How Can Readers Really Trust Online Book Reviews?
There is much discussion on the internet about the state of online book reviews. Is the discussion of books happening out there falsely positive? Or, is the atmosphere overly nasty and negative? Visit Goodreads or Amazon for a taste of both experiences.
TOO MUCH PANDERING IN BOOK REVIEWS?
Let’s start with Jacob Silverman’s piece on Slate about the “epidemic of niceness in online book culture.” To summarize: he calls into question the way authors behave on Twitter and other social media outlets. He wonders, with good reason, how a reviewer (“professional,” a blogger, etc.) can write or even Tweet honestly about a book if a friendly author has made a personal connection online with the person writing the review. He also addresses the literary community’s mass enthusiasm for books not yet read, or worse, read and then mentioned everywhere with too much stretching of the truth.
In other words, if every book is a “must read,” and “amazing,” then how can people looking for suggestions take all this hyperbolic Tweeting and Facebooking seriously?
BUT DO WE REALLY WANT MORE SNARK IN BOOK REVIEWS?
On The Rumpus, Michelle Dean wrote a thoughtful response to Silverman’s criticism of the lack of criticism out there in the literary landscape. At the end she questions whether readers (and writers, obviously) truly want or need “more bare name-calling and bitchery on the internet.” (emphasis is Dean’s, not mine.) We probably don’t. Agree?
WHAT TO MAKE OF REVIEWS FROM ASPIRING NOVELISTS?
I publicly addressed a similar concern about reviews (several weeks before Silverman’s article, I’d like to note) when I asked in the comment section of writer Hallie Sawyer’s blog if readers can trust reviews from aspiring novelists. The way I see it, aspiring novelists would never burn a bridge in the publishing world. With that in mind, I’m sometimes suspicious of reviews on those blogs.
Hallie responded with an entire post called: “Can a Book Review be Called a Review if it Isn’t Critical?” At the end she came up with a sensible solution for the book “review” section of her blog. Acknowledging that she didn’t want to write negative reviews (I feel the same way), she changed the book section of her blog from “reviews” to “recommendations.” Obviously Hallie and I encounter books we don’t like. Guess what? We don’t waste space on our blogs writing about them.
THE PROBLEM WITH AMAZON AND GOODREADS
I have heard authors complain about three and four-star reviews on those sites. I absolutely understand where those authors are coming from, but if every “review” is five stars, then what do five stars even mean anymore? Don’t we all know or at least suspect that those over-the-top positive reviews are written by family and friends of the author? And that includes, of course, online “friends.”
On the flip side, there is a disgusting amount of anonymous, rage-filled garbage on those sites aimed at these hard-working authors. We’re talking about people’s careers here. Sure, writers develop thick skin, but nobody’s skin is thick enough for some of the cruel nonsense on those sites.
WHAT DO I SAY ONLINE ABOUT BOOKS?
In the name of intellectual honesty, I want to state clearly that I have never claimed to write reviews on my blog. Okay, I wrote one called 50 Shades Overrated in March, but that was an exception. What I do instead is keep track of the books I’ve read and write pithy blurbs. If I say I “loved” it, I did. If I couldn’t stand a book, I probably didn’t finish it and you won’t see it on the list. (Again, 50 Shades aside.) I’m not going to tweet that I hated a book. And I’m not going to write a negative review on Goodreads or Amazon. I’m just not.
Generally if I devote an entire post to a book, like I did with MWF Seeking BFF, The Happiness Project, or Click, the crux of the post is more about me than the book. This is, after all, my personal blog and not a book blog or an established place of literary review. That’s the beauty of ninabadzin.com, I get to write about whatever the heck I want.
Now please let me hear from you! Do you trust reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, or anywhere else online? What if you “know” an author online and don’t love the book? How do you handle it?
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111 Responses
Being an aspiring novelist myself, I agree with your and Hallie’s sentiments about reviewing only those books that we feel are review-worthy (and that burning bridges isn’t a smart professional move). I honestly don’t pay much attention to reviews, knowing that so many are inflated, or that many of the ‘professional’ reviews are nothing more than egotistical noise. I truly never understand the snarky, nasty reviews. Non-aspiring writers who wish to provide honest reviews can give a “2” review, but still do it with professionalism.
Great New Books is going to be a great deal of fun!
Melissa,
I rarely read reviews in the NYT or elsewhere. Frankly, I don’t want a book ruined for me. I even felt a little bad after my recent post about the book CLICK because while not a “review,” I think I revealed too much.
So excited for our new endeavor together!
There are so many books out there that I find I rely on what others have to say about a particular book to help wade through the many options. I mean…so many books, so little time and all that.
I too have hesitated to review books because I worry about giving a bad review. However, being falsely positive about a book that I didn’t enjoy doesn’t sit well with me. In fact, just today I shared my dislike of a book on GoodReads that had come HIGHLY recommended by a friend. I mean…I could barely get through it. I was honest without being scathing, if that makes sense.
Mazal tov on this new endeavour! It’s perfect for you.
Thank you, Rebecca! And yes, I think it’s the scathing ones that feel overly nasty. Honest is another story! I think it ‘s very hard to find HONEST reviews (not scathing, not inflated.)
I can’t write a bad review for anyone. It’s just not in me to do it. All I promise is “if I like it, I’ll write a review”. Most of the self published books I’ve been offered have been pretty bad. I have hope for self publishing, so I still accept them, but now I’m wary, because I ask for a free copy to review, and I feel bad taking a free copy and then not reviewing it.
The ‘how many stars’ thing is all out of wack; for a book to be five stars it really has to deliver on all levels, and a writer’s really gotta have talent and have honed their skills to do that. So when I see a ‘novel’ that’s only 50 or 60K words long, and which the author claims to have written in “just three months” getting 4 or 5 stars I know it’s a crock.
