I believe that, as writers, even the books we don't enjoy can teach us. Good or not-so-good, books are the most valuable and vital tools for improving your writing. Even when I write negative reviews, I like to keep in mind that regardless of how strongly I may dislike a book, there will be people who actually did enjoy it. I also never personally attack an author. Thoughtful criticism of a book can promote discussion and better writing habits. Criticism of the human being behind that book is irrelevant and rude.

​

So while I will not sugarcoat or gloss over what did not work for me in my reviews, I avoid flying into a rage over it. Instead, I try to be constructive by focusing on what could have been improved to make me connect with the book more. This is how I've gleaned much of what to do, and what not to do, in my own writing. I hope you find it helps you as well.

 

I would love to discuss your point of view about any book I've reviewed, because at the end of the day, what makes a book "good" or "bad" is largely subjective. Feel free to leave a comment or question on any of my reviews to talk the writer talk.