I read all books in full before I write a review and try to review them as if I was speaking to both the author of the book and my best friend. If I like the book, I say so. If I didn't like the book, I try to offer suggestions as to how the book could have been better. In my opinion, negative criticism is pointless. Constructive criticism is much better and still warns the potential reader that the book might not be so good. Above all, I attempt to be honest. My best friend wouldn't appreciate me recommending a bad book to her and neither would the followers of my blog.
I do sometimes receive books for free from publishers. However, I am not required by any publisher to write a positive review and I attempt to note on each post in my blog if I did receive the book from the publisher for free. Usually my disclosure will be at the bottom of the review and look something like this:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ******* Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
