In addition to talking about writing in this space, I’m going to talk about reading. Because you really can’t have one without the other.

One of the most common pieces of writing advice I read is, “You can’t be a writer without being a reader”. And then the advice-giver will go on to lament about prospective writers he’s met that don’t read books. And all I can think is: who are these people??

I am aware there are people out there who “don’t really like to read” and I feel horribly sorry for them (and secretly believe this), but I try not to be judgmental. You like what you like, right? I don’t really like to run. And for some people, it’s life.

But aspiring writers? Why would you want to be a writer if you’re not a reader? (I am honestly curious.)

I became a writer because I can’t imagine my life without stories. And books are a uniquely portable magic.

So, on to MK’s Book Reviews!

I tend to base my book-buying decisions on book previews, not the reviews of others, because there are a lot of people out there whose opinions I do not share. But then there are people whose recommendations I value. I hope to become one of those people to you.

I also personally don’t like book reviews that summarize the book for me—hi, I want to read the story, not your summary of it. Just tell me what you thought! So I won’t be doing that.

I will post brief spoiler-free reviews of recent reads, and maybe some not-so-recent reads, as well as their opening lines (I am debating whether or not to add in closing lines… they can be spoilers, and they can not be) and some of the more beautiful sentences (I love beautiful sentences).

I also want to only review books I like, not books I abhorred. There’s so much negativity out there, especially on the internet. Plus it’s more fun to talk about things you like than things you don’t. However, some less-than-positive opinions may slip in from time to time—I hate fake things, so I’ll take honesty over niceties anytime.

So here goes!

Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton on Unsplash