Quote:
Originally Posted by GraceKrispy
If you do like to read the reviews and it helps you make your decision, what kind of review do you find most helpful?
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My favorite reviews are those indicating whether or not the author has done a good job of researching the subject area and is then true to that research, even in fiction. I prefer, whatever the genre, that the research has been thorough and well represented in the work. I can sometimes put up with weaker writing skills (though not too weak) if the research and incorporation of that research are spot on, whether it demonstrates a solid understanding of the psychology, social forces, science, history, etc.
For me, encountering a book with too many research errors, no matter how well written, is more than I can bear. I find myself commenting, then arguing with the author (yes, in my head), and then I end up just putting the book down.
So when reading a review where the reviewer points out how the author has done a good job of capturing a time in history, medical lingo/procedures, legal lingo/procedures, science, or whatever, I find that my interest is definitely piqued, and I am more likely to buy and read that book. Even books like Bill Bryson's personal experience type of humor still need to be genuine and true to place, time, etc.