Showing posts with label reviewing. Show all posts

 Hello!

I have been thinking a lot about negative book reviews recently. There has been some buzz around them online. Some people think they should be shared whilst others not so much. I have my own little dilemma.

I recently read The Green Mile by Stephen King, and I didn't have the best time reading it. I wanted to read it because I have always enjoyed watching the film, so naturally, I thought the book has to be better? That is usually the case. Turns out, I didn't enjoy reading it at all. I was hoping to review the book before I started it so that's why I continued to read it. I have written the review but I haven't posted it. I am not entirely sure if I should.

I am within two minds because on one hand, it is important we give honest reviews and make sure they're helpful for people who potentially want to read that book. But on the other hand, I didn't have many positive things to say, therefore is it necessary to share something with a lot of negativity. It's an inner battle of what is right or wrong. I don't like spewing hate online, it's unnecessary but I also like to be honest. Surely as a book reviewer, you can't just only talk about the books you love, right? 

I think one of the reasons I want to share the review is because the book wasn't short, I invested a lot of time into it and it really enraged me. It took me a good week or so to get over it and stop thinking about it. I really needed a place to put all my thoughts, hence the book review. I love sharing my thoughts on books with you guys, what do you think I should do?

I now know one thing after reading it is that I don't have to finish a book if I am not enjoying it. I should have put it down the moment I got red flags instead of hoping it would get better. 

Note to self: if you aren't enjoying a book then put it down and don't pick it back up!

Has a book ever made you feel this way?


To post or not to post?

Tuesday, 3 August 2021

 Hello!

This week I am here to tell you about an amazing website where you can read books online: Netgalley. I am in no way sponsored by the company, I have not been asked to write this. I just thought it would be useful to share, as I am constantly looking for new books to read. Some of you guys may be interested.

 I discovered this little gem a couple of years back in University, I didn't really use it much at the time. However, more recently I have rekindled my love with it. It is a great way to discover new books but also to get into reviewing books! It helps provide feedback for publishers, plus you might find your next favourite book. 

On Netgalley, you find books that aren't yet released or are exclusive. For FREE. You read them in an e-book format and/or e audiobook! It is very accessible. Which I think is amazing especially for it being free, it allows anyone to read and review books. There are so many categories to choose from such as Literary Fiction, LGBTQIA and even Comics & Graphic Novels. There so many more than I have mentioned, there really is something for everyone.

How it works is you sign up and browse to your own leisure and you request books to read very much like a library. It can take a couple of weeks to be accepted but it is well worth the wait. Once you are accepted you are free to read. You can also download their app 'Netgalley Shelf' this is where you can access all the stories you have been accepted to read. It is super helpful and can be downloaded to all devices. I have only requested a few stories so far just so I don't get too ahead of myself, this is what my bookshelf currently looks like:


I am really enjoying reading new books I probably wouldn't have found otherwise! I am currently reading Next Exit Home by Dena Blake from Netgalley, so far so good! You will be seeing a review next week of this book. 

I hope you guys fall in love with Netgalley just as much as I have, I know a few people have asked me about reviewing books and looking for books to read to review and honestly this is a good way to go about it. You get to read and publishers get to hear honest feedback! It is a win-win for everyone. If you do check out Netgalley, please let me know I am super interested in what books you decide to request to read!

Thank you for reading this weeks blog post! I appreciate all of you reading my blog, it means the world to me. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend, see you next week!



NetGalley

Saturday, 6 March 2021