Malaysian Reads discussion

I review a book depending on what I think or feel about the book in my own opinion.

If I hate it and it was painful to finish the book......I lash out in the review. But of course I do not use bad words to describe the author of the book.

I am very honest about what I hate about that book and If there is a spoiler in my rant ....I will warn other unfortunate readers earlier LOL

Have you ever review a book and felt like you could have made an author cry LOL

I can be pretty lenient when rating, but I can be pretty hard when reviewing.


I always review with honesty, but at the same time I keep in mind that the author put effort in writing a book. So even if I criticize the work, I’ll make sure to soften the blow by using the least judgmental words/phrases as possible. I also make sure to start and end on positive note.


I don’t try to influence other readers. My review is my personal opinion about what I like and don’t like about a book, so mostly it’s subjective. I let people decide for themselves if they want to read the book or not. I don’t review on technical aspect of writing because I’m not a writer, so I don’t believe I’m qualified to judge on that.


About making author cry, I don’t think I have or will ever.
But I had one author who requested a review. She was incredibly nice during the process and replied to my questions promptly. But as soon as I posted my review, she disappeared. I’m not sure if because she’s upset by my critique (I have about 70% positive and 30% negative points in the review) or because she’s an ungrateful person. She was the only person who didn’t thank me for a requested review. And for that, I wish I made her cry lol!

I don't know...I seldom do any reviews...coz I afraid there might be an over sensitive person out there...

T_T

So I prefer to be a silent reader unless the story is really bombastic and extravaganza.

warhawke wrote: "I can be pretty lenient when rating, but I can be pretty hard when reviewing.


I always review with honesty, but at the same time I keep in mind that the author put effort in writing a book. So e..."

I try to be as honest as I can. But I try not to use hurtful or bad words to describe the boom or the author.
I have two request from authors to read and review their books. One i liked very much the other one was so bad......It could also be because it is too science fiction-ny for me.....

@Deviki

I only accept books that I have a strong feelings for because I'm very specific with what I like and I don't want to have to be stressed about being hard on books I dont like haha!

Hehehe

I don't know about you ......but when author asking me to review their book ......i feel so proud of myself LOL

Hahah! Me too!
But I got so many books I really want to read, sometimes I had to reject :D

the problem when we know the authors and he/she knew us. how can we honestly write the review even the book is not good enough but in the same time not jeopardize our friendship?

I think the key is to put yourself in their shoes.
As an author you would want constructive criticism but at the same time it could hurt if the reviewer is too harsh in stating their opinion ;)

warhawke wrote: "I think the key is to put yourself in their shoes.
As an author you would want constructive criticism but at the same time it could hurt if the reviewer is too harsh in stating their opinion ;)"

is it what we called 'self-censorship'? :)

I'd say yeah.
But it doesn't mean it's "fake". It's about using the right words in criticizing to make it sounds less judgmental. People tend to think it's personal when it sounds judgmental ;)

@Warhawke - oh, yeah. totally agree. but to get it sounds constructive is quite difficult. i always end up giving a vague review

warhawke wrote: "I think the key is to put yourself in their shoes.
As an author you would want constructive criticism but at the same time it could hurt if the reviewer is too harsh in stating their opinion ;)"

Ah yes correct, but harsh review without the use of foul language or mocking the author. It should be base only on the book and the comments should make sense not simply ranting about why it does not suit your 'taste' :P