Comments on: Reviews and commentaries

By: glenda larke

glenda larke — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:00:16 +0000

I thought most reviewers actually find it easier to review a book they disliked?

And it's much easier to be witty about books you dislike, too?

By: Helen V.

Helen V. — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:01:02 +0000

And I really should have checked my spelling before I posted that piece, shouldn't I.

By: Helen V.

Helen V. — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:58:46 +0000

As an occasional reviewer I try to be honest and give reasons for what I like and dislike. Obviously I find it easier to review a book I like than one I dislike but it's a rare book that doesn't have something to comment favourably on even if, for example, the writing is uneven or the plot familiar.

At the same time if I truly hated a book I'd not review it because I'd feel it was unfair to the author.

On the other hand, as a reader I am rarely influenced by reviews unless they are by someone whose taste I know is similar to mine. There are several reviewers on whose recommendations I would certainly go out and by a book but many I would not take the chnace on – but then my method of book selection is very different to others. Whenever I feel I am getting stuck in a rut I go to section of the library (usually) or bookshop (occasionally) that I normally wouldn't go to and just take books randomly from the shelf. I read a snippet to see if the writing appeals and, if it does, I get it. I've acquired some really good books this way and surprisingly few poor ones.

By: glenda larke

glenda larke — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:28:21 +0000

Oh, another thing: when I find a reviewer whose opinions regularly seem similar to mine, I am overjoyed. I know if they like a book, then the probability is that I will too.

By: glenda larke

glenda larke — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:26:19 +0000

Yeah, I reckon what you've all been saying sums up the way I feel about reviews. I do like to read reviews before buying – even Amazon ones, although I rarely buy from Amazon.

Like jm, I often look at the negative ones first. If they mention the kind of things I hate, then I start wondering if the book is for me.

The problem is when you get reviews which say diametrically opposed things: "wonderful characterization, couldn't put it down" versus "dull characters I couldn't get interested in and I didn't get past p100."

That's why I go along with Peter and his "if more than one reviewer has similar views…" as being important; it gives you more of an idea.

Jo, you do know that authors don't usually write the blurb? I can think of 2 blurbs that were brilliant: The Left Hand of God (and the book didn't live up to the blurb) and The Name of the Wind, where none of the events mentioned on the cover actually happened in the book (one assumes they will be in book 2 …or 3…or…) However, the book was still a great read.

Skaldi is right – it pays to have a thick skin as a writer. I still feel frustrated by the occasional review of one of my books where I think the reviewer is completely whacko and yet their opinion is out there for everyone to read. And it is a very unwise thing for a writer to go and contradict a posted opinion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, after all!

What a writer must always bear in mind is that there is absolutely NO way ANY writer will write a book that everyone likes. It just doesn't happen. And thank goodness for that.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:54:25 +0000

When reading reviews I rule out the gushing positives as well as the total negatives. I also rule out fellow author reviews that I consider to be mutual backscratching.

I look for constructive praise or criticism and if more than one reviewer has similar views then I can start to get a feel for the book.

In the end, the only review that counts is the one the reader has after finishing the book.

By: Jo

Jo — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:53:38 +0000

I don't read reviews generally – I read the blurb on the sleeve (or wherever it is) to decide if a story interests me. In my very long experience, what other people say doesn't give me any indication of whether or not I will enjoy a book, only I can decide that. Often I choose an author, but if an unknown then its the blurb that decides me.

By: Marina

Marina — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:57:03 +0000

I've been stung a few times, buying books on the recommendation of "literary" reviewers, only to discover the book has little actual plot, however beautifully written. (So much so that I now ignore certain reviewers.)

I like a review that tells me enough about the book to whet my appetite, but doesn't give away any major plot points (though I'll still read a "spoiled" book if it sounds interesting). I like the reviewer to tell me why they liked or didn't like the book, so I can make my own judgement on whether the book would interest me.

Like you, I dislike the reviews that complain the book isn't the book the reviewer wanted to read, or would have written him/herself. Just review the book that's there, please, not the one in your head!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 01:21:15 +0000

As a reader I look at the reviews on Amazon to see if it's worth purchasing. I look at the negative reviews first but I'm only swayed if it's a well written review. The ones that just say 'this is crap, don't buy it!' I usually just ignore. Even if it is a particularly literate review I still take into account what they didn't like about it. Just because they didn't like it doesn't mean I wouldn't!
On the other hand, the positive reviews that just gush about the book tend to put me off a bit too! I read the reviews but tend to make up my own mind about it. I've bought books that have had no reviews and enjoyed them! : )

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:42:46 +0000

I review books for ASiF and I think the thing to keep in mind (as Karen Miller once so wisely pointed out) is that reviewers just want to read a fantastic story and we get disappointed when it doesn't live up to our high expectations of what we believe you're capable of. I'm talking in general terms here and not aiming this specifically at any writer, especially since I am a writer myself and other peoples bad comments once used to hurt me badly. But I was just a little writer then and I have a much tougher skin now.

Skaldi