Book Bloggers: Author Andromeda Romano-Lax’s Perspective
By APOOO • Sep 18th, 2008 • Category: Book Blogger Appreciation Week •
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In my daily Book Blogger Appreciation Week blog-hopping stops, I ran into this post over at MYFriendAmy’s blog. I heart how author Andromeda Romano-Lax shares why she appreciates reviews from book bloggers (insert book clubs)…while we might not be the NYTimes book reviewers…and who knows how long most newspaper reviewers are going to be around in today’s climate…we/reviewers can actually add more insight, and personal perspective about our take on books…and at the end of the day that’s what I hope we do at APOOO…it’s not about a book summary or book report…because most of us can do those…but it’s about how the book made you/the reviewer feel and why you would (or won’t) recommend it to others.
I believe if reviewers are honest, and write with other readers in mind, pretend you’re telling your most critical book loving friend why they should read a book, versus trying to ‘kiss up’ to an author, we will get better reviews in the future. Afterall, reviews are our own personal opinions, and freedom of speech should allow us to be candid, open and honest. And, if some authors get upset, that’s fine…that’s a few less non-favorable reviews we have to write in the future…and few less ‘needs improvement’ books we have to read.
On the other hand, there’s always authors coming down the pipeline with another story to tell, so I don’t think any reviewers or teams will ever be at a lost for books to review. 
DISCUSSION QUESTION
What type of book reviews do you prefer to read?
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APOOO is a book club and an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African American literature. Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.
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I read the column and her attitude and enthusiasm makes me want to read the book. If more authors “got it” that it is the readers’ and bookclub reviews that tell the real story, the publishers will and have taken note.
Dera’s last blog post..I’ve Been Called Out
That was a very nice post! She’s an author who really gets it and I think I’m going to look for her book! Thanks for hipping me to her Yas
Darnetta’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #5…what was that u said?
Dera/Darnetta…I agree she’s an author who I knew nothing about…writes about a subject matter that wouldn’t necessarily be on my radar…but after reading her comments…I’m going to find out more about her and might just pick up her book because her enthusiasm is infectious!
Well I haven’t read her post yet, but I’m heading there. I’m glad to see authors who appreciate and get what it is we as reviewers do.
Jennifer C.’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #7- Sweets I like to Eat
Love it, there are a few authors who get, alas, the list is short…
Blessings!
angelia