Entries Tagged as 'Book Reviews'

Book Review: We Were There With the Pony Express by William O’Steele

I recently had the opportunity to review a couple of books for the free online homeschooling magazine, Heart of the Matter Online.

The first review has been published on their blog, so head over and take a peek - historical fiction by a prolific author (39 titles to his name!).

Book Review: We Were There With the Pony Express by William O’Steele

Book Review: Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! AND Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! by Stacey Kannenberg

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! and Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! are two educational activity books for young children published by Cedar Valley Publishing. Developed by Mom of two, Stacy Kannenberg; these workbooks are printed on heavy duty “plasticized” paper that is designed for use with dry erase markers. The books are a small size for children, and are very rugged and stand up well to repeated use from small children. My daughters (5 and 2) put both books through their paces and are quite delighted with them. They are designed for parents to work through with their children in preparation for the stated school grade, either Kindergarten or First Grade. Both books cover core required academic subjects for the grade that the child will be entering, because of this they also make an excellent core curriculum for the early grades that homeschoolers can supplement with additional practice activitities, read alouds, Bible and other options. They can also be used for remedial work for children who are having a difficult time mastering core academic concepts in their current grade, or the grade they have just completed.

These books are already award-winners; both Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! and Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! books won the Adding Wisdom Award from Parent-to Parent.  Both books are also winners of the 2008 Best You Can Be Award for Books in Education.  The books are also approved for purchase by a variety of State educational purchasing departments for use within public schools.

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten!  appeals to a wide variety of pre-schoolers and those just starting their educational journey (recommended ages 2 - 6). My two year old likes to watch while her older sister and I go through the practice activities together. She also loves the dry erase feature, and grabs the markers and draws/colours in the workbooks. This is my 5 year old’s favourite summer time learning book - it is compact and easy to take for travel while covering a wide variety of topics and skills. We currently have it with us as we wait in the city at my grandparents home for our new baby to arrive. K and I have gone through the book a few times together, and this morning she was working on it with her Grandma. It is simple for adults to understand how to work through the practice activities with their children, just open it up, grab a marker and you are ready to go, no preparation required.

For us it is a wonderful combination of skill levels and subjects - 30 pages of bright and colourful educational activities for youngsters.  K knows enough of the material to feel confident in her abilities, but there is enough new and advanced material to challenge her, without her feeling threatened. The illustrations are bright and engaging and feature a multi-cultural cast of children, as well as the teacher. Note for Canadians - there is a section that involves American currency, but it is fairly easy to pull out your change purse to show your children Canadian money during this portion of the book.  Two lists, Early Childhood Skills and Parent and Caregiver Tips provide parents with a firm understanding of the academic and “soft” skills required for a successful year of Kindergarten.

Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! shares the same design and features of Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! while covering core academic subjects at a more advanced level (recommended ages 5 - 8).  Much of the material presented in this title is too advanced for my oldest at age 5, but there are sections that she really enjoys (anything to do with the solar system is a big hit for her!).  There are again some sections that are written particularly for the US audience, including the section on money and government, but again, it is simple to substitute Canadian content while working through the book. 40 pages of rich educational content presented in the same bright and interactive style as the first title.  The sample story given does include the tooth fairy, which I was disappointed to see as our family doesn’t participate in this myth.  Aside from this, this title is an excellent academic foundation, building more advanced reading, beginner writing skills, simple math etc. on which to build the foundation for a first grade curriculum if so desired.  It can also be used for preparatory work over the summer, or review work as well.

Both titles are engaging for young children, and they find it hard to resist the hands-on interactivity paired with the bright and lively illustrations.

The most affordable place to order these titles is from the publisher directly.  You can click here to order from Cedar Valley.

They are also available from Amazon if you are already purchasing from their site:

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten!

Let’s Get Ready for First Grade!

10% of the profits of both books will be donated to literacy programs.

Book Review: She Always Wore Red, Fairlawn Series #2 by Angela Hunt

She Always Wore Red, Angela HuntI’ll be the first to admit that the wide and wonderful world of Christian fiction is still so new to me. Since the time of conversion most of my reading has been dedicated to parenting, homeschooling, children’s and various non-fiction and reference works in the very large Christian books category. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this title – after all, how could this sort of women’s fiction draw me closer to Christ? I thought I’d give it a try – and let me tell you, this book blessed me!

Jennifer Graham is the owner of a funeral home, though she is still very new to the business. We have the delight of following her as she learns the ropes of dealing with the dead and their families; fascinating details are provided for those of us who are interested in human anatomy. We are able to meet the members of her family and see them move through challenging situations where faith in God carries them through.

