Reviewing Your Review

Have you ever reviewed a book? I mean really reviewed a book? None of this, “Yeah, I liked it. It was good, and you should read it too!” That’s not a review. That’s what’s referred to as a “High-Octane Accolade.” This is supportive fuel from those who neglect to realize that their “frosting” niceties are just that: fluffy, sugary topping without the substance of the cake underneath. Why read this book? What was so good about it? Did the plot’s pacing move at a good clip? Were the characters memorable? Were there action scenes that left you breathless? Did the imagery haunt you? Was there believable dialogue? H.O.A.s answer none of these questions. Would you buy a book if you learned nothing from the review? There are a lot of “good books” out there, and what’s to distinguish one from another to a potential reader?

The answer is C.C.R.. No, not Creedence Clearwater Revival, (great music) but a “Constructively Critical Review.” Any good review—whether it be negative or positive—explains why a reviewer liked or disliked the book. Just what was it you liked or—heaven forbid—disliked about Raven’s Heart: An Unlikely Journey by Matthew and Stefanie Verish? (Hey, we can promote here whenever we feel like it!) You can use this basic example to structure your review: Baseball. Baseball is played on a diamond. The diamond consists of four bases, and I just happen to have four points to help in composing a useful review.

So grab a pencil and notepad, and step up to the plate! It’s time to play ball.

To be continued...

-Matt