Really, What Is a Book Review?

Dear Reader,

I know I’ve been missing from this space. You know how life just happens—and sometimes you have to stand by and let it pass.

Today’s topic is book reviews.

Ah! Something I do often. But what I want to share today is the thought process behind it.

I am a mood reader. I’ve tried maintaining a monthly TBR list—but it rarely works for me. Whenever I pick up a book, my choice reflects my mood more than any plan.

Initially, I thought I would journal chapter by chapter. But I read in moments—on my way to pick up my daughter, late at night curled up in bed, or sometimes outside under the open sky. I don’t always carry a notebook. And mobile? No. That’s my Chief Procrastination Officer 😄  So daily journaling becomes difficult. But I try. One such trial is here.

Once I finish a book, there’s so much going on in my mind. Some days, I rush to pick up the next book and forget to reflect on the last one. The review gets lost.

Other days, I note down my thoughts immediately. But if I don’t post it the same day, it either fades away—or changes. You know… after a few days, the dust settles, and the feelings aren’t the same.

Then comes the real question—what is a review, really?

Is it about the plot?  

The writing style?  

A summary of the story?  

Or how the book made me feel?  

Is it about themes?  

Or how those themes are explored in a certain time and setting?  

Or even what didn’t work for me?

Take A Room with a View by E.M. Forster, for example. It has so many layers. It’s not difficult to write about—but it takes time. And sometimes, my thoughts keep changing. And not to forget life happens 🫣.

Does this happen to you too?

And then there are books that make you feel so much… but the words just don’t come.

Even after almost three years of writing reviews, these questions still circle in my mind. I’m still searching for that “perfect” way.

Maybe there isn’t one.

Maybe each book asks for a different kind of review.

Some books make you want to recommend them to everyone—so you talk about the plot, the writing, the twists.

Some feel deeply personal—so you write about how they made you feel, what they reminded you of.

And some… take away your words completely.

In those cases, maybe it’s okay to not write a review at all.

If you are an avid reader—or someone just beginning to read more—what do you look for in a review?

Yours,

Deepa

This post is a part of BlogchatterA2Z Challenge 2026

──────── ★ ────────

• Amazon
• Goodreads
• Instagram