SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

Mike wrote: "I have tried to review everything I've read since joining Goodreads. I do this partially for me so I can look back later and recall what I liked about it--I have a terrible memory--but I also do it..."

I agree the whole spoilers thing is a difficult one. Especially if you are like me and a poor end to a book can kill my otherwise good opinion stone dead.

Kate said: I've avoided these books so far because of things reviewers have said here on Goodreads:

Please reconsider The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. Terrible things do happen to some of the characters, but also wonderful things, great companionship and camaraderie and sparkling dialogue from super smart funny people.
Then you'll need to read Children of God to find out happens next...

Well, hell. I just won a giveaway for Midnight Riot and now I'll have to write a review.

So, to everyone who replied to this thread, thanks again. I'll be going over it when the time comes and trying to write a review that doesn't suck.

Also...I figured if I ever won a giveaway, someone would let me know. Instead, I just found the book in my mailbox. Nice surprise.

Congrats, Ala! Waiting to see your review!!!!!!

Julia wrote: "I have been writing something about every book I read for the last fifteen or so years. I have lists of what I've read, sometimes just a few sentences sometimes paragraphs. It's on my computer on m..."

Julia - you might find useful the CLZ Book Collector software. You can download it from their website http://www.collectorz.com/book/. I've been using it for years and even have it on my Android so I always have my collection info with me! Just a thought...

I'm a really quite new addition to the Goodread's community, and thus far I've more often than not given a star rating only, simply because a lot of the books I've added have been things I've read in the past.

While I remember quite clearly what I thought of them in a general sense, I'd be quite unable to offer any kind of intelligent review worth reading.

First book I added though was Brandon Sanderson's Way of Kings, and I wrote a review for that. I also offered a few 'Reviews for the whole Series' on some of the works I've read in the last year or so at most.

But mostly? Aye, just stars. However, my plan going forward is to offer a review for each book I read as a member, whether it's a re-read or new (to me) book.

Speaking of re-reading, a kind of tangential question. I note that if I go to elect a book as being read, there is no option to also keep it marked as read, which is a tad frustrating. Is there a way to mark a book as something I'm reading again short of a custom shelf for it?

Not that I know of, Naithin.

And thanks for your viewpoint :)

I really enjoy reviews written by readers - not other authors or those who feel they have to give a book a great rating because they won it. Also enjoy short reviews. When they are over 3 short paragraphs I read the first one or two and the last. So I hope many of you will write what you liked or disliked about a book. I am disappointed when I order a book from someone who failed to tell me why they liked or disliked about it and I can't stand it either. Please write a few comments at least. It helps those of us who look for reader comments decide whether or not to read the book.

I really enjoy reviews written by readers - not other authors or those who feel they have to give a book a great rating because they won it. Also enjoy short reviews. When they are over 3 short paragraphs I read the first one or two and the last. So I hope many of you will write what you liked or disliked about a book. I am disappointed when I order a book from someone who failed to tell me why they liked or disliked about it and I can't stand it either. Please write a few comments at least. It helps those of us who look for reader comments decide whether or not to read the book.

I definitely try to write reviews for most sff books I read - for those at least I have something to say about. I, however, have a huge backlog of unwritten reviews that I keep hidden in my head. And I love reading reviews by other GR people.