Receiving books in exchange for reviews is such a win-win-win-win situation that it’s pretty much one of my favorite things.

I became aware of the concept several years ago and right away looked into figuring out how I, too, could convince publishers to send me their lovely books. It was a lot easier than I had imagined, but also carried a weight of responsibility I wasn’t totally ready for. I requested books from time to time, but it wasn’t until the beginning of this year that I decided to take book reviewing seriously. And it’s been glorious.  Here are some reasons why:

1. You’re helping the publisher. The publisher is helping the author. The author is helping you. The book is helping readers. And the cycle continues. It’s literally a win for everyone involved. Getting the word out about the book? Check. Helping others know why it would or wouldn’t be a good fit for them? Check. Starting up discussions? Check.
2. “Shopping” for books without having to spend money on them is not only fun, but it makes you feel like you’re part of a club. And the feeling of belonging is pretty cool.
3. If you’re not incredibly organized then it’s easy to forget what books you’ve requested and when they’re supposed to arrive. That means checking the mail each day is a treat, cause you never know when you’ll have a package. Or three. Or five.
4. Filling up a bookshelf with books you’ve received solely in exchange for reviews is rather satisfying.
   
5. Goodreads. Now I suppose you could be logical and say that Goodreads isn’t only for people who read books in exchange for reviews, and that’s true. BUT! I haven’t talked about Goodreads nearly enough on Noveltea, and I highly recommend it, so it’s on the list. (By the way, Goodreads is a fantastic book review site, in case you wondered. You should check it out.)
6. Writing book reviews is helpful for so many reasons. For instance it helps you remember the books you’ve read, especially if you read a lot. It also helps you actually think about what you’re reading. And what you learned from certain books. And if so-and-so is an author you’ve appreciated in the past. PLUS it helps other people find out about books. Really, I don’t think there are any downsides to reviewing. And, if you’re gonna be reviewing books anyway, why not get them straight from the publisher?
7. Reviewing recently-released books is one of the coolest things ever, because when you find a book that’s worth freaking out over, you can help get other people excited about it, too. (Like Life Creative, which was so good I not only blogged about it, reviewed it, gushed about it on Goodreads, but I also emailed someone and told them all about it.) Also, if you like a book enough, you can always go and support the author by buying a copy and hosting a giveaway. Or giving it as a gift to someone.
   
8. ARCs. (Advanced Reader’s Copy) I’ve literally wanted ARCs for years. I’ve read about them on other people’s blogs. Watched vlogs about them. Read reviews of them. Seen pictures. And maybe drooled a bit. In reality though, I wasn’t quite sure how to  get my own ARCs. Then low in behold, one day I opened a package and there, staring back at me, was a lovely, delightful, stunning ARC. And my happiness escalated.
9. Blogging about books is rather wonderful. And book reviews. I realize not everyone likes them (Sister: Lydia, why do you post book reviews? I mean, no one reads them, right?), but I have a very fond place in my heart for book reviews. Even if I’m not planning on ever reading a certain book, I can still learn a fantastic amount about books, readers, and writers, all from a simple review. I may or may not sometimes spend hours at a time reading through reviews to get a better idea of what books are out there, and what readers appreciate.
10. After you’ve reviewed a book, it’s yours. That means you can do whatever you want with it (except for ARCs). You can host giveaways, sell the books, give them as gifts, or keep them. From my lack of giveaways y’all can safely assume I keep most of the books I get for review. I do sometimes give them as gifts though. And, I also let people borrow them.
11. Sometimes you get to connect with the authors. And connecting with authors is one of the coolest things ever. Especially if you’re also an author.

Did I leave anything off the list, fellow reviewers? What is Your favorite part of receiving books in exchange for reviews? To non-reviewers: Do you enjoy reading book reviews? Why or why not?

AND! Don’t forget to enter the giveaway I’m currently hosting. Remember, you can get new points each day! {Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway Here.}