Review: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing by Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards
Title: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Author: Calvani, Mayra and Anne K. Edwards
Length: 190 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, Reference
Publisher / Year: Twilight Times Books / 2008
Source: Amazon
Rating: 4/5
Why I Read It: Seemed like a book from which I could benefit.
Date Read: 19/04/12
In this book Calvani and Edwards give an overview of how to write reviews, as well as who they benefit. The book contains chapters discussing topics such as: Reading Critically; How to Write a Book Review; Types of Reviews; The Absolute Don’ts; What if the Book is Terrible; The Feelings of an Author; and many, many more. Besides the basic how-to information that every reviewer should know about who to contact, how to contact them, what to write, and more, they also discuss the ethics of reviewing. Additionally, it closes with a reference section for aspiring reviewers.
In terms of the ethics of reviewing, the authors talk about the importance of actually reading any book before reviewing it, as well as the importance of actually writing the review that was promised. Simply accepting books and never reviewing anything is stealing, they say. Also discussed is the proper way to write negative reviews that don’t reflect poorly on the reviewer, and some tips on how to respond to negative criticism by authors or publishers.
As a reader who tries to focus on reading diverse works, I appreciated that Calvani and Edwards mentioned things like works in translation, non-fiction reviews, and self-published works. In these topics they were clear in pointing out the benefits of reading widely. As well, they point out that readers come to books with biases and the importance of understanding this and removing any bias before writing a review.
Recommended to all fellow book reviewers, or for anyone who would like to start reviewing. No matter how long you’ve been writing reviews, I would suspect there is much in this short but informative book that will either refresh your memory or that will be new to you.
This sounds like a great book for a blogger to read.
I thought it would be good for me at least Trisha
Definitely seems like a good book for blogosphere to read! I don’t know if I agree with the idea of “stealing” a book if you don’t review it. I don’t really think of it as a contract, particularly since a lot of people seem to send me books that I do not request (HOW DO THEY HAVE MY ADDRESS? So creepy…). I do try to read and review all the books that I request, but I tend to be a moody reader, so I don’t get to all of them, and if I do, it’s not always in a timely manner. So… well, I try!
That said, I’d NEVER review a book without reading it first! Yikes, do people do that?!
I AGREE! Unsolicited books is SO CREEPY Aarti!! I hate getting things in the mail and having zero idea how people got my mailing address. It actually kinda terrifies me. But yes, I think she more meant if you specifically ask for it and then don’t even make an effort – or at least that is how I read it
I’m big on the no feeling guilty thing!
And umm… yeah… I think people do review without reading sometimes. Eecks.
Reading widely certainly helps when you’re reviewing, it’s so useful to be able to make references to other books you’ve read, even if it’s just in your mind, and the extra knowledge that comes with it is priceless. This sounds almost targeted to book bloggers, which is nice.
It was really neat Charlie. I don’t think I read widely enough, and certainly don’t fit the criteria required to actually “review” nonfiction, but I think there is a difference between scholarly reviews in journals and what we do online so meh, I will ignore that advice
I’ve been struggling with writing my reviews recently and have gotten really behind. I read your review of this book today and thought it sounded interesting so I picked it up for the Kindle (it’s cheap!). I only read a few pages to start, but it got me motivated to work for a bit on a review that’s had me stumped for over a month. Thanks!
Glad to hear that it was motivating to you! I found it helpful as well 4everoverhead.
I think a book like this should be a must for a book blogger. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
While I think we can all set our own rules Jayme, I agree. I think it’s a great resource for all of us!
The sounds like one to add to the TBR!
I hope you enjoy it Stephanie.
Then I better get busy because I’m totally behind schedule on my ARCs!
Heh who isn’t Lydia? I am too!
I’ve added this to my shopping list. Thanks.
You are most welcome Heather. I hope you enjoy it.
Good reivew, Amy. This is a must read for bloggers as well. The information is crucial to our crediblity. Thanks for sharing
I think so too readinpleasure.
I’m so glad to learn about this book. Thanks! The chapter titles sound like such tantalizing teasers
I really look forward to hearing what they have to say about all those subjects.
I’m especially interested in what they have to say about removing your biases as a reader. I don’t know if it’s possible for me to do that; I embrace my biases and acknowledge them explicitly because I don’t think objectivity is possible unless one is just summarizing the book.
You are most welcome Sarah, you’re more than welcome to borrow it from me! I agree with you that I don’t think it’s possible to ever truly remove biases. They talk more about acknowledging and trying to unpack them, which I think is what you do great. By talking about our biases we acknowledge that others might not think like we do, I think.
Sounds like a book I can use. I feel like all my reviews are starting to sound the same, these days. I may have to get the Kindle version. It’s nice and inexpensive.
I have been feeling that lately too Nancy, so it might not help enough sadly!
heh
Yeah, I’m gonna have to get this book. I have just the spot for it… right on top of my teetering, tottering TBR pile (ok, piles). But it sounds really useful and I can’t resist. Besides, what’s one more book…
Heh yes it is a useful one, so makes sense to add more to the pile in this case perhaps k