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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings, where the blog's owner Heidi discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.
Here is what is on deck this week:
HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITING REVIEWS FOR BOOKS THAT YOU DIDN'T LOVE?
Eh...the shortest answer would be: with care. And respect. Unless we're talking about a problematic book (I mean, a really, INFURIATINGLY problematic book, not one with a questionable thing of two), in which case I'd probably be...not lenient. Thank goodness though, I've managed to dodge such books so far - probably because I'm on a tight book budget, and when I can afford a book haul (always a hundred months later than pub date) I've read so many reviews that all the problematic books of the moment (or of the year LOL) have been exposed 😂.
The truth is, I don't have it in me to be snarky (OK...in private I can be very vocal about things that I don't like, with someone who I know will understand, but publicly shaming books - and their readers - is not my thing). Though...I wrote the one review that got close to that (AND a spoilery one at that! 😲 But I probably was a bit mad because I had been tricked into believing that the aforementioned story was like a book version of the TV series Fame, which I ADORED. Still adore, I mean). Anyway - I usually try to be respectful and politely address what I didn't like about the book. Of course, if it's one I received from its very author, I tiptoe around it even more...and I know it's not right, but how can you NOT do that, especially when you specifically requested a book and it didn't work for you (well, two of them, to be precise...). I'm also pretty sure I squeezed out the extra half-star on occasion, and that's why I'm not requesting books from their authors anymore, unless it's someone I've already worked with and our partnership ended in mutual satisfaction. Still...it's a rare thing for me.
Maybe some of you (like, one or two) would like for me to give advice about reviewing books I didn't love, or at least share my method...do I have a secret recipe? Alas, no. Then again, since I very rarely fangirl about books (it's just the way I am - fangirling is OK!), and mine is more like a "professional" approach to the review itself (I use the word "professional" loosely of course), my reviews of the books I didn't love aren't THAT different in style from the ones I write for my favourites - except for some bursts of emotion that translate into spontaneous, heartfelt metaphors. So...I guess...just be honest AND respectful at the same time? Can it be that simple? In my case, the author of the books I requested and not loved (see above) never replied to my email where I explained/rationalised my rating (I thought I owed her that at least), but she didn't even threaten me with a slow and painful death, so at least there's that 😅.
Well, that's it for now. And if you're interested in participating, here is the TMST prompt list for the rest of September and the month of October:
Maybe some of you (like, one or two) would like for me to give advice about reviewing books I didn't love, or at least share my method...do I have a secret recipe? Alas, no. Then again, since I very rarely fangirl about books (it's just the way I am - fangirling is OK!), and mine is more like a "professional" approach to the review itself (I use the word "professional" loosely of course), my reviews of the books I didn't love aren't THAT different in style from the ones I write for my favourites - except for some bursts of emotion that translate into spontaneous, heartfelt metaphors. So...I guess...just be honest AND respectful at the same time? Can it be that simple? In my case, the author of the books I requested and not loved (see above) never replied to my email where I explained/rationalised my rating (I thought I owed her that at least), but she didn't even threaten me with a slow and painful death, so at least there's that 😅.
- September 24th: What do you do to relax and relieve blogging stress?
- October 1st: What are some spooky books you would like to read this fall?
- October 8th: How do you feel about the proposal being pushed to change Halloween to always be on the last Saturday of October instead of the 31st?
- October 15th: Zombie apocalypse: what would you do?
- October 22nd: Would you spend a full night inside of a haunted house if someone paid you?
- October 29th: What is your favourite thing about Halloween?
I'll be back for the meme on October 22nd, mainly because I already have the whole month booked...literally, since we're talking reviews 😂...with my usual average of circa one post a week - but I couldn't resist that prompt LOL. You know me and my ghosts 😉.
Now tell me something...what's your trick for reviewing books that left you lukewarm (or that you hated)?
I would never be lenient with a problematic book, though I'm usually vicious with the books I don't like either? I like to consider myself a little snarky, though sometimes I reign myself in minus all the explicit language that could potentially happen... not that it was the case for the nearly 2K review I wrote on just 10% of a book one time. If it's something that drastic enough to blow my top off, I usually grab a few friends and ask them to look it over because otherwise I'll be nervous sweating (still doing so but a little less). But hey, at least you didn't die a slow and painful death! I'm going to guess she didn't look at the review for the sake of their mental health, which is perfectly fine and they have the right to do so.
ReplyDeleteALSO GOOD EVENING ROBERTA. Can't get rid of me that easily. 😈😈😈
Quote: "If it's something that drastic enough to blow my top off, I usually grab a few friends and ask them to look it over because otherwise I'll be nervous sweating".
DeleteYou have beta-readers for reviews! That's cool. And a little snarky isn't the same as ripping off the book...and the author.
Actually, that review was carefully written, and I did tiptoe around the things that I didn't like - but I suppose that, when you see a 2.5 star review, you don't care much for tiptoeing. Then again, I'm fairly sure she did read it, but thought it best not to reply to my email. Which is fine, I just wanted to end the thing with a clear conscience.
