I finished the book!
By patgalca
@patgalca (18181)
Orangeville, Ontario
June 27, 2012 3:14pm CST
A few days ago I started a discussion about a book I was reading that was very poorly written, either because it was translated from another language or from bad editing (and writing). At the time I didn't think I could finish reading the book. I got lots of advice from fellow myLotters advising that I write the review as requested by the author and be honest.
Since then I read a blog of a book reviewer where she said one should not write a bad review. If you can't write a good review, don't write it at all. I rebuked her theory telling her my situation. We ended out discussing this back and forth. In the end she thanked me for bringing attention to the publishing company that people should stay away from.
If you would like to read my official review of this book, you can find it here: http://bookstove.com/book-talk/book-review-maples-rejuvenating-cocktail/
I think I was very fair in stating the truth about the writing, but also being truthful about the story. What do you think?
3 people like this
7 responses
@AmbiePam (85659)
• United States
27 Jun 12
If someone puts their work out there, they should be willing to hear the bad along with the good. Otherwise, what good is anyone doing? Does someone only want their back to be patted? Ultimately, constructive criticism is the best thing for everyone.
2 people like this
@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
27 Jun 12
Which is why I did it, though as a wanna-be author I know I don't think my skin is thick enough for that kind of criticism. LOL! Actually, reading bad writing has kind of re-motivated me to go back to my own writing which I have neglected for so long. Hope if and when I get published I don't get bad reviews.
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
28 Jun 12
I think the bad reviews can help you out, as you are likely to work on your writing style. If everyone always told me what I want to hear, then I'm not going to try anything else. This could mean I wouldn't even consider writing on subjects that the other writer suggests or friends think would be a good choice for me to consider.
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
28 Jun 12
Kind of makes me wonder though... I had 2 poems and a short story published in an anthology that our writing group put together. They were shared with members of my writing group; I received feedback; made changes. One poem was in honour of my late father. My mother gave a copy of the book to each of my siblings for Christmas 2010 and not one of them commented on my work. Is that a sign of "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?" Not hearing anything is probably more painful than hearing the truth in this case.
1 person likes this
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
27 Jun 12
I know that the truth can hurt, but it sounds like she needed to hear it.
I know how I feel when people look at my papers and review them, and when they give me a negative review or negative feedback, it can be a little heartbreaking, but then I review the comments and I try my best to make my work better because I know that it can be.
We always strive for perfection when it comes to writing, and no one is perfect, but you always want your writing to be the best that it can possibly be. Even some of the greatest of writers have to have editors and critics look at their books, and they don't know where their work will be great or not, but they do their best to take it all in stride and they work hard to perfect what they have written. It's not an easy process, and as a writer you have to be able to take the criticism or else you will have such a hard time perfecting your work.
I consider myself a writer, and I know that I am not perfect, but I do the best that I can to make my work better if it has to be. It's a process. It takes time and dedication.
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
29 Jun 12
I read your review, and I remember when you talked about how hard this book was to read.
I think you were very honest about the trouble with the actual "reading" of the book but since you found it worthy to finish also says a lot about you.
I really liked that you researched the "publisher" and also noted that they weren't the best.
@ladybug565 (2216)
• United States
27 Jun 12
I found your review to be well written, honest and informative.
@adforme (2114)
•
28 Jun 12
I think constructive criticism is important when you are a writer. Four or more eyes are better than two when it comes to proofreading/editing. I responded in a discussion on such an issue and expressed that sometimes thoughts and grammar can get lost in translation. I think that what you are doing is good for the writer. I see your well-written discussion, and I see you are experienced. Anyway, what do you think of my response? He he he.
@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
28 Jun 12
I totally agree. I am a member of a writing group and always share my writing with others to get feedback. The issue here is that the book is already published. It is not an ARC (advanced readers copy) either. If this book was originally written in English (which I believe it was), then the writer, editor and publisher all are in the wrong business. 
@adforme (2114)
•
28 Jun 12
The English language is very rich in its expression. I am an American English speaker, and I am always learning. Grammar, tense, and paragraph development is always something you have to stay on your toes with. An educated writer can only express his thoughts clearly to an educated reader. An educated reader then embarks on the journey of the mechanics or writing. This is the path a writer, editor, and publisher must take to be successful.
@irishidid (8688)
• United States
29 Jun 12
As a writer I always appreciate a fair, but honest review.
