Reflections on Reading and Reviewing

You know, reading a book is fun. We are entertained and challenged. We connect emotionally, and sometimes viscerally, with others—the writers and characters. We travel and learn. And we grow, beyond the learning. We can’t read and not grow. Reading expands the mind.

Being able to read is rewarding and a privilege. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people that can’t read or don’t have books available to read. We are fortunate.

Reviewing for SCBR is fun, rewarding, and a privilege. The editors send a note to the contact we have for the reviewed book, letting them know the book has been reviewed. Sometimes we get a note back because our reviewers do such an amazing job. The reviews are deeply appreciated. Here is a recent example:

Dear Susan,

I deeply thank you for the incredible review. Mary Ann Moore was professional in her approach and did a review that every author dreams of.  She really took the book to heart and gave her wonderful insights through words that honored and blessed our words.

All of us connected with The Spirit of a Woman: Stories to Empower and Inspire thank you for your contributions to sharing stories that are important to all of us.

It is a great privilege to link to you and be connected with you.

With great respect, appreciation and gratitude.

Terru

Terry Laszlo-Gopadze
The Spirit of a Woman: Stories to Empower and Inspire
Publication Date: June, 2010

So when reading a book, consider what went in to it and how it was been crafted. And if you are one of SCN’s reviewers, thank you. And if you’re not, we’d love to have you on as a part of the team.

Here’s a synopsis of reviews since September 14^th.  Follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest reviews. **Remember: purchasing through SCN helps support SCN’s many programs and women’s life-writing work.

THE GENTLEMAN POET by Kathryn Johnson, pays homage to Shakespeare and The Tempest. A delightful read. (Reviewed by Laura S Hulka)

BURNING HORSES by Agatha Hoff, is a fascinating and harrowing German occupation survival story. (Reviewed by Judith Helburn)

Reviewer Jennifer Melville says A MAZE OF GRACE, by Trish Ryan, is a breath of spiritual fresh air and full of inspiring and striking humor.

LET’S TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME by Gail Caldwell, is an honest narrative of friendship, loyalty, loss, and grief. (Reviewed by Susan Ideus)

Reviewer Trilla Pando could relate to all of the protagonists as they found the going “rough” in pursuit of their individual quests in Terry McMillan’s GETTING TO HAPPY.

AT HOME IN JAPAN by Rebecca Otowa is a journey of discovery—learning to live Japanese. (Reviewed by Susan M Andrus)

FURY by Koren Zailckas, is a superb example of bibliotherapy: amusing, insightful. (Reviewed by Susan M. Andrus)