This post is an interesting one, Nina. I’ll be checking back to see what others have to say. 🙂
A crock is right! Yes, keep coming back as the comments seem to rolling in. Your last post on ebooks seems to relate here too.
I love the idea of an online book club. What a great way to find new reads. I’ll be sure to follow.
When it comes to blog book reviews, I think your way is a good one… give recommendations of books you enjoyed and don’t mention the bad ones. Sometimes I find the “official” literary reviews to be too critical and the Amazon reviews too glowing. For an accurate representation of opinions, I ususally look to Goodreads. I can skim the comments in the four star and two star reviews and get a good idea of whether or not a book will appeal to me. For the best reviews, though, I just talk to my friends. 🙂
Shary– you hit one something I started writing about but the post got too darn long. I trust my friends and my mom and my mother-in-law to suggest books to read next. That’s about it.
Gee, I can’t relate. Aside from you – who is OBVIOUSLY brilliant enough to be one of my favorite contemporary writers – I have not yet come across with any other author, to date. But the thing is, book reviews are just like movie trailers FOR ME. No matter how persuasive it’s clip could be, the real test is to really go down and watch it. Nothing beats an actual personal experience in determining whether something – be it a book or any other commodity – is good or excellent.
And I have to agree that making book reviews of something you like or love is better than making some with negative perspectives in it. I think it’s given that if you recommend it – then, it really must be something.
Oh my goodness–you are way too nice to me. But seriously, thank you. What a nice thing to say!
Completely agree that you only really know when you read/watch/listen to something yourself.
Thank you, Oprah!
Okay, super excited about this online book club! I’m all subscribed up!
I’m always looking for a great book to read. I’m a historical fiction addict but also like quirky lit- I’m sucker for an unusual story. I usually troll my online library catalogue for great “real books” and ebooks. If that doesn’t work, ask friends for recommendations, check lists (like yours) or, if all else fails, I check Chapters Indigo (Canadian book store) for recommendations. I find it’s not as bad as Amazon… yet 😉
Oh! Two from our Great New Book team love historical fiction. I like it, but it probably won’t be what I choose for my month. (Not sure which month is mine yet!)
I’m glad you use my list! I’ve heard that a few books clubs around here consult it. Makes my day!
I trust bloggers I know who review books. If I’ve interacted with them long enough, I have a decent idea of their tastes and whether or not their preferences coincide with mine. Also, I find that they are pretty honest about what they liked and did not like about a book.
For on-line purchases, I might read/skim 30 or 40 reviews before buying an author I’ve never read, to get an real idea of the “truth”. Sometimes I go with the majority, buying or passing based on those recommendations. Sometimes I see that most people who trashed the book were focused on one or two issues that I either think I won’t care about, or I think they are on a trash-this-book bandwagon. And vice-versa – for all the hype and love for 50 Shades, no amount of positive reviews would convince me that that is a book I would enjoy.
To be completely honest, I don’t read book reviews at. all. Other than 50 Shades but only because most were better written than the book and they were just plain funny.
I do choose books based on recommendations and all I need is a blurb as to why I MUST read it. I don’t need to read about the reviewer’s summary of the plot or what they personally thought of the characters.
I know, I’m such a wet blanket, right? 🙂
Not a wet blanket! I rarely read reviews for exactly the reason you stated–they give too much away.
First of all, I like that you recommend rather than review books. Nothing irks me more than seeing a debut novel by an unknown writer get skewered by a mainstream reviewer. If it’s so bad, why call our attention to a book we would never have heard of anyway?
I think that to gauge the book reviews on Amazon, you have to read a lot of them. Some are clearly written by the author’s friends and relatives – those are usually easy to spot. Some are just mean. But you can tell when a review is thoughtful and genuine (and you can also check to see if the reviewer is prolific on Amazon).
Looking forward to your book club!
Karen–really hope you’ll join us for book discussions. Could not agree more re: the “professional” skewering of debuts. Yup, if so “terrible” just review something ELSE. No shortage of books out there vying for attention.
I read Silverman’s article on Slate this week, but hadn’t read Michelle Dean’s response, so thank you for sharing that follow-up.
This raises an interesting discussion because I’d like to think most of us feel there is too much negativity in world of reviews – be it book, movie, restaurant, whatever. It’s not enough to write an intelligent, honest, thoughtful feedback. Reviewers want to break through all the white noise so they have to ratchet up the snark factor. At some point a line is crossed. That may result in what appears to be personal attacks rather than confining comments to the work itself. I prefer not to comment at all instead of adding more negativity to the web.
On the flip side, the overzealous reviews don’t really serve to entice me to read/buy a book. I prefer reviews like yours with more of a connection to the reviewer and then I can better tell if it would be a book that I’d enjoy.
Looking forward to hearing more about your Great New Books project!
Jackie, thanks for this perspective. That’s an excellent point about some of the nasty and snarky reviewers feeling that have to stand out and do so by being extra obnoxious.
Reviews are kind of the third rail in the book community, so beware: you may get some snark. Not everybody in the book community makes nice all the time, believe me. I wish I could have sent Hallie some of the nasty emails I’ve had because of one innocuous post on my blog
I got actual death threats when I wrote a post suggesting that older readers consider leaving Amazon reviews, because online reviews give readers so much power these days. But it seems there’s an online review clique who object vehemently to “civilians” leaving reviews–who knew?
I also know some reviewers have been threatened by authors behaving very badly, so it goes both ways. (And I welcome a four-star review or even a three-star. When people take the time to write a real review, it’s a gift.)
But what’s a reader to do?
