I completely agree! I hate the idea that it’s smarter to criticize than to love something. I don’t want people to shy away from posting critical reviews but can we shed the idea that not agreeing with someone’s criticism means we missed something??
I've only recently discovered how much better it is to go into a book without checking the reviews. I'll try harder to ignore the mass opinion and form my own about the books I'll pick up
100% - I feel like I read with a different eye once someone has put into my head that they didn’t like it (usually someone who’s reading taste I trust) - I almost wish they didn’t reach out to me about it! I do feel differently if it’s someone who specifically DMs me about a book vs posting a general review though, for whatever reason🤔
100%. I find myself more and more enjoying things because I’m picking up books I know I’ll love or letting myself be surprised by them rather than expecting the worse or being scared off by hype.
Oh, this really resonates with me in a few ways. Firstly, I'm so guilty of being skeptical about hyped books - perhaps because I feel like I've been let down in the past? But I'm much more adept at knowing what elements of plot I'll like/dislike now so I do tend to seek out info about that if I'm on the fence, or as people who I know have similar taste to me. But secondly you point about feeling ashamed or like we *shouldn't* like something if others don't hits so hard! I'm a bookseller and I'll often feel nervous if I recommend something I've loved in case people don't like it as much. But when I'm recommending I always try to pinpoint what it is I like, whether it's the style, the characters, the plot etc so people can make an informed decision about whether it might suit them. But I definitely feel like if I like something others look down on or criticise that somehow reflects on my intelligence or taste!
I never seem to have this problem, but usually the other way around. I’m scared to say when I didn’t like a book that seems to be critically acclaimed for fear of looking stupid. If I like something even if it’s complete trash (ahem Valley of the Dolls cough) I will admit it’s trash and continue on loving it 😂
I completely agree! I hate the idea that it’s smarter to criticize than to love something. I don’t want people to shy away from posting critical reviews but can we shed the idea that not agreeing with someone’s criticism means we missed something??
Amen!!
Also! Have you read Dwight Garner’s NYT review?? He talks about this too!
I love this! I tend to mostly like just about everything, and it sometimes feels ridiculous. 😀
The more you read, the better you get at picking up what you’re going to like!
I've only recently discovered how much better it is to go into a book without checking the reviews. I'll try harder to ignore the mass opinion and form my own about the books I'll pick up
I absolutely loved this! I 100% agree and am working on some of your points.
It’s gonna be a good day… and book. 😃
100% - I feel like I read with a different eye once someone has put into my head that they didn’t like it (usually someone who’s reading taste I trust) - I almost wish they didn’t reach out to me about it! I do feel differently if it’s someone who specifically DMs me about a book vs posting a general review though, for whatever reason🤔
LOL right?
I agree! But also what’s with people replying to stories like “oh you’re excited to read this? I hated it!!”
100%. I find myself more and more enjoying things because I’m picking up books I know I’ll love or letting myself be surprised by them rather than expecting the worse or being scared off by hype.
Preeeeeach
Oh, this really resonates with me in a few ways. Firstly, I'm so guilty of being skeptical about hyped books - perhaps because I feel like I've been let down in the past? But I'm much more adept at knowing what elements of plot I'll like/dislike now so I do tend to seek out info about that if I'm on the fence, or as people who I know have similar taste to me. But secondly you point about feeling ashamed or like we *shouldn't* like something if others don't hits so hard! I'm a bookseller and I'll often feel nervous if I recommend something I've loved in case people don't like it as much. But when I'm recommending I always try to pinpoint what it is I like, whether it's the style, the characters, the plot etc so people can make an informed decision about whether it might suit them. But I definitely feel like if I like something others look down on or criticise that somehow reflects on my intelligence or taste!
I never seem to have this problem, but usually the other way around. I’m scared to say when I didn’t like a book that seems to be critically acclaimed for fear of looking stupid. If I like something even if it’s complete trash (ahem Valley of the Dolls cough) I will admit it’s trash and continue on loving it 😂
i think we all need to love stupid, silly things with our whole hearts, so i am all about this.