Is there anybody out there?

Amy Groves

Preference - Where the streets had no name - my whole book club would like to read it, it's the type of book we all enjoy. In fact both of the books are!

Amy Groves

Suppose would make more of an impression if I had the books name correct! Where the streets had a name!

Francesca Ashley Cooper

* What do you think makes a good book blog? * What would you like to see more (or less) of? * What delights you? All comments are welcome! 1 and 2. New books being reviewed regularly - there is nothing worse than going onto a blog that hasn't been updated in ages. A good variety of books, not just 1 genre... I would enjoy either book! 3. Free books always delight!

Jean Cormac

What do I think makes a good book blog:- Two things. Firstly that the person reading the book gives their honest opinion. As I have a few authors that I read on a regular basis, but there are some of their books that I'm not that keen on. Secondly the story, don't give the whole plot away! What would I like to see more or less of:- As an avid reader of just about anything, I do have my favourite genres. I love my Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Murder Mysteries, Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers. Most of the time when I read the book selection in a magazine it's all the drama, romance nonsense. Have enough drama in my life, don't particularly want to read about someone elses. One of my favourite books is Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon, it's a Saga. What delights me?:- Bookworms like me, who also read different genres and not scared to try new authors even if afterwards they are not impressed by the author.

Gwynn Smith

I am an avid reader and read a variety of literature, a good book blog is one that reviews a good cross section of the available books. The blog must be updated on a regular basis and keep up with the publication of new books. It should also give the readers an idea of where to purchase books at a good price (there are a number of online book shops with great deals). It could perhaps also offer a book exchange between readers, much like a book club, everyone gets to read the latest releases at a fraction of the cost. It should also have a readers discussion section so as to get as wide a variety of reviews as possible. I feel that any blog, although it is personal and one should not presume to prescribe what there should be more or less of, should appeal to a wide cross section of readers. I delight in a good story that makes me feel as if the characters are part of my life and I am loathe to finish the book as I will lose the people I have bonded with. I dislike "fluff" and sensationalism in writing, there is no time to read books like that when we are spoiled with so much good writing available to us. If I am to be a "lucky" one I would not mind either book.

Deedee

Prue Leith I'm an avid reader to the extent that week-ends ARE FOOD FREE FOR MY FAMILY so I can indulge in my favourite pastime_READING

Anna

Thank you to you all for taking the time to respond! @Amy: Well, I'll give you the early bird award – the book is yours – though I hope you noticed that I'd like a review of it from you or someone else in your book club to post on the website! It is a 'young adult'read, but I'm sure that that doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. I don't think the fact that Twilight or Harry Potter were aimed at younger audiences stopped adults from enjoying them... As for the correct name, I'm pretty sure the author intended to bring that U2 hit to mind. @Francesca: I think our web editors do a good job of posting the book reviews from the most recent issue of FAIRLADY over the month – and we do have more reviews than most other magazines. To some extent, the books sent to us for review by the publishers reflect what they think are suitable for FAIRLADY readers! Some publishing houses allow me to make that call so, in those cases, that means I choose what I think you want to read! As for how 'new' the books are, they are relatively recent releases, though when I receive the review copies, they're often already available at bookshops – and then it takes a bit of time for the reviewers to read the books and write up their reviews... I'll be trying to up the number of giveaways, so keep your eye on the site. @Jean: Thanks for your input. We do try to be completely honest. On the whole, we try not to feature books we don't enjoy – unless it's from an author who is very well known, and in this case, the reason is that we offer it as a caution. We don't want readers wasting their money! Of course, enjoyment of a book is highly subjective... Do you feel that we aren't featuring your favourite genres? I think we do, though perhaps not to the degree we do the rest. We have to try to cater for every type of reader. @Gwynn: Useful comments, thanks! Watch this space: our web editors are working on some good ideas for books. @Deedee: Food-free weekends so you can read – there's a thought! Time your family did some food prep for you?!

Audrey Hugo

I think a successful blog, is one that is easily accessible. There is nothing more frustrating than looking for a review and finding yourself in a whirlpool of commercial sites selling books.So, I would say that the Title of the Blog is what is most important. I would like to see more current books reviewed by South African readers as we 'speak the same language'.For Book club buyers it would also be helpful if the blog specifies the date of 1st print of a book. Lastly, I am inspired by a review that covers a little of the content and a healthy dose of the reviewers enjoyment of the book. I am delighted by reviews that are 'from the heart'

Audrey Hugo

Me again, sorry but my Internet connection was interrupted and only half a message got to you. I was going to conclude by saying that I would love to review "A serving of Scandal" and whereas I cannot say that I would be great at reviewing, I can say that I am passionate about reading and that I would pour my heart into it. Toodles, Audrey