Reviewing Bad Books

[BookGirlR]

I would like to discuss bad books.  Show us the worst books that you've reviewed.  How do you try to handle reviewing a horrible book on your blog?

Here's mine: Horrible Book 

Normally I would try to say a few good things about a book, along with the bad things, even if I didn't like it.  But every once in a while I read something so bad that I just can't find anything good to say!

BookGirlR

BookGirls BookNook

[Kristina Barnes]

Wow, lots of hate on self-published books. While I'm a bit wary of them myself, there have been a few jewels in self-published books that I enjoyed.

When I review a bad book, I do the same as you: I like to give a little bit of good and a little bit of bad. I won't out-right say it was fail, because no one really wants to hear that about their work, but I'll share why I didn't like it. I try to treat my reviews professionally and give authors a very fair review, so I hold back with outright insults. If I were to receive an insult on a review I posted from the author or publisher, then that's just handling a situation unprofessionally and I could knock a rating down a couple of points.

There is such a thing as constructive criticism, and I think authors need to learn to take advice from their readers instead of lashing out at them. Some of the experiences you guys have had with writing bad reviews are really out there. Publicly slandering you because you wrote an honest review? That's horrible and unprofessional and I'd probably boycott that author and their publishers after that.

Anyway, I haven't reviewed the worst book I've read so far, but if I ever get around to it, I'll let you know. :)

[ManOfLaBook.com]

That's the e-mail I sent the author, very polite and I didn't trash his book at all. Just that I didn't like it and a few reasons. His book got trashed by other bloggers, I have no intention of even writing a review.

I don't hate self publishing, but the last thing I need is some wacko knocking on my door.

By the way, if you would have read his book (full of very graphic voilence, sex etc. which he claims is a biography) you'd understand why I didn't want to touch this one with a ten foot pole.

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[William Bentrim]

There seems to be two topics here. One is let’s trash self published authors and the other is about handling reviews on disliked books.

Hmm, being a self published author I am hardly unbiased. I don't think the self published author's skin is any thinner than any other authors but I am not a dermatologist. Admittedly being a retired guy, I have little patience for the traditional publishing path due to an aversion to rejection and unwillingness to die before my work is accepted by a traditional publishing source.

I write for fun and because I hope to provide an alternative to the wealth of negativity that seem to abound today. My books sell, if they have helped one person or made one person smile then I’m satisfied. My intent is not to get rich although I would not turn down a mega million book deal if it was offered. LOL

I have never responded to a review with an attack although I did question one reviewer as to why they gave my book a negative review before it was even released. Apparently not having read it did not preclude a negative review.

I have met and corresponded with many self published authors and as a group they do not seem any more bizarre or prone to vitriolic behavior. Nor do they seem prone to poor prose more than any other similar sized group.

Now I would like to address the secondary topic of how to review a bad book.

People enjoy different things, thus chocolate, vanilla and Cherry Garcia. If I accept a book to review, I will do so even if it is a struggle. If I just receive a book without notice and have not made a prior agreement to review it, I won’t review it if it is bad. I’m not trying to save the feelings of the author; I am saving my own time. There are too many excellent books to waste time on one that I don’t like.

Personality attacks should never be in a review or be aimed at a reviewer even if said reviewer is caustic or juvenile.

Sadly many people find it acceptable or even more demoralizing, humorous to trash someone else’s ideas. Look at all the negative campaign ads for a prime example.

I am cognizant of my literary taste and I try and take that into consideration when I review. I was quite frankly shocked when I reviewed a zombie book and enjoyed it. It is always a revelation to discover sparkling gems amidst a backdrop of the undead.

I avoid reading books that I don’t anticipate liking and if I do read one I don’t like, I try to recognize that there are people out there that may revel in something I find revolting such as pigs feet. Note, as a bit of a foodie, I do find many references to edibles in my writing.

Now that my diatribe has come to a close if anyone of you are wiling to review a picture book targeting elementary children, I will be happy to provide you with a pdf and promise not to respond with any dire threats or profane remarks.

[ManOfLaBook.com]

William, I'm sure my bad experience was an exception.
If anything I stated that I'd give self published authors more leeway.

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[William Bentrim]

Great since I know I can use more leeway. LOL
BTW nice web site and your command of grammar is simply awe inspiring.
Keep up the good work.

[ManOfLaBook.com]

Thank you very much. I've been a member of the word-a-day e-mail list for over a decade, LOL.

[Kwesi Ian Jay M. Junsan]

Thanks for the tip, I also read some blogs that they really appreciated the book although they given it one star. Have fun and Sweet Reads!

http://kwesifriends.blogspot.com/

[BookGirlR]

When I started this forum I did not mean for it to turn into a "let's bash self-published authors" discussion. I'm sorry if you saw this to be that way. Self published authors seem to have a bad rep which is largely unearned. Every book is bound to be disliked by at least one reader, and self published authors as a general rule tend to be more outgoing and outspoken than authors affiliated with a large publishing house. They don't have anyone else to push their material for them. They also have a tendency to be nicer about being outspoken about their books because they understand the value of maintaining a good relationship with readers and they know that any publicity is good publicity. I have been known to buy a book that got a horrible review because I wanted to see if it was really that bad!

[Kwesi Ian Jay M. Junsan]

Yay I remembered my book review last 3 years it was so annoying that I can't think of any positive ideas that pop in my mind, so I speak the truth, I write down bad comments and everything until someone commented on my review and curse me forever. Peace. From now on I never tried to review Bad Books or Horrible Books instead. Ugh.

O after that I never read paranormal books, wish someone can help me choose a good paranormal books instead of reading the worst one.

http://kwesifriends.blogspot.com/

[ManOfLaBook.com]

I don't know if it's paranormal or not, but I really enjoyed The Gates by John Connolly - not my usual ammo.

http://manoflabook.com/wp/?s=the+gates

[Kwesi Ian Jay M. Junsan]

Thanks for sharing and thanks for following me yesterday. Wish this one will encourage me to read more paranormal books. Hehe.

http://kwesifriends.blogspot.com/

[Linds]

I've really enjoyed Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. The fifth one is coming out in Feb.