Well, read Nina Bazdin, obviously! I think you have the perfect solution! Providing “recommendations” instead of “reviews” is such a smart idea. I simply don’t do reviews for all the reasons you give. But recommendations? That might happen. Thanks for another smart post!
Thanks, Anne. “Recommendations” was really Hallie’s invention, and I agree that it properly names what most of us are already doing–recommending books we love rather than eviscerating the ones we don’t.
I still can’t believe you got such angry comments. My goodness!
Cool idea! Love the online book chat concept. Y book club just opted to read TRAPEZE for next month. That’s all I can handle while writing my thang — which I hope someone will positively review one day! 🙂
Never even heard of Trapeze. See–even mentioning books helps them along.
I trust recommendations from people I trust. I’m going to have my book club read one of your 3 faves!
I’m so excited for Great New Books!!! Some of my favorite bloggers, all in one place 😉
Like you, I don’t review books that I don’t enjoy; when I say in a tweet or on FB or on my blog that I loved a book, it’s because I truly did. I have a goodreads account but prefer to use it to keep track of books I’ve read rather than as a review tool, but if I love a book I’ll go out of my way to say so. If I don’t, then I just don’t mention it.
However, I do believe in supporting writers who I admire, respect, and like, so I make an effort to do that, if not with a book review then with a shout-out, congratulations, or helping them get the word out about their book (just because I wasn’t crazy about it doesn’t mean someone else won’t).
I also interview debut novelists on my blog, and 9 times out of 10, since the books haven’t launched yet, I haven’t had a chance to read them. I make sure that all the authors/books I feature are ones that I’m genuinely excited about, and usually the interviews are more about the author’s journey than the book itself. It’s my way of trying to mention books and authors in a way that supports reading and the writing community, rather than focusing solely on my (subjective) opinion of the work.
Natalia,
You’ve always handled these “issues” so gracefully on your blog. I think your readers know they can trust you.
Aw, thanks, Nina! It makes me so happy to know that you think so.
As an aspiring writer and wine connoisseur, I apply the same rules to book reviews. I either enjoy or I don’t ?
I agree re: wine. For books, you can really like the storyline but not care for (or feel impressed by) the characters. Or, what I find happens more often than not is that I like a character, but nothing happens in the book. In those cases I like a book enough to keep reading. But did I “love” it? No. Hate it? No.
This is an interesting discussion, Nina. I really like the idea of sharing “recommendations” rather than reviews. I have blogged about my review philosophy, stating that though I usually comment about and rate every book I read on Goodreads, I only share books I enjoyed on my blog, and even those I usually evaluate as a writer, sharing what I like about it, what I would have suggested been down differently, what I learned from reading the book. I acknowledge my own tastes. Like you said, my “reviews” are very much about my take. I usually like to qualify who I recommend the book for, and try and convey what it was about or what I liked. That’s why I read so many reviews, and from diverse people who read different things than I read, because part of my job is helping books with different tastes than my own find books that they will like, regardless of what my personal favorites are.
I’ve looked at research on the subject, and most people still get their reviews from family and friends or major news or review sources, and less so from their bookseller or librarian. Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads do matter to authors and readers.
And you and others are right to question the relationship between authors and bloggers/reviewers/aspiring authors online. These relationships are complicated. I’m not inclined to spew hatred about a book written by an author I like and have interacted personally, even if it wasn’t my favorite. I want to focus on the positive.
As part of my job, I made a graphic with book suggestions for those that liked The Hunger Games. It was meant for patrons, and I was happy to share it with other libraries or teachers. Through the power of social media, it fell into the hands of publishers, publicists, and even authors themselves. I was asked to swap out updated covers (I’d just used the ones we had in the catalog) and sent books for consideration from someone disappointed their book wasn’t on the list.
There are those who are in it for the love of literature, other librarians like me, and I’m sure even booksellers and publishers who really believe in their products. But there are those who make their living writing and selling books, and as someone who does want to write a book someday, I’m not unsympathetic to them or hateful of their motives.
I seek out reviews from trusted sources. I like honest opinions even if they differ from my own.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
Molly,
I always appreciate when you give us this educated “book world” point of view. I had to laugh about the Hunger Games story. Oh–how social media and publishing people in general jump on every tiny opportunity for their names to get out there. Geez.
This is really timely, Nina. By timely, I mean I’ve been thinking about it recently, I guess because I’m reading books by friends and acquaintances.
First: bitchery rots and I don’t like it. I won’t (haven’t) write a negative review. I just don’t see the point of it. And there are too many inane, rage-filled diatribes that lack rational foundation. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it, but I don’t see any reason to attack the writer, either. Shades of Grey almost was an exception, except I did not read it.
Second, I don’t mind when friends of writers support the writer and give positive reviews. That said, if I see a review, I’m going to read it carefully. Why was the book good? What did the reader like about it, and why?
If I like a book, I will recommend it. I will not recommend a book I don’t like. I might mention that “my friend has a book out and it is available here” on my Facebook Page, which should let folks know that I am supporting the friend.
But shoot. I don’t have all the answers.
Loving the idea of your Great New Books. It sounds solid.
Hope you’re well.
It does get sticky when casual online friends as for reviews and send free copies, doesn’t it? I always say I don’t reviews, which I don’t! And I don’t like to be a giveaway machine either. I do them once in a while, but I hate keeping track of entries and dealing with even the tiniest bit of that type of organization. Aren’t I fun to work with? 😉
Excellent discussion, Oprah — er, Nina. I’m smiling. You have such a persuasive way with words.
I agree with everything you’ve said above. I always tell reading friends that books are like going to try on dresses. Not every dress is going to look great on every woman, and not every woman is going to like every dress in the fitting room. Not every book is going to connect with every reader, and after reading not every reader is going to feel the same way about a book.
