Shannon Hale started a discussion about book reviews and the trend of rating books with little stars.
One of the things she talked about was a film critic she liked:
The reviewer didn’t rate the movies! He just talked about them for a page or two, discussing the choices the director, actors, and screenwriters made, analyzing the pieces, opining on what worked and what didn’t, and comparing that movie to others and to current happenings in the world.
These are the kinds of reviews I like best, too. The kind I like to read and the kind I like to write.
Not that I’m an able reviewer–I’m not. But I love reading and I love talking about what I’ve read. I love to try to figure out why I love or hate a book.
Michael Stearns also likes to talk about what he’s read. He’s decided to give up making negative assessments in public. Because when you are “in the biz” you can’t afford to offend others.
I’ve been struggling with this for months now.
I think Michael’s right to not give negative reviews. I think he’s wise. Who will want to sign with him if editors hate him because he’s dissed their books?
I’m tempted to follow suit. Because what editor will want to offer me a contract if I’ve dissed one of his books? What agent will want to work with me if I’ve spoken ill about his clients’ work?
And it’s not as if the world can’t live without my reviews.
I kind of hate to quit reviewing, though, because word of mouth sells books. When we talk about books, what moved us, what made us mad, we make other people want to read them. Besides, I am passionate about talking about books I love and books I hate. I love to read and I should be allowed to talk about the books I read.
I used to think if I didn’t speak meanly, people wouldn’t get offended. If I was balanced and fair and respectful, it would be OK. But the truth is that whenever you give a negative comment about a book, very often the author sees that comment and nothing else. It sticks in his craw.
What do you think? Do you review books you don’t like?
I’m not just a writer–I’m a librarian. So even if/when I’m published, I won’t stop reviewing books. Reading is just as much a part of my life as writing–actually, more. I’ve never rated books, but I look at what I like, and don’t like. Analyzing helps me, both as a reader/thinker and as a writer .. I guess they’re really intertwined.
Noel´s last blog ..What’s on your nightstand? (September)
Reading is more a part of my life than writing, too, Noel. I’ll read many hundreds more books in my life than I’ll write. And reading, and analyzing what I’ve read, has shaped me.
I’m just not sure I need to make my analyses public.
It’s a tough call.
I have read so many blog posts by authors who are torn up about harsh reviews. The Christian authors say, “If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.” (And they seem to think that any criticism at all is not nice.) The general market authors say, “Why critique me when the book is published and I can’t change it?” They both seem to be missing the point, I think.
The reviews are not aimed at them at all. The reviews are meant to inform potential readers, not instruct the authors. If the authors want instruction they should have their work critiqued before it’s published. Once it’s published it’s asking to be read and talked about. If I pay twenty bucks for a book, I should be allowed to discuss it. I can see why it hurts authors’ feelings, but I don’t think it’s wrong for people to express their opinions about books.
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This is a fascinating topic for thought and discussion.
I do my very best to screen the books I receive for review. I ask for a writing excerpt, check the author out as much as possible, listen to my instincts – all before I accept a book. Why? Because I don’t want to be put in the position of not being able to find anything positive to say. Luckily, my screening usually works and I review many wonderful books.
My blog audience is parents. I hope to encourage them to get hold of great children’s books and read them to/with their kids. But I know writers read reviews too. It seems better for all of us if I am careful to accept books I can honestly be positive about.
Book Chook´s last blog ..Book Review, Rhino Neil