Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
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When I first started Adventures in Literature, I had no idea where this journey would take me. I was just a reader with a lot of feelings about the stories I was devouring and a desire to share those thoughts with anyone who might stumble upon my little corner of the internet.
Looking back at some of my earliest book reviews is both nostalgic and a little bit cringey (in the most affectionate way). I can see how much I’ve grown—not just as a reviewer, but as a reader and a writer, too.
So today, I thought it would be fun (and maybe a little insightful?) to share 10 ways my book reviews have changed over the years.
1. I’ve Learned to Slow Down and Sit With a Story
In the beginning, I would write my reviews immediately after finishing a book, often in a whirlwind of emotions. These days, I give myself more time to reflect—what did the story really say? What stuck with me? This has helped my reviews feel more grounded and thoughtful.
2. There’s More Structure (And Hopefully Less Rambling)
I used to just type and go with the flow. Now, I try to format my reviews with clear sections—things like genre, tropes, content warnings, and my overall thoughts. It’s helped me stay organized and makes things easier for readers to skim or dive deep, depending on what they’re looking for.
3. I’m Not Afraid to Talk About Tough Topics
As I’ve gotten more comfortable, I’ve started including content or trigger warnings when appropriate. It’s important to me that readers feel safe and informed before picking up a book, especially when stories touch on heavy or emotional themes.
4. I’ve Grown More Emotionally Honest
I’m learning that it’s okay to say when a book made me cry, or when a character hit a little too close to home. Letting my emotions show in my reviews has helped me connect with readers who felt the same.
5. I Explore More Genres Than I Used To
Back then, I mostly stuck with my comfort genres. Now, I read a wider variety—thrillers, historical fiction, sci-fi, cozy mysteries—and I’m loving the challenge of reviewing across such different styles and tones.
6. I Pay More Attention to the Author’s Craft
These days, I try to notice things like pacing, research, and the nuance of character development. I don’t just say “this book was good”—I want to understand why it was good and give credit to the authors who worked hard to bring their stories to life.
7. I’ve Become More Visual
My early posts were pretty bare bones—just text and maybe a cover image. Now, I enjoy adding photos, quote graphics, or thematic visuals that help bring the story to life visually, too.
8. There’s More of Me in the Reviews
I’ve started including personal anecdotes or reflections when a story resonates deeply. It’s helped me feel more connected to readers and has made my reviews feel a little more like conversations.
9. I Ask Questions and Invite Discussion
Rather than just giving my thoughts, I now try to end posts with a question—something to spark conversation or invite readers to share their experience. I love hearing different perspectives and seeing what others took away from a book.
10. I’ve Embraced Professionalism Without Losing the Heart
I still gush. I still ramble sometimes. But I also include disclaimers when I’ve received an ARC, clearly link to where readers can find the book, and try to be transparent about my review process. It’s important to me to be honest while still championing the joy of reading.
If you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you. If you’re new—welcome.
This blog has grown alongside me, and I’m so grateful for the space it’s become: a place where stories are celebrated, feelings are shared, and community is built one review at a time.
If you’ve followed my reviews for a while, have you noticed any of these changes? Or are there ways you’ve grown as a reader over the years too?
Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Looking for book recs…
Adventures in Literature 
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