I am so looking forward to our Great New Books venture together! Because in the end, we’ll have a place to talk books we truly love.
Thanks, Nina!
I have heard this critique of reviews within the world of Jewish publishing: everyone is so nice, because no one wants to publish negativity, so how can you really know? I’ve learned to read between the lines. The positive review might mention content and historical interest, for instance, but glaringly omit writing style.
With so many books, so little time, and me being super-picky, I’ve learned which of my friends are “book-compatible” with me, and I take their recommendations happily. Love your idea too!
That’s a great expression–“book compatible”
I love this! As a reader, I’m always on the look-out for books. I read A Lot. I mean A LOT! . . . I will scan the reviews on, say, Amazon, and see what people are saying. I try to read between the lines – I don’t discount the five-stars or the 1-stars but I like to look in the middle!
As an author, I can tell you that I don’t read reviews and try to stay away from review sites, just for the reasons you stated – I don’t want readers to feel awkward about writing the kind of review they want to – an honest one. Reviews are for the reader, not for me. I never ask friends or family to post reviews because i don’t want them to feel awkward. So I just cross my fingers and hope hope hope *laugh*
I went by my Amazon Author page to change something and saw where my novels have good solid 5-star or near five star ratings– so I think, “hey, maybe my books are good books; maybe I’m doing something right~ *hope*” But I also know the anthology my novella is in has a weak 3-star. I skeedaddled out of Amazon and didn’t read those reviews – and concentrate on just writing the best books I know how! 😀
Looking forward to the new endeavor!
I’ve heard many authors say they don’t read reviews. After spending time on Amazon and Goodreads over the years I wouldn’t go near those reviews EVER. The good ones aren’t worth suffering though the nasty ones. Not that authors can’t take the news that someone didn’t like the book, but under anonymous names, people write really MEAN things.
Lawd!
— I used to review books “professionally” for Rose & Thorn Journal, before Angie and I took over as Pub Editors – I was honest, and so they weren’t mooshy gooey reviews but I was also respectful. After my own books were published, I didn’t want to write them any longer, for various reasons.
Here’s to y’all’s new endeavor! 😀
Interesting. I don’t think it is possible to write a review without being at least a little bit subjective – whoever you are. So, if I do source reviews, I always go for a variety of viewpoints. The disingenuous among them – don’t they just become white noise after a while? I guess that means, for me as reader, it’s a bit of a non-issue. As writer, though, I’m sure it will be a whole other story 🙂
Totally agree re: subjectivity!
Whether you’re Stephen King or Stephen…Spencer, book reviews are indisputably important. But the prospective customer ought to be very careful about using them in deciding whether to buy. I read them, of course—for amusement as much as for information—but I don’t buy anything until after I’ve read the sample on Amazon. It’s never failed me yet!
I’m an indie author too—who isn’t, these days?—and I’ve lately taken to writing reviews myself, in hopes of promoting deserving talent who might just pay it forward. (Anyone who’s interested can see details over on the old website.) And I won’t write a bad review either. Not because bad books don’t deserve them, but because, like you, I won’t read a bad book all the way through in the first place.
Many thanks for your post…and for the opportunity to share!
Stephen,
You mentioned something that I forgot to mention in the post–SAMPLES! It’s amazing how the ability to get a sample on my Kindle in ten seconds has changed how I chose books. It is one of the reasons I rarely read reviews. My distrust factor is obviously the other reason.
Thanks for your thoughts here.
I do appreciate it when people let me know if they don’t like something I do. It makes me trust their opinion more; I feel like I know that they’re not lying to me. I think that it’s possible to give constructive criticism with kindness. I usually stay silent if I don’t think something is great, but if someone asks my opinion, I try to do the “compliment, criticism, compliment” sandwich–start and end with something positive.
For what I read, lately I’ve just been reading whatever has been given to me. It’s been hit or miss, but it does get me to read some stuff I probably wouldn’t have read otherwise.
I also like to know the truth! (But perhaps privately rather than publicly!)
Ooh. Good point. =)
Aspiring author and occasional book reviewer here. AND possibly bridge burner, who knows?
Mostly I review books I like and give positive reviews. Occasionally, if a book really disappoints, AND it is by a big name author, I will give an honest 1-2 star review and share what I found problematic. I couldn’t finish Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and found the latest Jean Auel much too long and dull, though I was a big fan of the series.
Only rarely will I write a negative review about a little known author. For example, my reading group recently picked a book which was about body image. From the blurbs and back jacket it seemed to be great, but the actual book modeled binging, anorexia, bulimia, scale-chasing, and NO character who demonstrated or learned healthy eating behaviors. I gave it a one star review and a trigger warning, because I know too many girls and women struggling with eating disorders, and this book was almost a celebration of them.
If it’s self-pubbed I will try to use the method others describe: praise, criticism, praise, IF I can give it at least three stars. If it stinks to high heaven I will not publicly review, and I have read some stinkers. I have been pressured by some self-pubbed authors who are online (or offline) friends to give them a good review, and refused. I have also been asked by some pros to review honestly, even if it’s a bad review, because they understand there’s a metric of 25 reviews on Amazon which helps the book regardless of star level. I don’t write reviews to be snarky or to show off my cleverness by eviscerating an author, but I can’t simply be a happy cheerleader, who thinks everything is WONDERFUL, either.
I like to think my reviews are more valuable both to readers and to authors because they are honest, and they’re NOT all four or five stars. Part of me says for the purpose of furthering my own writing career I should stop writing reviews, period, or only write “nice” ones, and the other part of me says if everyone felt like that, who will review MY books when the time comes?
