Question: What value lies in book reviews?
Answer: Book reviews are a good measure of contemporary reaction to a work. They typically contain information about a book's plot, style, and quality of writing, as well as the author's credentials. They may also give comparisons to other similar titles.
Book reviews can be as brief as one paragraph or several thousand words, but generally do not contain the kind of in-depth analysis found in literary criticism.
Books are generally reviewed near the date of publication or within the first two years after publication.
