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As a reader, I do a lot of book reviews. I didn’t used to, but in the past year I’ve discovered Goodreads, and I review all of the books that I read on my Kindle. Reviews allow me to sing the praises of a book I really love and it allows me to vent when I’ve slugged my way through something for which I’m less than enthusiastic. I’ll also say that I pay a lot of attention to reviews prior to purchasing a book. They make a difference for me.
A recent incident gave me pause when after a less than stellar review, I was contacted by the author. He was quite nice in his email and while he didn’t ask for a review change, he made a few points I thought were valid. I was a bit irritated with the book and the protagonist when I initially wrote the review. This came through in all its glorious colors. I redid the review to tone down the snarky-ness but I didn’t change my overall premise.
Then the issue came up about not having the right to post a review if I didn’t complete the book. In the review I stated that I had completed about 40% before I just couldn’t stand it any more. (FYI, I did end up finishing the book at a later time and my opinion didn’t change.)
I was curious about this “right to review” concept so I tweeted:
The half dozen or so responses clearly indicated that as long as a statement was in the review about the percentage read, it was all good. I tend to agree.
My thoughts on book reviews
- I think they are important. If you read a book, do the author and other readers a favor and write a review. If you bought it at Amazon, go there to write the review. If you bought it elsewhere, consider joining a readers site like Goodreads.
- Don’t make all of your reviews glowing. Don’t make them all snarky. Try to include info from your perspective that may help other readers or the author.
- Don’t be surprised if an author contacts you regarding the review. Carefully consider how you respond.
- For the love of Pete, try to keep them reasonable in length. Criminy, some reviewers are so stinkin’ long winded. I don’t WANT to read a blow-by-blow that’s 8 paragraphs long. It’s a review, not a synopsis – get off yourself.
- I think it’s perfectly ok to let the world know that the book drove you so crazy you couldn’t finish it. Best to provide concrete examples of why it didn’t work for you in this case.
Your Turn
What are your philosophies for book reviews? Have you ever been contacted by an author after a review? Do you think it’s okay to write a review when you didn’t finish the book?
Hmmm…. I don’t think I’ve ever written a review of a book I didn’t finish. But I can totally see how you could write a valid review of a book you didn’t finish reading – especially if it was filled with grammatical errors, weak plot, etc. Why would you go on reading?
Awesome post, George!
Hi Michele,
For me, sometimes it’s the grammar or editing (or lack thereof I should say) sometimes the story just does not resonate. Any more, I review them and folks can make their own judgments. You’re right. There are too many books to read to suffer through one that’s not working for you.
George
I think not being able to finish the book maybe, in itself, a book review, right? On my blog, I never review books I don’t like. I’m not brave.
But I agree with you that honesty is important, and blow-by-blow descriptions are not a review.
judy´s last blog ..Stuff
Hi Judy,
Yeah, it is kind of a statement in and of itself. As far as reviewing on my blog, if it was an assignment I would feel obligated to give my honest opinion on the blog, but otherwise my pleasure reading I review on Amazon or Goodreads.
Cheers
George
I’ve never written a review, but it’s been on my mind lately as the cover is being finalised for my novel, and I had the sudden realisation that people might review it one day! It make me nervous, as the book club I’m in has revealed how tastes differ so much, and that a “good book” is such a subjective thing. Out of a room of 6 people, there is often such a gulf between our views of a book, and to think that each of us could influence a buyer if we wrote our thoughts in a review, and in turn influence the success of an author… scary stuff.
Emma Newman´s last blog ..An angry rant about query letter writing
Hi Emma.
It can be heart wrenching. It’s amazing to me when I’m considering a book that will have some folks crowing about the literary genius whilst others are trashing it as the worst thing they ever read. Truly one person’s trash is another’s treasure.
btw, so excited about your book and the process you are going through. I’ll bet you’re on cloud nine.
George
Reviews are both necessary and nerve wracking for an author. Having said that, I know that I’m not going to please every reader – just like I can’t please every editor that I send a story to.
I think it’s wrong, wrong, wrong for an author to contact a reviewer over a less than stellar review. Writers need to roll with the punches and let it go, not explain how they were misunderstood.
The truly cringe-worthy reviews are the ones that give away the plot. Why do they do that?!
