Thursday, November 4, 2010

When book reviews cross the line--a rant

I hesitated to write this post, because I’m sure it won’t be read by the people who need to hear it, but then I decided it was important.

I’m a review junkie. All you YA book bloggers may not know it, but I stalk your blogs and Goodreads reviews. I love that most of you put together well crafted and thought out book reviews and I look to you for what to read next.

But I recently read a review that broke my heart. It was for a book that I loved by an author who, in addition to being insanely talented, is also a really nice person. What upset me as I read the review wasn’t that the reviewer quite obviously didn’t like the book. Tastes are different, and no one book is going to appeal to everyone. I have no problem with a well thought out negative review. What upset me was that the attack was personal. And, make no mistake, it was an attack. Reviewers: Please know the fact that you're at your computer, possibly thousands of miles away, doesn't make your words any less sharp or cutting. They hurt just as much as if you'd said them to our face. More so in some ways, because you've broadcast them to the world.

This reviewer thought it was somehow funny to ridicule the author. If you don’t like the book, fine, but it’s not necessary to poke fun at it or the author. There are a few reviewers who, I’m convinced, take joy in ripping authors to shreds.

So, I read this cutting review and then, because I was curious if this was a pattern for this reviewer, went to her Goodreads profile and found out two things. One: unfortunately, it is a pattern, and two: she is an aspiring writer.

Now that I’m being asked for blurbs, I find myself on the other side of the page. Where I was once an “aspiring writer” now I’m a published author, and some people seem to think that means I know what I’m doing.

The writing community, especially in YA is ultra-supportive, and I’ve made some great friends along the way. I’m super happy to help out authors who are where I was not that long ago. But, the thing about that is, if it’s someone I don’t know, I’m going to check them out before I agree to read their work. I google them. I check Goodreads, Amazon and B&N for reviews they’ve posted.

It’s a pretty significant time commitment for someone like me, who still works the day job, to agree to read a novel and decide whether to blurb it. I can tell you without hesitation that, if I see a review that crosses the line into a personal attack, I won’t be helping that writer out, and I’ll very likely forward that information along to the multitudes of other authors that I’m now fortunate enough to call my friends. It’s not that I, or any of my writer friends are vindictive. It’s really just the opposite. We support each other and we’re friends. I want to know that the person asking that I support them has been supportive of other writers in return (kind of the pay it forward mentality).

So, if you write book reviews, excellent. If you’re planning on trying to get your own work published, however, be conscious of the fact that, at least in the YA community, many of us are friends. A nasty review of any book or author is a reflection on you more than the book, and we’ll take that into account when we decide how much we’ll be supporting your writing career.

48 comments:

  1. Well said and good points all around.

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  2. Awesome, awesome post Lisa. I've seen really nasty reviews like the one you're mentioning and it always makes me sad. Why bash someone that harshly? The only point is... well, I can't even think of one.

    Though on the plus side, I've also seen on GoodReads, other writers come out of the woodworks to stand up for the authors who are bashed. Which makes me smile :)

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  3. great post. constructive or insightful critique is one thing, while vindictiveness is another thing entirely. coincidentally, today I blogged about something similar:
    http://www.kirstenhubbard.com/2010/11/3-types-of-negative-book-reviews.html

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  4. I have to say, I have only written one review that was truly rantful. I don't attack the author but the book just gave me so much stress reading it that I can't help it. However most of the reviews I have nowadays where I don't like the book, I generally have reasons backing up my low rating for it. And if there is, I try to pull out good points.

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  5. I couldn't agree more!! It drives me batty when authors are attacked in reviews!

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  6. Thank you for putting this out there! I've seen reviews like this before and they make me cringe. Not only for the author and book they are written about, but for the person writing it. Ugh and especially when they're a writer! So very sad. Just like you said, we are all entitled to our opinions on a book (art, movie, music, etc.) but why take it beyond that? Why hack away at the author and try to prevent others from reading the book and forming their own opinions? Ok, now I'm ranting!

    Great topic. I hope it gets through to at least one person!

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  7. Yuck, I would never follow anyone who posted the types of reviews that you described.

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  8. Brava! I hate it when reviewers can't separate their own egos from their reviews!

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  9. I am so happy you posted this! I recently read a review (maybe same person) that upset so much I actually scooped to her level and argued with her. Then when I realized this girl obviously enjoys writing reviews like that, I just said whatever!

    She ripped apart the author, her writing, the story everything.

    I agree with everything you said in your post and I think everyone should read this!

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  10. You're absolutely right. What those reviewers often forget it the purpose of a review. You're supposed to be helping other determine if they want to read the book. If you can't point out the pros and cons in a honest way that will allow people to go "she didn't like it because she can't connect with X, but I love books with X".

    There's a big difference between being honest and being spiteful. Those who can't critique and just want to shred, I sure don't want to read their reviews.

    Chelsea / Vampire Book Club

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  11. Great post! Love the fact that you pointed out the worth of a negative review too....sometimes those things that did not work well for one reader are just the ticket to bring in others.....but really, there's no need to get personal. My motto when I review a book....RESPECT THE EFFORT, IF NOT THE RESULT. Happy reading...

