Jodi Bowersox

It's been a pretty good year for reading when I can recommend more than 10 books! (Yeah, I know, I'm pickier than most.) I would give all of those that made my list this year 4 or 5 stars. Without further adieu, here they are in no particular order.

I read just shy of thirty books this year, although I laid down and didn't finish at least that many again. Since I set a goal in January to read fewer badly written books, I'm very proud of myself for laying these down and moving on. And still I only found ten books out of the list that I gave 5 stars to. Am I picky? Yep. I consider characters, dialogue, plot, over-all writing quality, and un-put-downability with every review I write.

There is a skill to reviewing a book. The point is not merely to like or dislike.  It is not to compare the writer's perceived morals to your own. It's a place for critical analysis. Since most reviews give you a chance to rate them with 1-5 stars, may I suggest 5 points to consider when rating. 

Rhonda slipped an arm around her waist and stood looking out with her. She wore a pale pink, knee-length sheath and matching peep-toe pumps. Mari looked at her sideways. “What? No glib reassurances?”

Rhonda returned the look with eyebrows raised. “I don’t know this guy well enough for reassurances. For all I know, he won’t show.”

Mari turned her attention back out the window. “Thanks a lot, that helps.”

Back when I was in college, my father asked me more than once what I was going to do with a theatre degree. I'd always say, "I don't know, Dad, but acting is all I want to do."