Laura Eno´s last blog ..Surf’s Up – #FridayFlash
Hi Laura,
Ugh. Giving away the plot stinks. Folks should put a spoiler alert message at the very beginning.
Not sure I’d respond directly to a poster of a bad review. I’m thinking not because they are objective and even if I disagree, there may be some validity from their perspective.
George
I think you can review a book if you’ve only read 40%. I am new to writing reviews for books but I had an experience where I just couldn’t read another word. I think reviews help readers and authors alike. Sometimes you just don’t know what to read. Reading takes up much of your time and wasting your time on a bad book can be aggravating.
I think those who read reviews and authors who read reviews need to realize that there are reader emotions and bias. Everyone has them. Your book may be good but someone read it who didn’t care for what was written at the time. Or your book may not be that great but rubs someone in all the right spots. We are all subjective so remember than when reading others reviews. I actually wrote something similar yesterday http://ping.fm/IF8kK
KayAnna Kirby´s last blog ..My 2 Cents: Reader Bias and Emotion
Hi KayAnna
Thanks for coming by and commenting. Went over and read your post and I absolutely agree with what you wrote.
Subjectivity is the key.
Following you on twitter now, looking forward to your tweets.
Cheers
George
I like writing reviews too and I do read them as well. I agree about the length of reviews…don’t tell so much that there’s no point in reading the book! Have you seen Librarything.com ? It’s much fun
Oh, and hell yeah I’d review a book I couldn’t finish…If it’s that bad people need to know!
Heather´s last blog ..Cool Beans
Hi Heather.
I think that the folks who write those painfully long reviews are either:
a. writing as a friend of the author
b. writing to hear themselves write
I haven’t been to librarything but I will tonight!
George
There is a third option:
c. They just don’t know how to say what needs to be said succinctly (like I should talk)
Yours,
Megan
Megan´s last blog ..What You Should Be Reading: On Women & Menstruation, etc.
Megan,
Ha! I can understand that! by the way, loved looking at your blog.
Have a great day!
George
George,
I don’t recall ever reviewing a book I didn’t finish, but I agree with your premise. I try to be gentle in my reviews while still being honest. For example, I might say something didn’t appeal to me, but people who like XYZ might enjoy it. However, if the book is filled with errors … I can’t say anybody would like that.
If I don’t like a book, I won’t review it on my blog because I want readers to find things they like when they come to my blog. I tell that to authors in advance when they request a review. However, I will rate it and usually write a very short review on Goodreads.
Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..Scripture for the Fourth Thursday in Lent
Hi Lillie,
So nice to see you again. Thanks for the Goodreads friending, I responded earlier.
From what I know of you and your comments here, I can totally see you being the honest, gentle type. Admirable.
George
Nice to find a blog only and only on books , you are certainly a book lover.
Hi George,
Oh my. Oy. Yiikes. It does not seem the author of the book you reviewed is comfortable in his skin. That comes with the territory, doesn’t it? Want to write and publish? Accept that some people won’t like it. It’s just a fact of life.
I’ve written several book reviews, and also a few reviews for publishing houses over at my blog. I quite enjoy reviewing books — maybe it makes me feel like a kid again — writing a sort of book report.
About reviewing a book before you’ve completed it, I think that’s completely OK. Especially if you’ve also stated that you didn’t finish it. I’ve taken that tactic before and simply mentioned that I didn’t finish the book very early on in my comments about the book. I see no harm at all in that.
I’ve been contacted by authors only on very pleasant terms — I guess I’ve been lucky thus far. I have to admit, though, I still cringe and hold my breath when I get feedback about things I’ve written. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over that initial zap.
I really enjoyed this post, George, but I always do!
Enjoy your day.
Lori (JaneBeNimble)´s last blog ..Omm Writer
Lori,
Wow, thoughtful and sage commenting (as usual). I’m glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for your take on the topic. Book reviews can be a lot of fun and I’ll continue posting them, in my own style, of course.
George
Sage commenting? I think I’m going to print your comment and frame it on my desk. I feel so smart all of a sudden. Thanks, buddy.
You go, George! Keep up the great work — in your own style, of course.
Lori (JaneBeNimble)´s last blog ..Omm Writer