This last week I received a yummy-looking Smart Cookie award from Liz Davis. Thanks, Liz! Go forth and visit her blog HERE.
GOODREADS
I joined Goodreads last year in July. It's a great way to keep track of the books I've read as well as the ones I plan to read. It's definitely easier than typing in titles and authors in a Word document and then trying to remember to update it (now WHERE did I save that file?).
Picky Picky Me
When I review books on Goodreads, I'm admittedly stingy with 5-star ratings. I grade kinda hard. Out of my 72 books listed as already-read, only 35 of those are 5-star--but a lot of those are classics or big-name novels:
5-Star
SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES by Ray Bradbury
HARRY POTTER novels (all 7) by JK Rowling
LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding
THE HOBBIT by Tolkein
THE THRAWN TRILOGY by Timothy Zahn
LITTLE BROTHER by Cory Doctorow
NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman
OPEN MINDS by Susan Kaye Quinn
POPULAR BOOKS
And then there are the books that are incredibly popular, but somehow didn't strike me as much. It very well could be a subjective thing. It also could be that I've gotten so ingrained in picking things apart in critique-mode that I simply can't sit down and just enjoy a book. It's pathetic, really. And knowing I'm going to write a review on Goodreads bolsters that.
Still. A rating of 3 stars means "Liked it." What's so bad about that? A 2-star rating means "It was ok," which doesn't mean I hated it. The 2-star books just have a lot of what I perceived as plot flaws or inconsistencies. I've never given a 1-star rating, however.
2 or 3-Stars
3: CHIME by Frannie Billingsley
3: IMAGINARY GIRLS by Nova Ren Suma
3: WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson
3: WITHER by Lauren DeStefano
2: BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray
2: FALLEN by Lauren Kate
2: THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin
People I Know and Their Toes
Even worse are books written by people I'm acquainted with in the blogosphere. Ouch. How do I be honest and yet give reviews that won't hurt feelings? Should I just quit giving reviews on books written by writers I know? It's tempting.
THE GUILT
So here's the thing. Lately I've been feeling guilty about my reviews. Even for writers I don't know. Sure, my reviews are honest and I try to write them with respect (very important to do), but I'm wondering if all that public honesty is good. Does it make me look unkind or petty?
I mean, what if Libba Bray was cruising through the reviews, or Michelle Hodkin? I'm a writer, so I KNOW the amount of hard work that goes into writing a book. I know how difficult it is to get an agent, and to get published the traditional way. And I know how subjective book-love can be. Someday I may have a book out there, and though I know not everyone will love my book, I'll probably still cringe when I get bad reviews. (Or perhaps I won't read them, because I've heard it can dampen or kill your writing enthusiasm.)
I'm not suggesting I be less than honest in my reviews, but maybe Bambi's mother is right--"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
YOUR TURN
Do you belong to Goodreads?
Do you use Goodreads just to keep track of books you've read, or do you read reviews?
Do you avoid reviewing books by friends, whether on Goodreads or your blog?
Is public honesty really the best policy, or should people keep opinions to themselves?
Do you or will you read negative reviews if you have a published book out?
I recently deleted all the books from my Goodreads account because I couldn't figure out how to get rid of the ratings and I didn't want them anymore. People use the ratings system in different ways so that it seems pointless; what I mean by 3 stars doesn't mean the same to everyone else.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I've been using Word to keep track of my reading list, and I might use Goodreads instead so other people can see what I've been reading. If they want to know whether I liked a book, they can ask. I'm already pretty vocal about books I loved.
I use goodreads as well. A great tracker, like you said. I've had the same thoughts and when I review, I try to stay positive and honest. I don't my feeling hurt, even though it's bound to happen, but I try to be considerate. I don't review every book, but that's mostly because I just don't have time. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't jumped into the Goodreads arena yet, but I can imagine how would feel reviewing a book of someone you know.
