I’m not going to weigh in on this debate (being one of those who are blogging reviews…), but for a thoughtful overview, check out Betsy’s thoughtful post on the whole debate.
In other news, I finished Riddle-Master of Hed last night. And I’m SO glad that Corrine sent me the whole trilogy, because it ends with a major cliffhanger. I would be totally up the proverbial river if I’d checked it out from the library. Maybe I should talk to them about it.
The, um, review will be forthcoming, after I finish the other two books.
The Book Nut 
Perhaps, as readers with an affinity for literature, we are well qualified to review books. I know that I am more interested in a heartfelt opinion from a book lover than someone who has simply earned a paper stating he’s qualified to review. Therefore, I look forward to your comments when you complete this trilogy.
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I’ve been reading about this debate for awhile too. I review the books I read on my blog as well. I started my blog for me….so I could have a place to log what I read. The fact that others have started reading it is an added plus. Do I feel an obligation? Yes, to have an honest opinion. But that’s all it is….MY opinion. I have found some likeminded people and I trust their opinions. I don’t think that makes it wrong. Sheesh….sorry to go off on a tangent there! I’m looking forward to your review on the trilogy as well!!
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No apologies, Stephanie. We started blogs for the same reason, and I was actually wary of having readers for a long time. I guess I felt insecure — I mean, really, why would anyone listen to what I have to say about books. I’ve gotten more comfortable with it, but I still largely think it’s just my opinion and I’m still often surprised people read and like what I have to say. 🙂Given that, I have found over time that I feel an obligation to <>my<> “readers” — those who regularly read this blog. I think not only do I like the book, but how do I present it to my audience, and whether I think they might like it. And, given that, if I think they’d like to read an interview with such-and-such author, I’d willingly put it here, without thinking that it would compromise my views. (Granted, it’s hard enough getting interviews with authors for Estella, I have no hope that they’d want to be up on my blog!)I guess I should confess that I got a degree in journalism. 🙂
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Personally I don’t read reviewers, I read book blogs for reviews. I want honest opinions from real people. I am suspicious of reviewers. I’ve seen many a reviewers comments plastered inside a book using expressive language about a book that was full of…well, you know.Here’s to bloggers who review!
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I haven’t trusted reviewers of any sort since I saw the movie Lady of the Water get terrible reviews, and then saw why: a film critic is portrayed negatively and killed off in the movie. As Petunia said, there are ulterior motives involved with professional reviewers that you won’t run into with book blogs.
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I didn’t even know there was a debate going on. I enjoyed Betsy’s post though. Very thought provoking. Like Stephanie, I started my blog to keep track of books that I read. I read other blogs to get ideas for new books to read. And I just enjoy the give and take in the comments.
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