Some don’t. I do. I read all of them–good, bad, and ugly.
Am I a masochist? No, but I love to learn, and reading reviews helps me do that. I get to know my readers better. When a reviewer likes my book, I smile with a great deal of pleasure because it means my hard work “paid off” in terms of reaching a reader’s heart and mind.
When a reviewer hates my book, I tell myself, clearly, this person is not my ideal reader. Not every reader likes every writer. Not every reader will understand what I intended for that story. That’s just a fact of life.
And when a reader likes some things and doesn’t like some other things, I listen to what they have to say. After all, they are the reason I invested all those months of hard work. Sometimes I’ll write something that’s too realistic or too gritty for some readers, but fine for others–and at that point, I have to decide what the story requires. I try never to be too explicit–no sense in glorifying evil, is there?–but if you don’t portray evil as evil, then you’ve whitewashed reality.
When writing for religious readers, I have to be mindful that some folks believe one thing, and some folks another. When that’s the case, I try to be true to the Scriptures and let the reader take from the story what they will.
Every writer reflects his or her personal viewpoint and worldview–and most people tend to read writers with whom they agree. I often read writers with whom I disagree, just to see where they’re coming from. Paul, apostle to the Gentiles, took pains to understand the people he preached to. He knew their customs, their beliefs, and their gods. And he used what he had learned to meet them where they were.
So know this–reader reviews are important. Not only do they persuade other people to buy–or not buy–a book, but they can also teach the writers who wrote the book. Your words are important, too.
So when you read a book you have strong feelings about, leave a review. The writer will–and should–thank you. Even if the two of you don’t agree.
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When I know an author reads their reviews, it always makes me pause while writing one to examine my words. I don’t ever write them with the intension to hurt an author, but I’m extra cautious with my word choices once I know they read them. I try always to give something positive, even when the book wasn’t one I particularly liked just in case I’m not aware that author reads theirs.
Thank you, Joy! I think most authors read their reviews at some point.
Such a good perspective, Angie. Thanks for sharing that!
😀
I read my reviews too, Angie, for the same reasons you mention. Yes, the harsh ones sting, but if I can learn and grow from them, then the sting was worth it.
Speaking of reviews, congratulations on the STARRED Booklist review for The Sisters of Corinth! That’s wonderful!
Thanks, Deb. I always feel relief when the review publications are kind to a book. 😄
When I leave book reviews, I try to at least be constructive. Not that the author can (usually) go back and fix that particular book (although, I HAVE seen a ‘2.0’ book released once or twice. . .it’s definitely not a common occurrence.) it might help on future writing projects. I try to do that good bad good. So I’m saying something positive, then state what I don’t like in a factual way, and why, and what I might have preferred to see instead (which, of course, they may or may not care about, but at least it might help them think about it!), then follow up with more positive points that I did like, or appreciate. Sometimes it can be difficult, but for most books that I didn’t care for, there are at least SOME positive points.
If I hate a book entirely, it’s easier to just not finish it. I mean, why waste my time if I am not enjoying it? If I DO happen to finish it, it’s still best to just give it a rating and stay silent. Too easy to just hate-post without being useful to anyone. But I guess a lot of people haven’t learned that.
Honestly, I admire the authors that can put their work to paper, then send it out for random people to read. I am a writer (or I was until I hit a very bad patch of non-creativity that I haven’t found my way out of yet. :P) but I have not yet been brave enough to send myself out into the world. I’m too wary of the criticisms. People are so mean nowdays!But for those of you who can. . .bravo!
Thank you!😊
I do leave reviews for every book I finish on both Bookbub and Amazon to help authors with their algorithms and to help me remember what books I have (that’s why I like Bookbub besides the fact it is really quick and easy. ) I mention tropes and if who might enjoy it. If you like Denise Hunter’s books you may like Mandi Blake’s books (just as an example). I think only once have I left anything less than fours stars but I always conscious to be kind. If it’s something I would recommend to a person who is a Christian I say why—gratuitous violence or sex I say so just as a heads up.
Appreciate your diligence!