ReplyDeleteI would rather read an honest review. How awful it would be if there were only nice reviews of books? And just to show you how subjective opinions are, I would give NEVERWHERE a 3. It lacked characters to care about - in my opninion :)
ReplyDeleteYikes, I don't know if I could write a review on a book. Although, I just got a new snack product that I'm writing a review on and I have pros and cons. That's hard for a book though. Or would be for me.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree with mshatch, in that I would rather read an honest review.
This is an interesting post. I look forward to reading what others have to say about it.
I do have a Goodreads account, but rarely use it. I love to collect books, as well as read them - a fair amount of money goes into purchasing hardbacks. As far as reviewing books, I have faced the dilemma you mention. If I really don't like a book, I don't review it on my blog. Otherwise, I mention the strong points, and underplay the weaknesses. I believe I am being honest. However, I have only reviewed two books by friends! ^_^
ReplyDeleteI use Goodreads in a haphazard way . . . sometimes it just seems to time consuming.
ReplyDeleteHonest reviews are good, with a dash of encouraging words. I realized that I started rating books really high on Goodreads a long time ago, and now it's hard to pull back from that. And yes, it's hard to review a book by someone I "know" from the blogsphere. I've wimped out on a few of those.
My system is to only rate the books that I thought were worthy of five stars (and that isn't many). That way I can still express my excitement over an amazing book, but don't have to feel guilty about an author stumbling over my rating when their book only earned two or three stars in my mind.
ReplyDeleteNot that I'm against people rating honestly. Not at all. I love reading reviews with lower stars, because they tend to give me a better idea of what I will and won't like about a book. I'll still write the occasional review when I'm trying to puzzle out what did and didn't work within a less successful (in my mind) book, but I try to keep it fair and not sarcastic/ranty.
I use Goodreads and leave feedback also. But I can't leave a bad review on a blogger's book. Just.Can't. Do. It.
ReplyDeleteSo far, the reviews on Goodreads seem honest. At Amazon, the comments have more to do with a personal politics and PC. Very disgusting.
I do belong to Goodreads. I joined last August. I'm just now starting to get it organized. It has been neglected.
ReplyDeleteI used to do book reviews for a magazine about 6 years back. I haven't really done any in a long time...just a few words here and there. I've been thinking about doing them on my blog...maybe one a month.
First - WOW. Thanks for including me in that five-star list! I'm honored.
ReplyDeleteSecond - You've hit upon why I generally don't do reviews. I recommend books all the time, but reviews I leave to the readers (including writers who are comfortable with it).
I DO use Goodreads though, to keep track of what I've read and what I want to read (which is a LOT).
Dear Carol,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my kitchen to get the cookie.
I joined Goodreads in January and am still learning. Are we friends on Goodreads? I'll have to check.
Anyway, Goodreads is great in helping me keep track of what I read and also to remind me that I'm not reading much at the moment:-(.
To be honest, reviewing for friends can be a sticky situation. I would read their books if they seem interesting and if I like what I read, I might post a public review. But if I didn't like the book or it's just not the type of book I normally read, I'll tell my friend in private and won't post a negative review.
Negative reviews are painful pills to swallow....Aaargh. But we can't escape them. There are going to be people who don't like our books. And that's okay. But when the reviews target me or my writing style, OUCH. Would I read negative reviews? Probably, just because my imagination would step in and I'll drive myself crazy if I don't. But before reading such reviews, I'll make sure it's on days when I feel great about myself.
I read somewhere that to make themselves feel better about their negative reviews, some authors go and read other authors' bad reviews lol
I love your 5 star list!
ReplyDeleteI am a member of Goodreads, but I have yet to really get into it and branch out. There's too many things to manage, LOL!
Yep, I do Goodreads and no I'm not always honest because I feel too guilty giving someone I know a bad review. However, this year I've read more books than I've placed on Goodreads because I've simply not liked them and it's easier not to put them up than to give them a bad review or rating.
ReplyDeleteI'm not on Goodreads; I used Shelfari instead. I kinda wish I'd joined Goodreads instead since that's where everyone else seems to be. :P
ReplyDeleteI tend toward honesty as the best policy. I've reviewed a few books by fellow bloggers; it is certainly hard to find the balancing point between honest criticism and not appearing to completely tear down the book.
