One big step for mankind.
Well, not really.
One small step for a possible career.
In the past few months, I've accumulated a lot of books. Since I practically stopped reading law books two years ago, I needed something that my brain can munch on. I'm tired of newspapers and magazines don't really do it for me so I turn to paperback novels.
It costs money. One book today would cost you at least 400 pesos. And for someone who's supposed to saving money, buy an average of one every week is not really wise.
But then, like I said, I still don't have plans on cutting back and changing my lifestyle and definitely, stop buying reading materials is not on my priority list to save money.
It had me thinking though.
It can be an outlet for my writing and potentially be a source of income if I do hone my skills correctly.
With that in mind, I let you in my new "project" - Book Reviews.
I remember my literary criticism class back in college and I remember being good at it. Hell, I got a 1.0 in my class back then so maybe I can work on that. All these books wouldn't end up rotting in those shelves after all.
How to write a book review.
1. Read the whole book. This is the very least you owe the author. You can't make a judgment on what they have done until you know all of it.
2. Review the book in front of you and not the book you wished they had written. You can and should point out shortcomings or failures, but don't criticize the book for something it was never intended to be.
3. Don't review genres in which you are uncomfortable. There is no point of having a science fiction hater review a science fiction novel.
4. If possible, compare the book to other genre or field of study. That helps any reader.
5. Criticize clearly and specifically but gently. A bad book takes as long to write as a good one, and each book is someone's baby. But a reviewer is charged to make a critical judgment and fails if he or she does not do so.
6. Know the guidelines of your reviewing medium. Some don't want plot summaries at all; some insist on them. Some want you to say it outright if you are recommending a book, others don't.
7. Be precise in your language. If this is the best book you've read, say so and say why. If it is yet another nice little book on a nice little topic, say so too. Find the words to say what you mean: the authors did, and so should you.
8. Don't be cowed by a famous name. Even famous writers sometimes do mediocre books.
9. Don't review books by people you know, love or hate. It isn't fair. Only review a book once; do not review the same title for more than one venue. This ensures that people who are looking for multiple review with multiple opinions will actually get them.
One small step to a richer bank account and a new apartment soon.
