Reviews 101

Welcome to Armchair BEA Day Numero Three! Today as my topic I am sharing some very basic tips on how to draft a review. New to book blogging or just want to keep better notes for yourself? This list is a great place to start!

*Shall we start with Rule Number One?? NEVER give away a major plot point without very LARGE and OBVIOUS warning!! Don't be that dude.

*Include an image of the book's cover. Consider leaving a link to buying pages or Goodreads.

My Audiobook Adventure Begins

I've entered the world of audiobooks. I've been quiet and sneaky about it. Frankly, I wasn't sure I was going to like them. As one of 'those people' who can't concentrate on reading or writing when there is music/TV/sound on in the background, I completely expected my foray into Audiobook World to end very quickly. And having only completed nine audiobooks I am far from being an 'expert', but I have found a way to make them work in my life and think that you could too. 

Lame Reasons I am Lame

As a peek behind the blog post is much needed, I thought I should provide to you a few *lame* reasons I am so lame. Commence:

1. I took a brief visit to the ER. It was quite uneventful, long, tedious and unproductive. It was how ever probably the most hydrated I have been in quite some time. 

2. I have an apparent complete lack of organizational skills. In one night alone:

    I sent my husband and daughter to a gymnastics class.....one hour late. 

Donuts to 2015

Well, my 2015 has gotten off to a rocky start. Sickness, computer viruses, super cold temps, ANOTHER flat tire, adorable disobedient daughters...cabin fever beginning to set in. Enter the picture of these donuts. I ate these in 2014. They were delicious, they were random, they were steeped in good conversation.

The Importance of the Review

This post was completely inspired by Josephine from Word Revel. Stop everything you are doing and go read her well articulated post right HERE. I will wait here for you to come back. She has some good points and shares it very thought out. Expect nothing similar here. While I LOVE words, I struggle picking the right ones :/

I have thought similar thoughts before, wondering if it is even worth rating a book with a rating system (stars, coffee cups, smiley faces). I have also witnessed several bloggers do away with their rating system completely because they found it too subjective. And I completely get it. Plus their reviews are still top notch and worth reading even without that expected star rating. 

Will I do away with my rating system, loose as it is? I'm not sure yet. As much as I understand that rating books is so subjective, it is kind of stuck in my brain. Review a book, rate a book. Goes hand in hand, doesn't it? And what about when I want to review the book on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble? 

And this is where the post's title finally comes in :) Reviews are important! I've said it before and I will say it again, when I see book bloggers saying they don't read reviews, I am shocked. You cannot just look at a blogger's book rating and assume you know how good the book will be. A book can be rated 5 stars by one friend and then only 2 stars by the next. So which is it? And what about your two friends who both rated it 4 stars but only one friend is truly raving about the book? Reviews hold the answers. 

Reviews should explain why we liked or didn't like a book. They should easily convey to others who read the review what we believed made or broke the story. "Why did I like Book X? Well because the characters were relatable, realistic, and charming. But I didn't like the way Author carried the pace so slowly through the first half..." Someone should be able to read this and go 'Hey, I can see why Blogger rated it with 4 stars. When I read Book X, I can expect it to be a bit slow and that's okay'. 

The review should explain and reinforce the rating. Reading will always be subjective, but a review helps others understand how you interpreted the book. Reviews offer clarity, sparks discussion and helps us relate to other readers, bloggers, authors, etc. 

Could you ever do away with your rating system? Are the relevant any more? Other thoughts??

Managing the To-Be-Read Pile

The irony of this post is not lost on me. I feel I must first clarify that when I drafted this post, I was on a roll. I had my ARCs listed neatly in my notebook, I had a schedule almost a month out of posts, and I only ever had about five books on my physical/Kindle TBR list (YES! FIVE). All it took was a wee bit of a reading slump, it lasted about two weeks or so, and things were out of control. 

But still, these are the thoughts I had before the reading slump when I had my A game. Hopefully we can all glean something from this....

Pinterest 

1. Prioritize 

First off all, I like to sit down and list out all the books that I have committed to read from Netgalley, BookLook, or publishers. These are the books that I will read first. That lovely pile of books I just picked up from the library ('Fangirl'!!) or the books I won from giveaways, those books get pushed to the very bottom of the list.

