Have you ever wondered a person who loves reading a lot of books and sharing the happiness with others? Sometimes, being a book reviewer is always easier said than done. Jess, a book reviewer, speaks to Mimi Wong about her life as a book reviewer.

 

1. Why do you want to be a book reviewer?

I have been reading books for a long time, and I often found myself reading what other people would say about a book on Goodreads. I would judge if I agreed with their opinion or found it differed. I started by writing recommendations on Apple ibooks, but it was only recently that I decided I really wanted to share my thoughts and opinions about the books I read.

 

2. What is your most favourite book you ever read?

I think my favourite book would have to be ‘Anna and the French kiss’ by Stephanie Perkins, it was such a beautiful love story. It really made me fall in love with reading and it was such a different storyline.

 

3. Why do you call yourself a book-eater on your blog?

I call myself a book eater, because when I was younger my mum used to tell me that I read books so quickly. I was eating them rather than reading them.

 

4. Why do you prefer to make book review videos on YouTube instead of writing book reviews in words only?

I like making book review videos because it feels more personal, I feel like I can express myself more clearly in a verbal video rather than through words. I do enjoy writing worded reviews, but sometimes I feel like I miss things I wanted to say or perhaps I didn’t deliver the message as well as what I was hoping for.

 

5. Did you come across any difficulties when you started as a book commentator?

I think the main difficulty which I still grapple with right now is gaining traction, the web is such a wide space and can really propel you into the eye of everyone. But at the same time, it is quite easy to get lost in the web and I think its finding that balance of not getting lost and trying to be seen.

 

6. What is the most interesting thing you have ever encountered as a book reviewer?

I think the different people and authors who I have met. It is amazing to talk to people who are so interesting, find their passions and be creative with other like-minded people.

 

7. What is your future plan? Do you wish to write a book?

I don’t really have a plan at the moment, because life has taught me – you can plan all you like but things will change. I think I would love to write books. Hopefully people would love to read them as well.

 

8. Do you have any book recommendations for teenagers?

Well that depends, as a teenager I loved more contemporary authors such as Stephanie Perkins, Simone Elkeles and Jennifer Echols were among my favourites. I really loved the vampire academy series, the shadow hunter series but fantasy books weren’t as popular when I was younger. I would recommend anything by Sarah J Maas, Cassie Clare and Leigh Bardugo for anyone who is interested in fantasy books.

 

To know more about Jess:

Instagram: caroline_bookeater

Website: https://carolinemasci.com/

YouTube channel: Caroline Bookeater