Hi Beverly,
I think you have established yourself as a reviewer readers can trust, which yes, makes them valuable. But I do think that’s sort of rare. Mostly I take “I loved this” with a grain of salt. Maybe that’s not fair, but I’m too aware of the back scratching the happens in those review spaces.
Nina, I mean, Oprah, this is SUCH a good discussion topic! I’m with you that I refuse to write negative reviews, but it can get awkward when you’re talking about friend’s books. It’s easy to get into that “hyperbolic” realm and then you lose credibility. It’s sort of similar to why I don’t do guest blogger hosting on my blog. Rather than have to turn people down because they might not ‘fit’ my site (i.e., have it become something negative), I choose not to do it at all. I almost want to get rid of my blogroll, too, because it’s gotten so big it almost seems meaningless.
The book club sounds great! I always love and trust your recommendations.
Got rid of my blogroll two weeks into this blog. Go for it. 😉
I just read a post by Nathan Bransford on this very topic that is on my mind right now because I’m about to “review” a book I just read. And, Nina, like you, I don’t write negative or nasty reviews on Amazon. I no longer even go into Goodreads. My memoir has been “reviewed” in ways I wouldn’t treat my own mother. It is NOT a review to say “this book sucks.” Or, “Boring. Don’t bother.” WHY is it boring? Pretty lazy responses, IMHO.
I like what you say about “recommending” a book. I’m going to use this term from now on. I always give specifics. Good dialogue: an example from the book. Description that moves the story forward: an example from the book.
The negatives: well, this is tricky where friends are concerned. I’ve noticed that those who review friends’ books just don’t say anything about the grammatical or punctuation problems. How much of this is editing? Of course, this doesn’t have anything to do with the premise or structure or character development, but for me such problems are very distracting. But lately I’ve forced myself to lower my standards with this — where “friends” are concerned, that is blogging friends whom I’ve never met face to face.
I especially like beverlydiehl’s response above. I’d say it’s easier to give the three stars to a book whose author you don’t personally know. But praise, criticism, praise is excellent. It’s what I did with my “freshman” students when I taught freshman composition in college many decades ago! But I wonder if the authors really want the criticism part in a “review.”
I just don’t know….just trying to think this through as I write this response to your thought-provoking and very timely post!
Thanks for your response, Ann, and for pointing me to Nathan’s blog where I left some thoughts just now.
I haven’t seen Nathan’s post yet myself! Thanks for the heads up!
I have to admit I’ve never really used reviews to help me decide which book to read or movie to see. If the premise sounds interesting, I’ll generally pick up the book and start reading. If I like what I read, I keep reading until either I don’t like what I’m reading or I’ve finished. I figure other people’s tastes aren’t a good judge for my own.
That being said, I’ve wondered about the legitimacy of people reviewing friends books on their blogs, and the reviews that happen on Amazon (I don’t have much experience on Goodreads) can be unbelievably biased in either direction. I love the idea of making a blog book review a recommendation. It appeals to the kind side of me. 🙂 Plus, I totally don’t think there needs to be more nastiness on the internet, which criticism often turns out to be.
So, I guess I totally agree with you! 🙂
I agree that there doesn’t need to be more nastiness on the Internet, Lara. The one thing I’m taking away from Nina’s post is to change my “reviewing” to “recommending.” I think that’s a perfect way to approach the situation especially with friends’ books.
Oh my, this topic. I have so many thoughts; I’ve been toying with writing a blog post on this topic for a long time. The problem is, I still don’t have the answer. I totally agree with you and Hallie that aspiring writers don’t want to (and perhaps shouldn’t) write negative reviews. It’s a surprisingly small industry, and word does get around. But I personally don’t feel right only reviewing books I liked. I don’t have a problem with other readers doing that – because I obviously understand the reasoning – but I would feel just a little bit dishonest. Guilty by omission, I suppose.
So for now I’ve opted to not write reviews at all. I “rate” books on Goodreads, but that’s as far as it goes: no blurbs, no reviews. I discuss books on my blog sometimes (my ever-popular Twilight post that I can’t quite seem to shake), but I don’t review them. And this does give me a nice answer when friends (real-life and online) ask me to review their books. I say, Sorry, I don’t review books, which takes a little bit of the awkward out of it.
But I do feel that lack. Books and therefore reviews are a huge part of the industry I work in, and I wish I could be a part of it. I’ve often thought about creating a fake name/site for doing this, but let’s be honest: if you get big enough, people will figure that out. And then you’re back in the same hot seat as before. So long story short, I don’t know. I want to do reviews but feel like I shouldn’t, and that makes me sad.
Good topic, Nina.
I had to laugh about your “ever popular Twilight post.” That 50 Shades post I wrote seriously accounts for 80% of the random Google traffic that hits me. It’s insane!
Thank you for what you had to say here. You for sure get where I’m coming from. I totally understand your fear and hesitation and strange feeling about reviews–it’s exactly why I don’t trust most reviews from fellow writers actually. I know how much we ALL worry about those bridges.
To be honest, I don’t often read the reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. Normally, I pick up a book because someone I know has suggested it. I generally read women’s fiction, romance, paranormal and some fantasy so if a friend says “this book rocked my world…” I’ll likely give it a try. I’ve also picked up some books based on blog friends recommendations. But it’s because I’ve followed their blog for awhile and have a sense that we’d likely enjoy similar styles…
Other than that, I do look at the recommendations that Amazon sends me because it’s based on my previous purchases. Even then, I don’t read the reviews. I read the book blurb and look at the cost and go from there. Depending on how much I think I might like it dictates how much I’ll spend.
But…my fav way to find books is through friends…
GREAT post Nina!!!
Yup, when it comes down to it, word of mouth (as in really a mouth, not a screen) is KING.