Hi, Carol,
ReplyDeleteThis is a subject I can relate to... I am also very stingy with the five stars. I believe a book has to be BEYOND fantastic to receive a perfect five stars. I would like to give some books 4.5 or 4.25 but that isn't available and I think it should be.
Many books I have read deserve more than four, but are not of five star quality. I believe a review should be honest. One can review positively and not hurt the writer's feelings by focusing on the good in the book. That's pretty much what I do.
Yes, I belong to good reads.
I think one can be constructive but not destructive. We all need to keep growing and if reviews are sugar coated, how will we?
Excellent post.
I hope all is well with you!
I belong to Goodreads and I'm stingy with 5 stars too. I gave Chime 5 stars. It was an odd book, but I was so impressed with it. What a voice.
ReplyDeleteHarry Potter and Open Minds got 5 stars from me too. I'm reading Neverwhere right now. Good to know you gave it 5 stars!
I've used it a bit, and am sorry to say that I have gone on and purposely given at least three books a low rating. One of these I felt compelled to do because the book kept getting 5 stars and kudos elsewhere and I thought it needed a major reality check (that book was "Mockingjay"--yes, I expect someone to throw turnips at me now). Another was a book that was getting huge hype at last year's BEA but my child and I both read it and thought "What a bore." (That book was "Wildwood.") So, my review was really meant to inject some honesty into the tsunami of gushing praise. But I would never go pick on a book that wasn't a bestseller already, or a big deal.
ReplyDeleteThis is great!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, C! I am on Goodreads, but I don't post reviews there. They are linked to my blog... I think... which is where I can post star-free reviews. I mean, people interpret those stars so many different ways. I wish there was some standard like yours.
ReplyDeleteAs for guilt, I don't feel guilty posting lower reviews for blockbuster books--if I honestly, fairly, and kindly explain why. I don't believe anyone should go off like some of those reviewers do. But if it's a smaller budget or SP book, and I don't care for it. I'm pretty silent~ :o) <3
I love to read reviews. I do belong to Goodreads and I do read reviews, good and bad. I even look for bad reviews when I've loved a read, just to see what other's didn't find appealing. However, just because I read the bad reviews doesn't mean I agree with them. They are simply thought-provoking. So, I value reviews as long as they are honest, respectful, and written without any bias.
ReplyDeleteI am just starting to get into Goodreads. Tag, you’re it! You’ve been tagged in a game of 11 Questions being passed around by the Platform-Building campaigners. You can pick up your questions at this link: www.dawnall.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteI agree with Susan Kaye Quinn--I gladly recommend books, but I prefer to not review them.
ReplyDeleteI will "review" middle grade books for the MMGM series. And by "review" I mean talk about things I liked, but I won't give it a star rating. I'm too worried about being nice or keeping karma or something... I know myself and I'll give out 4 stars to everyone just to be nice. At that point, my review really isn't good nor bad.
I read the reviews since I'm curious about what others think and sometimes contribute to them myself. If I don't care for a book, I don't bother finishing it, so sometimes a book disappears from my list--as a result I only rated a few books 1 or 2 stars.
ReplyDeleteI need to check out some of those books on your 5 star list.
A) You know I belong to goodreads ;)
ReplyDeleteB) I use it to track my reading...the only reviews I read are those posted by my friends *cough cough* I like my friends reviews.
C) I avoid reviewing books ever. I don't feel like I'm qualified. And reviews themselves are totally dependent on the reader and their likes and dislikes. I've read so many books that people raved about that I hated as well as the other way around. I love reviews by my friends that I KNOW read and like what I like and read.
D) I think honesty is the best, but it's hard being a writer in the writing world.
E) If and when I get a book published, I will definitely read both kinds of reviews. Of course, I will keep in mind that everyone's different and they all like to read different things. Already with my beta readers, I've had different opinions. The ones who love my story the most are the ones I KNOW read and like similar stories to mine. My hubby doesn't like YA very much but he read my book and liked the concept and characters.
