Official Review: Cherries in the Snow

[Tzara]

Other way around...4 stars...your book is a big deal. LOVE IT!

Thank you, that's very kind. I'm glad someone enjoyed it!

[Duende Knocking]

Interesting review! I think I'd pass on the book though. Thank you for the warnings.

How was the actual writing style of the author? Do you think you might enjoy other works by him were the subject matter different?

Picking out spelling errors as a focus is a little like spitting out the cherry stones. You miss the fleshy bits.
I loved this book and especially the awesome book cover. Submit that one for a design award.

When a published book (self-published or otherwise) has significant spelling and grammatical errors, it's fair to be critical of them, I think. It's inevitable that a couple make it to publication, but if they are as frequent as Kappy demonstrates, it can be detrimental to the story.

[Tzara]

When a published book (self-published or otherwise) has significant spelling and grammatical errors, it's fair to be critical of them, I think. It's inevitable that a couple make it to publication, but if they are as frequent as Kappy demonstrates, it can be detrimental to the story.

I should make it clear that this book is not actually published as of now - self, or otherwise. All that is currently available in print (and digitally) are galley copies.

So, while I'm grateful that Kappy mentioned, and caught, the typos, I should also add that they will not see publication. They have, in fact, already been corrected.

[Kappy]

How was the actual writing style of the author? Do you think you might enjoy other works by him were the subject matter different?

I have no problem with the subject matter. And it's not a matter of whether I enjoy reading it; e.g., I gave 4 stars to a book that I would not read for pleasure, because of the author's excellence. I try to leave my opinion out of the review as much as possible.

My objective when writing a review is to help potential readers determine whether this is a book suitable for them, and to provide feedback to the author that will help him develop his craft. If an author ignores all words other than praise, he is hurting himself, not me.

Stories that include murder and suicide can be written elegantly, as the author himself demonstrated in his book. But two of the stories include extreme and unnecessary vulgarities. The quality of a book is often determined by its weakest link.

[Tzara]

...two of the stories include extreme and unnecessary vulgarities.

Kappy, your review is great and I appreciate the time you devoted to it.

However, just for my own edification, which two stories are you speaking of? "The Crash", I'm assuming is one, but what is the other one?

Thanks!

[TLGabelman]

Wow...attacking a reviewer for honest feedback. Stay classy people.

[Tzara]

Wow...attacking a reviewer for honest feedback. Stay classy people.

Who's attacking?

[Margjohns51]

After having read a review of this book earlier (by StoppoppingtheP) where it was given 4 stars, I am once again reminded that not every book is for everybody... and opinions differ greatly depending on the reader's point of view. I was intrigued by the earlier review, but not enough to want to read the book. Now, having read this review, I am quite sure it is not my cup of tea. Not to say it is not a skillfully executed book of short stories... only that I believe both reviews led me to the conclusion that the amount of "strangeness" and repeated imagery of "blood in snow" would put me off. Interesting to read two very diverse opinions of one book.

[bookowlie]

Great, insightful review. Hopefully, the author will use the review in the way it's intended, as constructive criticism. Whether or not you are "looking" for grammatical errors, they become distracting. As for the subject matter, it's not my cup of tea for reading material. However, many readers like to read shocking stories. Different strokes for different folks.

-- 14 Apr 2015, 19:55 --

How was the actual writing style of the author? Do you think you might enjoy other works by him were the subject matter different?

I have no problem with the subject matter. And it's not a matter of whether I enjoy reading it; e.g., I gave 4 stars to a book that I would not read for pleasure, because of the author's excellence. I try to leave my opinion out of the review as much as possible.

My objective when writing a review is to help potential readers determine whether this is a book suitable for them, and to provide feedback to the author that will help him develop his craft. If an author ignores all words other than praise, he is hurting himself, not me.

Stories that include murder and suicide can be written elegantly, as the author himself demonstrated in his book. But two of the stories include extreme and unnecessary vulgarities. The quality of a book is often determined by its weakest link.

Well said.

[zeldas_lullaby]

I think it's a great review, Kappy. I'm extremely sensitive to sensationalism myself, so it's a worthwhile review point, for sure. It is interesting that two reviewers were on opposite ends of the starred spectrum with this one. But with books, the whole deal is the subjective angle, I suppose. No one could be certain, say, that someone would like a given book. You know, I wish I had the time to commit to being a reviewer on this site, but I've got too much else going on! Maybe in the future!

I live in fear of the Oprah. (This comment would seem random, but she's beneath this dialogue box on my screen right now, for some reason, in an advertizement.) Anyway.

[bookowlie]

I think it's a great review, Kappy. I'm extremely sensitive to sensationalism myself, so it's a worthwhile review point, for sure. It is interesting that two reviewers were on opposite ends of the starred spectrum with this one. But with books, the whole deal is the subjective angle, I suppose. No one could be certain, say, that someone would like a given book. You know, I wish I had the time to commit to being a reviewer on this site, but I've got too much else going on! Maybe in the future!

I live in fear of the Oprah. (This comment would seem random, but she's beneath this dialogue box on my screen right now, for some reason, in an advertizement.) Anyway.

I didn't realize there was a 2nd review of this book. If you're referring to another member's comments that he/she loved the book, it's interesting that the person just joined the site after this review was posted. Weird coincidence.

[zeldas_lullaby]

Yep. I'm not good with links, but scroll up to MargJohn's comment on this page. StoppoppingtheP wrote a review of this book elsewhere on this site--also an official review, I think? I guess that happens on accident sometimes?

http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewto ... =2&t=25796

Found it!!

[bookowlie]

Yep. I'm not good with links, but scroll up to MargJohn's comment on this page. StoppoppingtheP wrote a review of this book elsewhere on this site--also an official review, I think? I guess that happens on accident sometimes?

http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewto ... =2&t=25796

Found it!!

Great! Thanks for the info. I like reading different reviewers' opinions of the same book!

By the way, I like your new avatar, but I also miss the old one of your cute dog.

[zeldas_lullaby]

Aww, thanks! But that was my kitty, silly.
My new one has a literary reference, if anyone wants to guess the reference!!

[Stevefromtheblock]

I read the other review, too. Just goes to show, a book review is just an opinion.