When I am super organized, which is hopefully often, I list the review books by date as well. Books that are 'past due', coming up, and then a month or two out. I can then easily see what books I need to read straight away and which ones I can put off for another week or two. In the past, I have managed this with pen and paper but it is time for me to move on to an Excel spreadsheet methinks.

2. Purge

Yes, I said PURGE. When I am falling behind, I first purge all the library books I have checked out. It hurts, but I can always check them out again. It is a major plus side to libraries :) If I have books that I have borrowed from others (which is rare) and I have had them too long, I just immediately return them to their rightful owner. Again, if I really want to read the book I can check it out.

3. Stop the insanity!

Now this is going to be the hardest part, so bear with me: Quit adding books to your reading lists!! No more Netgalley, Edelweiss, or library. I literally block myself from Netgalley during 'busy periods' because I know that as soon as I log on, I request tons of books! Personally, I haven't even tried Edelweiss 1)because it looks so horribly designed and hard to use but mostly 2)because I know it will cause me to request ALL THE BOOKS.

4. Read, Read, Read! 

 I could write a separate post about this alone. Most importantly: pick books you are most likely to read. Seems obvious doesn't it? But how many times have we gotten sucked in by a pretty cover or a well-written synopsis? Know what you like and stick with it!

Secondly, make time to read. Read during baby nap times, read on the bus or listen to audiobooks while driving everywhere, or read on lunch breaks. Always keeps a book on you whether physical in your purse or ebook on your phone. Or both!

Schedule reading in if you have too! Negotiate time away from the family to read at the local coffeeshop. Block off an hour or two every weekend. Get up early, stay up late :)


I need to start myself over at step one and more strictly adhere to step three. And because I am in a crazy place myself, please share with me your tips for managing that *giant* TBR pile!

Personality Types and Reading

I am a big MBTI personality type lover. Sometimes I feel embarrassed to tell people what my Type is because I think it reveals too much of me too quickly. Once you know my four letters you will understand the how I make the decisions I do, how I view the world, why I love to cheer on others. It affects all areas of my life, because it IS my personality! Thus, it stands to reason, that my personality type affects how I read and what I read.

First, a Googly-sourced graphic:

This grid shows a completely basic idea of what each personality type is like. If you don't know your type, a quick Google search can lead you to LOADS of information. I have consistently tested the same and after much reading (of course), I believe the tests are right. 

Using just this graphic, however, we could still make general conclusions about the books each type prefers. An ISTP, for example, may prefer YA as an individual, but would willing try adult literature, non-fiction, middle grade, etc. ENTPs, when forced to slow down and read :)), would probably choose a book with lots of action, thrillers, or mysteries. Change one letter, ESTPs probably wouldn't prefer science fiction or fantasy. 

Diving deeper into the personality types would, of course, give us even more information. An INTJ is self-confident, perfectionist, and often does what they 'know', or very systematic. I believe they would be very likely to stick to the genres they know and trust. They probably stick with a series from start to finish very faithfully. INTJs are also widely believed to have little patience with talk, flirtation, and the whole romantic processes. They are extremely private and don't 'invite' others in very easily. The generalization I will make here about reading would be that they probably prefer the 'slow burn' relationships. INTJs probably struggle to believe and enjoy the all-to-common these days inta-love. 

So *big breath* I have shared before in quick, and hopefully noticed, ways before: I am INFJ. Because of the combination of the N and F (iNtuition, Feeling), INFJs are widely known to be empathetic bunch of the types. They are often known as 'readers' of people. 

How does this relate to my reading? I think it gives me insight as to why I choose what I read and also influences what I enjoy in a book. As an INFJ, I can easily become too connected to characters when I read. When an author writes a convincing character and a compelling story, I need there to be a happy ending. Whatever is happening to that character is being translated onto my own life. If Character X is having a happy day, I have a happy day. If Character Y is being brutally attacked, I am hiding under my covers terrified. 

This is why I stay away from books that are gory and graphic. The pictures pop too easily in my head and then they stay there forever. Depression and anxiety books are a giant no-no for me because they hit too close to home. Any subject that is sad and depressing, poverty, the slave industry, war, I just can't handle reading about. I do truly care about those subjects. They are huge and important! But if I read about them 1. my heart shatters and/or 2. I place myself into that situation too easily...and get stuck there!

www.opp.com

So there is a lengthy enough post for ya! 

