Week 5 Prompt: Reviews

For this weeks post, the Readers Advisory class that I am taking is required to respond to questions asked in the blog about some reviews we read.

I enjoy reading reviews of any type in order to help get my bearings on which way I want to go in my personal reading.  I usually look to Goodreads when I am unsure of what is next on my agenda. I have not had the opportunity to order books or participate in whole collection development—yet.  However, I enjoy reading reviews in the VOYA journal as I try to know what is out there for the teens I work with. 

The first three examples of reviews about The Billionaire’s First Christmas were okay.  However, none of them led me to think that I wanted to get it right away or even real soon; maybe, next Christmas—if I don’t have anything better to do.  

The reviews focused on the cliché found within the pages.  One reviewer said, “I wasn’t hooked to the core, but it’s okay.  I don’t dislike it.  It’s just fine.”  I value an honest review.  All three pretty much said the same thing—which also makes me think that this book is exactly what they suggest: cliché.  Sometimes, we want something we can trust to do exactly what is expected.  This would be a read for one of those days.

However, it is offered only in Kindle or eReader and . . . it doesn’t cost anything.  So, it wouldn’t order it.  They could get it free already.  If it was available in paperback (I can’t see it printed in anything but), I might order just one or two copies—if it was requested.  I have a lot of romance readers who enjoy a nice story.  However, once this book is read, it’s read.  Not many, if any, are going to reread it.

After I read the reviews for Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt, I put it on my Goodreads list.  I anticipate a deeper yet enjoyable time reading the memoir.  Each review has elements from the story mentioned along with a couple of quotes that resonated with the readers. 

Emotion is used to draw in would be readers.  There is talk of laughter and depression.  This makes the story seem well rounded and real.  

The Library Journal said, “His story, almost impossible to put down, may well become a classic.”  

School Library Journal wrote, “Young people will recognize the truth of these compelling tales; the emotions expressed; the descriptions of teachers, relatives, neighbors; and the casual cruelty adults show toward children.”

I’m ready to set some time to read it as soon as possible.  

Angela's Ashes sounds like a book adults and teens alike have been devouring and keeping out of the library: A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer.  Angela's Ashes is a definite must have for any library—and I haven’t even read it yet. 

Now . . . to find the time.