This title is the second in the Fairlawn Series (I’m now eager to read the first installment as well as future titles), and reads very well on it’s own if you aren’t familiar with the rest of the series. Angela Hunt quickly brings us up to speed with the circumstances of the main characters without the need for lengthy expository passages. She quickly endears these quirky individuals to us by including the miniscule details of their lives that make the book all the more realistic.

It seems as though there is a rash of books in Christian women’s fiction where the leading ladies are divorced, and then become entangled in romantic involvements, and even remarriage with other men. My mind was set at ease to learn that Jennifer, though she had been divorced, was now a widow. Now I could relax - even if romantic situations developed without worrying about sin on the main characters part, whew! Thankfully any potential romantic interest was also very subtle and free of sensual overtones.

Hunt confronts controversial, contemporary social issues from a Christian viewpoint where the rubber hits the road - within the family. While dealing with the issues of peer pressure, abortion and racial prejudice the themes of God’s love, grace and sovereignty shine through. Hunt was extraordinarily successful at engaging my emotions - I gasped in joy as I rejoiced with them, and I wept with them in their times of sorrow and doubt.

I have now been opened up to the possibility that well written Christian fiction can indeed, draw a believer’s heart closer to Christ, can lead them to examine themselves in the light of His love, can teach us how to relate to, and love each other. How could I ask for anything more? I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt’s work now that I have discovered her.

Watch for the upcoming blog tour post this week, including more about this title, the author, and the first chapter!

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Have you read this book?  Please leave your comments below, or a link to your review!

Book Review: Beyond the Reflection’s Edge, Echoes from the Edge #1 by Bryan Davis

Beyond the Reflection's EdgeClick Here to Read the First Chapter and Overview

Click Here to Read an Interview with Bryan Davis

Can Christianity and science fiction be successfully blended in one work? That is the question I found myself asking as I read through Beyond the Reflection’s Edge. Before my conversion I was an avid fantasy and science fiction reader; after my conversion I set the genre aside due to the extreme un-godliness of many of the themes. It was with interest that I read this entry into the Christian, young-adult, adventure-fantasy field (I think it would be better classed as science fiction however).

Bryan Davis is certainly an accomplished author, who draws his readers into the world that he has created and keeps them reading through a series of high-paced scene (and dimension changes). His main character, Nathan, is an honorable Christian young man. I appreciate the model that he provides for young readers when dealing with standards of modesty, respect for women and sexual purity. Nathan also has a heart for those who are lost, and do not know the love of Christ in their own lives. Examples such as this are difficult to find, and often lacking in contemporary fiction written for young adults. It is obvious that the absent father figure has trained his son well, as his influence continues to be felt on a daily basis in practical, real-life decisions. This is a father who has trained his son well. Nathan’s deep love, obedience and respect for his parents are also refreshing in the sea of youth fiction, where parents are either emotionally absent or disregarded by their children.

Some of the characters could have benefited from a deeper level of development so that readers could empathize with them more fully. At times when they found themselves in desperate situations I found myself feeling emotionally neutral in regards to their predicaments. Solutions to various conflicts involve physical force and violence, which is not discouraged, but rather lauded as skillful by other characters. I doubt that I would encourage young teenage children of my own to read it due to some of the darker events that occur.

After reading this novel I’m still not certain if Christianity and science fiction can be successfully blended. I am certainly thankful for the Christian character examples provided, as well as the acknowledgement of God as creator throughout. God is certainly never absent, and is often referenced by several of the characters. While I doubt this title will draw you nearer to Christ in your walk with Him; if you are interested in some light summer reading, that is quick paced and entertaining without compromising your Christian values, then this would be an excellent choice for you. I did find the reading enjoyable, and quick paced, I had a difficult time setting the book aside.

Have you read this book? Let me know what you thought in the comments!

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!

Book Review: The Captive Princess - A Story Based on the Life of Young Pocahontas (Daughters of the Faith Series) by Wendy Lawton

Who hasn’t heard of Pocahontas? She is likely the most prominent female Native American in North America. Even we Canadians to the North are familiar with the basic rudiments of her story and impact upon the settlement of the United States. Whether you were introduced to her through a full length animated feature film bearing the name her Father teasingly bestowed upon her (little mischief-maker); in school history lessons or through a historical fiction biography, you have no doubt encountered her. Have your children?