Wrong again! It's morning LOL. But I would never dream of getting rid of you. No one else greets me at any hour! I mean on the Internet of course LOL.
I don't worry about or change the way I write them at all. I guess that makes me weird from what I'm reading in other posts lol
ReplyDeleteI try to be honest, fair and to point out what might work for other readers even if it didn't for me.
I do stay away from direct author requests now though and arc's, in general, now so that I'm reading things I'm more likely to enjoy and not have to review.
Karen @ For What It's Worth
I think we tend to be more careful with books we did request, because we feel guilty if they don't work for us - but you're not weird. You're always respectful, and always try to steer the right reader to the books you didn't like.
DeleteFor books I truly and simply do not like, I think I would make the review as short as possible because spending a lot of time talking about a book you don't like is kind of a waste of time. But then again, sometimes a long explanation is needed because you (well, me) just have to point out all that is wrong because it would be a waste not to do so plus I think this gives authors a chance to understand why a reader does not like their book.
ReplyDeleteMy policy is to always be honest because lying is just a lot of work but I have yet to read any reviews that lies but who could tell? Although when I read reviews lauding a book that is obviously bad, I do doubt a little about the reviewer but people have their own opinion and we have to respect that even if they are being just a teeny-weeny too generous with their reviews. And some snakiness here and there because if we can't enjoy the book, we should be able to enjoy making fun of them, right?
I read so many reviews that keeps telling readers not to hate them for not liking a book as if a mob is going to come after them with torches and pitchforks. If someone is honest with their opinion, I don't think we should punish them for it. And if someone can pointed out the flaws of a book, I'm all for it even if they might not be too kind about it. And anyway, I don't believe there are perfect books because there are no perfect authors.
Have a lovely day.
Quote: "sometimes a long explanation is needed because you (well, me) just have to point out all that is wrong because it would be a waste not to do so plus I think this gives authors a chance to understand why a reader does not like their book."
DeleteTo me, it's more about the readers - they need to have a chance to understand if the book will work for them before they spend money and time on it. I don't know if authors are willing to understand the things that didn't work, because at the end of the day, that is their story, and it's already passed through the hands of many alpha and beta-readers, who should have pointed out lots of stuff. But some books caused a controversy when the first ARCs were handed out to bloggers, and in those cases, the authors were forced to face things that maybe no one had pointed out to them, maybe because their alpha and beta-readers were friends and couldn't see no harm in those things or something. So, sometimes authors do learn something from reviews.
LOL, there are readers who rate books 5 stars like there's no tomorrow. But you can always read along the lines, especially if you read a couple of 1 or 2 star reviews to counterbalance them. Some 5 star books are obviously just not our cup of tea, others are probably overrated.
Quote: "I read so many reviews that keeps telling readers not to hate them for not liking a book as if a mob is going to come after them with torches and pitchforks."
So true! And the sad thing is, some people do. I personally don't care what other people say about "my" books, though I cringe so hard when I see reviews that literally trash things that I liked, not so much because I feel like they're judging me as a reader, but because they're just being offensive, and no book/author deserves that (except those who write highly problematic books and defend them). There's snarky, and there's plain trash.
I love you, because of things like your opening sentence for this post. Just because someone doesn't like something, doesn't mean they should be igniting bombs on the author. I cringe when I see those rant-reviews. There is too much hatred and negativity in the world to be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteAwww, I feel so loved now 😘. And I second that so hard,
DeleteYes, always handle with respect and care. If you are buying and a budget, you are always wanting to try and get the best book, so I am glad you do plenty of research.
ReplyDelete"Respect and care" is my mantra!
DeleteIt's not easy to stay on top of that research, and I still get the occasional not-so-pleasant surprise, but it saves me from the worst.
Like you, I don't think I approach reviews all that differently regardless of whether I liked the book or not. At the end of it, I'm still going to try to be as honest and objective as possible (or at least point out places where my objectivity hits its limits) and try to be specific about what is or isn't working so that my review can help readers decide for themselves if the book is for them. (As you've noticed, I may get in a sassy line or two, but I try not to be too mean!)
ReplyDeleteRight now, it's these middle of the road books that are really dragging me down. I didn't dislike it and it's not offensively bad, but I didn't love it either. I've hit too many in a row, and I'm running out of ways to say, "This was fine." 😂
Quote: "As you've noticed, I may get in a sassy line or two, but I try not to be too mean!"
DeleteI live for those sassy lines LOL. I mean, at the end of the day, you're still being respectful, and also "honest and objective", only with a little humour.
Haha, those pesky "middle of the road" books. If I had the chance to read more, I would probably feel the same way.
If I request a book, I handle it slightly different. If its a book I purchased or was given, I just review it the way I want. I wouldn't say I'm very respectful? Not that I'm NOT respectful, I just type my review as if I'm talking to a friend. So the tone can always be different. Some reviews I'm snarky, some I'm kind of "business-y". Basically, I have no idea how I write my reviews - I just wing it lol
ReplyDeleteA little snark is not necessarily a bad thing - see Carrie's comment above. But there's a huge gap in between "being snarky" and "ripping the book/author to pieces". It seems to me that those reviews don't even help other readers - they simply revel in their own supposed smarty-pant-ness.