So, there you go. Sorry I'm long winded. I LOVE your reviews because you are honest and they seem to match what I read. It's hard to post those opinions, though, so I'd understand if you stopped reviewing. If someone wants my opinion, I'll give it to them. And I only review books on my blog that I would tell anyone to read. Sadly, that's not often enough, but maybe I'm more picky and hard to please than others.
Thanks for the post!
I'm terrible. I don't really review books on GR. I think I'll probably give my betas some good starrage but that's it. I have issues, I know. :/
ReplyDeleteI rarely review books on GR. I just rate them. I don't add books to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI've only given out a few 5. Mostly I rate books as a 4 (or the occasional 3). If I'm reading a book that's heading for a 2 star rating, chances are good I'll abandoning before the end (unless I own it). If that happens, it doesn't get a rating (can't rate a book I haven't finished). With so many great books available, and an out of control TBR pile, who has time for a less than satisfying read.
Yep, I totally understand why agents don't read an entire ms they're not in love with.
Wow, that's a tough question.
ReplyDeleteAs an author, I feel that by being in the industry, my objectivity as a reviewer is compromised anyway. Therefore, I review to support other authors, and I usually give four or five stars. I only say positive things. If I really feel the book doesn't justify that, I say nothing.
I don't read Goodreads reviews very much, but I remember being quite hurt seeing another author I know give one of my books a three star and saying critical things. I'm very much of the feeling that authors needs to support other authors when they can. It's tough enough having some readers pull you to shreds without fellow authors weighing in.
But that's just my opinion, and I realise not everyone feels the same way!
I think, because writing is so subjective, when I don't like a book, or think is badly written... Most of the time it's best to just write.... This book wasn't for me. Now in saying that, I'm about to write a review that says... This book could do with another edit.
ReplyDeleteI love Goodreads too.
Xx
Hi, Carol,
ReplyDeleteI'm like you in that I can't enjoy books without editor mode coming into play. Not that I read to nitpick other writers' work.
I do have a Goodreads account, but I don't update it as often as the reads I put on my blog. I'll review books by friends if they're good because I won't trash the work of someone I know. I will however, point out things that don't work and books that are put out by big publishers that are sub-standard.
If someone writes a negative review of one of my books, I'll read it anyway, just to see if there's anything I can use to improve the work.
I do use Goodreads, and like you, I'm kinda stingy with the 5 stars. However, I will not post a review for a book if I didn't like it, and will only post a review if I give the book 3 stars or more. For writers I know, I'll only post a review of 4 stars or more. If I didn't like the book, I don't post a review. A negative review from me doesn't help anyone.
ReplyDelete...Or does it? I have read a few blog posts that says negative reviews can actually help garner more readers. One, it makes it more realistic: you can't please everyone with your work, and a book with only 5 star reviews makes me wonder if the author got his mom, nan and Aunty Doris to write reviews for him. Second, if someone said "This book deals a lot with X issue. It's not for me." Another person who likes X issue might go, "Hey, this sounds like a book I may like!" See where I'm going with this?
This is such a tricky subject. I'm totally anti-conflict, so I won't review a book unless I can give it a good review and a good rating. And it is SO subjective. Of the books you listed above, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was one of my two favorite books last year.
ReplyDeleteGaiman, Gaiman, Gaiman! Tolkien, Tolkien, Tolkien! Besides Gaiman and Gabaldon, I don't think there's a single 'new' author I'd give 5 stars to. Something's got to represent the level of greatness of the classics, and I guess that's what five stars is for. But I have a tough time rating books, and find it frustrating that Goodreads won't import all my LibraryThing catalogues - I feel incomplete!
ReplyDeleteI love Goodreads! Otherwise I'd never remember the million books I want to read. I don't do bad reviews myself. Everything gets at least 3 stars. I probably would just not rate it at all if I liked it less than that.
ReplyDeleteSigh... isn't Neverwhere so fantastic?