Reading

The Truth About Book Reviews: An Insider’s Guide to Getting and Using Reviews to Grow Your Readership by Joe Walters

| C.E. Flores

The Truth About Book Reviews: An Insider’s Guide to Getting and Using Reviews to Grow Your Readership by Joe Walters is a practical, detailed guide for authors who are serious about reaching readers through the power of reviews. For many introverted writers, the idea of asking for reviews can feel intimidating or even impossible. Walters breaks this process down into manageable, actionable steps, showing that obtaining meaningful feedback isn’t as mysterious or unattainable as it seems.

The book clarifies the many different types of reviews, including editorial, media and trade, and customer reviews. It explains their relative importance and how each serves a unique role in an author’s marketing strategy. Walters also discusses how to find and approach reviewers, how to craft effective pitches, and how to make the most of every review once you have it. His insider experience as editor-in-chief of Independent Book Review provides a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a pitch stand out.

While I can’t say I agreed with every point, I found the information genuinely useful. The research required to find the right reviewers can be daunting, and at times, the book reads like a subtle promotion for Walters’ own services. Still, there’s undeniable value in the insight he provides. The inclusion of real email samples, organizational tools, and an excellent to-do list at the end makes the guide not just informative but actionable.

Ironically but effectively, Walters demonstrates his own strategy by reaching out to reviewers like ME to ask for reviews. The fact that I’m now reviewing his book proves his method works. Overall, The Truth About Book Reviews is an honest, accessible, and practical resource that demystifies one of the hardest parts of being an author: getting your work noticed.

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Your Passport to HMT: 3 Pillars of a Great Life by Prakash Shah

| C.E. Flores

Prakash Shah’s Your Passport to HMT sets out to be a motivational guidebook designed to help readers achieve balance and success by mastering the three pillars of a fulfilling life: Health, Money, and Time. With a focus on intentional living, better habits, and actionable strategies, the book promises to help readers create a life of stability, growth, and purpose.

The premise is strong. Shah emphasizes the importance of achieving all three pillars together, rather than chasing health, wealth, or time individually. He offers frameworks meant to inspire self-motivation, discipline, and smart decision-making. The book encourages readers to think ahead, develop systems for success, and cultivate habits that sustain long-term growth.

However, the target audience feels a bit unclear. At times, the book speaks directly to students, guiding them toward self-driven achievement. In other sections, Shah addresses parents and teachers, offering insights into shaping the next generation’s mindset. While the advice is generally sound, choosing a more specific audience could make the message more focused and impactful.

Additionally, Shah’s British Indian background comes through in his phrasing, sayings, and examples, which may feel unfamiliar or slightly “off” to American readers. For example, health tips like avoiding “cold drinks” or the concept of “welcoming pains” as a pathway to future rewards may require some cultural interpretation. Phrases like “appreciation is what a child cries for and an adult dies for” are intriguing but may leave some readers unsure of their meaning.

That said, there’s a lot of value here for readers willing to engage with the book’s perspective. The advice is actionable and well-intentioned, and Shah’s passion for helping others create better lives is evident throughout. If you’re open to exploring new frameworks for success and don’t mind a blend of cultural influences, you may find practical takeaways within these pages.

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2024 Reading Challenge Roundup

| C.E. Flores

So, how did I do? Well, let’s take a look, shall we?

So carrying over to 2025, I have a book on my shelf and a hardcover book. Not too shabby, I think. How did your reading go this year?

Want to take a look at my previous reading challenge roundups?

2020

2021

2022

Reading Roundup 2021

| C.E. Flores

January

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman was a good mystery read with a not-quite believable ending.

February

I read How to Write a Book That Doesn’t Suck and Will Actually Sell: Your No B.S. Guide to Learning How to Write a Nonfiction Book by Michael Rogan for further research on refining my writing.

March

Travels with Grace by Erma Note highlights the cultural delights of Mexico City.

Travels with Grace by Erma Note

April

An interesting paranormal romance, Saving Cassie by L.A. Remenicky was a little outside my usual picks, but that’s the point of the challenge right?

May

I chose Job by Ben Avery and illustrated by Jeff Slemons, as my graphic novel for the year.

June

Middle-aged female nomad on the loose in Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Gelman. You’ll not want to miss her adventures!

Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Gelman

July

Immigrant Secrets: The Search for my Grandparents by John Mancini was a lovely tale of one man’s family history quest that mixed speculative fiction with fact.

August

I belong to an online book club and This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel was the selection of the month. What a discussion we had about this book about a transgender child coming of age. A thought-provoking story!

This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel

September

A random free book download led to an amazing new thriller series with Probably Dead by Ed Church.

Probably Dead by Ed Church

October

November

I read several books this year about health issues, but the one that stood out the most was The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young as Late in Life as Possible by Jason Elias.

The Seven Graces of Ageless Aging: How to Die Young as Late in Life as Possible by Jason Elias

December

Todd by Adam J. Nicolai was my survivalist/science-fiction pick for the year.

Todd by Adam J. Nicolai

Celebrate the Season with Bookshop.org’s Fall Reading Challenge!

| C.E. Flores

Are you ready to lose yourself in the enchanting world of books this fall? Bookshop.org presents its Fall Reading Challenge, and it’s the perfect opportunity to cozy up with some captivating reads and potentially win amazing prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or just an occasional dabbler in the world of literature, this challenge promises an exciting journey from October 1st to 31st. Let’s dive in and discover how you can be a part of this literary extravaganza!

How to Join the Challenge

Participating in the Fall Reading Challenge is as easy as picking up your favorite book. Simply follow these steps:

  • Sign Up: Head over to Beanstack and sign up for the Fall Into Reading Challenge. It’s your passport to a month filled with reading and fun activities.
  • Log Your Reading: As you devour your books, record your progress on Beanstack. Logging your reading journey is not only satisfying but also an essential part of the challenge.
  • Complete Activities: Keep an eye out for exciting activities throughout October. Completing these activities will earn you badges on a Bingo card, adding a competitive twist to your reading adventure.
  • Prizes and Treats: Brace yourself for the fantastic prizes up for grabs!

Prizes and Treats

The Fall Reading Challenge offers some incredible incentives to keep you motivated and engaged:

Grand Prize Winner:

  • A generous $250 Bookshop.org Gift Card to fuel your reading addiction.
  • An additional $250 donation to the bookstore of your choice, supporting local businesses and authors.

Gold Prize Winners (10 Lucky Readers):

  • Each gold prize winner will receive a $50 Bookshop.org gift card to expand their personal library.

Discounts for Everyone:

  • Achieve a Bingo on your card, and you’ll be rewarded with a 10% discount on your next Bookshop.org purchase.
  • Go the extra mile and complete the entire Bingo card to unlock an impressive 20% off an additional order, letting you explore even more literary treasures.

Official Rules

Before you get started, make sure to familiarize yourself with the official rules of the challenge. You can find all the details here.

Join the Challenge!

I challenge you to read with me and discover the joy of books all over again. Join the Bookshop.org (NY) Fall Reading Challenge on Beanstack by entering my friend code: 1BTXSHR. Download the app here or visit Bookshop.org on Beanstack to immerse yourself in this literary adventure.

This fall, let’s celebrate the magic of books, explore new worlds, and create unforgettable reading memories. Keep turning those pages, and who knows, you might be one of the lucky winners to take home fabulous prizes. Happy reading!