The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Book excerpt: So you want to be a reviewer? Are you passionate about books? Do you have a talent for easily capturing the essence of a book after having read it? Do you often feel the desire to share your thoughts about a book with readers? If you answered "Yes" to these questions, then book reviewing can be one of the most satisfying, rewarding activities you'll ever undertake. In fact, book reviewing can become addictive. The aim of this book is to offer some guidelines in a clear manner supported with targeted examples of how to write and publish thoughtful, well-written reviews no matter their length, type or genre, and to examine the essence of reviews within a broader spectrum. This book was written not only with the aspiring reviewer in mind, but for the established reviewer who needs a bit of refreshing and also for anybody -- be they author, publisher, reader, bookseller, librarian or publicist -- who wants to become more informed about the value, purpose and effectiveness of reviews. So take out pen and paper, a highlighter, and get ready to write great reviews! - Preface.