Is A Book Review Like A Tomato?

Hi everyone! Tori and I are happy to be back on the island for the first time in ages and we are enjoying the sun, surf and of course da menz. I got to thinking on the flight over about something I read on another blog site a while back concerning the shelf life of books. Basically the writer asserted that there is a short window of opportunity to review a book prior and following it's publication before a review loses relevancy. In other words, folks who follow reviews in the blogging / cyber world would not be interested if it is not posted within a short window of time on either side of the publication date of the book.

So my question is, are book reviews like tomatoes in that if the review isn't completed and posted within that window period it rots on the shelf? Now, I'm speaking metaphorically of course because we all know, reviews don't "rot" but you get my drift.

The thing is book bloggers I know pretty much have a TBR the size of Mount Everest and it is next to impossible to read all the books you would like to at date of publication. In the case of ARC's in IMHO if reviews are posted too early then folks have forgotten about the book by the time it is published. That is why I really try to read and post ARC reviews not more then 2 weeks ahead of the publication date. But that is just me. Then again sometimes the pub date comes and goes and I just haven't been able to fit the book in. A person can only read, assimilate and review so many books.

An author whom I respect very much once told me it's never too late to post a review of a book for a number of reasons. Even if the book has been out for a while sometimes it reminds others that it is a good read, particularly if it is the first book in a series. Second, if a reader has not read a book by said author before the review may peak their interest to try one of writer's works. Lastly, if you really enjoyed the story and can emulate that enjoyment through the review it may encourage another person to give the book a try.

What are your thoughts with respect to these issues? Are reviews like tomatoes, do you think they lose relevance related to the publication date? If you review books on a blog or other venue such as Goodreads, Amazon etc. does the date of publication affect your decision as to whether to take time out of a crazy, busy schedule and rush to read the book and write your thoughts? If you are a reader and follow book reviews to help make a decision about spending hard earned dollars on a novel does the timing of the review make a difference?

I've got a nice cold strawberry margarita next to me, thanks to one of my menz, a book in my hand, and Tori in the crook of my arm. Life is always great on the Island. ;) I'll be back tomorrow talking about one of my favorite subjects-festive treats. Yes..Food. :-)

Thanks everyone, and have a great day!