"What should be avoided when writing a book review?"
Every author's had at least one . . . a kidney-punch of a review that sucks the creative juices from his body and leaves him whimpering in the corner for his mommy. Those are the absolute worst. But what exactly is it that makes for a bad review?
Expecting more than what the story promises.
Before you haul off and whack an author over the head for handing you a plate of literary lasagne when you wanted a steak and potato novel, how about this: read the freaking back cover copy. If the blurb gives off a dark tone, don't expect bunnies and lollipops. Or if it reads lightheartedly, then the novel is probably not going to delve into deep topics. Be realistic.
The spelling and grammar of a three-year-old.
Really? Do I have to mention this. Yep, I do. Bad reviews almost always include typos and grammar that's worthy of a felony. If you're going to rag on an author's writing then yours better be impeccable.
Dishing out judgment as if you're God.
I understand that everyone has different worldviews and morals. Newsflash: books do too, because they're written by humans. So if sex outside of marriage pushes your buttons, don't buy 50 Shades of Grey and go on a rant about promiscuity. Instead of writing a review condemning the author to hell, I suggest that your time would be better spent praying for the poor slob.
Spewing pride poison.
Oh, so you think you can write a better book? Go for it. Writing a novel is stinking hard work, I don't care how bad you think the writing is. Because of that, do not -- read my lips here -- do NOT attack the author's work ethic. The novel may not be Steinbeck quality but I guarantee you the writer put in as much effort as Steinbeck would have.
Those are my top 4. What else do you think should be left out of a book review? Leave your ideas in the comment section and your name will be tossed in the Tupperware for tomorrow's big drawing. You could win the Gannah book of your choice!
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8 comments:
My number one? Cursing. I hate reading a review and getting hit with a "f-bomb" or some other obscene language. If you didn't like the book, that's cool. Tell the world. But you don't need to use every four-letter word you can think of to get your point across. Also, those reviews are the ones I completely ignore. They just killed how much stock I put in their opinion.
I also can't stand the ones where people rant becuase they bought a book not realizing it was Christian, and are so ticked off about it. I mean, really. Do a little research. Check out the author and publisher. Chances are, one or both of those will tell you what you need to know to make a reasonable buying decision.
Okay, I'm good now. My little rant is done.
**stands and applauds**
When I read a bad review I'd like the person to say why they didn't like it. Not just "hated the book" Everyone has their own idea of what they like and I may not agree with what the reader didn't like.
Preach it, sistah!
I think you've mentioned this before...never give an author a 3 star review. Either you loved the book or you hated it..no lukewarm reviews, it's just confusing.
I have to admit that when I am looking at a new book or author, I tend to read the reviews which give lower ratings first- as some critical reviews can be more helpful in highlighting the shortcomings of a work than glowing ones- and may help me decide not to get something that would end up just making me mad.
For instance, I am grateful to the reviewer who flagged up what she described as the 'mild racism/xenophobia against the English' in a novel set during the war of 1812, and another who mentioned how it 'mythologized' history to make out one side to be virtual saints.
Such opinions I think are honest and helpful for a work of professing historical fiction- because so many people take it as 'fact' that distortions and bias can influence people's perspective.
Yet on the other side of the coin- I once had a person who read a review of mine thank me for being the only person to mention that the novel in question contained a rape scene that was bordering on the graphic- as she would have found such content personally traumatic in light of her own experiences.
Reviews can vary- obviously some just spew, or make a lot out of very little- but some can be genuinely helpful- and yes- the people who complain about books published by Bethany House or Revell being 'too Christian' or 'all about God' get on my nerves too...they're Christian publishers, if you looked 'em up you would know to expect that.
Its interesting though that some authors seem to think they need to 'tone down' Christian content in certain novels to avoid seeming too 'preachy'- and yet this can be a double edged sword.
I have read reviews written by folks who were not Christians saying that they had no problem with the religious content in books set in the Medieval Period, for instance, because they took it as a reflection of the time period. I think they are correct.
I know of one fantasy series in which the fictional Medieval country the characters inhabit is far too much like a secularized, modern, Western culture to be plausible for the time period- and the characters attitudes and values match that.
In other words, it seems that in an effort to avid being too 'Christian' or too 'preachy' historical accuracy can actually suffer....
Must stop ranting anyway- had more than my two cents worth....
I am loving all these comments. Pretty much how I feel! I have a love/hate relationship with reviewers. I always read the one star reviews because half the time they are "The book came late" type nonsense, which has no bearing on content. I want a review that tells me "it started out slow, but then the action lit up the pages" so I know to get past the first part to enjoy the rest.
Eh, just my two cents. :) Great posts, Michelle!
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