Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-for-Books where book bloggers answer the weekly question and hop around to other blogs and see what other bloggers have to say. The goal is to discover new blogs, "connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!"
This week's question is:
"What very popular and hyped book in the blogosphere did you NOT enjoy and how did you feel about posting your review?"
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That's a tough one. Most recently, it would probably be Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler. I got this book for review through Net Galley, so I was doubly excited for it, but when I read it I didn't love it. The thing that made me most uncomfortable posting my review is what makes me always feel nervous posting negative reviews: I don't want to hurt the author's feelings. They put so much effort into writing their book, and I know how that feels. It's like the thing becomes your baby, and then for me to say I didn't like it? Well, that probably stings. I hope if any authors ever read my negative reviews that they aren't hurt by them and instead take them as constructive criticism and the opinion of one person.
In case you missed it, be sure to check out my event Busting the Newbie Blues hosted here from December 3rd through December 31st. It'll be a ton of fun and I'd love to see you there!
Hopping through. I've heard mostly good things about Hunger, but you're not the only one who didn't like it. I'm still excited for it tho.
ReplyDeleteMy Hop
I hope you enjoy it more than I did!
ReplyDeleteYea you know, I've heard a lot of others say that it wasn't all that great either. I was actually interested in this book too but now I'm not so sure.
ReplyDeleteI'd say give it a try. I've seen so many mixed reviews that it's probably better to see for yourself. The book is less than 200 pages, so it wouldn't be a big investment if you ended up not liking it very much.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of Hunger sounded pretty cool, but it's not exactly the type of book I'm comfortable reading.
ReplyDeleteI recently started to use NetGalley, and it was so nervous because the first book I got I didn't like all that much (it had it's moments but over all was a bit silly), still, I tried to review it honesty.
Happy book blogger hop!
hi. my blog is just 3 weeks old and i haven't done much yet but i understand the challenge you face too when doing a review. that's why when i do mine i think of my experiences, etc and incorporate those to make it really personal. that way my comments come out as really my own. any author or reader should respect that.
ReplyDeletei'm following your blog now. hope you could find time to drop by mine as well. thanks and have a great weekend!
aobibliophile™
http://aobibliosphere.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/aobibliophile
Hello. New visitor from the BBH.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's really difficult to post negative reviews knowing how tough the industry is and how challenging being an author can be.
I haven't read Hunger myself, so I can't really comment on that in particular, but I think there is no book that will suit everybody, and negative reviews are a crucial part of the blogasphere; as bloggers, you can't be constantly raving about every book that you pick up. So good for you for being brave enough to admit you didn't like something!
Having a good weekend,
Rachel Star :)
Hey, new follower from the Hop. =]
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Hunger, but I thought it sounded quite good. Will try it though, and we'll see. =]
I love your blog! =]
Bella
www.cheezyfeetbooks.blogspot.com
I didn't love, love, love HUNGER either. It was interesting, but I didn't think either the plot or the characters were developed enough. Oh well. No one's going to like every book, you know?
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have found you through the Hop. I can't wait to read more of your reviews!
Happy Friday! Have a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday! I've yet to read Hunger or Rage, but we can't all like the same books so it's too bad this one wasn't for you. Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Hunger yet, but I've definitely heard mixed reviews. Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower from the hop! Happy Friday :)
Hey, stopping by for the hop!
ReplyDeleteI've not read Hunger, though I thought about it because of the hype. It just didn't sound like something that would really work for me either.
I haven't read that book yet. I feel the same way, I hope I don't crush the authors feelings by not liking it. I'm a new follower! My Hop is at Coffee Table Press
ReplyDeleteHopping by! Love the blog! So glad I stopped! You can find me here: http://blog.juliealindsey.com/
ReplyDeleteFound you through the hop! (so don't think I'm a creepy stalker! :P)
ReplyDeleteYou really have a nice blog layout. Seriously. NO KIDDING! :) I have yet to read Hunger so I really have nothing to say about it... YET! :) I've heard lots of good things about it.. but meh, I don't really enjoy novels about anorexia... Still, I'm going to give it a try soon! :)
Stop by my blog when you have the time! And oh, I'm a new follower ;)
Gilliene @ Eep! Geek!
It is always a must to be honest in reviews regardless of how they came out. Beautiful Creatures is in my list to buy and am definitely curious though I heard great things about the series. Now it really shows that everything depends on a person preference in books.
ReplyDeleteDropping by from the hop. Visit me at Clandestine Sanctuary to know my answer. I am a new follower. :)
Have a great weekend.
I know what you mean about possibly hurting the author's feelings, especially because some of the netgalley reviews I've posted have been commented on by the author. I don't want to hurt their feelings but if the book doesn't work, you have to be honest.
ReplyDeleteMy Hop
Just hopping by to say Hi. I’m fairly new to the wonderful book blogosphere, and haven’t had to wrestle with a “negative” review yet. Great thought on the event, I’ll try to stop by this weekend!
ReplyDeleteStop by if you get a chance. http://twobibliomaniacs.blogspot.com
Super cute blog :) new follower here :) and I doubt authors would mind a negative review they love honest opinions, howelse can they make their next book better
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you so thoroughly enjoyed The Twin's Daughter - 5 stars, wow! I guess I picked a good one :D
ReplyDeletePussreboots: I agree, I think maybe waiting into some hype has died down is smart.
ReplyDeleteAnimeGirl: I was so nervous too! I was thinking, Oh no, if I don't review this well will they not let me read anymore of their books?! But they were fine with it. :)
aobibliophile: Focusing on making your review about your personal feelings is a great idea! I try to do that with my reviews too.
Rachel Star: I'm glad you bring up the necessity of negative reviews. I think it's a good idea to remind ourselves that we're not helping anyone out by lying about our opinions.
Bella: Thanks! I hope you enjoy Hunger more than I did. :)
Susan: Oh good, I'm glad I'm not alone!
Savannah and Jenny: Hope your weekends are good too!
Katie, Cem, Aimee, Greyz: Thanks for the follows!
Julie: THanks for stopping by!
Gilliene: Thank you for your kind comments and the follow! I hope you enjoy Hunger.
Bookworm1858: You're right. That must have been nerve wracking when the authors commented on your reviews!
TwoBibliomaniacs: Hope to see you there! Welcome to blogging!
Xbellamayx: Thank you! You're right about making their next book better. That is the attitude I hope an author will have if they ever read one of my negative reviews.
Danya: Oh yes, you definitely did! :)
Sorry you didn't enjoy the book!
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading,
Zakiya @ Butterfly Feet Walking on Books
have a great weekend
ReplyDeletehttp://bacaan-ally.blogspot.com
I feel the same way, I'm always afraid that an author might find my bad review and be hurt. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh yes...I am sure it stings when someone doesn't like your book.
ReplyDeleteStop by my blog to see my answer to what book I thought wasn't worth all the hype.
silversolara AT gmail DOT com
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by everyone! :)
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