Earlier today, I read a post about reviewers written by Ally @Ally Writes Things and it had me reflecting on my own thoughts about the subject. I really enjoyed Ally’s discussion post from last week about different types of reviewers. In it, she identified seven types of reviewers, and I think I’m a mix between two: ‘The Friendly Reviewer’ and ‘Easy to Please’. It’s funny how accurate these descriptions are for the different reviewer types. Check out her post to see if you can identify what type of reviewer you are!
Friendly + Easy to please Reviewer:
- Is easily distracted by good writing
- Only notices major issues when they’re pointed out by other reviews
- “I thought the plot was boring and the characters were just okay, but I loved the writing. Four and a half stars.”
- Will drag your favourite book if they didn’t like it, but will do it nicely
- Honestly, even when they hate a book, it will be worded in the nicest way possible
- Will still probably rate that book 2 stars
- If they love a book, it’s just 600 words of them gushing non-stop about everything
This post actually brought back to mind something that I’ve questioned myself about over the last few weeks, and maybe it speaks to my insecurities as a somewhat new reviewer and blogger with little to no literary background other than my passion and love for reading. But sometimes I question whether I can call myself a “book reviewer” because I feel like about 80% of the time I’m only reflecting on how the book made me feel and what it made me think. Of course I do talk about the writing style, structure, pacing etc., but I don’t know much about the literary terms that are used to ‘critique’ books, so I tend to focus on what I do know.
The reason I thought of this is because I read someone comment that they also do the same thing (talk about how a book made them think/feel), but because of that they don’t consider themselves a book reviewer. That really got me thinking: does this make me any less of a book reviewer? I’ve only “recently” (read: one year) started to write reviews and one of the reasons I got this blog was to work on how I read and reflect on books. Maybe I’m biased (lol) but I don’t think it does because when you’re writing a review for a book you just finished, some of the elements you consider are how you felt connected to the storyline and the characters, whether that be emotionally, mentally or otherwise. Right?
What are your thoughts on this? Am I just letting my insecure thoughts consume me or have you ever wondered the same? Also, what type of reviewer are you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
dinipandareads 
I think I’m Easy to please…My most common rating is 4😁 I tend to dnf would-be 2s. 1s are reserved for ‘messed with my head’ reads.
Very thought-provoking…
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What an interesting post! There’s a distinct difference, though, between a book reviewer and a critic or critiquer. If you enjoy reading and then give your thoughts about the book, you are 100% qualified to call yourself a book reviewer. xD You’re not a critic, and that’s fine. Not everybody is. I’m for sure not, and I don’t want to be. 😛
Is it actually possible to be a mix of critical and doesn’t care but also friendly? Because I feel like that’s me. It feels like it might be counter-intuitive, though, but while I don’t shy away from giving my (sometimes harsh) opinion, I do try to word it nicely. Also, I’m totally guilty of gushing on and on about books I love.
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Ah, maybe that’s the distinction to make instead of between book reviewer and reader. I’m definitely not a critic and I’m okay with that too!
So interesting! I think it’s definitely possible to be that mix. Just because you give your opinion, even if it’s harsh, doesn’t mean that it can’t be delivered in a nicer way! Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my thoughts 🙂
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Thank you so much for the shoutout! 💕 I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
This is such an interesting post! I don’t have any literary background other than my love for books, either, and the one required English course I had to take in university. Book honestly, I think for readers, knowing how a book makes you feel is just as, if not more, important than the technical literary pieces. A book can be well-written and everything, but if it doesn’t make you feel something or if you didn’t enjoy it, it doesn’t really matter.
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Nice, I like what you’ve said and I do agree with you. I think it’s more a point of comparison sometimes, when I’m reading others’ reviews and I’m like wow, I just go on about how I really like something and how it made me feel, what others are writing seems so eloquent? But that’s probably more insecurity than actual ability to write a review! Haha thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts! 🙂
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I think I mostly related to Friendly Reviewer, but not completely.
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[…] (1) Bookish Thoughts: Book Reviewers […]
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I think I’m a thorough reviewer? With a pinch of ‘easy to please’ residue that is slowly fading the more I read and review.
You’re definitely letting your insecurities consume you! There’s no one ‘right’ way of reviewing and saying how the book made you feel is 100% valid! I often berate myself for not having enough of that and having my reviews sound too impersonal! Your thoughts and opinions are the fun part! 🙂
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