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Unlock Your Creativity: Why You Should Review Books, Movies & Music

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 11:49 GMT by Her Campus

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

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Beyond Just Enjoying It: Why You Should Start Reviewing Books, Movies & Music

We’ve all been there – finishing a captivating novel, emerging from an emotionally resonant film, or losing ourselves in a fantastic album. The immediate reaction is often just feeling. But have you ever stopped to really analyze what made that experience so impactful? The HerCampus article "Why You Should Review Books, Movies, and Music" at the University of Michigan encourages readers to move beyond simple enjoyment and start actively reviewing creative works – and it’s not just for aspiring critics. It argues that engaging in this practice offers a surprising wealth of personal benefits, from sharpening your critical thinking skills to boosting your creativity and even expanding your social circle.

The article begins by acknowledging the common hesitation: "I'm not a critic!" It directly addresses this fear, emphasizing that reviewing isn’t about being an expert or adhering to rigid standards. It’s simply about sharing your perspective. As the article points out, everyone has opinions and experiences that shape their understanding of art, and those perspectives are valuable. The core message is that anyone can review – it's not a profession; it’s a form of engagement.

Why Bother? The Benefits Are More Than You Think.

The piece outlines several compelling reasons to start reviewing. Firstly, it strengthens your critical thinking skills. Analyzing a book’s plot structure, a movie’s cinematography, or a song's lyrical content forces you to dissect the work and understand how it achieves its effect. This isn’t just about saying "I liked it" – it's about articulating why you liked it (or didn’t), using specific examples from the work itself. This skill translates far beyond entertainment, improving your ability to analyze arguments in academic settings, evaluate information critically in everyday life, and form well-reasoned opinions on complex issues.

Secondly, reviewing sparks creativity. The process of articulating your thoughts and feelings about a piece of art encourages you to think more deeply about creative expression. You begin to notice nuances you might have otherwise missed, prompting new ideas and perspectives. It can even inspire you to be more creative – whether that’s writing your own stories, composing music, or simply approaching problems in innovative ways. The article implicitly references the idea of 'reflective practice,' a concept common in artistic fields where examining one's work (or the work of others) leads to growth and new understanding.

Thirdly, it improves your communication skills. Writing a review requires you to clearly and concisely express your thoughts in a way that’s engaging for an audience. You need to organize your ideas logically, use descriptive language effectively, and support your claims with evidence. This practice is invaluable for improving writing abilities overall – a skill highly sought after in both academic and professional settings. The article suggests starting small, even just journaling about your reactions, which builds the foundation for more structured reviews.

Where to Share Your Voice (and Find Community)

The article then moves onto practical advice on where to share these reviews. While traditional publications might seem intimidating, there are numerous online platforms that welcome diverse voices and varying levels of experience. These include:

• Goodreads: A popular platform specifically for book lovers, allowing users to rate books, write reviews, and connect with other readers. (As the article mentions, Goodreads is a great starting point due to its large community.)
• Letterboxd: Similar to Goodreads but focused on film. Users can track movies they’ve watched, create lists, and write reviews.
• Spotify Wrapped & Playlist Reviews: While not traditional "reviews," sharing your thoughts on music you love (especially around Spotify's annual Wrapped feature) can be a fun way to engage with others and express your taste.
• Personal Blogs/Social Media: Creating your own blog or using platforms like Instagram or TikTok allows for complete creative control and direct engagement with an audience.
• University Publications: As the article highlights, student newspapers and online publications are often eager to feature reviews from students – a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and reach a wider audience.

The article encourages readers to find their niche - perhaps focusing on a specific genre (e.g., YA fantasy novels, independent films, indie music) or developing a unique reviewing style. Finding a community of like-minded individuals is also emphasized; sharing reviews with others provides valuable feedback and fosters a sense of connection.

Beyond the "Like" Button: A Deeper Engagement with Art.

Ultimately, “Why You Should Review Books, Movies, and Music” argues that reviewing isn't just about contributing to online discourse – it’s about enriching your own experience with art. It moves you beyond passive consumption towards active engagement, fostering a deeper appreciation for the creative process and sharpening valuable life skills in the process. It encourages readers to look beyond the surface level enjoyment and critically examine why something resonates (or doesn't) with them. In a world saturated with content, taking the time to thoughtfully consider and articulate your reactions is not only rewarding but also contributes to a more nuanced and vibrant cultural conversation. So, next time you finish a book, movie, or album that moves you, don’t just think “I liked it.” Think: "What can I say about this?"

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