I would LOVE to know what you think about personality types and reading choices. What is your type?? Do you see ways that it affects what you read? What you don't read?

What Makes a Classic?

Okay, I am diving in deep. I need to have the discussion: What makes a classic book, a classic?? Are there rules? Guidelines? Who ultimately decides what is 'classic' and what isn't??

Initially, I thought of a classic as a book that you are forced to read in high school english classes. Shakespeare and the like. But what about The Great Gatsby or A Streetcar Named Desire that everyone else in my grade has read, but I somehow managed to miss?? Or I thought that classics are just those books that everyone hears about over and over. How many times can 'To Kill a Mockingbird' be brought up? Then again, have you ever heard of 'Pale Fire' or 'On the Beach' as classics?? 

So obviously I needed some better definitions. I think the most widely given and accepted definition, or at least attribute, of a classic novel is that it is a book that stands the test of time. And I believe this to be true. People left and right are spouting off that 'Harry Potter' and 'Wonder' will be classics. But will they be? How do we know?? Unless you have a TARDIS (in which case, call me), we simply don't know if generations from now 'Wonder' will be read by hundreds, if not thousands of people, the world over. 

I have also seen it said that a classic novel will influence the works of future authors. The ideas in the classic novel are so original that future authors will echo, mirror, and sometimes basically write fan fiction of the original. This leads me to believe that another attribute a classic has is that it usually says something of value. It makes a subtle point. It points out an obviousness. It defines a culture. It defines humanity. 

I personally have found that when reading a classic, it can tell a large, elaborate epic tale (think Anna Karenina) or a quiet, profound tale (Catcher in the Rye), but they almost always are telling a background story. A lesson. A moral. A truth. Something that doesn't change from generation to generation. 

Lastly, I have to mention what Ann from Books on the Nightstand podcast had to offer about what makes a classic a classic. Apparently in the publishing world, a classic is a book that is in the public domain. This means that it's copyright has expired. These are the books you can find anywhere and often for free from places like Amazon.

So, what is a classic to you? Which books do you easily list as a classic? Which modern books do you think, or hope, will become a classic years from now??

P.S. Check out these extras....

-Have fun comparing these two lists from Modern Library

-The Today Show lists 11 modern books that should be read in classrooms

-The Guardian lists 1000 books everyone must read

-They also list their 100 greatest novels of all time

-Strange but true...this Wikipedia page lists 100 books I consider classics..

A Peek Behind My Scenes

This week I am sharing a 'Just a Thought' that is really meant for you, my lovely friends, as a behind the scenes look. How many times have I read about the importance of remaining consistent when posting and scheduling blogs? And I completely understand the why. Readers want to be able to return to your blog knowing that on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays there will be new content. 

But my schedule is a bit off from everyone else.

My (wonderful) husband works a job that has six days on and three days off. For example he could work Monday through Saturday, and then have Sunday, Monday, Tuesday off. The following rotation he would have Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday off. It can mean difficult scheduling and a lot of 'missed' holidays, but it does have a lot of benefits as well!

For the blog, however, this means that I don't always post on regular days. When (hottie) husband is home those three days, I generally stay off of the computer. I don't read and comment, I hardly tweet, and I almost never get to draft a blog post. This is a choice I've made in order to spend more time with my family when I can. During hubby's nights on, I do try to blog wholeheartedly after Baby Girl goes down for bed. But sometimes....sometimes I am just too exhausted. I can journal thoughts and reviews for days without actually typing anything up.

Sometimes when I draft a post, I am too excited for it to go 'live' and let it go up the next day, whether that is a Monday or Saturday. Other times I am feeling more responsible and try to schedule it out for a 'regular post day' like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This post for example, I am drafting on Friday, but will schedule to post next Wednesday! Some weeks I get three posts out, some weeks I get one post out. But that doesn't mean I am not committed to my blog, to the books, and to the lovely readers; it just means my schedule is a little different. I know it can 'hurt my chances of gaining followers', but I've made the choice to put family first and I have to stick with it. 

I hope this offers a behind the scenes look at how I schedule and blog! How do you decide which days to post, or how often to post? What life events factor into your decisions?? 

Am I Book Prejudice?