Author Wendy Lawton, also a renowned doll maker and literary agent, has crafted a brisk paced, educational and engrossing account of the girlhood of Pocahontas. The seventh in the Daughters of The Faith Series, The Captive Princess not only covers the culture of Pocahontas’ native people (the Powhatan tribe) and her major contributions to history, but also explores her conversion to Christianity. Made famous not only by her astounding bravery and courage displayed while saving John Smith’s life and her role in the provision of food for the struggling Jamestown settlement – she is also one of the first Native American converts to Christianity.

This engaging tale touches upon all of the major aspects of the Pocahontas story while blessedly steering clear of any inappropriate innuendos that some historical fiction dealing with this heroine becomes entangled in. My own first introduction to the story of Pocahontas was through a work of historical fiction, no doubt intended for adult readers, that was given to me as a gift as a preteen. Unfortunately it included conclusions based upon uncalled for speculation into the relationship between John Smith and Pocahontas and became quite graphic.

Memories of this past read haunted me from time to time as I read through this title, but thankfully, it is a very clean read, with no inappropriate or sensual suggestions at all. The Daughters of the Faith Series is aimed at Christian girls between the ages of 8 – 12, and I was blessed to find that I would feel comfortable sharing it with my young daughters without having to worry about unclean language or inferences.

During the first few chapters I made heavy use of the glossary of Powhatan words found in the back of the book until I became familiar with the most frequently used Powhatan words and expressions sprinkled infrequently throughout the text. I found the use of these words delightful, as I learned how some Powhatan words have become part of the English language, as we know it today. The development of Pocahontas’ native culture is depicted skillfully, and is naturally integrated into the story – woven throughout the day-to-day situations she finds herself in, without an emphasis on lengthy expository sequences. Lawton is an author that succeeds in drawing her readers into the story, and I read the entire book in one sitting.

Unfortunately the theme that should have held the book together and brought it to a powerful conclusion was not presented as clearly as it could have been. God’s work in the life of Pocahontas was evident throughout the book in the guidance she feels are coming from “Gitchee Manitou” or the “Great Spirit”. While I understand that this term may have been used to explain God, the Creator of the universe, I do not believe that these two entities are one and the same. Gitchee Manitou is more of an animistic deity, and while the existence of this spirit may help to guide those with an existing understanding of him into a fuller understanding of God the Creator, they cannot be seen as one being, as they are presented in several instances in the book.

This confusion, along with the lack of a comprehensive explanation of the full gospel may be confusing for younger readers. I was somewhat confused by what the author was trying to accomplish by stating that Jesus Christ was the son of Gitchee Manitou myself, let alone how a younger reader would feel. If the author is aiming to promote ecumenism she is well on her way – many Christians who hold to the historical faith, that a relationship with Jesus Christ, His Father, and the Holy Spirit are the only way to eternal life, may well find themselves disappointed by such statements.

Despite my hesitations regarding the potentially confusing spiritual statements made in The Captive Princess, I look forward to reading the other titles in the Daughters of the Faith Series. I pray, that because the other girls represented do not come from animistic backgrounds this confusion as to the person of God and His Son Jesus Christ, will not be present. Lawton writes in a clear, depictive voice that will make these titles highly sought after additions to the libraries of Christian families who are eager to learn more about young heroines of the faith.

There are currently seven other titles in this historical fiction series.

You can visit Wendy Lawton online to learn more about her dolls, stories and free bookmarks to download.

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Have you read this book?  What were your thoughts?  Please share with us in the comments!

How To Get Started Writing Online Book Reviews, Part 3

The third in a series of articles on writing online book reviews. Click here for Part 1 and Part 2. Today’s article presents the opportunity of reviewing Christian children’s picture books (no blog required), as well as advice for new reviewers.

I have recently been blessed with the opportunity to write some reviews for Christian Children’s Book Review (CCBR). This is a group book review blog with several contributors (and you can see a photo of me with my two girls in the right hand sidebar there!). There are currently six contributing book reviewers on the site, all Christian mothers with a passion for Christian children’s picture books. Most of the mothers also maintain their own websites and/or blogs, but not all do, nor is it a requirement of participation in the reviewers group.

I stumbled across the CCBR a couple of months ago and was struck by the clear and simple design of the blog, as well as the group review format. There are many sites that review Christian fiction for adults, but the Christian children’s picture book market is often under-represented.

From Christian Children’s Book Review:

Who We Are & Why We’re Doing This

We’re Christian moms who not only love books, but love helping our kids learn to love books!