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  12. Well Said Lisa! I hate it when some reviewers just bash books and authors. It's just plain mean! I believe every book has a some good aspect to point out. Shame on that apiring writer and because of her lack of support she will not get it from others. Oh BTW way I bought Personal Demons!!I can't wait to read it!=) Thanks!

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  13. It's not fun being made fun of, or having your writing picked apart. I've been there, on the receiving end and it's painful, it does hurt, it can make you want to crawl into a hole and not come out. And it's not as easy as just ignoring the words...

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  14. Agreed, I even wrote a post a few months ago that is a guide to writing negative reviews without in an intelligent and thoughtful way.

    I get a lot of search hits for that post. I hope people learn how to properly review!

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  15. Just what I needed to read today. Thank you!!

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  16. Wonderful post. I recently ran across a review such as you described. I was shocked at the sheer nastiness they heaped on the author in the guise of writing a review. I too researched this reviewer and found that 95% of their reviews are nothing more thinly veiled insults towards the author and they have a habit of reviewing MORE books by the same author. Why? If I review a book I didn't connect with I usually don't continue that series. I was also upset to see that anyone who disagreed with them were called idiots who obviously had no intelligence based on what they read.
    That's not a reviewer to me. That is a nasty piece of work who has found a platform for their ego.

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  17. Great post! I agree that reviewers need to make sure not to cross that line and get personal. I know on my blog I will post a honest review even if it is negative but I try to point out what bothered me about the book. That way since taste varies people who like similar styles to myself have an idea if that will be something they may like or dislike.

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  18. Great post!! As reviewers, we should be perfectly capable of reviewing a book constructively.

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  19. Good for you for speaking out! You are so right, Lisa, and I love the way you spoke out - spot on! :-)

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  20. Absolutely agreed! It's not the opinion that's the problem--it's the vitriol. There is never, ever a need to write hateful, violent attacks toward an author in a review.

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  21. Thanks for the support. You guys are the best. It's almost harder when the review is for a friend. (You see I said almost =])

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  22. It's like Thumper's mom said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing nothin' at all."

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  23. So well put, Lisa. It all comes down to what my grandmother repeated often until it stuck in my head, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything." Thank you for this post.

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  24. Im justs lowly getting in to reviewing and honestly if its a book really didnt enjoy i wont post a review i may contact the author and tell them why i may not of enjoye dit as much and that id love to try another of their works in the future but i would never ever post a bad horrid review on the net i would post a blurb and say it wasnt my cup of tea but encourage other people to try it because we all have our own preferances

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  25. I can't stand people who write reviews like that... when I review a book, I'm reviewing the book- purely the content on the page. My concern isn't the author as a person. Why would anyone ever consider that as part of it?

    I feel bad just tossing out constructive criticism... I can't imagine being downright hateful :/

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  26. So glad to see authors speak out on this. I think it's easy to forget sometimes that the only thing up for debate is the book, not the author--and even then the review should be constructive, honest, and fair, or it's worthless as a review. You raise some really good points, Lisa. The YA community--or even publishing in general is a small world. So even if a writer/reviewer doesn't care about hurting the authors whose books they're reviewing, they should keep in mind how they could be burning bridges not just with authors, but with their agents and publishers.

    Thankfully these sorts of cruel reviews aren't the norm, and I'm glad to be a part of a community that has such supportive members.

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  27. I absolutely agree with this. It's kind of been on my mind lately, so I'm glad you wrote about it.

    I know that I don't forget it when I see aspiring authors posting the types of reviews that you're describing. And you're right; I will never do a favor for a person who conducts himself/herself like that. Not ever.

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  28. I'm sorry you had to come across something like that. Just know that you have a ton of fans who love and support you. Personal attacks are wrong for any reason.

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  30. Great Post!

    You see it from a author POV and I from a Reviewer. I got once a request from a young author to read her book - I started and I didn't like it, I didn't even finished it to be honest. Then I saw her Reviews on goodreads on other wonderful YA novels and she.was.mean!?!
    I got totally angry because I didn't get it that she - who needs a good review badly criticizes wonderful books.

    So I totally get what you are saying and I was honestly arguing with myself to post the review of her book - although I really really didn't like it - but I didn't ...

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  31. Excellent post, Lisa.

    The thing with these types of reviews is writing a book is a lonesome occupation filled with angst & self doubt at the best of times. (well, it is for me!)

    If the writer is having a rough day, these kind of reviews can be a killer, despite my vow to rejoice in the good and ignore the bad.

    Every book written is some writers pride and joy.
    To tear that to shreds in public? Poor form indeed.

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  32. Well, someone had to say it. Thanks.

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  33. Lisa - I'm so glad you ranted. And I totally agree! The YA writing community is tight-knit. And mean-spirited reviews, especially from aspiring authors, tend to get noticed... not in a good way. The Golden Rule applies, folks. Review honestly, but treat the MS as you would want yours to be treated.

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  34. Well said.

    I hope someday you'll blurb me :) (except I write contemp, so maybe not.)

