Um…Did I Miss The Memo???

Is it my imagination, or are books getting longer? Every book I’ve been asked to review lately has been north of 300 pages!

I’m not complaining. I passed on the latest requests, because I just don’t have time to read and review 300-page books. I mean, when would I eat? Or sleep? Or earn money to pay bills? But I’m just wondering, did I miss a memo? Why are books getting longer and longer?

Back in December, I agreed to read and review a title (which shall remain nameless) because it sounded interesting to me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t my usual astute self, so I forgot to check the page count before I gave my consent.

It was 600 pages long!

Again, I’m not complaining, and I’m definitely not putting anyone down. I admire any writer who can stay focused enough to write a 600-page book (I sure can’t!). But gosh-a-mighty, 600 pages? Really?

I was also recently asked to read and review a trilogy. When I received the review arc of 400 pages, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, although I couldn’t figure out why so many details had been omitted. That’s when I found out the publisher had mistakenly sent the arc for the second book of the trilogy. I was then asked if I wanted them to send the first and third books, which were each also 400 pages long.

That’s 1200 pages, people.

The publisher couldn’t understand why I declined after I said I liked the second book. They couldn’t fathom why I wasn’t itching to get my fingers on books one and three. But…seriously, 1200 pages?

So I’m wondering, did I miss the memo? Is there now a trend that every book – fiction, nonfiction, comedy, drama, narrative and bio – must be hundreds and hundreds of pages long? And if there is, why didn’t I know about it?

Now, I don’t expect anyone to actually answer this question. I’m just venting, because I love reading and reviewing books. But with these latest developments, I don’t see how that will be possible.

Well anyway, don’t let my dilemma discourage you. Keep those review requests coming. I love finding new writers that I can boast about.

Best wishes and happy writing – especially if your book is under 300 pages,

Rita Lorraine