It may seem like an odd thing to do, but there is great value in reviewing books that were published decades or even centuries ago, even known classics that have been reviewed thousands of times before. This is especially true if you’re an aspiring author.
1. New to Someone (aka, the Lucky 10,000)
One of my favourite webcomics is XKCD, and one of my favourite strips is this one:
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To put it simply, everyone has read zero books at birth, and every day, someone reads a book that “everyone” has read, and those new readers become one of the Lucky 10,000. The truth is, there are quite a few classics that most people have never read (and will never read), and a new review is a good way to remind people that these stories aren’t just for high school book reports.
2. Reinforce What You Read
If you’re like me, it’s easy to forget plots and characters once a book is over. By writing a review of a book, you reinforce your comprehension and retention of its themes, characters, and events through your analysis. In the case of old books, this can improve your ability to join the conversation that surrounds it.
3. Develop Good Habits
In many ways, writing is a habit. Like many habits, developing the habit is the challenge, while sustaining it easy. If you’ve run into the dreaded writer’s block, a book review is a great way to flex some writing muscle without needing to stress your imagination. So, write a review of every book you read, even ancient ones, and build that habit!
4. Improve Your Literary Comprehension
Thinking about a book in a critical fashion, beyond a star-rating or simple like and dislike, is a great way to improve your general comprehension. In the case of old books, you can also compare your impressions with those of reviewers from bygone decades, to see where your sensibilities differ or align.
5. Learn from the Greats
If a book is more than thirty years old and still readily available, then it’s probably one of those books that society has deemed a classic. Even if you don’t like the book, it’s an opportunity to discover whatever it is that makes some stories memorable. There is a certain nobility in forging your own path, but don’t be afraid to embrace what works.
