Ramblings-n-Writings

As you can tell by the number of book reviews this past month, I’ve started reading a lot more books for review. I love being exposed to new authors and new stories. And I enjoy sharing my insight and opinions about the books.

I try to set aside time each day to do a little reading. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, life just gets in the way, and my reading time disappears. If I miss a day or two, I know I have to make up that time by spending a morning or afternoon reading.

Once I finish a book, I often let the book germinate in my mind. I don’t write my review right away. Usually there’s one aspect of the book that stands out to me and that’s what I like to write about in my review. For some books, it’s the characters, others it’s the theme/message, and others it’s the storyline. When I initially finish a book, it’s hard to separate the wheat from the chaff, so I let the book germinate. In 2 or 3 days, the idea I remember from the book is what I emphasize in my review.

My favorite books are those that teach me something as an individual. Not teaching in a preachy way, but through example. When an author creates a character that I can identify with and then throws that character into a situation that causes an inner struggle that I’ve been through or am going through, I love it. (Yipes, that’s a wordy sentence.) Personally, I believe every book should teach something.

Okay, so that last paragraph is a rabbit trail…Going back to my finding time to read…

At times it is hard to keep up with my book schedule (publishers like book reviews posted during certain time frames). Sometimes I’m a couple of books ahead; other times I finish a book on the day of its tour. I try to not overwhelm myself with books, but the inevitable tends to happen.

I say all that to say that any book that is featured on Ramblings-n-Writings has been read by me. I know some book bloggers post the promotional material without reading the books. I’m not comfortable doing that. Personally, I’ve purchased and read books based on other blog reviews, and I’d like for my blog readers to know they can trust the books features here. If I don’t agree with a book or am uncomfortable recommending it, my review will say so. I believe in honesty and integrity. If you see the promotional material for a book without a review from me, consider the book recommended (life probably got in the way of my review).

Related posts:

1. Books I Plan to Read
2. Losing Out on Books
3. A New Way To Read Books
4. Delightful books
5. Today’s Arrival: Books!!!

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