Interview with Lesa Holstine of Blogcritics Magazine and Lesa's Book Critiques - Page 3

In your opinion, how influential are reviews on the consumer?

Reviews can be influential, once the reader learns the taste of the reviewer, and whether or not their taste in books matches the consumer. As in anything, a reviewer must build trust with the consumer. I have both library patrons and blog readers who read books I recommend because they have similar tastes, or because they trust my evaluations. However, just as in buying a product, I’m sure most consumers consider the source of the review. It’s a matter of trust. Once a reader finds a reviewer that matches their reading tastes and needs, that reviewer can have a great deal of influence. It’s why readers have their favorite blogs, and their favorite review sources. They trust that the reviewer will not steer them wrong.

What do you look for in a book review?

To be honest, I usually don’t read a review if I’m planning to read the book. I might read it after I’ve read it, to find out if I felt the same way as the reviewer. I’ve found too many reviews that spoil the book for me, giving away too much of the plot. I look for book reviews to tell me about new authors and their books.

So, what do I really look for? I look for a review that does not give away the plot or the ending. There was quite a discussion online recently about a mystery. There was a turning point in one book in the series. How do you discuss the next book without giving away the events that happened, for people who might not have reached that book in the series? As a mystery reader, I like to read the books in order, so I don’t want the plot lines spoiled for me.

I try very hard not to give away too much in my book reviews, while still informing the reader about the book, so they can decide for themselves if they want to read it.

Do you think the average reviewer can review a friend’s book and still be objective?

This is a difficult question to answer because it has so many aspects. Is this a close personal friend? How will the friend feel if you’re honest with them, if the book is bad?

I consider myself an average reviewer. I review books by authors I’ve corresponded with, and, in some cases, met. However, they are not close personal friends, and they know I’ll be honest when I review the book. Of course, remember what I said earlier, that most books on my blog will receive a positive review. If I review it there, the authors know they will probably receive a positive review, not because of our “friendship,” but because I finished the book, and found some value to it. If I don’t like a book, I’ve been known to tell authors why the review will not appear, because I didn’t finish it, and therefore, can’t give it a review.

Article Author: Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani is the National Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com.

Visit Mayra Calvani's author page — Mayra Calvani's Blog