Let’s Talk Bookish: what do you look for in a review?

It’s been quite a while, but I’m back: several tests done, two to go. Anyways, I am super excited to get back on track and why not start with Let’s Talk Bookish – especially, when I suggested the topic. I’m super interested what all the other came up with, so if you’ve participated: comment! Let’s Talk Bookish is as always hosted by  Dani @ Literary Lion and Rukky @ Eternity Books!

#1 A brief summary of the book

I find it EXTREMELY helpful when there is a small summary at the very start of the review – one to three sentences, that is all I am looking for. And that has a very smart (at least for me) reason: I immediately know whether I’d be totally thrown off by the plot because it’s not at all what I like to read – or if I should continue reading and figure out whether I’d like to give the book a chance!

#2 Some additional information on the book

I love it when there’s another paragraph/list under the summary where you can check out the genre of the book as well as the pages, the author’s name and the publication date! And, if the blogger likes it, the star-rating.

#3 Favorite and least favorite aspects explained

A clear structure: that is what I am looking for. And explaining what you loved and which aspects you disliked (and also actually saying why and not simply stating facts) is super helpful to give the an impression of the book. Also, when I’ve already read the book and want to check out what other people thought, it’s easy to compare your thoughts and feelings on the book!

#4 Structuring your paragraphs: plot, characters, writing and atmosphere

This is my absolute favorite part of writing a review: structuring the paragraphs so that readers are able to follow and know that this paragraph will only focus on one aspect, while the other talks about something else. It’s helpful in order not to confuse people and I love that!

What I don’t need: a star-rating!

I mean, it’s never bad to have another impression besides a text and see how many stars the blogger rated this book. But often it’s super confusing because the writing and the star-rating don’t always correlate the way I’d expected them. Some people liked everything about a book except the characters and then their result is 3/5 while others rate it 4/5 – and that is simply because everyone has different priorities and favorite aspects that weigh differently.

Moreover, I often struggle with rating books myself because I am unsure how grave that one dislike should be seen in my star-rating – was it a 5/5 or does that small detail make it a 4.5/5. That makes a difference!

That’s it – everything I look for in a review! Tell me: what do you look for, do we have the same priorities? Comment! And happy reading and let’s hope I have some more blogging time in the future!