The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Calvani and Edwards certainly produced a much-needed reference book that covers all aspects of becoming a book reviewer. Their concise narrative covers areas such as defining a book review and explaining the difference between it and a book report and press release; the don’ts; tips; ownership; as well as many other pertinent concerns.  They also include resources and how libraries, book clubs, booksellers, etc. are influenced by reviewers.

As an owner of a book review service I was very interested what other reviewers had to say about the industry and what advice they give potential reviewers.  Calvani is an author as well as a freelance reviewer and I’m sure much of the information came from her own experience although throughout the book there are excerpts of advice from other known online reviewers.  The authors of “The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing” are very much to the point and it doesn’t look like they missed anything.

Although this book is targeting potential reviewers, I encourage authors looking for reviews to peruse the book. The information about reviews, specifically if it’s a negative review is enlightening.  As well, there is an appendix with a list of online reviewers.  Although the list is somewhat dated, it is a very thorough list.  And, I don’t mean dated in a negative way but I encourage the authors to also research the net for new services that recently emerged or reviewers that didn’t make the list.

I do recommend “The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing” as a must-have resource guide.  Calvani and Edwards present a well-written gold-mine to potential reviewers as well as a source of information for experienced reviewers and authors.

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards
Twilight Times Books (2008)
ISBN 9781933353227
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (5/08)