Even though my internal-editor is always ticking off points of annoyance, I can find something to like in almost any book I read. In fact, one of my favorite books is one that I absolutely hate. The plot is horrific, and one of the characters may have the most disgusting mind I've ever stepped into. But I am in awe of a writer capable of making me feel such a strong degree of hate.
As a writer, I understand the work an author puts into a novel. Even if I don't want to read a book again or grant it a space on my all-too-little bookshelf, I still feel compelled to share the positive attributes of the story. That's why I'm not a book reviewer. I'm a book endorser. I write about books to help promote works--not to review them. There's a difference, and I never quite knew how to put it into words until I interviewed Mayra Calvani for Suite 101.
What about you? Are you a book reviewer or a book endorser?
I like this post a lot! I know what you mean about being fascinated with an author who can make you dislike a book so much. I'm a book endorser, too!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a timely post this is for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm attempting my first ever book review, and I've discovered it's not something I ever want to attempt again. Maybe I should have started with a well known, highly review author/novel.
Reviewing for a friend is difficult. I don't want to say anything discouraging, but it turns out the novel just wasn't for me.
So I guess that puts me squarely in the "endorser" category, b/c I like the story concept, the author, and their unique style of writing.
Now to put all that in the promised review.
........dhole
So how does one review a book, be honest about the content even if it means acknowledging huge turn offs and still be supportive of the author?
ReplyDeleteIt's one thing I think to review a book where you don't know the author, but when you do, and especially when they asked you for the review...it puts a difficult spin on how honest to be.
I love this post!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I'm more of a book endorser than a book reviewer. Any time I've tried to write a review it's turned into more of an endorsement. If I've taken the time to read a book, it's because there must have been something in it I liked. :-)
I'm a book endorser. I write about the good stuff. I'm a picky reader and won't finish a book if it doesn't hook me after 10-20 pages, so most of the books I finish I tend to gush about.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, I'm a bit of both. Of course, I don't like potentially ruining any author's day (and, in this technological age, if I post a review on the Internet, chances are good, the author will see it), but, at the same time, I do feel compelled to be honest. I only *review* books I want to share with my own readers, but I do leave short opinions of every book I read, good and bad, on GoodReads.
ReplyDeleteThought provoking.
ReplyDeleteI believe I would classify somewhere in the middle. I give an honest review and include any bad parts of the writing or overall book. I do my best to cast it in a favorable light. Honestly, if I began reading a book that I was expected to review and couldn't find some good points, I don't believe I would post the review.
I normally send the review to the writer before posting anywhere. This way if they don't like the negative points, it just won't be posted. I haven't had this happen yet. Afterall, the review is honest. I wouldn't want a flowery review wrote about something I published. This would mislead the next potential reader.
Honesty is the best policy.
I am both. I review books for one book review site (and might add another to that list), but a lot of books I have reviewed are not books I would endorse. At the same time, I DO endorse good books on my book review blog. If I read a book that is Just. So. Awesome. then I will review it -- and endorse it -- on there.
ReplyDeleteI like your honesty here, Tara! Yes, there's a difference between reviewing and endorsing, but as long as you're clear and open about it from the beginning, that's great.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my workshop! :-)