Interview with Lesa Holstine of Blogcritics Magazine and Lesa's Book Critiques - Page 4

I don’t know that any of us are actually objective about reviews. I look forward to books by a number of authors, and I have expectations that I will read and enjoy their books. Is it objective that I’m going to review a book that I know I will in all likelihood enjoy? I already have expectations for the book or author before I even start the story. If I’m disappointed, I’ll say so.

To be truly objective, we should probably only read books by authors we don’t know, and ones we’ve never read before. In that way, there will be no preconceived ideas as to what to expect.

Do you think a review written by reader has less value than one written by a professional reviewer? What defines a true “reviewer”?

That’s a good question. What does define a true “reviewer”? Was I a reviewer in fifth grade when I did a book report, and stood up, and said why I liked or didn’t like the book I just read? What makes a person a professional? Are you a professional if you get paid?

I have received payment by the publishing magazine for only one review I ever did, and I didn’t consider it my best work. I may spend one hour on a five or six paragraph review for my blog, trying to find the right words to convey the spirit of the book, without ruining it for a reader.

In my opinion, a true reviewer is someone who is well-read, and wants to share their opinion about a book. So, every review is written by a reader. I consider myself a reader first, and a reviewer second. There are many “readers” who write blogs, and review books, who I find express themselves much better than professional reviewers who think they need to tear apart the entire book, and explain it to me. If I want to read the book, I don’t want it torn apart. The best reviewers let me know why I should care about a book, why I should want to read it. It doesn’t need to be a professional.

What is your stand on paid reviews?

A paid review is just a commercial for a book. It has no more value to me than a commercial.

Do you keep the author’s feelings in mind when you review?

Yes, and no. The reviews are intended for the reader, not the author. I want to encourage people to read. However, if I’m going to criticize a book, there are ways of doing it tactfully. I don’t have to tear the author apart, even if I don’t think the book was well-done. I will criticize a book, but I certainly do not intend to do it viciously.

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