I’ve been thinking. Dangerous I know, but I can’t help myself sometimes.
I recently read a blog post about reviewing books, and she made the case that it is okay to say our opinions about a book, even if we don’t like the book. In a nutshell, the authoress of the blog post reminded me that it is not a crime to say our opinions about books. If I don’t like it, I can say so. If I do like it, I can say so. Even if no one else agrees with me.
It got me thinking about a blog I used to follow, where she was very honest about the books she read. If she didn’t like something, she said why, if she did like the book, she said why. I actually found some books I loved from the books she didn’t like. Because her cup of tea was vastly different from mine. It worked her books reviews were thoughtful no matter where her opinion was. She really thought about what worked for her, and what didn’t, and was able to leave a thoughtful, honest review about any book she read. (as a note, she stopped posting as much because of busy life things, which is why I say ‘used to follow’.)
I have also followed people who were completely honest about what they think about books. But it comes across very, very differently. I have never been interested in picking up a book after reading their review. Good or bad. Because the way they talk about books is not lovely or respectful. If they don’t like a book, it is the worst book in existence, and all who read it have bad taste. If they do like a book, it is the most wonderful book ever to grace a shelf, and all must read it! Either of those extremes are unlovely, and turn me away from the books they are reviewing.
I find myself only wanting to say the positive things about books, because I do not want to come across as the latter book reviewer. I want people to be drawn to the books I write about, and the way I write about them. But what if I could dislike a book, but still invite people to try it for themselves? What if there was a way to be respectful and kind, even if it isn’t my favorite book? To disagree respectfully with a book is a vastly different thing from defaming a book. And even if I don’t like it, it may be someone else’s new favorite book.
Let’s try to wrap this all up. I have opinions about books. (I mean, duh) Perhaps it is alright to say all of those opinions. After all, it isn’t fact that I am spouting off here, but my own personal likes and dislikes. Provided, however, that I say them thoughtfully, respectfully, and kindly. Authors put years into every book, the least I can do is be kind while giving my review. And perhaps, if I don’t like it, you will. How could I bar someone the chance of finding their new favorite book?
Shaina Merrick
The Beauty of a Story 