Into the Fire

I’ve got three book reviews—if you want to call them that—written and waiting, two for blog tours, one for a “buzz” preceding release. All favorable reviews for readers who like to gather opinions before they buy the book. All potentially for different audiences.

Funny thing—me writing “reviews”. In a long ago post I stated that I didn’t write “reviews” because they were too much like writing book reports, and anything that reminds me of school is like a bad recurring dream to me, one I continue to have once in a great while. However, if I’m not strapped to a formula and can simply express my opinion about a novel, I’ve come to enjoy them. I try only to read the books that appeal to me in the blog tour selections because I do refuse to give an unfavorable review—at least so far. It’s okay to point out things I might not prefer as a reader, but just because it’s not my kind of book is not sufficient reason to annihilate an author for writing it.

Kind of ironic, too, because I rarely read a review until after I’ve read a book. I prefer to read the minimum about the story, rarely even reading all of the back cover copy because I don’t want any of the plot ruined. Some novels give it away on the back cover, and if the blurb interests me, I don’t want to know much more. I try very hard in my reviews not to give away any significant plot points that aren’t revealed in the beginning chapters of the book. Hopefully just enough to entice the reader and establish the basic story line.

I might comment on the author’s writing style, and I might not. Obviously if I’m reviewing their work, the chances are good that I enjoy their writing. I generally like a variety of styles and formats as I’ve discussed here before, and I don’t value one over another. There are readers for all of them.

So . . . you can be expecting a few upcoming reviews in the months to come, and I hope they prove useful to you.

Father, thank you for the fun and privilege of reading what others have written to honor you. It’s encouraging and inspiring to see the individual giftings. Please continue to use your people for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please pray for Kristy Dykes.*