I don’t often read reviews, and though I’ve written a few “reviews” on my blog, I think they really are more like recommendations. If I find a book I love, I always send out a tweet or post on FB — but, to me, that just seems like recommending it to my bookclub or a group of friends. And I think it’s a decent act, to promote something I really enjoyed. If I felt lukewarm or negative about the book, I just don’t say anything on line. There’s enough negativity out there. Mine isn’t needed.
I agree it’s really nice and helpful to authors to promote the work we really love. That’s a good way of putting it, Lisa. Thanks!
Always a sticky subject. I do write reviews on Amazon & Goodreads occasionally, but only for the books I liked. Like you, if I didn’t like it, I won’t waste my time. Even those short reviews are difficult to write well.
And, love the new project. In all signed up!
Thanks so much for your support on the new book club, Christi. You’ve been amazing!
I recently rated a book 3 stars on Amazon and Goodreads and wrote, what I hope, was an honest review. There were things about it I really liked, and there were things that I wished were different. I think if you approach reviews with a mind to constructive criticism, offered in positive faith, you can write reviews without giving everything five stars. Should I ever get published, I’d hope my readers can offer me such feedback. But yes, the trolls should best be ignored.
Well said! Really, it’s a perfect summary of how reviews can be in the ideal.
I don’t trust reviews very often–so many times they veer from my taste. Some of the best reviewed books of the past few years are ones that I detested. And not naming ANY names, because I too believe that an author, even a big-name one, doesn’t need my negative review clogging the internet. I love the notion of calling a review a “recommendation” and I think I will call them that in the future. Why waste a blog page–and give an extra inbound link and google-power–to a book I didn’t even like? Not worth it to me. So if anyone ever sees a write-up of a book on my blog, it’s going to be positive. I’m not a pro reviewer, and I don’t pretend otherwise.
As for goodreads: I used to write reviews there, just for my own benefit. The site was smaller then. However, the reviews–sometimes pieces I worked on for hours–vanished from time to time. Their tech support was no help. All I know is that I would come back to a book I had reviewed and my star-score rating was still there but the paragraphs of review were gone. So I don’t give them my data anymore–I just don’t trust them to retain it. If I really want to write about why I liked a book a lot, I’ll do it elsewhere.
Wishing you all lots of luck on the new endeavor! I’ll definitely be following along.
Kim! Great to see you here. I agree with your entire comment and especially relate to this: “I’m not a pro reviewer, and I don’t pretend otherwise.” That sums it up for me too!
One last quick thing: I’m OVER authors acting like a three-star review is an insult. Goodreads says 3 stars is “I liked it.” A book has to rock my WORLD for me to give it five stars, and I do that maybe three or four times a year. If I finished the darn thing, that means I think the writer did a pretty good job.
Nina,
Thanks for a well-balanced essay on book reviews. Like many writers, I will only post a book review on my blog if I liked the book. It’s the same with Goodreads and Amazon. I believe readers should pay close attention to the quality of the review. As a journalist and former newspaper reporter, I have a high standard for the reviews I write. I’ve read online reviews (both positive and negative) that are so vague that I doubt the reviewer even read the book. I’ve also read reviews that were so mean-spirited that I couldn’t read on. There’s no place for that and such reviewes have no credibility. I would say my bottom line is to focus on the reason’s for the reviewer’s opinion. That’s the only way to gauge a reviewer’s credibility. Thanks again and I enjoy your blog.
I think you’re completely right about those vague reviews–both for the positive and negative.
sorry about the typos. My laptop has a mind of its own.
Hi Nina,
I actually read that article from Slate you are talking about, and I remember thinking many of the same questions you brought up here. It’s a dilemma I never even considered (probably since I don’t review books online; everything with me is verbal between friends and family), but wow … it’s sure a catch 22!
I think the Slate article author brings up some very valid points. And when I think about it more, I realize that I’m unwilling to purchase an unknown book, by an author I’ve never heard of. This is probably because every review is outstanding–every time–and I can’t trust them.
What is the solution to this? Hmmm, I don’t know. Maybe we should stick with the “professionals” to get the most honest reviews, until these shenanigans can be worked out?
My issue with the “professionals” is the utter snobbishness of it all . . . how they would never touch a book by Jennifer Weiner or Emily Giffin but we get every repetitive memoir from every guy who travelled through the West coast naked and stoned or some other such nonsense. It really IS hard to trust any reviews.
What do reviews tell us, no matter who is writing it? Basically, IMO, it simply reveals whether the reader likes or hates the book. And sometimes, as in the case of a memoir, the reviewer actually hates the author (if that isn’t getting personal!). I never buy a book unless I can download a sample. This doesn’t always mean the rest of the book is as good as the beginning, but at least it’s something to go by. And if the blurb of the story piques my interest, I’ll take a chance. And who, after all, is a “professional” reviewer? What exactly is his or her credentials? It’s a confusing writing/publishing world we’re living in today with the advent of the Internet and self-publishing! I know I’M confused!!
I ‘review’ books on my blog, but really as an aside while I talk about other things, for example cataloging my I Dig Reading Challenge. I think the lack of maturity and troll-like reviews on GR and Amazon have made people shy away from the idea of review. In my day job, every thing I write is reviewed by multiple anonymous people, and while it often stings, i do learn something (most of the time- they can also include unhelpful trolls, btw. Anonymity breeds jerkiness.).
When I truly dislike a book, i don’t review it. If it’s a book with some issues that come down to personal taste, I focus on the things i like in the book. In some ways i feel guilty about not being totally ‘honest’, but less so because i know these issues are more personal than anything else.
In my perfect world, people would present even-handed and thoughtful criticism of the work of others… But i fear the internet makes this unlikely. Do I trust reviews online— no, but that ‘s also because i believe writing tastes are completely unique and there is little that’s unequivocally “good” or “bad”.