DeleteI don't really rip on books or authors. So I agree. I mean I might make a snarky comment here or there, but nothing personal or nasty, you know? I just try to honestly convey what I like or don't like about a book. Also I don't really take author requests very often so that way I don't feel beholden either way- I just pretty much review what I buy.
ReplyDeleteGreat discussion!
I know what you mean! That's my goal as well.
DeleteQuote: "I just pretty much review what I buy."
Same here - or at least I don't directly request from authors anymore. It saves a lot of heartbreak on both sides LOL.
Thank you!
I love your attitude Roberta!! I find it really hard to rip into an author simply because I know how hard it is even to finish a book! However I do find some mistakes kind of obvious... so I try to diplomatically point them out? It's my opinion of course and can totally be taken with a grain or mouthful of salt. I like to be constructively critical in case the author reads my review. And sometimes I know that its not for me but others may like it for specific trends so I will point them out.
ReplyDeleteWe are practically twins! Except I don't know how hard it is to finish a book - not firsthand - but I try to respect the effort.
DeleteI actually think it's easier to write reviews for the books I didn't enjoy. I usually give specific examples and list my reasons, which quickly fills a review. It's the books I love that I struggle to review, because I don't want to be spoilery, but also convey READ THIS NOW vibes. ;)
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Quote: "I actually think it's easier to write reviews for the books I didn't enjoy."
DeleteThat's understandable! though most people seem to feel the burden when they have to. But I get the reasoning behind that. Also, you found a way to write the most enjoyable, but still respectful, DNF reviews out there 😉.
Spoilers are another huge problem for me as well. Sometimes you (I mean, not you-you. A general "you" LOL) end up being vague because everything is a spoiler, and maybe those are the bits you loved most, or the ones that make that book worth reading. Sigh.
I can't say I exactly have "a trick," but I try to ensure I have at least an equal number of positive points as I do negative about the book - even if it is simply to say that the short chapters are good if you are always on the go! I can't always manage it, but I truly think that SOMEONE will like the book/movie, and I just have to be as honest as possible about what it is like so that they can make the decision themselves.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to approach the issue! Of course, some books are too problematic for a reviewer to apply your method, but in general, it's the best thing one can do - if they strive both to be kind to the author and helpful to the potential readers.
DeleteIn time, I've begun to instinctively move my complaints/pet peeves about the book at the bottom of my review - though it's not always possible to untangle this from that...
I agree completely. I can be snarky in private, but when I write reviews for books I dislike, I try to be as respectful as possible while still being honest. I also try to find at least one or two good things to point out.
ReplyDeleteThere usually are some, aren't they? Of course, sometimes it's like smothering a bland meal with a chili sauce - you can still tell that the taste underneath is lacking somehow. But hey, at least we technically managed to be both nice and honest at the same time! 😉
DeleteAs you know, I definitely like to rant, haha, and can be snarky. If I simply dislike a book, because I didn't enjoy the plot, or another part of it I tend to go easier on it, or not even review it if I don't have much to say. If there's something that made me angry about a book - like, the treatment of women in my most recent mini review post - I will be more directly critical and more passionate about telling my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI definitely love your reviews, and agree that you tend to be more professional - in positive and negative reviews both - while my tone varies, I think. Great discussion! :)
LOL, I know! And if a book is highly controversial, it's OK to be snarky. But if it's just a matter of taste...one has to cut some slack - or that's what I think anyway.
DeleteAwww, thank you! And your tone may vary, but you have a distinctive voice all the same!
I can't take credit for these discussions! Heidi does. She always comes up with interesting prompts for us!
Yeah I rarely request/accept unsolicited offers for books, cos I don't want to be mean, especially to an indie (in fact, if I don't like an indie book, I just won't review it and I generally only request books on netgalley when I already like the author). So I get what you mean about trying to be fair to most books- that said, sometimes books just get under my skin and I'm not opposed to ranting about them- it helps get it out my system (that said, I'm more likely to just state the problems with something problematic and explain why it's bad, cos I just wanna be as clear as possible there. But things like moralising or being super pretentious really irritate me- which is more of a taste thing). For me, I agree with Lissa, I just think the most important policy is to be honest. It's always interesting to read different methods of reviewing though! Really interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI understand the need to rant when something gets under your skin in a bad way. But it's one thing to write the kind of super-snarky reviews I sometimes read on Goodreads (the ones that aim at being both funny and abrasive, and only come across as obnoxious), and another thing entirely to explain what didn't work in a book, or why it was inherently bad (because let's face it, some things ARE inherently bad. We can respect the people who create them and the ones who enjoy them, but bad art exists). And I agree on moralising and being pretentious...it gets on my nerves too.
DeleteAnd thank you!