What Makes The Perfect Review?

Though I don't always come out with something insightful, I like to think that once in a while I'll get a bee in my bonnet about something and the end result is something half way decent. Today, or more so recently, I've been left with the thought of what makes the best book review. I've been blogging for a few years, and in my short but colourful life I've seen people do it so many different ways that I'm not sure there is a right or wrong answer, everyone has found a way that works for them so why should it be wrong?

Over the years I've tried it all. I've tried the process, like so many others, of breaking down the book in the review into sections talking about the plot first, then the characters and so on. I've tried mini reviews, I've tried just talking about what I liked and disliked about the book as opposed to giving anything away. I don't think the ways I've done it before or the way I do it now is that different to others, but I can't help thinking sometimes that I'm doing something wrong.

My first question for you is about length.

It's something that differs the most. I've seen people write no more than around 150 words and then some that seem to go on forever. Does the length of the review really matter if it's direct and to the point? Or do we need to have everything explained in depth to us?. Personally myself I think that it's hard to give anyone a real idea about how you felt about the book without explaining why or giving them a detailed reason. I'm no saying that those who choose to do consistently small reviews are wrong or that they should change the way they do it, but though reviewing books is for fun at the end of the day it serves a higher purpose, to get as many people talking about the book as possible and how can you convince anyone to go out and read said book if they couldn't get a feel for it from what you've said?. Does anyone agree with me or am I on my own with this one because I would really love to know.

The next question: content.

Is it completely necessary to outline the ins and outs of what happens in the book creating a review that may get boring and tedious or is it acceptable to speak only briefly about the story and mainly about the good and bad parts?. Personally myself I much prefer a review that covers the plot for a while but is filled up of fangirling, swooning or reasons why things could have been better. I know everyone has different preferences and that’s fine, but is there a way for people to cater to everyone’s tastes?

Lastly is about gifs.

Something that a lot of people use these days (myself included) and where as you have people who seem to know exactly what ones to use to go with their review (I'm looking at you Cait and Charnell) what about the people who like to use them, though the ones they've picked may be only relevant and make sense to them, is it still worth having them or should they opt for having none at all? Or are you of the thought that gifs hold no place in a review?. When I first started blogging, I hardly ever saw them, now it's like everyone and their dog are using them as a way to make their review stand out and add humour when sadly sometimes it's just overkill. I'm not saying that people shouldn't use them unless they know how, hell I seem to be in the group that sometimes use non relevant ones to anyone else but me, but if I'm happy with it should it matter to anyone else?

My intention here is not to poke wholes in the way people choose to review books, even though we may or may not be reviewing it for a publisher or author at the bare bones of it this is still a hobby (no matter how seriously you take it) and you should be able to have fun and do it how you wish, but even the person with the best intentions in the word might find themselves judging a review on it's layout, look or content. I just wanted to get an idea of what everyone else thinks makes a good if not perfect review, because as I've already said it's something I've thought about if not struggled with for a while.

Do you ever struggle writing reviews?