On Finding Books to Review

I launched Bob on Books eleven years ago. At the time, all the books I reviewed were bought or borrowed. Eventually, I discovered the truth that established reviewers can request books for review from publishers, usually new or forthcoming releases. And more often than not, they send them.

One thing that helps is to be reasonably prompt in reviewing books and sending publishers links to those reviews or at least tagging them on social media posts. I try to give books several “touches” including featuring it in a “Book of the Day” photo post on social media, writing a review, and the including it in my “Month in Reviews” feature.

There is some work involved. It means scouring catalogs for publishers you like and sending requests. I try to do one most days. Some publishers help. I have several whose publicists write about new books. I decline a number but I also review more from those houses than others.

Then there are others, usually authors trying to break into publishing. I created a post on my “About” page on “How I Choose Books to Review.” Some ignore that page and send me requests that are really outside my reviewing interests. But I also get some from those who read the post and make a case for their book on that basis. If it looks interesting (or you are a friend!) and I think I can give it a good review, I’ll say yes.

Of course, I still review books I’ve bought (sometimes from the money I made re-selling the books I received for review!). That’s as close as I get to making money on this but I enjoy the books, the publisher and author relationships as well as getting to talk with you about books.

Five Articles Worth Reading

Matthew B. Crawford who wrote Shop Class as Soulcraft posted an interesting article on the idea that intellectual independence first requires a sustained intellectual apprenticeship. “Why Individualism Fails to Create Individuals” appears as a web feature at The Hedgehog Review.

A new volume of the poems of Margaret Atwood from 1961 through 2023 has been published according to this review in The Guardian: “Paper Boat by Margaret Atwood review – the poetry collection of a lifetime.”

In “The Long Defeat of History,” Jake Meador, a writer I really like observes, “But Tolkien’s understanding of providence, inextricably bound up in his understanding of history, should strengthen our hearts. For the great conflict in all human thought and action is not whether you will stand on the right side of history but whether you will stand firm at the last, when all hope seems lost.”

As Halloween approaches, it might bring up memories of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.” Just in time, Mental Floss comes to the rescue with “9 Facts About Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.’ ” Nevermore will you be at a loss for words when “The Raven” comes up in conversation!

Despite being told by her sister, “You’re going to look like an idiot if you write about that” Ann Patchett writes in The New York Times about “The Decision I Made 30 Years Ago That I Still Regret.” You probably made this decision as well and I’d be curious if you regret it.

Quote of the Week

Speaking of regrets, playwright Wendy Wasserstein, born October 18, 1950, shared this one:

“The thing I longed for as a teenager is now an object of neglect and scorn. I’ve grown to hate my telephone.”

Miscellaneous Musings

I was heartened to learn this week that I am saving civilization. At least that is what Nadya Williams contends over at The Front Porch Republic in her article “Home Libraries Will Save Civilization.” She is also the author of a serious book title Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic (IVP Academic) that arrived this week for review. And I learned that she and her family live an hour up the road in Ashland, Ohio!

I’m thoroughly enjoying Luke Epplin’s Our Team on the last World Series championship team in Cleveland in 1948. As of Friday afternoon when I am writing this, the Guardians are still in the playoffs.

I just pre-ordered The Grey Wolf, number nineteen in Louise Penny’s Armand Gamache series. Her books got me through the pandemic. By the way, if you are a fan or would like to get a sense of the books, I compiled all my reviews of the series to date here.

Well, that’s The Weekly Wrap for this week!

Find past editions of The Weekly Wrap under The Weekly Wrap heading on this page.