I’ve had several subjects on my mind for the past couple of
months that I wasn’t sure I actually wanted to discuss on this blog, mostly for
fear of being viewed as a pessimist, something I cannot imagine actually being.
The subject of reviews keeps resurfacing
and it’s time to spill the beans – I do not read reviews.
Not for books or movies or plays or anything else. While I appreciate those who take the time to
write reviews, it is difficult work and appreciated by many, I don’t ever go
more than a sentence or two into one.
Here’s why. For years, I would watch reviews of movies on
television. The thumbs up or down of Siskel
& Ebert were a staple for a long time. There were the opinions of Gene
Shalit, the wild-haired, mustachioed Mark Twain look-alike, with whom I found I
most identified in taste and humor, presented as a regular spot on the Today show.
Film reviews were and still are prominent on television, print and now online. Over
time I realized that I rarely shared the opinion of most reviewers, with the
exception of Shalit, and had often missed seeing movies in theaters that I ultimately saw
on television and loved.
The same is true nowadays.
I read several reviews of Indie books when I started out as an Indie
author, two years ago, often ones I had already read. It was rare that I agreed
with the reviewer. I either loved or disliked the books, sometimes in agreement
with the overall judgment of the reviewer, but very seldom on the same points.
Moreover, I found that if I read the reviews before I read
the book, I was seeing the book from the standpoint of the reviewer, not my
own. I did, more than once, re-read a book after trying to clear out the
opinions of a reviewer and see it freshly on my own.
As I said, for those that wish to have an idea of what they’re
getting into ahead of time, the reviews are critical. I’m just not one of those
readers. I truly do thank all those who
make an effort to give a review to books on Amazon, and/or blog their reviews.
I know the effort is valued by many, many readers.
Good point! I usually never read reviews before purchasing a book because I bought most books in the bookstore where you couldn't check reviews at the time. Now if I like the cover, the storyline I just buy it.
ReplyDeleteBefore my Kindle arrived, all my books were used from library book sales and such. Yep, the cover and the blurb was what sold me. Discovered some great authors along the way.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about this lately!
ReplyDeleteI never read a blurb or review before I've read a book. I choose books by author, title/cover (whichever catches my eye first), and reading the first page or so. I've encountered so many blurbs that were either ridiculous or patently incorrect that I have no trust in them or patience for them.
You're very right about blurbs, of course, because the whole point of a good blurb is to get you to buy. I, too, read them with a jaundiced eye.
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
My best source for books, movies, and even websites, are the recommendations of friends. Friends, by virtue of the fact that they are friends, often hold the same values and interests as I do. They also happen to recommend the titles that I most enjoy.
ReplyDeleteExcellent suggestion - especially if you really do have friends with the same tastes. I only have one of those and she's my daughter's age so while I take her suggestions seriously, I explore "older" subjects that I would not recommend to her.
DeleteI read and hang on every word of a review of one of my books-- and sometimes it hurts, but most times I smile. When deciding what to read I do glance at blurbs and reviews for fiction. Non-fiction I read the bad first.
ReplyDeleteI read reviews of my books with interest, but have managed to push them out far enough to not let them get me too much. I recently had a one star review where the reader said she hated Red - my main character. That one did get to me. But again, each to his or her own.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, I just thought I'd leave a comment because I hadn't read this post of yours until now. I actually finished your book Her Heart last night. And as I got to the end, I realized I was finishing it on the anniversary of when your husband had pasted away. I did a review on the book, not just to tell you that I enjoyed it but to make reference of what a small world it was and that I was actually finishing your book up and reading your poem/love letter to him on the anniversary of his death. And what makes the world even smaller is that the day before (3/31 - Easter) was my husband and my 15 year anniversary of the day he asked me to marry him. Anyway, I just felt compelled to tell you. I have enjoyed your books. I've read all of them that I know of except Tell Them You're Fabulous and that one is on my "To Reads". So, from one writer to another, keep it up. I enjoy it. Maybe one day, I'll have a book for you to read and enjoy. :) Have happy days and take care!
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda - I missed this until now, but it so touched me. Thank you for sharing all of that. I wish you the very best in the years you will share with your husband. You never know what's around the corner and it's so important to cherish each other. I really appreciate the encouragement. For several months I've been going through a tough time, and I really needed to hear that.
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