If a book is terrible, do you think a reviewer should write and publish the review, or should she decline to write a review?
It’s up to the individual reviewer, or the editor or source that assigned them the book. If I receive a book from Blogcritics Magazine or Library Journal, and the book is terrible, I will write the review. However, if I receive it for my blog, and the book is terrible, I won’t finish it. Therefore, the review will not appear on my blog. I have written negative reviews, when a favorite author disappointed me, but even then, I knew other readers might feel differently, and I stressed why the book didn’t work for me.
There are some bloggers out there who have acquired fame as tough reviewers because of their harsh, nasty reviews. What’s behind this philosophy?
I have no idea. There is also a professional journal that has a reputation for its snarky reviews. Most librarians don’t respect that journal, and its circulation certainly is not those of the journals that readers can depend on for reliable, unbiased reviews. Bloggers might receive some notoriety for writing nasty reviews, but I don’t think they will be respected.
I would prefer that readers know they can find a reliable review source at Lesa’s Book Critiques, a blog that will tell them why they should buy, borrow, or pick up a book, rather than a negative source that will tear the book apart.
Thank you for this interview, Lesa!
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Thanks, Mayra, for the informative and enjoyable behind-the-scenes interview with one of BC's more reliable and prolific, and -- as it turns out -- very busy, reviewers.
2 - Joy Delgado
Mayra and Lesa,
Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Each reviewer has a different approach to reviewing and I'm learning a lot about how to review books.
Thanks again,
Joy
3 - A. F. Stewart
Great interview!
As a reader who reviews on occasion, I appreciated the comments on what makes a true reviewer. I also agree with her on “facile” reviews; I tend to review books I enjoy.
4 - Margot Finke
Mayra Calvani, you've done it AGAIN. Fascinating interview of Lesa Holstine. I learned a bunch of stuff from reading this.
Margot Finke -
"Rattlesnake Jam" -
crazy rhyming fun with Gran,
and Pa.
5 - Pauline Jones
Wow, that was fascinating. Personally, I don't have a problem with a site only reviewing books they like. I want to read books I'm going to like, too. Time is too short to waste time reading something you don't want to.
6 - Margay
And I thought I read a lot. You've got me beat, Lesa! This was a wonderful interview, thank you for giving such a detailed and honest take on your work. I'm exhausted just reading about what you do!