Into the Fire

Selecting a novel for review can be a hit and miss situation. I only read the minimum details, preferably the back cover copy, because I don't want any of the story spoiled for me. Occasionally I'll read a blip on the author if I'm not familiar with him/her, but I can generally get an idea about the author from the approach to the genre in the back cover copy.

Just because a book sounds interesting doesn't mean it really is. Whether it's because of unappealing writing techniques or voice or if it's that the story doesn't kick the emotional response into full gear, reviewing a novel can be a chore. To be fair to the author, if I take a chance on a book outside the norm of my reading practices, I have to make sure the story meshes with its genre. If it does and I decide I don't like it, I determine if it's the genre itself or the author's approach to it I don't appreciate.

Rating a book publicly should be presented as a reasonable opinion. If the novel doesn't appeal to me, I must mention why and acknowledge who will probably like it. Criticisms should be leveled fairly and noted as to personal preference or craft issues.

If you've read a lot of novels, you've experienced the very reason you might detest a book is indeed, surprisingly, the precise reason someone else loved it. It's a shocking realization – at least it has been for me. Characterizations that seem muted and stick-figured inspire devotion from other readers in the crazy world of reading.

Establishing the rating of a novel has many factors. Not always an easy call. Not always pleasurable. But when it is? Well worth the investment of time . . .

Father, please continue to instruct your writers. Please lead them in your ways everlasting and give them eyes to see and ears to hear. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.