October 26, 2007
Booking Through Thursday must come up with these questions just to watch me squirm.
Someone named Cereal Box thought up this one: So . . . what books have you abandoned and why?
I don’t like to be negative here on the blog about books I don’t like. You’ll see an occasional comment here, but you’re more likely to see them crop up in a comment trail.
I do this because of the whole “Do unto others” credo. I would hate to see an entire post devoted to trashing Trevor — or something else I’ve written. Heck, I have seen some of those posts directed at me and while they’re discouraging, the ones that get personal and cross the line into slander/libel are worse.
Many of you have noted that I’m doing my best to build a community here, a place where writers can hang. (I know, I could and should be doing more, but I’m doing my best, I said!) I’d rather have something happen by omission — and leave you wondering if the omission is just because I’m my typically overwhelmed self rather than because I have nothing good to say.
Chances are that if I know you, it’s the former. I’m overwhelmed. Because if I know you, there is always something good to say!
And an aside to anyone who read my Thursday Thirteen from yesterday (feel free to scroll down and read it; I was actually quite proud of the band in this one), I found this post from Blabbermouth. The singer of As I Lay Dying who grabbed his pictures — and had his guitars already loaded in the truck — when he had to flee the fires.
He’s a better man than the ShapeShifter guys — or else he’s not as close to his official band photographer as my boys are!
FRIGGA
October 26, 2007 12:03 pm
There’s a difference between trashing something and just not liking it… Of course I myself would respond like you. Uncomplementary words can come out much harsher when in print, and even worse when published on the net. 😛 Happy Friday!!!
Gentle Reader
October 26, 2007 7:17 pm
I think you’re right–I try not to be negative on my blog, either, but then I posted a list of books I’d abandoned for this week’s Booking Through Thursday, which of course can only be construed as negative. Whoops! Maybe I should also post a list of books I stuck with and which ended up being rewarding, as compensation…
Susan Helene Gottfried
October 26, 2007 7:52 pm
Maybe we should propose that as a question!
J. Kaye Oldner
October 26, 2007 11:12 pm
Good for you! You have caused me to sit back and think about this. 🙂 You set great example.
Crafty Green Poet
October 27, 2007 4:52 am
You’ve got a very good point, I don’t post about the books I really haven’t liked. I also try to be balanced when I write about books that I didn’t totally like. Even when posting about my abandoned books!
Camille Alexa
October 27, 2007 6:10 am
IMany of you have noted that I’m doing my best to build a community here, a place where writers can hang./IBR/BR/And your efforts are much appreciated.
Susan Helene Gottfried
October 27, 2007 9:19 am
I’m a-trying, Camille. I am.
spyscribbler
October 28, 2007 9:55 am
I was asked to review a book awhile back, and I’ve written three of them and thrown them away. They sent me a free book and I agreed, so I feel obligated.BR/BR/It sounded like a fantastic book, but the voice … I just hate it! Like, it totally rubs me the wrong way! And I don’t understand what genre it is or what it’s trying to be. BR/BR/But I feel guilty reviewing it. Or I feel spineless, whatever, LOL. I don’t know. I don’t know what to do.
Susan Helene Gottfried
October 28, 2007 10:27 am
Well, I’d start by figuring out WHY you don’t like it. What rubs you the wrong way about it? BR/BR/And how does that affect what you thought would be a great story?
karen!
October 29, 2007 3:17 pm
I know what you mean. In my BTT post I mentioned a book that I hadn’t been able to get into (I didn’t actually say anything bad about the book; I didn’t have anything bad to say about the book because I hadn’t read it), but I felt bad especially when someone commented about it being a book he really liked.
KaraMia
October 31, 2007 3:57 pm
I don’t think i’ve ever trashed a book, plenty that take me forever to wade through, but only a few rare have i ever abandoned…love me some books. must read..always..lol.