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?
