"The Do's and Don'ts of Book Reviewing"

For those of you who don't know, I am an avid reader and have recently started reviewing the books I have been reading. (You can check them out here).  I am also a self-proclaimed learn-aholic.  So in the spirit of always bettering yourself, here's a great article with tips and tricks on how to review books.

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The Do's And Don'ts
Of Book Reviewing
By: Laura M. Brown

"Your online book reviews can make a real difference."

Do:

• Include some description as well as your opinion. Put the book in context.
• Be specific. Say why you liked or disliked the book. Throwing around adjectives like "terrific" or "disappointing" doesn't really tell the reader anything about the book. 
• Consider the projected audience for the book. What kind of reader would get the most from this book?
• Give your review a title that reflects the content of the review. Don't just use the book's title as the title of your review.

• The point of a book review is to make a recommendation. Your verdict doesn't have to be an absolute yes or an absolute no. Offering a nuanced opinion of a book often makes a more interesting review.

Don't:

• Don't go on too long. Online book reviews should be brief and concise.
• Provide just enough summary so that your points are clear to your readers.
• Don't trash the book because it wasn't what you expected. 
• Don't spoil it. If you're reviewing a work of fiction, don't give away key plot points or the ending of the story.
• Don't be nasty. If you didn't enjoy the book, don't be insulting or snide. Let your reader know calmly and unemotionally why you were disappointed.
• Don't give the book a bad review if you're really mad about something else. If you bought the book online and experienced bad customer service, don't take it out on the poor author with a one-star review and a rant about shipping delays.