There are so many different styles of Book Reviews around. Each person takes their own individual tastes, interests and approach to reading. I thought I’d take the time to share with you what I base my book reviews on. It is a simple system of five areas, each one earning a star for the rating. Simple and honest is how I like to play it around here. So, without further ado here are the five things my reviews are based on.
1 – Easy to Read
While I have moved passed the “See Jane run…” era of reading. I still enjoy a book that has ease of readability. Mainly because, well honestly, I get confused easily. I have read several POV books that have jumped so fast in between plot and narrative that by the time I get to the fourth chapter, I have no idea what is going on. It’s not that I need them to use smaller words – lol. My brain just likes to flow with the storyline and what is going on.
For Example: The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden. It is a POV style book that takes you from the past to the present. But at each chapter ending (past or present) you have full knowledge of what just happened and can run it right along with the next jump.
2 – Hold My Interest
In truth, I do not DNF many books. If I am going to start them, I most likely will finish. However, it is much easier to finish a book if the writer holds my interest. It could be a book about the production of chicken feed, but if it is written with an excitement and mind engaging way, it will cause me to want to know what happens next. This is a biggie with me and others I’m sure, but I desire to read things that keep me captivated and wanting more.
For example: White Christmas by Rhianna Burwell. Essentially, it’s a steamy night shared by two college kids that hate each other in a hotel room. The smut was there but I kept finding myself being easily distracted while reading it. I did finish it however.
3 – Plot / Storyline Holds Throughout
I completely understand the need for a plot to go in a different direction. I love a good plot twist. I get graphed into a storyline while reading. What I don’t love is to be invested in said storyline and then it just drops off – never to be mentioned again.
The Adeline Collection by HD Carlton. Satan’s Affair is the first book to be read if you are going in the order. The first part of the book, nothing about Haunting Adeline’s plot is thrown in, but . . . one of Sibby’s henchmen mention that Seattle is known for its large pedophile rings, then the second part of the book, they are in Seattle, picking up the pace and pieces of Haunting Adeline, gaining much more traction in Hunting Adeline and finally rounding the bases for the home run in Where’s Molly. The underlying plot of trying to destroy pedophiles and equally as bad undesirables runs through all four of the books up to Where’s Molly (I have not read Phantom yet). It’s consistent and draws me in for more.
4 – Characters Flow Well
Even mortal enemies can flow together if written with great quality. I dislike when the main character has strong writing and the supporting characters are written as just that – given little detail and they feel thrown in just to keep the story going. For me, the characters flow if when I’m finished reading I don’t think, that would have been a good book even if they had not mentioned “so-in-so.” All characters mentioned should add something to the storyline in that they give the main character a sense of validity.
Take The Boyfriend (again – it’s my last read and is fresh in my mind). Each of the main characters have a best friend. But the writer does not just say that, she gives details about these friends, they interact with the MC giving a sense that these are real people, not just made up ones in a story. The plot hinges in a few places on the knowledge of these supporting characters.
5 – Enjoyed Reading It
I like to consider myself and read for pleasure kind of person. Diving into the lives of others is quite an enjoyable pastime for me. What I don’t like is the feeling that I am having to make myself finish a book. No, I want to understand what is happening, become enveloped in the story, follow along with the plot, fall in love with the characters and come out of the ending feeling happy and accomplished for having read it.
Case in point: Out of Nowhere by Tabitha Womack. This book also is a POV back and forth book, with several points of view. It was easy to follow, I definitely became wrapped up in the story, the plot (even though it has some unexpected events) remains exciting to follow along, and I may have fallen in love with at least two of the characters – and not just at the smutty parts! Had it not been for need of sleep it would have finished it in a day. It is just such a good book!
That feeling of oh, I want to read that again! That is how I want to feel when the writer says, “The End.”
And that friend are the things my book revies are based on. I am always open to experiencing new ways to look at things. Please leave a comment, letting me know what types of things you base your thoughts on when reading a book. If you have a system that you use to review books, feel free to share it as well, and as always, Happy Reading.
XO, Caroline
Beehind the Books 