Am I an honest book reviewer?

For the most part I’m a direct, honest person. I was one of those types of children who used to blurt out whatever was on her mind. Yes I was an entertaining (aka sometimes embarrassing) child to have around. Now I’m an awesome adult who has discovered what a filter is and actually uses it. Sometimes.

I adore reading books. I’m meticulous in choosing them because I hate wasting time. It doesn’t help that I’m a finisher. By hook or crook if I start something, especially a book, I will get to the end, unless it is poke myself in the eye bad. The optimist in me keeps hoping the story will get better, until I reach the last chapter and  accept that it hasn’t and I call myself all types of fool for putting the book down earlier.

What do I do with these wretched books which I’d rate a one or a two? I commit the author’s name to memory and file him or her in an imaginary box labeled – “If I ever attempt to read this author again I will find a way to throat punch myself. Hard!” And then I chalk the book up to a bad experience and only think about it when discussing horrible books I’ve read.

I don’t review such books. If a story doesn’t rank a three or above, I don’t review it. Does this take me out of the category of an honest reviewer? I’m trying to figure out the answer to that question. Even books that I rate a three are ones that tend to be on the cusp of a “What in the world?” but I liked it enough to finish it without wanting to throw my e-reader at the wall.

When I write a review I’ll state what I liked about the book and what I didn’t. I’m totally about following the old adage of keeping your trap shut if you can’t say anything nice. That’s what I feel about a book I’d rate a one or two. Those reviews would be a rant about why I hated the book and wouldn’t include anything positive to toss. And as we all know one person’s treasure is another one’s… um – I can’t remember, but I hope you get the gist.

Are you an honest book reviewer?