Author and book columnist Carole Barrowman admits she often judges a book by its cover but it's never a dealbreaker. Her recommendations hinge on strong characters, compelling settings, and a plot that hooks her within the first 50 pages. Voice matters too, but one thing always tips the scale: a debut or lesser known author over a bestseller. Barrowman sees herself as a book curator, championing hidden gems that readers might otherwise miss.


Posted
Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.