Not all of the books are in book form. Many are galley-proofs, or reviewer proofs: large, 81/2 X 11" format glued and bound in cellophane or sometimes stapled together. I'm seeing the book before it is a book, and it's an honor to be one of the few (maybe only a few dozen in some cases) to read the book prior to the general public.
I like the idea of being a book reviewer. Makes me feel tough, like I have some clout. I try to be precise in my reading and perusal of a new book: determine what the author is trying to say and then ask how well he or she pulled it off. Most of what I'm reading--at least in print form--is well-written. But that's what an editor can do for a book. (Try that with self-published books and you often get a mash up of split infinitives and bad grammar and thoughts that trail off into nothing . . . .)
Reviewers, generally, must also be quick. Reviews often have deadlines. In essence, the review must arrive before the book hits the shelves (or the internet) and people need to have a review that is both informative and accessible.
Reviewers must read quickly, but thoroughly. Light reading not withstanding, sometimes a book requires heavy lifting or the late-night work that will keep a reviewer awake. Sometimes I have to start my day with four pre-coffee chapters, then coffee, and then another ten chapters and a blog before writing the review.
But I like it. Being a reviewer keeps me in touch. It also makes me more aware of my own writing and causes me to ask the question:
How am I doing so far?
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