lots longer, but pithy is the focus.
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Wow! Congratulations, Jacqui. Obviously you know your stuff.
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I got on a bit of a rant, didn’t I?
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Not a rant. Every genre has its canons. Now with everyone and their brother posting “reviews” on Amazon, it must be frustrating to see it done so badly, so often.
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I’ve come to recognize that lots of people think their approach is legitimate–and it is. Truly. We aren’t professionals; we do this for fun. It’s as annoying about complaining about the work of a volunteer–and not volunteering yourself!
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Wow, congratulations! I would be honored to have Master reviewed by you. Are you officiallyrics a qualified book expert?
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Hey Thomas–I’d be happy to host you for an interview on your book. It seems gritty and edgy–good characteristics in my estimation. I can’t do it until after the new year, though…
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That would be a true honor. Going to take you up on that, Jacqui!
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Great and worthy as always miss.
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Thanks, Amir. My attitudes about critique groups bubble over about once a year!
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