I want to share my thoughts on the books, television series, and movies that I read and watch, but I realize you’re probably bombarded with reviews already. I mean, everybody is binging in one form or another. And everybody has an opinion, right?
So, I’ve got a gimmick. I’m going to summarize my review in three sentences. A quick and easy read, right to the point, no spoilers. Please note: The first caveat of 3 Sentence Reviews is this, Always consider the 4th Sentence to be that the book or movie was too long and could’ve used a tighter edit. I’m only going to say it in this one post, but always presume a piece should have been shorter and less repetitive. ALWAYS.
The idea is still new to me, it may sometimes be a challenge to properly convey my thoughts in three measly (although potentially run-on) sentences, but I believe I will get better as I go.
That said, ironically, the book that spawned this idea is called, The Burnt House, by Faye Kellerman, an author I have frequently read and much enjoyed in the past. This book is #16 in her Decker series and was published in 2007 but neither the date nor previous history were the problem. I kept reading, thinking it would get better, yet my first comment upon finishing this book was, “Bad, bad, bad.” That wasn’t much of a write-up, so I challenged myself to get to at least three sentences…and I came up with: 1. Bad. 2. Bad. 3. So bad. Those sentiments still fall short of conveying why I would not recommend this book.
Instead I offer my first official 3 Sentence Review:
1. The writing, pacing, and plot of The Burnt House were not good.
2. The action, dialogue, and characters could have been better.
3. Even the title is lacking–what house burnt?
In the future, I won’t explain the thought process, merely provide three sentences carved from my overthinking, occasionally obsessive, and often detailed examination.
Because I want you to like this idea, I offer a bonus 3 Sentence Review:
I recently finished The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway.
1. The writing held up pretty well considering it was published in 1926.
2. I kept waiting for the TRAGEDY to happen, but it’s not that kind of story.
3. I found many parallels between the fleeting interests and untethered lives of Hemingway’s characters and the youth of today, making it much less dated than I would have assumed.
I hope you will enjoy my speedy reviews. I would love to know your thoughts on:
1. The Burnt House
2. The Sun Also Rises
3. The idea of 3 Sentence Reviews
Write as much as you need to share your opinion. But please note, I may be mentally invoking the 4th Sentence.
MARY LAMPHERE AUTHOR 
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