Nicely stated, Katharine: “but that ‘s also because i believe writing tastes are completely unique and there is little that’s unequivocally “good” or “bad”.”
Another great post! I think it’s interesting that I read your post yesterday morning but didn’t have time to comment. Then later in the day I ran across this tweeet by Melissa Marr (one of my favorite authors): “I only say if I read & like it. If not, I risk hurting an author’s feelings if it ends up being a DNF :)”
I also remember having a discussion (either with you or prompted by one of your tweets) about harsh reviews on Amazon/Goodreads. I actually went back to one of my reviews and edited it so it wasn’tso mean. With that said I still believe in being honest in my review of a book. I’m not an author so there’s no worry about my career/professional relationships. I got frustrated with the 5 star rating on Goodreads a while back and came up with my own rating system that boils down to a 5 star. This mainly started because of my book club books. We would read Pulitzers and while I could see why everyone else loved it I would hate it and giving it a 2 just because I didn’t enjoy it was unfair. So now I rate books on writing style, plot, protagonist, capturing my interest, and the escape factor. Then I average it out to a 1-5 star(s).
I take other peoples reviews with a grain of salt. I almost always base a series off of the first book. Only people who love the series will continue reading it and rating it so any rating really past the 2nd book are going to be biased by uberfans. I also rely on reviews from people who I know have similar tastes in books as I do. If you hated Harry Potter, Divergent, Hunger Games and Graceling I’m pretty sure I’m not going to love the books you do or believe that a certain book is utter rubbish.
As far as what to read next I have a to-read list that would probably stretch a mile long so I’m just plodding through it based on what’s available at the library.
Tanya, I am so glad you commented and was waiting for your two cents! I know you’re such an avid reader and you’re NOT a writer, which makes your opinion of books one of the FEW I trust. Let me restate that: It’s not that I won’t trust another writer’s opinion in person or in a private email. But on a public forum? Nope. I still think it’s harsh to be super mean on those forums, especially when reading opinions are so subjective, BUT, it IS nice that there are serious readers out there like YOU who take the time to evaluate books on the merit of the BOOK with no worry about future professional problems.
Speaking of Harry Potter, are you going to read J.K. Rowling’s adult book??? I want to, but I’m scared I won’t like it.
I’m number 53 out of 406 on the holds list at my library LOL. I’m secretly (ok not so secretly now that I’m putting it online) hoping it’s a flop and she decides to do a HP spin off series.
Yeah, it’s hard to sift through all the online book reviews and figure out what’s valid. But beware: there can be as much false niceness in official reviews in well-respected outlets. The world of book reviewers / publishers / editors / agents is incredibly incestuous, which can often make it hard for reviewers to come down too hard on a book that actually deserves it. So who DO we trust? Good question. But I really like the idea of the Great New Books book club. Read on!
(And do take note of my latest web site in name link. 🙂 )
I agree it’s a fair question! I got some flack for it on Huff Post!
I always take reviews with a grain of salt, including reviews of my own book! I have found a few reviews of it online, and always research to find out if they were paid or compensated in anyway. Obviously I’m tickled when I see they weren’t paid to review it, because then it seems to be an honest review (as far as I can tell).
I tend not to trust reviews of anything posted on the main site for the book, because they aren’t going to post anything negative. I used to trust Amazon as being real reviews from real people, but even then you have to watch out for trolls now, or reviews planted by the marketers. So essentially, I think we just have to use our best judgement. Some online reviews are trustworthy, and some are not. Usually I trust positive reviews when they have something valuable to say. I tend to ignore the reviews that say, “OMG this is the best book EVER!” without going into why. But if they can give some valid points, then it’s worth considering.
Hi Ashley! Thanks for commenting. I agree with what you’re saying and I do not disregard all reviews. But it does sound like a lot of work to sift, doesn’t it? I’m sure it’s hard to click on a review of your own work when you’re not sure what they’re going to say. Yikes!
Reviews are supposed to help readers find something they will like among the millions of choices out there — or avoid something they won’t like. But a bad review of an unknown writer doesn’t help anyone. Write no review and chances are good that no one will even know about the book, much less buy it. But Shades of Grey is a different story. You can’t avoid hearing about it and wondering what all the fuss is about — so Fifty Shades Overrated is a good exception to your standard practice, Nina, of ignoring bad books.
Hi Al, Thanks for your comment. YES, 50 Shades does seem to be the exception to every rule about EVERYTHING in publishing doesn’t it?
For the most part I don’t trust reviews on Amazon. Generally, I only read them, if the description of a book is kind of vague, and I want a better idea of what the book is about. I will also read the reviews of Kindle editions just to see if there is any issue with the formatting. I find the reviews helpful in these cases, but not much for judging the quality of a book.
So excited you are doing this Nina! I always tend to agree with your selections and enjoy seeing what you choose. Hope you are well!
Thanks for the shout-out, Nina. It is good to hear the same things repeated over and over; recommendations by friends are more important than reviews by strangers. There are some book bloggers out there that I trust and take their reviews to heart. Andrea (www.greatthoughts.com) and Erika Robuck (www.erikarobuck.com) are two that come to mind.
Enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and opinions. Nina, your blog rocks! You have the best readers!
You’re a hit around here, Hallie! Thanks for those recommendations. Of course I know and admire Erika. Great to hear about the other blog too.
I love this convo, Nina!
