Read the Bad Reviews

I do this thing. When I finish a book I really liked, I go to Goodreads and Amazon, and I read the bad reviews. I want to remind myself that it’s all simply a matter of taste, and we have different tastes, and that’s okay. But today after I finished an exquisitely written novel, something went awry. I got put out. 

In particular, I couldn’t take the reviews that offer an intricate description of the plot (who needs that?) then launch into what the author did wrong. Not even a mention of the good elements, much less the extraordinary ones. I can’t help but feel these semi-professional “reviewers” don’t understand that “critique” does not mean “critical.” It means analysis. Or maybe they do understand, but a negative review makes them feel smarter than a positive one. And the reviewers—again, I can’t help it—seem to be writing for their own ego and not to offer an actual helpful review for a potential reader. 

I assume this is why authors don’t read the bad reviews. I always thought it was because they were protecting themselves from harsh comments. But maybe they’re protecting themselves from having to endure a smug review by someone who’s using reviews to make themselves feel better. Yes, reviewers may get some things right. Eh, broken clock syndrome. 

I’m not sure I’d be so put out if the reviews were of my novel. I’d be sure they were partly right. But someone else’s novel, I can see the unique idea. The talent. The execution. I know it’s really good. And there is no excuse for someone who could never come close to any of that making themselves feel smart by tearing it down.