I’ve been reading a lot of blog posts by authors talking about book reviews and those who give them. Some authors actively seek out reviews while other authors could take or leave them, but one thing is true…good reviews make can make an author's day and bad ones can hurt like hell.
But what does a reviewer’s opinion mean? You guessed it, not a damn thing! There are so many types of UF and PNR out there that any one reviewer's “meh” is another reviewer's “OMG!” So unless you, the book reader, and the reviewer see eye to eye on the same things, you can’t put to much stock in a review.
What does this mean for you, the book reader? Should you even bother to read reviews? Well, yeah, but there are dozens of different blogger sites, and you can probably find one site that likes and dislikes the same books as you. But remember, even then you won’t find the perfect match because the same book can have a different effect on different people. So ideally, you should routinely visit a few different sites if you want to use reviews to help you decide what to read.
Personally, I like reviewers who have fun reading and reviewing and don’t take themselves too seriously, but stay positive and respectful towards the book and author. Authors expect honest feedback to help them improve their skills, and we owe it to them to be respectful about it.
Are my reviews positive and respectful? Gosh, I sure hope so. If not, I encourage you guys to call me on it! Deal?
While you are at it, friend a Sheep (yeah, we have a facebook page), subscribe to our blog. Hey, I may be nice, but I ain’t stupid or shameless
SS/edited by BAK
Rock out with your space boots Sharon! Great post. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Ares....get back to my bed!
snort! I got to read that book!
ReplyDeleteYou are so totally on the mark here, Sharon. Well said (or bleated?)
ReplyDelete