by Christina Wantz Fixemer
In order
to be fair while reviewing any material,
consistent standards should be applied.
When reading a book, I evaluate plot, character, believability within the given world, and technique.
The plot should be well defined, with a beginning, middle, and end. Plot devices should not be cliché, and the story should have a logical conclusion.
Characters should have consistent personalities, backstories, and act according to their life experiences. If Jane Doe is faced by a black bear on a rural Pennsylvania hill, her reaction will be determined by the sum total of her knowledge, fears, beliefs, etc. Whether she faces the bear or runs screaming will make sense for the kind of person we either know, or will know her to be. If thecharacter does something that doesn't jive with what we know about her, the discrepancy should be resolved by the end of the story. Character growth is merely an extension of who that person already is, and how they evolve.
If a story takes place in my backyard, normal rules of logic should apply. My pet dog isn't going to fly into the air to chase a floating object. Likewise, an alternative setting should have "rules" which the author sticks to. If things with wings cannot fly, but dogs can, do not have my dog chase a bird into the clouds.
Technique is the Holy Grail all good middle and high school English teachers attempt to impart upon their students. An author may have a fabulous talent for weaving the next legendary tale, but if their technique is too atrocious for the editors to fix, then readers can find themselves frustrated and confused.
All the above said, some stories require not just the breaking, but the absolute smashing of "rules." It takes an extremely talented writer to make the reader forget about inconsistencies or other problems may plague the work, but if the heart of the story is big enough, it can happen.
As far as personal likes and dislikes, no human can be so completely objective as to ignore what they simply do and do not like. It is up to each one to be as fair as possible when reviewing other people's work, and to review it according to its intended audience. Because, in the end, each published work is the result of a person's determination to see a dream achieved.
Review Policy
Opinions expressed on this website by reviewers and other contributors do not reflect any opinions, policies, or other stances by Wantz Upon A Time Book Reviews.
While all subject matter is reviewed prior to posting, WUAT does not censor opinions or content other than anything the owner considers to be inappropriate to this website.
What does that mean? In plain English: You will not find swearing, biogotry, overtly sexual material, or anything else I can think of that the general population can't handle, but I strongly support the right for all contributors to have opinions. After all, that's what a review is - an opinion. Click here for more info on Christina's review standards.
That said, let's read some books!
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