Book Review Bluntness

Recently, I read a blog, “Like the author… but” by Sharon Wildwind, in which she discusses the awkwardness of responding to a “friend’s book,” a technical writer who decided to try fiction. The book was “boring.” But Wildwind is reluctant to tell the truth. How to respond? A common dilemma.

We’ve all received book recommendations or gifts, but couldn’t get past the first few pages. An online acquaintance suggested I try reading Ayn Rand and even gave me a kindle copy of “Atlas Shrugged.” After slogging through several chapters, I responded that I loved the independent individualistic female character but “felt like I was being bludgeoned to death by a cascade of unnecessary words repeatedly used to describe the painfully obvious.” An honest response. I felt like I’d have to be paid to read any further. This acquaintance was going to read my novel “Where the River Splits” and post reviews. That was months ago, and I haven’t heard back. (Could be that she’s just busy, as we all are, but my pause highlights the problem.)

In “Are We All Great Writers,” I wrote that no one seems willing to say, “This is crap.” Writers are much more comfortable lavishing other writers with praise, probably in the misguided belief that if we praise others someone with praise us. We forgo honesty in order to increase our chances of selling our books. And in this age of online attacks, likely we’re more than a little afraid of vindictive retaliation.

But if we are allowed to respond negatively to famous writers like Charles Dickens, Dean Koontz, John Grisham, and Ayn Rand (a few I’ve had negative feelings about), then why can’t we have those same feelings for self-published amateurs. In our response, we can remind them of what good company they’re in. Hiding out and not responding at all is perhaps the worst reaction, essentially lying to boost our own careers. (I’ve done it as well and might do it again – doesn’t make it right.)

However, writers have the obligation to make sure their readers feel comfortable enough to give honest feedback. As I have stated numerous times in blogs, facebook postings, and articles about fiction, I welcome brutally honest remarks. Such sentiment is in my Author’s Note to “Where the River Splits.” I try to tell people up front that they are under no obligation to “like” my writing. If the reader hates your work, you can request that they avoid posting negative reviews; for example, a one star “review” stating that she only read the first few pages but didn’t like the style. That’s not a review, and it’s not helpful to anyone.

I know it is difficult. It’s not like telling someone their shoes are darling, the cheese is good, and I love your haircut. But when a writer is waiting for your response, and you’re still trying to plod through the boring prose, tell the truth.

 

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