I started writing reviews on Goodreads and sharing on social media in about April 2020. During the second lockdown I decided to turn them into a blog, which I launched in June 2021.
Blog: My Cosy Book Nook
X: @MyCosyBookNook
Instagram: @sam.mycosybooknook
Threads: @sam.mycosybooknook
Bluesky: @mycosybooknook.bsky.social
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyCosyBookNook
Meet Sam
Questions on Reviewing
What made you start a book blog and/or book review social media account?
Short answer: Lockdown 2020. I basically ran out of other things to do, so returned to my childhood hobby of reading and decided it would be fun to write about some of the books.
What have you learned about the writing/publishing industry since reviewing?
That getting published is hard! I’m sure that if I were to finish my own first draft of a novel, and submit it only to receive the inevitable rejections, I’d quickly accept that I wasn’t good enough and that would be that. So I have nothing but admiration for those who keep on writing and keep on querying, without losing their self-belief.
Are there any authors or books you have discovered through reviewing that you might have otherwise missed out on?
Too many to list! Those that immediately come to mind and in no particular order are: Authors Lauren North, Rachel Amphlett and Michelle Kidd, whose books I only became aware of through blog tours, and the fabulous Jess Kitching, to whom I was introduced on social media but who recently accepted my invitation to come and speak at my local bookshop! And two epic books: None Left to Tell by Noelle W Ihli and The Necklace by Matt Witten, both of which I was invited by other reviewers to read and review.
What do you think makes a great book review?
I know it’s a Marmite-y answer, but I love detail. A review that’s only three or four lines long and essentially just says “I loved this” really doesn’t tell me anything. I want to know what other readers did or didn’t love.
How do you handle reviewing a book you dislike?
It can be tough, especially if the author is someone I know, or who has reached out to me directly. In such instances, it feels a bit like telling a friend that their baby is ugly – in front of an audience. But I’ve tried sugarcoating and it doesn’t work. You just have to be honest. Two things that I do try to make clear are: that all of my reviews are of the books, not the authors, and that anything I dislike (or like, for that matter) is just my opinion, and not the be all and end all.
Is there anything that puts you off reviewing a book or author?
I won’t review a book that I DNF; I don’t think that’s fair to the author. But other than that, no, I don’t think so.
Questions About Books
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘by your bedside’?
In hard copy: Lies Between Friends by A.A. Abbott and Driven to Kill by Jill Griffin (which I bought after meeting the authors at a local book fair) and Human Remains by Jo Callaghan (that I read recently and haven’t put back on the shelf yet). Whilst top of the list on my Kindle are The Guilty Daughter by Victoria Jenkins (my next blog tour read), Match Maker by S E Lynes and Wicked Women by Angela Marsons (that I can’t wait to start), and ARCs from Matt Witten and Paul Gitsam, who have been kind enough to send me copies in anticipation of a review.
What children’s book would you recommend all adults read?
Matilda by Roald Dahl. Not only is it a lovely story, but it left me feeling inspired to read at least one of the classic novels that are referenced throughout the book.
What was the last book you read that you would recommend?
The Lost Detective by Elspeth Latimer. Another book that I would have been unlikely to read were it not for a blog tour, but I loved it.
Is there an author you always read?
The aforementioned Angela Marsons and Susie Lynes (S E Lynes). Both incredible authors whose books I can’t get enough of. And snapping at their heels is Gaz Wright (G D Wright) whose first two books are sort of horrifically, harrowingly beautiful.
Who is your literary icon?
Can I have two? Enid Blyton, who more than anyone else was responsible for getting me into reading as a child, and Agatha Christie, who got me hooked on crime fiction in my early teens. I’ve never looked back.
How do you sort your books?
You mean people actually sort books instead of leaving them in a ready-to-topple pile? [Sam…I am exactly the same]
What underrated book should more people read?
I’ve written a ‘Top 5 Books of the Year’ post every year since 2020, and of all my top placed books, Lucky Number 11 by Jess Kitching appears to have been the slowest selling. Probably because it’s published by a small, South African-based publisher and so hasn’t had the exposure of some of the other books I’ve rated. It deserves to.
What are three books or genres that define your taste as a reader?
Hmm, let’s go with books …
Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton. In my adult cynicism I have to say that the plots in many of her children’s adventure stories are basically the same. But this is the original and best.
The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie. It’s far removed from the locked-room mystery that she’s so rightly renowned for, but it’s every bit as good, and probably my favourite of all her novels.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I’m convinced it’s my single favourite book of all time.
And finally…
Do you have any other reviewers or bloggers you would recommend?
My friends and fellow bloggers Natalie Laird (@curlingupwithacoffeeandakindle on FB and Instagram) and Daniel McBreakneck (of the FB group ‘Avid Readers Club – Share the Love’).
Special mention too to Cathryn Northfield (@cathrynanne24 and her blog, Life’s a Book). She’s reading less these days after some health issues, but I know that any book she loves is one that I just have to read!
Thank you Sam😊
Books By Your Bedside 