It's a Review, Not an Advertorial

Local (Malaysian) authors (especially), please take note ...

"Authors: reviewers are not your friends. This is not to say that we are out to get you, either - merely that we don't have your interests at heart." - Roger Sutton, Editor-in-Chief, The Horn Book, Inc, in this post from his blog.

Comments

[YTSL]

Hi again Daph --

Speaking as a reader, writer and reviewer: Yeah, I too am for reviews that are truthful, honest and fair. But in the discussion over on Roger Sutton's blog, felt that more than one individual was being unduly harsh in taking book blogs and related web sites to task for never writing bad things about books, etc.

The thing is that I'd differentiate between blogging and writing reviews for a publication that's not my own. For while in the latter circumstance, I can and have reviewed works that I don't care for, my view about my own blog is that -- thus far -- I shouldn't only write positively about a book that I really like, love even, but only choose to highlight those that I consider highlighting (i.e., think are very good, etc.).

Thus it is that it may seem like I have nothing but good things to say about books whereas the reality is that I have (next to) nothing but good things to say about books that I have chosen to bestow the honor of my highlighting!

So...does this make sense to you? Hope so! :)

[Daphne]

Hi there Y! I agree wholeheartedly with Roger Sutton's statement. I think a book review (or review of anything for that matter) should be truthful and honest. Of course it should also be fair. So, no slamming for the sake of it or because you think the author/musician/artist etc smells bad or was mean to your little sister etc. Reviewers are not authors' friends. And that shouldnt even come into it, just as personal animosity and dislike shouldn't come into a review. RS wrote another post recently abt how authors should perhaps not write reviews as they are too busy empathising with the blood, sweat and tears involved in the creative process to be totally objective. I'm not sure what I think of this issue. I do know that I struggle with being swayed by an author's charm when writing a review. I do feel like a worm when I write a less than favourable review of a book that is written by someone who I have met and whom I've found a perfect darling. I am very firm with myself though. I won't lie in a review and I won't soften a blow just cos I have met (and liked) the author. What do you think about this?

[YTSL]

Daphne --

I'm curious. As a writer, reviewer and book blogger, what are your thoughts on this issue? :)