I've been thinking so much after reading "The Article" that is creating such a buzz around the 'Net. The idea that someone would look down on adults who read YA isn't new, but it is still appalling. There have been enough great responses (check Modern Mrs Darcy--she is one of my fave bloggers, THIS, and THIS) and that is not what I am here to do.

Rather I want to examine my own reading habits. Do I look down on any particular genre? Do I thumb my nose at others for what they read? I sincerely hope not. I understand that everyone is different and thus have different reading tastes, and that is GREAT! But do I pass over certain books because they are 'beneath' me? Or not "real literature'?

There are subjects I avoid reading about (see my list), but I choose to do this to protect myself as a really sensitive consumer. As a result, though, I tend to avoid ''adult'' books because they often contain these themes.

Am I pulling a Ruth Graham in reverse??!!

I don't want to hear myself ever say again that I don't read 'this' genre or 'that' type of book (beyond what I need to avoid. See above). I don't want to be so generic. I need to take each book on it's own merit. Did I enjoy it? Was it well written? Did I learn anything? These are the things that truly matter.

So as an honest confession, I believe there are two 'genres' I have avoided simply on what they are: New Adult and graphic/illustrated novels.

I have tried two or three New Adult books, and found them too oriented on graphic sex. But I love the idea of a genre that focuses on the 'college-age' years, older and freer than high school years and before settling down with a family. If you have any clean recommendations, PLEASE leave a comment below!!

Graphic or illustrated novels have never held any interest for me. They have seemed too similar to comic books which just reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes (which I love!!). But I need to give it a shot. Oh, the Books! recently shared a fantastic list and I think I will be picking at least one to try this summer. I am a complete newbie so leave some recs in the comments below!! 

What did you think of the Slate article? Are there any genres you have avoided??

When You Read Too Many Awesome Books

This year I have read far more non-fiction than fiction. In fact, it took me until March to read my second fiction book! Can you believe it?! I certainly couldn't and I wasn't doing it purposefully, but I just haven't felt interested in most of the fiction books I currently own. I want to get lost in a novel but just don't called to any particular one :/

So instead I've been doing what a lot of people call 'binge-reading' non-fiction. I can't help it! So many awesome people have been releasing awesome books this year! Check THIS, THIS, and THIS for just a few. It has been so awesome to have opportunities to review them! 

My "problem"?? They are all too awesome. Yes, that is a thing. More than half my ratings are 4, 4.5, and 5 star ratings. That shouldn't be a bad thing...except. Except I feel I'm in an awesome non-fic overload! Should I stop reading non-fic for an 'awesome' break? Should I read a ''less awesome'' book? 

The other part that makes me wonder about my 'awesome book' problem are the amount of bloggers that openly admit to not reading the blogs of reviewers who rate books too highly. Why this would be so, is beyond me. That is certainly not a factor I think about when deciding to follow a blog. So I have to say: I hope we can still be friends even though I read some pretty spectacular books :))

What would you do? Have you ever been on an awesome book overload? 

Book Buying Old Skool Style

The other day I went to Barnes and Noble (just me! a miracle!!) and I bought a book in a way I've affectionately started calling ''old skool style''. I put away all TBR lists and just wandered around aimlessly. I had no idea where to start and it felt weird, confusing, and freeing all at the same time. I wandered, coffee in hand, until I ran across a gorgeous, intriguing cover. I picked it up, read the back cover, and discovered it was a series. I found its slightly less cute predecessor next to it on the shelf. The back cover spoke to me of princes, royalty, love and God. And I was hooked! I'm really nothing but a fairy tale lover inside :) 

And you know what?

It was the best book I've read in a long while! I read it in two days and can't wait to go back for that original eye-catching #2. 

It has been so long since I just wandered a bookstore, not looking for anything in particular. I wasn't feeling (self-induced) pressure to buy a certain book because it is the 'latest, and greatest'. My experience turned out great...this time. But I know there has been other times where my plan may have failed. Not every book is equal.

But here is my question for you: when was the last time you threw your TBR list to the wind? When was the last time you just picked up an interesting book and just read it?? We are book bloggers, but we will become jaded and tired if we don't feed ourselves with books just for fun! 

So, make room on that reading schedule! Put off that new ARC just one more day, and read something refreshing and fun. Just for you :)