Let’s Talk Bookish – Do bloggers/reviewers have to review every book they read?

Good morning, and welcome to Let’s Talk Bookish! Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme, created and hosted by me, where we discuss chosen topics, share our opinions, and spread the love by visiting each other’s posts.

Today’s topic is: Do bloggers/reviewers have to review every book they read? (submitted by Heran @ Be Frisky)

Like with most of the questions, no, you are not forced to do anything that you don’t want to, and you don’t have to review every single book that you read. However, I feel like there is an expectation for bloggers/reviewers to review every book that they read.

To me, there seems to be an expectation that if a blogger is reading a book, he or she is going to review it. So some people might say that they look forward to a review of that book. Of course, I’m pretty sure no one intends to pressure the blogger/reviewer into reviewing the book, but for me, it kind of feels like I have to do so, because somebody is looking forward to my review.

And I’m not complaining. I actually don’t mind when someone says they are looking forward to a review, because most of the time, my plan is to review the book anyway. I even mention that I’m excited for a review of a book someone else is reading with other people too.

But, I feel like it may be overwhelming, or unintentionally pressuring for the blogger/reviewer when I say that.

Reviews can be exhausting to write. Especially for those who write the super long and detailed ones. One day, you might just feel like “nah, I don’t want to review this” but then someone comes along, and says they are excited to read your review when you are done. And despite your declaration five minutes earlier that you were not going to review the book, you find yourself sitting for an hour or two gathering your thoughts so that you can write the review.

To answer the question: No, you don’t have to review every book you read.

But maybe we are unknowingly placing the expectation on ourselves and on others that we have to review every book that we read.

This Week’s Participants:

Evelyn @ Evelyn Reads | Megan @ Megabunny Reads | Kelly @ Books on the Brain | Shan @ Shanshelves | Heran @ Be Frisky | Jane @ Blogger Books | Aria @ Book Nook Bits | Katie @ Melting Pages

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What do you think? Have you ever felt like you had to write a review because someone said they were excited to see it? Do you think it’s wrong to say that you’re looking forward to someone’s review if they haven’t said that they plan on reviewing it? How long does it take you to write a review? Chat with me in the comments below!