After reading the reviews of the e-book only Romantic
Suspense, The Billionaire’s First
Christmas, I find no elements of suspense mentioned. It strikes me as straight romance. I did not read anything in any review that
indicates a threatened heroine placed in danger as mentioned in this week’s Powerpoint. I might buy it for the collection because it
sounds sweet and readers, especially romance readers, seem to enjoy a good Christmas
story. I checked out reviews on Amazon
and Goodreads as well. I am a little
concerned by the fact that so many reviewers said the writing was stilted and
filled with grammatical errors – that is a pet peeve of mine.
After reading the reviews, I would definitely buy Angela’s Ashes if I were selecting. These words make it a
must: “An extraordinary work in every
way” (Kirkus Reviews), “almost impossible to put down… a wonderful book…
strongly recommended” (Library Journal), “Readers will enjoy the humor and the music in
the language. A vivid, wonderfully readable memoir.” (School Library Journal) I perused reviews in Goodreads
and found most either loved it or hated it.
Sounds like something a public library should have!
I wish all books were given equal weight in reviews, but
that is not going to happen. It would be
easier for those selecting for a library collection, but where there is a
dearth of professional reviews, at least we have Goodreads, blogs, and other
reader reviews. Public library
collections should represent the interests of all of readers and since it is
not possible to read every book written, (alas!) reviews are a good tool. I think review sources should print both
positive and negative reviews (within reason – no reason to be unpleasant) as
this makes it easier to judge the work.
Not everyone is going to like every book!
I am currently not selecting at my library, but I know the
fiction selector for EPL reads lots of reviews.
She uses RT. Review, Entertainment Weekly, NY Bestseller list, Library Journal,
Publishers Weekly, and others. When I‘m
choosing a book to read for myself, I take suggestions from friends, and browse
books I check in. I like different kinds
of books, so I’m willing to try just about anything. If I don’t like it, it was still a learning
experience.
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