To review, or not to review

I recently noticed that I have already published more than 100 posts on my blog 🎉🍾! And I love doing it so much, my book club of one 😁. I say, on to the next 100! But first this.

I have argued several times with some that my blog is not a review site. But what is it? As far as I’m concerned, this is a blog where I write about my favorite lesfic/fanfic books. I also write about stories and other lesbian-themed items like TV-shows, movies, and podcasts. 

But is there a difference between reviewing and expressing an appreciation? Uh, yes. I googled the word review and found this on Wikipedia:

A review, also referred to as review, is a (critical) discussion of a book. It can also be about a film, television program, or computer game. Furthermore, it may involve a stage performance or musical performance. It extends to any other cultural expression or another product or service.

A review is often published in a newspaper or magazine or on the internet. The person who writes a review is called a reviewer . For example, a reviewer may receive a free copy of a book, CD, or DVD. This copy comes from the publisher, manufacturer, or distributor. It is called a review copy.

Features of a review:

A review usually consists of three parts:

1. The analysis (a discussion of the content of the book, film, etc.)
2. The interpretation (meaning the work itself and in a broader context)
3. The evaluation (positive and negative criticism)

Now a number of the above aspects certainly apply, but I will leave out the critical and negative aspects. After all, I only write about the books and stories that I consider my personal favorite. I don’t describe books that made me less happy. The stars I give are also of no use, everything is always ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

And also: when an author offers me a free copy for a review, I explain how I’m in it. If they do want me to read the book, then they know one thing. If I don’t like it, I won’t say anything about it. If I do like it, then I write about it and I buy the book. Am I a goody two shoes? Well no. But I want to keep true to myself. That’s why I started doing this. The whole review thing became an industry in itself to me 🤯. I hardly read reviews anymore. I look at the blurb of a book. I also check information about the author. Based on this, I decide whether I’m going to buy or read the book or story.

Finally, I call my blog a ‘book club of one’. That doesn’t mean that opinions or comments of others don’t interest me though. On the contrary 💚. So much for my argument. I will read on now 😀🪅.