This blog is a labor of love, started because we couldn’t find a comprehensive website of Christian children’s picture book reviews. We hope you find it useful.

For those of us with small children, a review site such as this is a true boon. The blog was also awarded the Litty Award for Best Christian Litblogger in 2007. They are always open to inquiries from those interested in writing reviews for them.

This review site works a little differently than some of the others I know of and have participated in. Some review copies of books are available as they come in, other titles will need to be provided by the reviewers themselves. I found that I already had a number of books on the shelf that had not yet been reviewed on the site, so I am working on those reviews to start with. After that it will be off to the library! Reviewers are also entitled to the earnings from the affiliate links from their own reviews on the site. Desired participation from reviewers is 3 new reviews each month. I have found that this should be easily attainable, as picture books are very quick to read, and my children love to help by listening! There are many other details available in a pdf file ( a fabulous introduction to reviewing for CCBR, frequently asked questions, how to put reviews together, how the site works, photo tutorials on submitting reviews etc.) by emailing the blog founder and co-ordinator, Kristina using the contact information on this page. It is a good idea to have some examples of your writing (as discussed in Part 1 of this series) that you can send to Kristina to show the quality of your work. These can either be emailed, or displayed on your blog.

CCBR reviews are held to the certain standards including: proper English grammar, word usage and spelling. Don’t let this intimidate you though - Kristina is happy to assist with editing your first few reviews to help with this aspect of review writing for the site.

Here is her advice for new book reviewers:

First and foremost, take your writing seriously. Too many reviews are poorly written. Read lots of books about good writing and editing; you may not be a novelist, but your skill as a writer does count. Also, never be afraid to write a negative review. You don’t have to be mean, of course, but you should always be honest. In fact, readers will trust your opinions more if you occasionally offer negative critiques. If all your reviews are positive, you will come across more as a salesperson than a true reviewer.

She also highly recommends the following two titles for book reviewers looking to hone their craft:

The Elements of Style by Strunk and White

Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
(Kristina’s note: Even though the latter is targeted toward fiction writers, there’s a lot for nonfiction writers in this book, too.)

My experience to date with Christian Children’s Book Review has been very informative. All of my questions have been answered thoroughly and excellent support for the reviewers is provided. I look forward to writing many more reviews for this site! Visit Christian Children’s Book Review to read my reviews there, or visit my Book Reviews page (links to other review sites are marked with a *).

Please sign up for updates to the blog (in the upper right hand corner) to read the rest of this upcoming series, featuring interviews with established online book reviewers, more opportunities to review books online (both with and without a blog) and advice for new reviewers.

E Book Review: How To Create Your Own History Curriculum by Carol E. Henderson

It’s likely that when you think about learning your history lessons in school the words: dry, boring and unmemorable come to mine. When I was in school the subject was called Social Studies, and those are the words that definitely come to mine for me. I would memorize some facts, some dates, and some supporting data for long enough to take the examinations, and as soon as they were over, I promptly forgot everything I had ‘learned’. As a result I feel rather unequipped to teach history to my children as a homeschooler, and it is the one subject that I have more questions about being able to teach successfully than any other.

I want my children to have a good understanding of how Biblical history integrates with the rest of world history. I want them to read engaging and stimulating books that teach them history chronologically, while leaving a lasting impression, leading to a deep and rich understanding of the history of our world. I want them to engage in hands on activities that delight them, to integrate maps so that my little ones can visualize where these events are taking place. It’s no small undertaking is it? How do we pull everything together? How do we make it all fit?

How To Create Your Own History Curriculum is an essential resource for tying together all of the elements of a vibrant and interesting history program that your children will consider fun, while still providing a complete and balanced history education! It is hard to know where to start – this short (66 page guide) is packed full of practical, step by step information on how to plan your history studies, both short term and long term. Author Carol Henderson of the website, A Book In Time, has years of history teaching experience in a homeschooling environment that she brings to her work. Homeschooling her children for 17 years, and teaching several history classes for the last 5 years in a large homeschooling co-op have honed her history sleuthing skills, and she is now able to present a comprehensive planning system as well as oodles of resource locations for us to benefit from.

