Book Reviews and Some Gift Ideas

Newsletter #19

Something about my journey

I’ve shared some tidbits about my journey at various book events during this past month. One of the items I discussed is what I learned regarding book reviews and I thought the timing was right to share it with you.

A year ago, I had no idea there was such a thing as book reviews done by regular old readers like myself. Though I’ve been an avid reader my whole life, I’ve never done a book review. I thought the literary experts at the New York Times and other esteemed publications did book reviews. But during the past year, I learned how important reviews are for new authors like myself, and that readers post them regularly. So, I’ve recently written a bunch of reviews trying to make up for lost time and get some good karma out there in the ‘book’ world. I’ve written reviews for several She Writes Press authors and added my name to the more famous books with thousands of reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. One can only dream, right?

Amazon reviews for Again and Again Back To You have been slowly growing. I’m asking all of you who have read the book or even those who are thinking about reading it, to consider posting a rating (1-5 Stars) or a written review on Amazon and Goodreads. There is magic in the ratings and reviews in that they make my book more discoverable to other readers. I think that means Amazon’s algorithm uses the number of reviews along with sales to decide what books it should “promote”. “Promote” means the book moves up in the search engine listing so other readers searching for a poignant, metaphysical book, will have Again and Again Back To You pop up on the list. We all know that if you search for Sri Lankan travel guides, my book will pop up at the top of that search (See this newsletter for the story- Launch Newsletter). Below is a nice summary of why reviews are so important.

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Something about Music, Books, TV, let’s call it Pop Culture

A friend who recently read my book emailed my husband that Don Mclean was touring this year. The song American Pie plays an important role in my book as it is Kevin and Marta’s special song. The song brings with it nostalgia from the 70’s as well as loss and change. Since it is my husband’s birthday next month, this all seemed like too much of a coincidence not to be a message. As I state in my book, when the signs are this clear, you must listen to them. So, I jumped on the internet and bought our tickets. I did have a little niggle of worry that the tickets might be like the Simpson’s episode where for Marge’s birthday, Homer buys her a bowling ball inscribed with his name.

But in my defense, I’m pretty sure my husband will enjoy the show just as much as I will. I’ll let you know. The date is 12/6, in Tarrytown NY at a pretty small venue. Here is my promotional thought. Maybe I should try to get my book in the hands of Don McLean. I bought the copyright to use his song in my book so I’m sure he would want to see his song in my book. In my older concert clubbing days, it was easy to meet band members. Backstage security wasn’t a priority back then. Unfortunately, I don’t think this will work in 2024. I plan to have my signed book wrapped in a nice package and find someone (security) to deliver my gift. I don’t need to talk to Don, I’d just like him to flip through my book and see how I incorporated his song into the story. I’ll report back on how it goes. If you have any thoughts on how to get my book to Don McLean before, during, or after the concert, please share.

Quick Recap on how to support me in this first year of my book.

• Buy ~and read~ Again and Again Back To You. Here is an Amazon link but it’s always great to shop at your local bookstore and you can order through any bookstore. Amazon Link A book is always a great holiday gift and Christmas is right around the corner.

• Attend one of my events. You can buy the book directly or bring a book to any of my events and I will autograph it for you.

• Post a book review or rating on Amazon, B&N, and/or Goodreads.

• Recommend my book to friends, word of mouth is the best way to promote a book.

• Follow @akezerins on Instagram or like my author's page on Facebook.

• Request Again and Again Back to You at your local library. Columbia and Hebron libraries already have a copy.

• If you are part of a book club, email me at Andreaezerins@gmail.com as I’d love to attend in person or virtually.

Help to find the spot to review my book on Amazon. Go to my book (I shouldn’t give you the direct link as Amazon’s algorithm doesn’t like that). Scroll down a bit and you will find this section. Click on Write a Review and you can do either the star rating or write a review.

Please like and add a comment especially if you know Don McLean!