{I think another fab topic would be what makes you trust a reviewer/blogger/recommender!}
And congrats on the new venture! So very exciting!
xo
I am a prolific reader. I stay up late to read a book that has grabbed me. I read while waiting at the Dr., in airplanes, as a passenger in a car sometime. Basically, I read whenever and wherever I can. I do not, however, choose my books based on reviews or how many stars it may have on any particular site. I have loved books that have been trashed by many people and hated books that critics and reviewers gush over (hello Game of Thrones. How that became popular enough to be made into a TV series, I will never understand!) but I will read a book based on the recommendation of a friend. Whether it is a real life or an online friend does not make a difference. If I have a relationship with the person I have trust in their taste. It does not always mean I agree in the end but I have had more success finding books I love that way than through any online review or book club. Even if the said book club starts with the letter “O” 😉
Great comment here!
I have not read the Games of Thrones series. But of course I have wondered what the fuss is all about!
I don’t review many books online but if I do I have no problem saying that I disliked it or that it didn’t “do it” for me. It can be done in a professional and polite manner.
I don’t read many book reviews online but that is because I prefer to hear from friends and relatives I know. It is not that I think that people are faking reviews (although I am sure some are) I am jammed for time and know that I trust the opinions of those I ask.
So little time, so many books to read. I never have a shortage of books to read, although I always like a great recommendation. I usually get recommendations from friends and my mom, who is an avid reader always reading the very latest. She’s read everything. I also share books from friends. Usually once I’ve read something I don’t mind giving it away to a friend to give away to someone else. That said, I would be interested in your Great New Books book club. What a great idea. I always take online reviews with a grain of salt because it’s true you may never know a reviewer’s motivation for providing one in the first place. I think an online club would be more valuable to me.
The book club will be bringing new titles to me as well since I only get to choose the book ONE month. I haven’t read August’s pick yet–THE RIVER WITCH–but I plan to get right on it.
Hi Nina. I didn’t realize that you didn’t get to choose. Sorry if I missed something. Oh. I hope they choose good ones, then. Happy reading! I look forward to checking out the books, too.
I for sure get to choose one month. I think I’m doing June.
Amazing article, Nina! I’ve thought the same thing, how trustworthy are all these reviews raving about every book out there. I love Goodreads for the reason I can see a fair mix and read why they like or don’t like the book.
But I’m with you in that if I didn’t like a book, I’m just not going to blog about it. I do wish to be published some day and just because I didn’t care for one title by an author doesn’t mean I don’t respect what they put into the work of crafting it.
Looking forward to GNB!
I am the same way. I just don’t say negative things about other writers. If I don’t like a book, I typically will not finish it so I wouldn’t be able to speak intelligently about it anyway. But yeah, I don’t bother blogging or tweeting about books I hated. I’d much rather talk about books I loved. I always read the reviews and it’s true a lot of good reviews will make me more likely to buy a book but even an even split of good and bad reviews will make me buy the book because that makes me really curious and I will want to draw my own conclusions! Honestly though, if a friend of mine reads my book and they rave about it to me, I would ask them to put their thoughts into an Amazon review. Whether they do or not is up to them but if people like my book, I want them to say so. The new book club sounds exciting. What genres are you taking? My debut novel is out in December!
Hi Lisa! Great to see you here and thanks for chiming in about reviews. I’m sure as an author it’s an especially tricky area to navigate.
As for Great New Books, we’re not taking free books or anything from authors and PR people because we want the process to be purely reader based. There are six of us and we each get to choose the book one month. The other six months the blog followers will vote. We’re to keep it as “old school” as possible–you know, if you forget that it’s a BLOG. 😉
I totally misread that you were NOT taking pitches from authors! Duh! So sorry. Didn’t mean to be obnoxious. But I have always really respected your opinion is all. Anyway, I think keeping it old school is a great idea actually. It will eliminate a lot of “political” problems among readers, writers and bloggers. Again, sorry that I misread that! Must get my eyes checked!!!
Lisa, you didn’t misread it. I don’t think we said it anywhere! We should!
As a serious reviewer with over 200 reviews on goodreads, it concerns me that my substantive analyses are being lumped in with the dreck. On the other hand, most of the points raised here are valid, in relation to most non-professional reviews. It seems to me that what is needed is more discernment among readers. Part of the problem here is also that this writer seems to think that there are only two kinds of reviews: “positive” or “negative” (aka “snarky”). To anyone trained in critical thinking, this dichotomy is sheer nonsense. My reviews include serious consideration of the problems with each book (and pretty much all books have problems), and also discuss areas in which the author succeeded. In some cases one will outweigh the other, but this doesn’t mean I’m being “snarky” about it if negative, or that I ignore the mistakes when my reviews fall on the more positive side. http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1938544-michael
I love the idea behind Great New Books! I can’t wait to read through the discussions.
Congratulations on placing your post with Huffpo. You inspired me to write a post of my own on book reviewing, which was picked up as a WordPress “Freshly Pressed” post and received a huge number of hits and comments. Clearly readers are very interested in this topic.
I wasn’t able to post a comment on HuffPo earlier. It’s interesting. I like to look at a variety of reviews to get an idea about a book. Some people will review a book poorly, because it’s not what they expected. I look at several reviews and the blurbs, etc. for the book to get a feel of whether this is true or not. As I’ve been purchasing required textbooks for a few classes, I have to laugh a little at the horrible reviews and just hope the instructor will fill in the gaps. Some reviews are not very flattering, but I have to purchase the book.
Great New Books sounds like a terrific initiative – and free of any obligations to any author or publisher. I do know just what you mean though – I’ve been sucked in to buying a book with several five star reviews, only to find out that the book is poorly written and edited, and that those reviews were probably written by family and friends. I’ve also been put in the position of being asked to ‘swap’ reviews with another author, who then went on to say that yes, the review had to be ‘honest’, but only if I gave it five stars! Somehow I think I would have trouble selling out to that degree. If I like it – then by all means, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it falsely.