Time to get a bit more serious friends...
I've seen a lot around the blogosphere lately about readers deciding not to write reviews or read reviews posted by others. I think I can honestly say that this makes me very, very sad.
First, to openly admit skipping over reviews can be kind of mean to bloggers who do spend a lot of time on their reviews. Someone can put a lot of time and thought into something, and then bravely share it with the world....only to have everyone skip over it?? Of course I will admit that I don't read every review I come across and wouldn't expect anyone else to either. But I do take the time to read through reviews of books that interest me. I have found some great books to add to my TBR pile this way!
Many people say they don't read reviews of books they want to read/plan on reading because they are worried about spoilers. I don't worry about spoilers because I have rarely, if ever, come across a blogger who doesn't clearly announce a spoiler if they even mention one at all!
Pro Tip: Only read reviews from bloggers you already know and trust when it comes to these 'important' books!I have read bad reviews about books I am excited to read and haven't let that sway my opinion. Maybe I sound a little 'uppity' and I sincerely apologize, but if I want to read a book, I am going to read it anyhow. Despite a bad review here or there. Case in point: just today I read a review on a book I hadn't even heard of. The blogger gave it a bad review, however, the synopsis just sounds so intriguing I'm adding it to my TBR list anyways!
Pro Tip: Remember that someone's opinion is just that, an opinion! Don't be afraid to formulate your own opinions and ideas.I'll also honestly admit that I am a horrible commenter, but am working on this skill so that writers may know that their reviews have been read and appreciated.
Second, and maybe I value tradition more than others, but I feel like reviews are what book blogging has been based on. Reading books and sharing thoughts about them is what can make this community feel like one big, cozy book club! Plus, without reviews we don't get the delicious wonders of Goodreads and Netgalley :D But it is true, reviews are such an integral part of the book blogging world. Authors and publishers rely on us to get the word out about their works. Reading reviews reveals a person's tastes and thus helps me connect (or not) to them more.
Don't misunderstand me either: some people have a knack for bookish thoughts and that is where they want to spend their time. But I implore: Don't give up reviewing completely!! It does great things for the bookish world!
Next week I will share some thoughts on what I personally like and don't like in a review, so stay tuned!
What do you think? Am I on the mark or off my rocker?? Am I the only one who still appreciates book reviews anymore? Do you love to share reviews? Leave me your thoughts below and I will meet you in the comments!
