Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What do you look for in a book review, and what makes it good?

You know me, guys. I like to stir the pot on issues that we, as a community, should discuss. Bloggers often find themselves under a microscope in the publishing industry in terms of reviews. Some are criticized for writing negative reviews. Some are criticized for writing reviews that are too fluffy and positive across the board. Still others are criticized for simply writing opinions.

Are any of these actually wrong? In my humble opinion...no. We, as bloggers, have established our sites as a public forum of personal opinions. However, when we take the next step and try to forge relationships with publishers and authors, there are some things that we have to bear in mind. If we want to truly call ourselves book reviewers, that means that we must actually review the book. This means a few things:

- Reviews are personal opinions backed by elements of the story

- Reviews are NOT solely posts with endless series of GIFs

- Reviews delve deeper into the novel, rather than simply scratching the surface and saying "it was good"

- Reviews tell you WHY it was good, or WHY it was bad

I am by no means a professional reviewer. As I've stated many a time, my reviews are my own opinions, but I always try to take a decidedly professional approach to them by articulating the strengths and weaknesses, the writing style, the characters and anything else that stands out. I'll be the first to admit that when I see a post that simply bashes a book with endless pictures and misinformed facts, I get utterly annoyed because, to me, that is not a review.

It is up to us as individual bloggers to develop our own individual reviewing styles. What works for me might not work for you. However, when I read reviews, I can tell you that the "good" reviews stand out because they have deep thought and evidence-backed opinions. Some bloggers that consistently provide reviews that make me want to investigate books further include (but certainly are not limited to): Jenny at Supernatural Snark, Asheley at Into the Hall of Books, Bailey at IB Book Blogging, Ginger at GReads! and Mary at The Book Swarm.

The common theme between these bloggers is that delicate balance of opinion and fact, as well as presenting a book in a manner that is intriguing or cautionary, while still allowing me to form my own opinion. Again, book reviews are a matter of deep scrutiny, but for me...this is what I believe constitutes a good review.

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: How do you review a book?

I think that reviewing books is a very personal process that is entirely individual to the reviewer crafting the review. That basically means that I don't believe and can't say that I think there is a true right or wrong way to do it. I've found a process that works for me, but who knows? It might not work for everyone out there. However, my reviewing process is most certainly not a secret, and it has morphed and developed over time into something that is a bit tried and true. When I try to deviate from it, I find myself missing the mark.

Step One - Read the book. I am not the type of person that can take notes on a book while reading. I actually have to read the entire book before I write a single thing down, or I feel a bit lost in the whole process. If I absolutely cannot read the book, which doesn't happen often mind you, I won't review it. If I can, however, I finish the book, then move to step two.

Step Two - Take notes. Before I actually write my review, I make notes on four points. I make note of the summary, whether it matched the actual book, as well as how it differed. I write my thoughts on the writing style, the prose and the author's ability to convey a theme and scene. I elaborate on the plot so I can distinguish between what truly worked and what may have missed the mark. Finally, I decide how (overall) the book worked for me.

Step Three - Write the Review. Once I have my notes, I start with those four points and craft a wee section on both. I create my own summary that details but doesn't tell too much. I thoroughly discuss the writing, then move on and detail the plots strengths and weakness, as well as the characters'. Finally, I offer up my rating. I rate on a five star scale simply because I think it's effective and universal for understanding.

Step Four - Publish it. When I publish my review, it's more than simply publishing it to my blog. My reviews go anywhere and everywhere they can to get the title and author out there. I publish my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Random Buzzers, Barnes & Noble, Netgalley (when applicable) and I always, always send my reviews to publishers and publicists who supply the books.

Step Five - Hype it. When my review has been published, I bring social media into play. I feature all reviews on my Twitter, Facebook and Google+ pages, and I've even gone so far as to start touting them on on my Pinterest, as well!

Like I said though, this reviewing process is my own. It works for me, but it might not be right for others. Heck, some people can read two books at once! I'd die. I think that if you give yourself the right amount of time and space, any blogger can develop a great reviewing style unique to them.

TGIF is a new(ish) feature at one of my absolute favourite blogs, GReads!, hosted by the lovely Ginger. It's a way to celebrate the impending weekend, and answer fun questions. Most of all though, you get to know a wee bit more about all those awesome bloggers you meet. So, what are you waiting for? Do your own post and head on over to link up!

What's your process for writing book reviews? Any tips or suggestions you would recommend to other bloggers?

First off, I think it's important for me to say that I truly don't believe that there is a right or a wrong way to review a book. Honestly, the only thing you need is an open mind and a true, honest and just opinion. That, however, you can only garner from actually reading, or truly attempted to read a book. It's taken me almost two years to develop my reviewing process, but I've finally nailed it, I believe, and I've made it a true and accurate portrayal of my opinions regarding books. Here's how I review.

1. I read the book. No matter if I struggle or not, I read the book. If I can't finish it, I won't review it.

2. I take brief notes on what did and didn't work for me.

3. I write my own synopsis for the book. Doing so allows me to convey to the reader how I read the book and what I saw going in.

4. I talk about the writing. There are some styles of writing that work well for me. Others miss the mark. Usually, however, there is something about the prose that speaks to me, and I try to highlight that.

5. I ponder characterization and plot points. This is all-inclusive, meaning anything regarding those has to be worked into the review for it to be coherent.

6. I give it a rating on a five-scale. Without doing so, I'm unable to quantify both for myself and for my followers exactly how this book differed from others.

What about you? Do you review books in a specific way?