Into the Fire

So. Here we are again. It's Monday. I've got so many things on my heart as I'm sure you must have too. Some I'd rather not say and others I'd prefer to shout from the housetops. However, we shall move on. 

As those of you who know this blog well, you've seen that I do reviews. (See the long list on the bottom left column.) However, I don't review the novels I've read that I don't like. I used to review them, but I came to the conclusion that who really cares if I give a bad review to a book that someone loves. And there are always those 1-star reviews for novels I've loved which only serve to irritate me. Let me tell you something you already know: 1-star reviews say more about the writers of those reviews than they do about the book. Instead of writing something to the effect of "This story was not written for readers like me," or choosing not to write one at all, they trash not only the story and the way it was told, but they invariably insult the author's ability to write. 

Sometimes with the novels I really enjoy, it's hard to write the reviews. Because I want to share so much of the story, it proves difficult to limit what I include. When I "highly recommend" a book or a series, you can trust I want you to read it/them. 

Novelists are incredible writers. There are all kinds – some will appeal, some will not. It doesn't change the fact that through the eons of time, people have been writing stories that move others to exclaim their greatness. We readers (and writers) all have our favorites. And we love talking "novels" with our peers. 

If you have a favorite, feel free to expound on why you loved it. 

Father, thank you for allowing me to write novels. You put it in my heart at an early age, waited patiently for me to recognize the purpose, and then have allowed me to write. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.