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  35. Amen! I am a blogger and would never do things like that. I hate when people who write their reviews practically laced with arsenic. I am a empathetic person (luckily- did you know not all people have the ability to be empathetic? It's true!). I take into consideration the time and effort people put into their novels and I would be crushed if someone verbally destroyed my books and myself (if I were a writer). I feel it is the same thing with anti-war people. Just because you don't like the war doesn't give you a right to spit at the solders, who were risking their lives for you, as they are coming home! (Sorry, but nothing else gets me more mad than that!) I totally see where you are coming from and you are completely right.

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  36. This post couldn't be more relevant to me than today! But we've probably all seen reviews rip apart the books that we love and it's upsetting - I get upset for the author and also because it's a book I love and I want other people to love it too.

    I recently had to write a mixed review for a book I didn't love and found it really difficult. I hope I did it fairly because I also talked about some good points and some of the things I did like about the book as well what didn't work for me. And I ended it with a "make up your own mind" kind of statement as reading is subjective after all. What I DO have a problem with is people junmping on a bandwagon who think it's "cool" to rip books and authors to shreds. Yes be honest but also be tactful and justify your reasons. Also, make sure you mention anything you DID like.

    That's just my two pence worth anyway.

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  37. I've only written a handful of negative reviews, and even those made me uncomfortable because I understand there are real people behind these books, and the negativity was what didn't work for me: I thought the pace dragged, or the characters were flat, etc. Now that I've signed, I've decided not to write reviews unless they're gushing over a book I MUST SHARE. I don't think there's anything wrong with writing a well-thought out negative review. I just don't want to do it.

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  38. I never understand why people attack the author when writing reviews, I've seen it happen many times on Goodreads and Amazon. If you didn't enjoy the book, okay, that's fine. Not everyone will but what does that have to do with the author, or your review OF THE BOOK?

    And to say she's an aspiring writer and going around insulting people? That's just... argh. No words are coming to me right now but "argh".

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  39. I think if a reviewer is or isn't hoping to be published in the future is irrelevant. Even if a reviewer never plans to write anything more than reviews, a certain amount of professionalism is expected.

    American Idol's Simon Cowell made snarky funny, and I think too many reviewers (as well as others) try to imitate that style, hoping their "tell it like it is" attitude will win them millions of fans who are enthralled by said attitude.

    I laughed with millions of other viewers when Cowell would let loose with his verbal tirades, but would never in a million years adopt a similar tone when I do a review. I will give my opinion on a book, and I might even say what I didn't like and possibly be so bold as to offer my opinion on what might make that problem better, but I would never trash a book and definitely wouldn't attack an author.

    It's nice that anyone can start up a review site and do their thing, but it's also a bad thing sometimes because certain people join the club that give all of us a bad name. Best to ignore those who are incapable of acting in a professional manner.

    Ok. End of rant :oP

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  40. I don't think it's ever okay to turn a review into a personal attack. That's completely out of line.

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  41. So, an "aspiring author/review blogger" should never state their honest opinion about a book for the fear if they get published, they won't get a blurb from an author?

    If a reviewer, regardless if they are working to be an author or not reads a book and buys that book with their hard earned money, they have a write to discuss what they liked and did not like. As long as they don't talk about the actual author and are only critical about the work, then they should.

    I'm sorry, but the moment an author puts their work out there, it will be reviewed, and yes sometimes harshly so. You take that chance, just like an author will take a chance in getting rejected from an agent or an editor.

    If authors can't stand reading "bad" reviews, don't read them or google search their name or title of a book if it gives them that much heartburn

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  42. This post was talked about every time I turned around at ALA Midwinter so I wanted to come over and read it.

    Now I agree with most of what you are saying. However I don't think we always have to be nice, and I don't think it is nice of you to say 'see our click watch it or we won't let you on our team if we don't like what you said about so and so' being published or not published is irrelevant.

    No book blogger is a professional reviewer and while I do think we are to be held to some sort of standard it does not mean that bloggers have a code of ethics.

    The fantastically great thing about book blogging is we all have our own unique style that drags our readers in and I for one am not always positive. I point out exactly why I didn't like a book and sometimes with a bit of snark and many times that is exactly why another person WILL love a book.

    Personal attacks are ridiculous and should never happen that being said we all learn internet etiquette differently.

    I also think it is kind of lame that you made such a decisive post on this subject and didn't have the journalistic integrity to link to blasphemer and let us make our own judgment calls.

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  43. Thanks for the comment, Pam. In the post, I tried to be clear that I meant personal attacks. I mentioned that I've actually learned some things from constructive negative reviews. I'm happy to share the review in question with you privately if you'd like to read it. I was trying to avoid publicly embarrassing anyone in particular. The purpose of the post was to more to encourage people to think before they blog.

    Think of it this way. If you were hiring for a position in your company and someone who had torn into you or your friend, publicly and personally, applied for the position, would you be likely to hire them? It's not a click, but it is a community.

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  44. Also, Katiebabs/KB--I think I was clear that there is no problem with expressing your opinion about a book. The issue I have is expressing your opinion of the author, whom you've likely never met and therefore are supremely unqualified to judge.

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