Read 'Em and Weep at the Lackluster Writing

While I don't mean to brag, I feel that I am qualified to judge other people's writing.  I was an English major in college, and I am slowly working my way to a Master's degree, or two.  I have an ultimate goal of becoming a professional writer, probably.  I have owned a book store for almost twenty years (and maybe not for much longer), so I know about trends and current tastes.  I feel confidently that this makes me almost an expert, allowing me to assess and critique works.  For the most part, I try not to as it can come across as bragging.  I usually only to so when someone makes such a huge error that the meaning they were trying to convey is lost, or when it was an easily corrected typo or such.  I honestly try not to do so when English might not be the writer's first language.  Such a correction might not be seen in the way I meant it to be.  Honestly, I am trying to help people out, even when it allows me to show off a bit.  There is a downside to all or this, though.  This can take some of the enjoyment out of reading, especially when the work lacks something.  Sure, I can appreciate a work that I have to read, such as for a class, even when I don't like it all that much.  Usually, if I really like a book, I ignore any minor flaws in the writing.  Unfortunately, the opposite can also happen.  I have just finished reading a book that I had been waiting a while for.  [I will not mention the book's title or author, nor will I provide definitive details about the plot and characters, as I refuse to give any book a book review.]  The plot was interesting, and the main characters were intriguing.  However, much of the writing felt off.  The writing was grammatical , and the editing seemed to be correct.  The word choices were off-putting at times.  The narration was handled by the main character.  Much of it was repetitive, detailing events that occurred on a regular basis.  Once something happens, you don't need to go into so much detail when it happens again unless something drastically changes or is otherwise different.  It doesn't help if you add or subtract a detail if it is just the same routine.  The dialogue also felt off.  Sometimes a character would say something that didn't fit their style, or in such a way that most people wouldn't usually use.  The word choices weren't really wrong, just not what most people would use in an everyday conversation.  It wasn't every time, but enough for such stylistic choices to stand out.  A few details were left hanging without any explanation, but this could be due to the fact that it is the first book in a new series and plot hooks needed to be set up for the sequels.  Don't get me wrong, I still liked the book, overall, I just feel that it could have used a stronger editorial hand to guide the work along. This wasn't the author's first work, and I don't think I have read anything else by this author.   I am planning to read the next book in the series in another week or so, but I am still not sure if I will like the writing as much as I will enjoy the work as a whole.