Writing reviews for a book I love is relatively easy. Sure, it’s not always simple to put down on paper how much you gushingly heart a perfect book, but writing a positive review is a breeze when compared to writing a negative one. At least for me. I hate when I don’t like a book, not only because I don’t like wasting my time, but also because I realize just how much authors put into their work. In a perfect world I would love every book I read, but that’s just silly. I’ve read books that have been lauded as classics that I found stiflingly boring. Similarly, I’ve enjoyed books that some might consider low brow. Like so many things, these issues are matters of taste; however, having started up this blog and my book-a-week reviews, the subject of negative opinions is something I’ve been agonizing over. What to do when you really didn’t like a book?
How to handle negative opinions is something I’ve really been struggling with. If I read a book I don’t enjoy should I just zip my lips, put the book aside (or press delete) and move on? A part of me doesn’t want to contribute to the negativity in the world, but at the same time the whole point of reviews is preventing others from wasting their time on something they might not enjoy. I think what I’ve come up with is that I would never write an “I hate everything about this book and the horse it rode in on” kind of review. If I don’t like a book I’m sure I can still have something positive to say while allowing my opinion to be known. I think we can express displeasure while still respecting the fact that someone worked hard on the very thing we’re critiquing.
I’ve also found that it’s important for me to determine why I don’t like a book. Is it a great book but simply not my style, perhaps in a genre I don’t really enjoy? I’m not a huge stickler for grammar, and I can enjoy a good story even if the writing isn’t flawless, but I’ve read a few books that were just screaming for some editing. Were the errors distracting me from an otherwise enjoyable read? The reasons why we may not like a book are many, but I definitely think it’s important to try to pinpoint the why in order to review fairly.
Of course, with the advent of free eBooks and indie novels my reading experience has also changed. Do I expect the same from a $0.99 debut novel from an unknown author as I do a $14.99 new release from a blockbuster bestseller? Nope. Right or wrong I’d also be much more comfortable expressing displeasure if I seriously disliked the well known author’s work and I’m not sure why that is. Price? Feeling like I’m not getting value for my dollar? Or is it the knowledge that a few bad reviews can really damage an indie author’s career, while an avalanche of negative reviews on blockbusters like Fifty Shades of Grey aren’t likely to impact sales. If anything, negative reviews on a best seller will just help generate more buzz.
I’d love to know how you deal with the sensitive issue of not liking a book and negative reviews. Are there any factors that affect the way you view or grade a book or author? Do you think it’s disingenuous to be more forgiving with a freebie than with a bestseller?
Overall, I think I’ll tread carefully when it comes to posting a lot of negativity in my reviews. Some books (like the recently reviewed The Taker) I won’t always love, but there are still redeeming qualities that I definitely want to share with anyone considering reading it. What are your views on this?
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Just be honest. If you love a book, gloat about it, if you don't then share that as well. I'm also honest in my book reviews, no matter if i got a book straight from the author. They need our honest opinion so they'll take it into consideration.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you input :) I guess it's how to be honest in the kindest, most constructive way.
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you're saying....
Writing bad reviews is difficult but If you don't say it somebody else will.
I suggest, you divide the review in sections and talk about what you liked and what you disliked. And then let the reader decide.
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely keep it in mind.
DeleteWriting negative reviews is SO HARD, but what I do is let my snark run through during the first draft. After I get it all out, I write another draft of the review and not be such a snarky bitch. It works, for me at least. You know how sometimes you're so angry you want to write to that person and once you get it out, it's like wow, why was I angry in the first place?
ReplyDeleteFrankly, it's YOUR blog. If you only want to review books you love, then go ahead! I know quite a few bloggers who do that. They state that in their review policy/about blog, etc. :)
That's a really good idea :) I don't think I'd only review books I love, but hope there can be some positivity in reviews of books I don't, if that makes sense. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteBe honest. Obviously don't write, "Worst book ever, don't read." Explain WHY you don't like it. You're right, sometimes it could be because the book just isn't your style.
ReplyDeleteIf someone think it still sounds good, they'll read it anyway. If not, you prevented someone from wasting their time on something that isn't good.
Thanks, and you're right, if enough info is provided someone can make their own decisions based on their own preferences.
DeleteThis is such a tough call, but I think if you balance what you didn't love with what you liked about a book, then it should come across as fair. Also, making a recommendation to someone else who might like it. As in "If you like [fill in the blank], then you might like this one." I've read books that really irritated me, and a lot of that I think is because they got past 'the gatekeepers' and editors, and everyone else and still got published, but the book wasn't very good. How does that happen? I'm also worried about reviewing a book I didn't like, and then maybe one day (if I'm lucky enough to get published) regretting putting that opinion out there. I don't know. Like I said, tough call. I think if you give good solid reasons for what you weren't crazy about, then it will come across as fair. Sorry for rambling... :)
ReplyDeletePersonally, I feel that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you dislike a book, I believe that you have the right to say it; however, say it eloquently. Personally, I don't bother to write negative reviews. If I don't like something, I may not recommend it to others, but I'm not going to trash it - or the author.
ReplyDeleteP.S. My top self-tanning recommendation is Lancome's Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Body Gel. It is fantastic! :)
Like you, I find writing positive reviews are much easier, even though I do spend a great deal of time agonising about the fact that I couldn't possibly do the book justice. ;) When it comes to a negative piece, I generally have very little enthusiasm for writing.
ReplyDeleteI think we can express displeasure while still respecting the fact that someone worked hard on the very thing we’re critiquing. --> I completely agree with this! For me, it's all about balance. If there were some good things about a book I didn't enjoy, I always try to mention them. That's not always possible though, but I never try to be overly harsh.
Hi Anna, love the look of your site. I don't post reviews--I've always felt it was a bit of a conflict of interest because I know a lot of authors personally and wouldn't want to give a bad review to a friend, so I can't be completely honest.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned expectations and I have noticed that I have different expectations with ebooks, especially the ones that I get for free or a few dollars. I'm not quite as hard on them as a reader and make allowances for formatting issues because I know how frustrating formatting can be!