One book review doesn't tell the whole tale
Book lovers are always on the lookout for a new good read. Sometimes, a recommendation from a trusted friend is all you need. You may also pick up a book based on a good review from a critic you find reliable. However, just as with movies, many book gems go unnoticed by the big name critics and you can miss some great books by not looking a little further.
When reading book reviews, you must also consider the source. Does your favorite critic review books solely based on popularity? Publishers expend huge sums of money to promote books with mass appeal. Granted, these can be excellent books, but so many more are completely under the radar.
One good way to widen your horizons is to search out new books on online bookstore sites. If you favor a particular genre, look in that category. Scroll through some of the many offerings and see what captures your eye. When you request details on a particular book, the bookstore provides reviews from a variety of sources. The publisher's review is usually listed first. Naturally, the publisher has a vested interest in writing a glowing book review. According to the publishing house reviewer, this book is the best thing since sliced bread. This may or may not be true. The reviewer's taste may depart from yours. You need to read on for other critic's opinions.
The Library Journal's review may differ substantially from the publisher's. Their book review may be equally favorable, but provide different details on what they found worthy in your prospective choice. This can be helpful and corroborate what the publisher had to say. On the other hand, their review may be curiously unfavorable and at odds with the publisher's. The reviewer generally backs up negative statements with reasons they took that position. However, it's all subjective and most book reviews consist largely of opinion. At least you've got more information.
You may find one or two additional independent, professional book reviews with useful information and details to guide your choice. Read them all.
The last category of book reviews are those that come from ordinary folk, readers just like you and me. They aren't being paid to offer their opinions and tend to say they liked or disliked the book in question and give the specific reasons why. These reader reviews generally come right to the point, aren't elaborate and don't try to praise or slam a book for ulterior motives. Ironically, reader book reviews can prove most telling of all. You may find that one reader review hits all your hot spots, either positive or negative. Another's opinion may be so poorly expressed and nonsensical that you may discount that book review entirely.
Following a process that gives you several viewpoints can assure better choices, fewer disappointments and lots of avant garde reading material.
