The Tx Lit Chic – How I Started Reviewing

From Book Reports to Engaging Reviews: My Journey

Reading is a true passion of mine. I wish I could write more than just reviews, but my ADHD often makes it a struggle to even finish a book review. In fact, I usually spend more time writing the review than it takes me to read the book itself. ***hangs head in shame***

I have attempted to sit down and write. I have tried to journal. I have successfully scrapbooked, but writing a short little description or memory of a picture was about the extent of my writing capabilities for the longest time.

Then, I discovered several Facebook groups focused on books and reading. I began to see posts from indie authors discussing how helpful writing even brief reviews and sharing them on Amazon and other bookish platforms could be. That inspired me to think, “I can write a review for a book I’ve enjoyed, especially since I love reading so much!”

Haha! I had no idea that writing a book review was such a different beast! I began creating what I thought were “reviews,” only to be informed that I wasn’t in school anymore and we weren’t doing book reports. Ouch! That stung. I was insulted. I was pissed off. I couldn’t believe they thought my reviews were comparable to a kid’s book report!

After spending time in a few of my favorite Facebook groups, observing how others crafted their reviews, and researching effective review techniques on bookish platforms, I realized there was drastic room for improvement. My new goal became to write a spoiler-free review (whoops my book reports had all kinds of spoilers…. sorry y’all) that did justice to the book, while sparking curiosity in others. After a few reviews and some valuable feedback from authors, I finally found my groove and began to really enjoy the process!

I’m currently revising my old reviews to better align with my current writing style and to highlight the books and authors the way they truly deserve. I hope you enjoy my reviews and if I can be any help let me know, it is a learning process, and my journey is far from over!