tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791370181970390465.post4994707311349497515..comments2023-09-29T05:00:23.551-05:00Comments on ~ The Borrowed Book ~: Where the Past Meets the Present: Book ReviewsElizabeth Ludwighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056509500051387657noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791370181970390465.post-19223591855978999882012-04-11T18:51:58.131-05:002012-04-11T18:51:58.131-05:00Thank you all so much for your comments! I'm s...Thank you all so much for your comments! I'm sorry for the long delay in responding... I'm a bit overwhelmed with my last few weeks of college life right now, LOL! <br /><br />I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and hearing your enthusiasm for the written word and reviews! :) Thank you for your thoughtful responses that have given me some more food for thought about the benefits and usefulness of reviews.<br /><br />Thank you all again, and I apologize for my short, late, and broad response!<br /><br />~Amber<br /><br />P.S. Julia, An Experiment in Criticism is an intriguing read that spells out Lewis' views on different readers, criticism, and more. Definitely some important things to think about!Amber Holcombhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100265646497152198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791370181970390465.post-22108404928922188302012-04-09T13:18:14.076-05:002012-04-09T13:18:14.076-05:00I'm not a book reviewer, but I do utilize revi...I'm not a book reviewer, but I do utilize reviews from time to time when I buy a book. I've often wondered how much personal preference comes into play with reviewers. That's why I appreciate reviews that spell out why a reviewer feels negative about a book. I'm sure that's hard to do without giving away plot, but I'll read those reviews closely to see if the things that bothered the reviewer will bother me.Candice Prenticehttp://www.candicemillerspeare.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791370181970390465.post-3217298350258433802012-04-09T12:15:01.865-05:002012-04-09T12:15:01.865-05:00Wow, Amber...that was some post! I've almost ...Wow, Amber...that was some post! I've almost thrown in the towel a couple of times with reviewing, but have still had this tiny inkling to continue on. Sometimes it can be so incredibly overwhelming...when will I ever find the time to get all these books read?! <br /><br />One thing you said really stood out to me...how you might have missed out on books you might not have read otherwise. I cannot count the number of times I've experienced that very thing! Wow...the number of authors whose books I grab as soon as they are released has gotten out of control as a result! <br /><br />Will I ever quit? Maybe, but I hope not. :o)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05224144362122882987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791370181970390465.post-50440173506887349482012-04-09T10:20:29.592-05:002012-04-09T10:20:29.592-05:00I don't review books too often. I did for awhi...I don't review books too often. I did for awhile, but I requested so many books, I couldn't get to them all in a timely manner and still write fiction at the same time. <br /><br />I do read reviews, particularly on amazon.com and christianbook.com before I buy a book, and those reviews have influenced me. <br /><br />Thanks for stopping by my blog today and pointing me toward this article. Interesting food for thought. :)Erica Vetschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08772984806574666959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791370181970390465.post-37135721922164485062012-04-09T08:46:28.781-05:002012-04-09T08:46:28.781-05:00Wow, I never knew Lewis had a book about reviewing...Wow, I never knew Lewis had a book about reviewing and criticism. Sounds worthy of a read. I do have very mixed feelings about reviewing. It must be taken on with honesty, yet also caution. I love what Rel shared here, too. I think a good review must combine honesty, tact, respect for the author, and a humility in realizing that our opinion isn't the only one out there. Great post, Amber, that has made me think about this further.Julia M. Reffnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11979214959063965164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3791370181970390465.post-20911822923420060082012-04-09T02:27:06.336-05:002012-04-09T02:27:06.336-05:00Oh Amber, you know I hear you on this! I often ha...Oh Amber, you know I hear you on this! I often have friends or family ask me when was the last time I read a book simply for enjoyment and not for the purpose of writing a review and I can't quite remember!! That tells me it has been a long while! I agree, there are times when reading a book for review can seem like hard work and as you know, it is incredibly time consuming and not something to be taken on lightly!!<br /><br />I will say this though, reviewing books has not hindered my passion for the written word and only added to my enjoyment of sharing with others what I love or don't love about the stories I read. My desire to encourage authors with interviews and spotlights has not diminished although the burden of time and effort has increased.<br /><br />And my hip pocket would definitely be affected if I wasn't reviewing - actually, I just wouldn't be able to indulge in my passion actually as the only way to read CF in Oz is to buy it. Public libraries just don't stock it other than the odd Dekker or Kingsbury novel.<br /><br />As for taking a break from reviewing - that gives me cold shivers! My backlog is overwhelming as it is - LOL! That said I can see the merit of stepping back for a bit but while I still love what I'm doing I'm going to keep reviewing away ;-DRelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14857426893482706263noreply@blogger.com