“Among the extremely diverse books lumped together as ‘mysteries’ I shall try to judge each fairly according to the best standards of the type which the author intended to produce, and not those of another type which I personally prefer.”
Digging deeper into my file, I found that most reviews were thoughtful and positive. But a couple of them had ignored Boucher’s credo. One was so critical I was sure the guy not only hated my book but was also thumbing his nose at his boss for forcing him to review it. I don’t care how thick skinned an author becomes, snark hurts because somebody is telling the world you suck.Reviewing books is hard work, especially if you do it right. You need a broad knowledge of literary structure and keen analytical skills. Hopefully, you’ve read a lot. And, in my opinion, it’s important to have a positive attitude. If you're mad at the world, everything you do and say is filtered through the prism of anger.
We all gravitate toward certain types of books, but I always venture out of my comfort zone if the book comes highly recommended. For example, years ago a friend told me about the novel Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, billing it as a time-traveling “romance.” At first, that didn’t sound appealing to me but she so strongly suggested I read it that I did. It is a time-traveling romance but so much more. I loved the book and went on to read all of the novels in the series. I generally don’t review books, especially written by people I know. As mentioned above, it’s a lot of work to do the book and the author justice. But I do tell everybody within shouting range when I love a book. That’s why I’m gratified to be blogging with my fellow Naked Authors. I can say without reservation that I love their books—all different, all wonderful. And each came highly recommended by “big mouth readers” like me.
I just finished James O’Neal AKA James O. Born’s The Human Disguise. It’s a science fiction novel, featuring a tough Florida cop in a futuristic world. For those of you who are W.E.B. Griffin fans, he offers this blurb is on the cover: “One helluva story from one helluva writer! Only a cop like James O’Neal could create futuristic bad guys like those in 'The Human Disguise.' And only O’Neal could weave them into such a slick, fast-paced story—one you’re convinced is the real world. This is a ride—and a writer—you’re long going to remember.”Stay tuned for an announcement from James O about upcoming releases.
I’m a big fan of Jacqueline's Masie Dobbs series, and I’m looking forward to reading her new standalone, which is due out on July 1, 2014: The Care and Management of Lies.
Also looking forward to Paul’s new book, which is due out…Paul?...Where’s the new Jake?
Happy Monday (this is not a review)!
Ack! I corrected the spelling of Maisie but it didn't save (obviously). Sorry about that.
ReplyDeletePatty, like you, I am a big fan of Maisie Dobbs. I get what you mean about reviews. It is hard for me to write reviews on goodreads because I worry that I will give away the story.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday,
Diana
Ah, Diana, I have the same problem. You want to bring the reader to the brink of suspense but not push them over the edge. Thanks for spreading the word.
DeleteI am fundamentally incapable of writing a bad review, so I stopped reviewing books long ago, though I'll tweet something about a book I love. Jake will return, Patty. No timetable. Just taking it one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteYay!
DeleteI think that both readers and critics forget that criticism is itself a discipline and something of an art form.
ReplyDeleteReaders complain if a music critic is less than effusive about a popera star's stadium concert, and literary critics are often just as you described them, Patty. Too often solipsistic and seldom seeing themselves as practitioners of a long and distinguished tradition hailing as far back as Aristotle's "Poetics."
There is nothing as satisfying as observing a curious and committed mind unpacking the stuff we all read and enjoy.
I love the Boucher quote. I think he got it from the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. The terrier was not better than the poodle; she was just better at being a terrier than the poodle was at being a poodle.
Your reply is brilliant, Mims. Why am I not surprised? The Westminster Kennel Club dog show. OMG! Priceless.
DeleteThanks, Patty. The Human Disguise was the best reviewed book I've had. It got two different starred reviews but some people hear the words "science fiction" and tune out. These are the same people that think CSi is accurate and James Bond is real. I prefer science fiction and fantasy. They are a great escape.
ReplyDeleteJim
We all need to rethink our biases. I have discovered some great books that way.
Deletefrom Jacqueline: An excellent post, Patty. I, too, have been quite hurt by poor reviews - or should I say reviews by snarky reviewers. A well-considered critical review can help an author enormously, but there are reviewers who reveal pretty quickly that it's all about them and how quickly they can take down an author. I was advised early on to ignore them, but it's hard. And I think you're right about reading out of our comfort zone - I'm trying to do that more and more, though in the past I have avoided science fiction and fantasy - and I know the loss is all mine. And don't worry about Maisie - a lot of people tell me how much they love my protagonist, Daisy!!!
ReplyDeleteDaisy. Ha! I saw the type and changed it. I know I did. Why it didn't appear correctly in the post is a mystery.
Delete...and thanks for asking. To be more specific, I'm fooling around with a concept that joins Jake Lassiter in a novel with Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord. A messy romantic triangle...mixed with murder.
ReplyDeleteOh, that sounds juicy. But you'd never pull a Good Wife on us and bump off one of your regulars. Right?
Delete