Posts
Suggested by JM:
I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a free copy of it. However, some authors seem to feel that if they send you a copy of their book for free, you should give it a positive review.
Do you think reviewers are obligated to put up a good review of a book, even if they don’t like it? Have we come to a point where reviewers *need* to put up disclaimers to (hopefully) save themselves from being harassed by unhappy authors who get negative reviews?
When I come across a book that is just so-so, despite many others who had sang beautiful songs about it, I just don’t write a review on that book. My policy is when I don’t have a good thing to say about the book, I’d rather not waste space talking about it. One recent book that bombed on me is Nora Roberts’ TRIBUTE. If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m reading it with a good blogger friend Julia, I have no intention of writing a review about it (Sorry Julia! This has got nothing to do with you and it is solely my personal opinion...). No matter how much I love the works of NR in the past, there is no way I’m going to sing praises that are not warranted. If NR is a great author, she would acknowledge that her recent books are rather disappointing. Would she or any authors for that matter dare to accept criticism (just as they accept praise) for their work? Some praises are, in my opinion, excessive, inappropriate, and unjustified.
I would like to share the following passages that are quoted from the New York Times essay (November 16, 2008) by Joe Queenan entitled Enough with the Sweet Talk:
What makes this bellyaching so unseemly [the author is referring to book reviews] is that the vast majority of book reviews are favorable, even though the vast majority of books deserve little praise. Authors know that even if one reviewer hates a book, the next 10 will roll over like pooches and insist it’s not only incandescent but luminous, too. Reviewers tend to err on the side of caution, fearing reprisals down the road.
[...]
Books are described as being “compulsively readable,” when they are merely “O.K.”; “jaw-droppingly good,” when they are actually “not bad”; “impossible to put down,” when they are really “no worse than the last three.”
I find this quite true because books that were so highly rated by other readers bombed on me, just like the Nora Roberts example I gave above. But in this case, it’s not because I was swayed by the review given by others but instead, I won’t be swayed to put up a good review just because she is Nora Roberts. There’s no denying that her past works are much better. I enjoyed her previous trilogies tremendously and I hope she will redeem herself in her future offerings. I intend to stay faithful as her reader.
Having said all that, it is also important to note that reviews are subjective. It is heavily dependent on the personal views of the readers. By all means read reviews to see how readers accept the book generally, but as a reviewer, it is our responsibility not to sugar-coat anything, misquote out of context, or be biased—just be honest.
***
Updated @ 7.45 PM: Mentos Reloaded
I ran out of Mentos about a week ago and only bought the 'refills' today. This time I went for grape, green apple, ice mint and original flavours.
I peeled off the packaging and filled them into the recycled Yoghurt Mentos container below. It keeps the chewy mints fresh.
The wrappers before I toss them into the bin...
I heard that the grape-flavoured ones are nice so I decided to give it a try. I just had one of the green apple variety and I like it!
I'm taking time off from work again tomorrow so will catch up on my reading and prepare to teach for tomorrow's lesson at the home fellowship. This is my first time teaching Bible lessons and I'm feeling a little nervous... The members thought it'd be good practice (haha!) for me before the Executive PA conference I'm speaking in on March next year. By the way, the brochure's out and I shall be sharing it with you soon. *GRIN*
23 commented:
Well said, Alice!
Personally, I do not think it's all right for reviewers (or any reader as a fact) to give a dishonest review/comment. Moreover, readers entitled to have their own opinions, but this does not mean that the others will not enjoy the books just because they don't. ;)
I think reviewers should give their honest opinion and that's what it is - an opinion. Gushing review full of praise for poor books are no good at all. And I agree about not wanting to write about a book you don't enjoy - why waste your time and effort.
Alice, no hard feeling about NR's Tribute. I understand. I don't expect everyone to like Nora books nor do I expect everyone to like the same books that I do. Everyone have different opinion. And I'm sure have been some of Nora's books that I didn't like. But I still remain her faithful reader no matter what.
And just because you didnt like Tribute, does not mean am going to be mad. It your rightful opinion :)
And..well said on this topic! I agree with you! :)
Thanks Melody! Sometimes I think readers tend to get too emotional with the author and give glowing reviews despite the quality of the material. Reviews are subjective and as you've said what one doesn't like may just be the stuff that others may adore. If you noticed, I didn't write any reviews for the last two books in the Gardella Vampires Series. They're not bad, in fact quite enjoyable, but I just decide not to write reviews. So... happy reading to all of us! LOL
BookPlease, thanks for popping by. I'm glad we share the same thinking about this.
Hi Julia! I definitely like Nora's books and because I like her a lot--her books, I mean--I just couldn't believe that she could come out with something like that. Having read her past works really set my expectation high. As I've said earlier, I do intend to stick around and continue to hope that she'll make something great for all of us. When I said I won't write a review, that does not mean I won't read it. TRIBUTE is still an enjoyable read despite its flaws. I will finish it with you *GRIN*
Morning Alice, If I read a book, I will write a review. If the book is not good, my review will politely say that. I am not going to waste my time reading and then not review. Come see my answer.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sally. I think it's a personal preference whether or not to write a review. I will not treat review as an obligation or homework after I've read a book. heading over to your blog now. :)
I'm sorry that you don't let us know about the books you didn't like, but I respect your choices. Come see what I have to say about negative reviews.
I didn't realize you had this award until I stopped by. I've sent it your way too! Stop on by my blog when you get a chance. Play along only if you want.
