At a time when unpaid bloggers online are gaining influence at the expense of professionals, we need to convince the public that good reviewers exist, and are still worth listening to. Otherwise, our readers will continue to look to the internet for news, and the art of the book review will join the typewriter in the trashcan of Time.
These are the heart-felt words of author Joanne Harris, writing in The Independent. To understand better the art of literary criticism, and to know why you should not give away the plot in your review, read her illuminating column in its entirety here: "Criticism is fine, but do you have to spoil the plot?"
I concur completely. Although I am an amateur blogger, who just loves books from all over the world, I just want people to pick up the title and read it. It is possible to write about the writing style, the ease of read, the background settings and a teasing view of some of the characters without giving away the plot line.
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