I need book reviews…good ones, preferably

(By Rick Lambert)

I love to read!  I enjoy conversing with authors through their books whether it is John Piper, Elizabeth Elliot, John Owen or Polycarp.  Of course, enjoying the fellowship of the Bible with its Divine Author is a reader’s greatest privilege.  But when it comes to buying books, and deciding on which to read, it can often be difficult when considering an unfamiliar author.  Even in Solomon’s day, there seemed to be an over-abundance of books as he stated in Ecclesiastes 12:12 – Of making many books there is no end…  

What makes the difference?  The reviews!   I’m not necessarily looking for the big name reviews, though that couldn't hurt.  I’m looking for the average reader.  I've lost count of the number of purchases I have made (beyond books) based on the thoughts and opinions of others regarding a product.

I have a large personal library, and I can tell you that most of my books were bought and read based upon the recommendation of a friend or some type of review.  That is why I need your help.  New books like mine may as well be named Discoveries In Obscurity, by I.M. Nobody.

Your reviews will help draw the attention of others who don’t know me, but are curious as to what others thought of the book.

If you leave a review on my website or my Amazon site, for example, people will be inclined to consider it.  I suppose that no review is better than a bad review, but a bad review reveals that someone actually read the book; that is the hope of every author.  Even if you read it and don’t like it, you can review it as a great, moisture-absorbent coaster, a door stop, or even a fire starter log.  

The book market is competitive, and I need an edge, and reviews help provide it.  If you need some prompting to aid you in writing a review, let me give you a few suggestions.  You don’t have to address them all, for short recommendations tend to be read over long ones.

How to give a review (good or not so good)

·         Provide adjectives that describe the reading experience (energizing, sad, boring…)

·         What were some aspects about the story that you really liked

·         What event or character impacted you?  How did it affect you?  Did you cry, laugh; did it make you think?

·         In very small letters, if the story had a problem, what was it?  How can your opinions help me with my next book (which I have already begun).

·         Be honest!  And, don’t mention in the review that you know me (if you do).  No one wants to hear what a great person you think I am (well, except my mom, of course).

·         Don’t give up the book’s secrets.  No spoiler alerts, even though the hero does die in the end of my book.

·         Rate it.  If on Amazon, one star is very poor and not recommended.  Five stars is an excellent rating, and highly recommended.  On other websites, simply state whether you think others will like it or not.

·         What if you hated the book?  Don’t hate me in your review; tell us why you disliked the story, or how I told it.  And then don’t let my mom see it.