Who Do I Review For?

Someone recently asked me who I review for. Do I receive books to review, or do I just read a lot and review what I read.

The answer is: I review for me. I love to read, and to talk fiction. It's frustrating for me to read a really good, even excellent book, and then not have anyone to talk to about it.

For example, I read Tedd Dekker's "Thr3e". That book was intense, and the ending blew my mind.

But no one I knew had read the book. To talk about it would have been to ruin it. But God was merciful, and He prompted people to make a movie version of "Thr3e". He also prompted my sweet hubby to take me to see the movie, which then gave me someone to talk about the book with. God is so good' (That was written tongue in cheek...but I do believe God will bless us in the itty ways as well as the big ones!)

So, blogging helps relieve the stress of finding people to talk fiction with. I found YOU!! And I love to share...and would love to have you share with me. So, when you comment, it's like talking with you. And I go check out your blogs...I've found some awesome readers!!

I also read. A LOT. And my husband knows reading makes me happy. So, instead of roses and chocolates, I get books. Instead of diamonds and emeralds, I get books. Instead of fancy dinners out...wait a minute. I still get fancy dinners out. But I also get books:-)

I lurk at places like Amazon.com and Christianbook.com to see what is new in Christian fiction. When I worked for a Christian bookstore, I read the trade magazines and kept watch on new titles. And I often email my favorite authors, asking them to keep me posted. Christian authors are great people...they have never failed to respond to my email and my snail mail.

And that's another reason I review. The Christian fiction market is so full of new books and new authors, as well as old favorites...it's just too hard to know what to buy, especially if you're on a budget! I like to do what I can to increase readership for my favorite authors and my newly discovered favorites as well.

I'm slowly getting a few books here and there in the mail for me to review. And, while I don't want to brag on myself, I have considered letting my two favorite Christian publishers know I'm willing to review for free books. But I'm not sure I'm good enough to go asking...now, if authors want to SEND them to me...well, I'm not gonna say no!!

So, that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!

Happy Reading!

Deena