Renee'
http://rmboys2.wordpress.com/
Ooh, you bought the grape-flavoured mentos! It's my favourite so I hope you'll like it! :P
All the best on your teaching! I'm sure you'll do it well. :)
I hadn't seen the NY Times article that, no doubt, inspired this week's Booking Through Thursday. Fascinating read. I'm going to link my BTT answer to it.
Now to read some of your archives! Pleased to "meet" you and your blog, in a cyberspacey kinda way.
- Elizabeth
Great answer, Alice, and I feel much the same way. I have just quietly laid aside "so-so" books without mentioning them, too, but sometimes I do share my thoughts on them. And many reviews are overly-gushy with praise -- that usually just turns me off. I, too, have gotten a book while swayed by someone's praise only to find it mediocre at best.
I hadn't heard of that article -- I wonder if that inspired the BTT this week? I'll have to go read the rest of it.
first, if i have a book review blog as active as most of you, i would write a review of all the books I read - just a matter of long / short reviews depending on how much can be said.
second...every books will have it's own good aspects... i dont believe in total junk. At least there's something... that makes you feel good - maybe not cloud 9 but at least okay. So start with writing about the goodness of the book - even if it's just one point.
Then if i feel that i need to write about certain bad points, i will. I would say comments and criticisms are better received with a good word first. It makes people more ... acceptable. That's what we learn at a rhetoric class where we do peer review of our classmate's works. Start with the good words... then only go into the not-so-good ones.
Of course, honesty should be preserved at all times. What's the point of spending time and writing lies?! Authors should also be open to constructive criticisms. No one is perfect so definitely, there will be no perfect books.
In the end, everyone's entitled to their own voice... and the author's entitled to take comments with a pinch of salt... or to leave it and move on.
My 2 pence worth :)
Definitely know what you're talking about, Flo. Thanks for sharing.
I choose to channel my energy into something else, for example, moving on to the next book. Like I've said in my other book-related posts, I journal all my readings. I just don't show or write about all of them.
As you've said so well, each book has it virtues and I see the positive in those not-so-great (in my humble opinion anyway, but others may find it rocks so to each their own).
Breaking the bad news with something positive is widely used in other areas of our lives too. We should be tactful and show due respect while maintaining integrity.
Show me anything 'perfect' and I say it's bull. (OK, this may not be very tactful) Only God is perfect.
Hi Beth, it's a personal choice. hehe... Heading over to your blog very soon. Thanks for coming by!
Thanks for the award/meme, Renee! Definitely playing again. Will be posting soon. :D
Ooooh Melody... so it was you who said the grape-flavoured mentos was your favourite. I actually made a mental note about it but couldn't recall from whom I saw it. Thanks for the support! I'll be studying for the lessons tomorrow. hehe...
Please to meet you too, Elizabeth. Thanks for visiting! I'm a subscriber to the New York Times (online) and when I saw this week's question, I got very excited because the article immediately came to mind. I'm heading over to your blog very soon!
Hi Barbara, thanks for sharing! I do sometimes review so-so books but did not put priority in them. I hope you'll enjoy the article. :D
To ALL: Happy BTT!
Very well sad.
I enjoyed reading your answer, Alice.
This week's question raises other questions... I think it's okay to post honest negative reactions to a book, as long as your views are supported with evidence from the book. But I think graciousness is also important. There's enough incivility in the world... We can at least be civil in our discussion of the worthy subject of books. ;-)
"Having said all that, it is also important to note that reviews are subjective. It is heavily dependent on the personal views of the readers. By all means read reviews to see how readers accept the book generally, but as a reviewer, it is our responsibility not to sugar-coat anything, misquote out of context, or be biased—just be honest."
Perfectly put :)
well said Alice, I agree, its not up to us to sugar-coat a book and act as if its great when its really not.
ive had to give a not so great review to a book that was sent to me for review, I felt bad, but I had to be honest about it. I couldnt lie to my blog readers, and I tried not to disrespect the author.
about mentos, now I want one! lol
have fun with the bible lessons, you'll do great :)
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
One has to be analytical. Give out reasons why you do not like it.
I also know that many times it is not possble to give reasons. Certain books are so bad. Hence my policy, don't review it!
Read my BTT post!
Thanks, Monique!
Well said, Janet. Like Gautami said in a later comment of this post, definitely be analytical about it and as you've said, support the negative views with evidence from the book. Civility is important too. I've read a lot of reviews that look more author bashing than what it is supposed to be. Cheers!
Thanks, Nymeth!
Here are some Mentos comin'your way! Hehe... Thanks for your comment, Naida.
I agree with you, Gautami. A lot of negative reviews simply just state they don't like the book. Full stop. Why don't they like the book? No mention. Good that you mention being analytical. While I don't usually post unfavourable reviews, I do jot down such thoughts and findings in my journal.
To ALL: Have a good weekend!
I like Mentos too. I often buy the assorted flavor packs.
Hi, Alice! Now I'm craving Mentos! LOL
As to your BTT post: I think it's your right not to post negative reviews as it is your blog. And I completely agree with your sentiment that reviews are subjective. Just because I like a book doesn't mean that someone else well.
That's nice, Rachel! Mentos are just so nice to chew and can be quite addictive...
Wendy! LOL about Mentos. I'm glad we share the same view about book reviews.
Post a Comment
Thank you for visiting and for your comments!