I do believe that everything needed to plan a successful history curriculum for your children is included in this e-book. Readers are guided through all of the steps necessary to plan their curriculum for the year on a weekly basis, and to pull all the needed resources together: textbooks, timelines, maps, crafts and projects and additional reading. Suggestions are given on: how to utilize all of these elements, evaluating your priorities and plans, different methods of teaching history, how to integrate World and American History, teaching multiple students etc. Imminently useful for both Christian and secular homeschoolers, the planning information in this book are useful for any and all homeschooling families. Some of the content (resources, forms etc.) is specifically focused on American History and isn’t too applicable for those of us who live outside of the U.S. and need to substitute our own countries history instead (we live in Canada). Those of us who do live outside of the U.S. will have a bit more digging to do to find resources for the history of our own country.

At a low price of $8.99 (click here to buy), the suggestions and instructions for finding and using online resources for timelines, maps, crafts etc. are well worth the price of the book alone. Taking some time and the author’s simple suggestions and linked resources will save a great deal of money. The links to the comprehensive resource listings that can be found for free at A Book In Time are priceless in themselves; for exploring your options (Christian and secular provided), finding additional reading material for your students and some free resources available for teaching history.

I highly recommend this title as a first choice to anyone who is faced with planning a complete history curriculum for her children and is wondering how to achieve her family’s goals.

Book Review: Bringing Home the Prodigals by Rob Parsons

Most of us know a family that is struggling with a prodigal child – seeking to draw their hearts back to Jesus. Watching these families and their grief over the children they love - the children they raised to seek Jesus – awoke a concern for my own wee ones in my heart. Though our children are still small: 5, 2, and one on the way – it is my heart’s desire for them all to come to know and love the Lord. As Christian parents this is the deepest desire of all of our hearts for our children. But what happens when they turn their back on Him and His ways despite our best efforts? What do we do when they become prodigals?

In Bringing Home the Prodigals author Rob Parsons addresses the heart of the issue of prodigal children. It may not be what you think the heart of this issue is either. Instead of focusing on the “why’s”, Parsons goes past the wondering “What did I do wrong? What could I have done differently?”, there are other titles available that focus on keeping our children’s hearts - Parsons is here to encourage. He focuses on what we can now do - as parents of these prodigals - to gently guide them home to us, and more importantly, to God.

Engagingly written, this short book of 119 pages can be read in a day, but it will bear re-reading at a slower, more devotional pace to reap the riches to be found here. Though I am not the parent of a prodigal, Parsons ponderings on how we deal with prodigals as individuals, and as a church led me to examine my own spiritual life and dealings with others. I thank Parsons for drawing us back to the heart of God for the lost as demonstrated in the parable of the prodigal son.

As much as I enjoyed reading this title, I would have enjoyed seeing some more scripture directly in the text – for a non-fiction Christian title there seemed to be relatively little scripture presented. The main scripture that the book is based on, the parable of the prodigal son is not once included in the text of the book, which did seem a bit odd. Most of the scripture presented is from the NIV, though some is also taken from The Message (which is not properly scripture, but rather – a paraphrase), and The Amplified Bible. Our family prefers the text of the KJV for accuracy and completeness, however it is becoming more and more difficult to find books that include KJV bible references. Due to the difficulty of finding authors who still work with the KJV I don’t choose my reading materials by this criteria, but I do read with my bible beside me.

Parsons writing voice is warm and encouraging; his years of walking with and teaching the relations of prodigals shine through in this book through the prayers, reflections and testimonies presented. I am thankful to have this book available to lend to the families I know who are dealing with this issue, to let them know that there is hope if we lay our prodigals at the feet of Jesus. Bringing Home the Prodigals encourages us to love, to pray, to stay open, to always be watching and to always keep a light on.

CLICK HERE to BUY NOW!

Bringing Home the Prodigals will be on tour May 26th with FIRST Wild Card Tours. Keep an eye on this blog – you can subscribe at the top of the right hand sidebar – for the first chapter of this book, author information, and a chance to win a copy of Bringing Home the Prodigals. Stay tuned!

E Book Review: How to Make Your Own Blank Timeline Book by Carol E. Henderson

If you are looking for history timeline notebooks for your children, I have found the perfect timeline option for large families! This single, low-priced e-book can be used to print blank timeline books for all of your home-schooled students (or an entire school classroom). To purchase a blank timeline book for your children can cost between $15 - $40 per book. This option requires $4.99 for the e-book, plus materials (cost will vary), 20 minutes to read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the book layout and one hour of your time printing and assembling the book with your child. The $4.99 can be spread out between all of your students, making for a very cost effective option.

The book is laid out into three main sections: an introduction to timeline books, the assembly instructions and the printable template pages. This is such a wonderful resource for beginning timeline makers; exploring the reasons for making a notebook, the how to’s, and helpful hints. Some of us need clear step-by-step instructions in order to understand how to pull something together, and the clear instructions outlining the various options available are excellent.

