Why Are My Reviews So Long?

Good question. I know – they’re wordy 🤦🏻‍♀️

Sometimes they’re too wordy for some retail sites – Barnes & Noble, Christian Book, Books A Million … so I’ve had to whittle them down to bare bones which isn’t easy.

So, why I am wordy?

In short?

To cover what the book is about, my feelings on the book – characters, story line, length – those things. For me a review is much like a book report.

* What is the book about?

* What do you like about the book?

* What do you dislike about the book?

* How did you relate (or not) to the characters?

* Why did you choose the book

* What drew you to the book?

* Are you familiar with the author and if so – how does it compare to previous works?

* Where could the author have expanded and/or what could the author have left out?

* How did the book make you feel?

* Recommending the book – why or why not?

Allotting 50 words to each question can get into 400+ words easily. That’s pretty lengthy. Step it up to 75-100 words per question; that right there is anywhere from 600-800 (or more) words.

I’ve seen shorter reviews that tend to wrap things up quite nicely. I’ve seen some that make my shake my head.

I want my review to be complete. That’s not to say others are incomplete or not as good as mine. I’m saying how I feel about “MY” reviews.

After all, my name is going on the review so I want it to reflect my view. I want to know that I, as a reviewer, was thorough and diligent. Again, this isn’t saying that the other reviewers are not. This is how I personally feel.

I read reviews, but don’t necessarily base a purchase around it. I look for spoilers as well. I want to know quite a bit about the book so I don’t purchase something I want to throw in the fireplace (if I had one) or shred it after reading it.

I look at the reviews to get an idea of why a book is so popular and to see if I had the same dissenting view that some might have.

I know what I want in a review. I want someone to read my review and not come away with questions or think that it was rushed. I want them to read it, and then make up their own mind as to whether or not to buy or borrow it. That is why I carefully craft my reviews.

Fun fact – I got a “D” on a book report for an answer I thought was creative.

I HATE, HATE, HATE saying “I recommend this book …”

And, I try not to unless there is a GREAT reason to recommend it (one book I do highly recommend – Gary Sinise’s “Grateful American”).  

I also try not to steer someone away from a book either. I don’t know what the reader likes or doesn’t like. I can only give my review from my experience and my expectations going in.

Oh, the answer that gave me a “D” –

“I would recommend the book if the subject material is of interest to you; no if it is not”

        (Me – 9^th Grade, so many years ago … okay August 1990 – June 1991)

I thought it was original, simple, and honest. It left the final choice up to the reader. The teacher stated it was “too vague; didn't answer the question”. She finally admitted that she thought I was indecisive and couldn’t make up my mind. I personally thought she was an idiot. After telling my mother, she agreed with me. 

Sorry, I still feel the same now as I did when I wrote that back 28+ (almost 30) years ago.

I believe that despite a good review, someone will hate a book. I believe that despite a negative review, someone will love a book. It is up to the reader – what do they like to read, who do they like to read. I respect the choice of the reader to decide what they ultimately want.

So, I will leave this kernel of wisdom here, because I still believe that it has merit …

“I would recommend the book if the subject material is of interest to you; no if it is not”

Such a simple and honest concept.