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HOW TO: Blog a Book Review

I love big books and I can not lie, so when I got wind that companies would send me books for free in return for my honest review I jumped on board VERY quickly.  I am two things by nature: a cheerleader and a coach/teacher, which are also the two things you need to be when reviewing a book.

Cheerleader: When you are reading a book regardless of your end feelings about the book, there will be somethings that you like. Share specific details ( quotes, pages, chapters) of those things that you found interesting, informative or just plain made you laugh out loud. If you have a photo you took or were given by the author share it on the blog and on social media. 

Coach: Though the author of the book you review may never read your review, and we are not here to rip apart authors. We are here to be honest. If there is something in the reading that did not set well with you, share it. If there is something you see that doesn't align with your beliefs or is false, share it. But if you do find something you do not agree with, share it in Love. Do not just bash the author, and do not just bash the content because you don't like it- share how it could be better. Don't be the yelling football dad on the sidelines trying to relive the glory days, be the encouraging mom in the stands that wants their child to enjoy the game.

Styles of Reviews
1. Short &Sweet: Share the topic of the book, about the author and where to buy it. 
2. Chapter by Chapter: Sharing your likes and dislikes on each chapter( helpful with longer books, devotional books, and bible studies). This does not mean you give away every last detail but you allow your reader to have a taste enough that they will want to jump over the Amazon and buy the book ;)
3. Format Review: which includes Recap the book, Relate the book to a personal story, Critique the book or author, Apply the book to your life. 

MOST IMPORTANT PART!!
Well, I saved the most important part of a book review or product review for last: you must share that you have received the book for free, and the opinions in the review are your own and not those of publishers or authors. If you are doing the book for a specific group, they will share some specific verbiage for you. 

I think that for some the word book review echos school and does not seem appealing. I can say that when you choose books you enjoy, sharing about the books is an overflow of the heart. 
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