Amazon and many other online retailers and review sites rate their books. Do you think this is a good thing? Is rating books fair? What should people keep in mind when looking at these ratings?
Amazon's rating system is more in line with giving the consumer choices in their purchases, so it's a little different than a star rating in a book review. Some sites choose to do a star rating system, and I'm neutral on the subject. I personally think the review should be written clearly enough to figure out what that reviewer has rated the book, and I don't seek out a rating system when I read reviews. However, it's nice to see one at the end, especially when the reviewer is not as clear about how the book is written.
Anything else you'd like to say to our readers?
If you feel compelled and have something to say, consider writing book reviews. Books are slowly becoming a dying medium, so keeping literary criticism alive and interesting is more important now than ever before. Whether you join a site like Blogcritics or There There Kid or decide to start your own blog, remember that there are other people out there who are interested in what you have to say if you have something truly interesting to say.
Thanks for your time and for such insightful answers, Kevin!
Article comments
1 - Kevin Eagan
Thanks for the interview, Mayra!
2 - Mayra Calvani
Thank YOU, for your thoughtful, insightful answers!
3 - Margay
Thoroughly enjoyed the interview! There's a lot of useful information in there, so thanks for sharing, Kevin.
4 - A. F. Stewart
Terrific interview, I liked your opinions on how to handle reviews.
5 - Joy Delgado
Thank you Mayra and Kevin. I am always looking for different people's take on writing reviews for poorly written books. I like the way you address this issue.
Joy
6 - Margot Finke
What an interesting life Kevan Eagan has. Answering your questions gave me a peek into his world. Thanks Mayra
Margot Finke
"Rattlesnake Jam"
Rattling good fun
with Gran and Pa
7 - c hoare
A fine, solid interview. Makes me more interested in Blogcritics magazine -- I think I'd better drop you a line.
Chris H.
8 - Val MacEwan
This interview should be recommended reading to all prospective reviewers. Here I am reading it, a year later, and it still informs and is timely.