I saw a couple of posts about writing book reviews and I agree.
Most folks simply read a book and move on. Few take the time and effort to write A review - long or short. But I think readers should take the time to share their views - great, good, bad or atrocious. Even ‘roasting’ a book that you simply hated is okay as long it is constructive feedback to share with fellow readers.
While books by ‘tier 1’ authors generate thousands of reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and elsewhere, a vast majority of books end up with one or two reviews. And even those few reviews are probably solicited reviews.
Writers yearn for feedback, especially in a digital era where reviews on forums like Goodreads and Amazon can make or break sales and ratings.
Let us keep reviewing to motivate writers!
The only obligation readers have toward writers is paying them for their books in my opinion. I review books on Goodreads but only for myself and other readers and I don’t take them seriously as it’s not my job. I’ve done my part, I’ve paid the writers, anything beyond that is extra and good on people who do go and write reviews but it’s not something I think people should be pressured to do.
It’s the same as restaurants, mechanics, any service you pay for. If you decide to write a review that’s great, but I don’t think it’s cool to pressure people who don’t want to.