To Readers

[Amy]

Let's discuss our commitments to readers here. (this is so fun...it's like the Continental Congress or something)

[Shelly Burns]

Well, when you put it that way...lol - Continental Congress!

My commitment, first and foremost, is honesty. I want to be honest with my readers. Did I like the book or not? Why or why not? Would I recommend this book and to whom?

[Phoebe Jordan]

I'm with you there Shelly. I like to be honest in my reviews so my readers understand my likes and dislikes in a book and why I liked or disliked that part. I always make clear that even though I might not have like certain things in a book doesn't mean that the book was horrible and that no one should read it because everyone has their own taste in books.

I can't tell anyone to read or not read a book because they may have a different opinion than mine and may end up enjoying or disliking the book no matter what I reviewed.

[Darby Lohrding]

Honesty and Integrity should show through your comments, otherwise why would readers follow your blog?
I like the way Gayle, over at "Everyday I Write The Book Blog" soothes her displeasure of a book, by stating somthing like, "hey I didn't care for this book yet don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself". She has also many times posted that books others raved about were really not to her liking, which stresses to me how much individual preference's determine if someone likes a book or not.
Amy, I think this sounding board in order to get everyone on the same page is a great idea!
Thank you!
Darby

[Ruthie @ Ruthie's Book Reviews]

I agree - I dont believe in saying that I enjoyed a book when I really didn't, but I always say 'Hey it just wasn't for me, but you should judge for yourself!' or something like that.

I've noticed quite a few of the books that I've read that I may have enjoyed but others didn't. We shouldn't be afraid of hurting feelings - we're just being honest.

[Norm Goldman]

It is very important that we first consider the reader. If the book is not up to par, then it should be constructively criticized.

Norm, Bookpleasures.com

[Christine Bode]

I agree with you all on honesty and integrity coming first, definitely! It's hard for me to think I might be hurting someone's feelings with a less than stellar review but I do try to always find something positive to stay about the book first and then state why it got the rating it did if it wasn't 3 stars or above.