This timeline notebook works very well for Christians who interpret the Bible literally, leading them to believe in a young earth. Dates range from 5000 BC to 2020 AD with the first date heading being a title of your choice: The Stone Age, The Pre-Historical Age or The Antediluvian Age. I found this to be a bit confusing (we are still relatively new Christians), and had to look up Antediluvian on the internet. Essentially Antediluvian refers to the pre-flood earth. For our family we would choose the Antediluvian label. With the other labels available, this resource would also work well for secular homeschoolers, or Christians who believe in an old earth. Indeed, this notebook is very flexible and easy to customize to your families needs.

I would have liked to see a further range of dates beyond 2020 for those of us who are just starting in our home schooling journey and having large families. If the Lord continues to bless us with children, we may well be home schooling 30 years from now! Dates up to 2050 would be greatly appreciated, but improvising your own labels is easy as well.

A link to an absolutely wonderful page including resources for timeline figures is worth the price of the book alone! Both resources for purchase and free online image links are provided.

I am delighted to be able to recommend this resource to you for your family’s history studies. The author’s website A Book in Time is also very helpful with free history reading lists for various periods in history and ages of children, craft ideas, maps and website links. Definitely worth a visit. You can purchase How to Make Your Own Blank Timeline Book here, currently 10% off - $4.49.

How To Get Started Writing Online Book Reviews, Part 2

The second in a series of articles on writing online book reviews. Click here for Part 1. Today’s article includes further options for getting started with book reviews, even if you don’t have your own blog….yet.

Now that you are excited about reviewing books online - and who wouldn’t be? Free review copies! - here is a book reviewing opportunity for you that is independent of having your own blog.

Christian Review of Books publishes book reviews online, and is dependent upon their volunteer reviewers to generate these reviews. Working with a review website like this is excellent - they are Christian focused, so the titles available for review are faith-based, and there is an ongoing list of books available for review to choose from. Christian fiction, as well as non-fiction titles are available to review.

The Christian Review of Books is an all volunteer organization so we recieve many more requests for reviews than we have reviewers who can write reviews.

They are looking for volunteer reviewers, and you can find the reviewer sign up form here. You do not need an existing blog or website to sign up to write reviews, but if you do have some existing reviews written (as mentioned in Part 1) that you can offer to send by email or by referencing the reviews available on your blog, it will only serve to increase your credibility. If you are accepted and you do have a site, they are happy to see the reviews you write for them posted to your own blog, as well as submitting your review to Amazon, Christian Book Distributors etc. Your review will also be sent to the publicist/publisher should they wish to use it in their promotional efforts.

Don’t worry too much about filling out the books you’d like to review, or the ISBN’s for request (unless you do have specific titles in mind already). When accepted as a reviewer you will receive a link to a page that lists the titles that are currently available for review, as well as publishers they work with in case you are interested in viewing their offerings and requesting a title from them to review.

My communications with Roseanna White, Senior Reviewer of Christian Review of Books have been delightful. She is happy to answer any questions of new reviewers to get them started reviewing. Here is what she had to share with readers who are interested in reviewing books:

Reviewing is a great way to get your name into the world if you’re an aspiring writer, and it’s also a great way to network with other readers. If you’re just getting started, begin by reading a handful of other reviews. Which ones do you like? Which ones don’t you like? Try to identify the differences between those. Personally, I preferred reviews that gave the reviewer’s gut reaction as well reasons for it. Always, always be honest.

If you like a book, tell your readers what captured you. If you didn’t like it, try to figure out why. Was it poor characterization? Plot holes? The writing style? Usually there is something redeeming in the book–be sure and give credit for that. For instance, I’ve read many books that simply weren’t my kind of story, but I know the author has an extensive reader base. So in those cases I point out what reader it will appeal to and balance my reaction with that.

The most important thing you can do as a reviewer is gain your readers’ trust. Readers look for reviewers whose taste they share, so by being frank and honest in your reviewers, your readers will know which books you really liked and hence which ones they probably will–and those will be the books they spend their hard-earned money on.

My first review copy is in the mail from Christian Review of Books, and I look forward to a lengthy reviewing relationship with them!

Please sign up for updates to the blog (in the upper right hand corner) to read the rest of this upcoming series, featuring interviews with established online book reviewers, more opportunities to review books online (both with and without a blog) and advice for new reviewers.

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