Wednesday, July 4, 2012

The Success of a Book Is Written in the Stars!

The stars that go along with book reviews, that is, or so most authors believe.  I'm not doubting that a book needs reviews to get noticed and be successful. What I am debating is how much that stars actually play a role in a book's success.

Personally, if I want to watch a movie or read a book, I do it, even if it doesn't have a high rating, and many times I actually like the book or movie. So, I wonder do others go by ratings and decide what to read or not to read-- just by other peoples' opinions-- or do they rebel and read it anyway?  Like me.

I personally do not like books about vampires, and I do not like the Twilight movies or books. A lot of other people do, I know, but I'm sure some people would agree and some would think I'm nuts. ( My kids love it, by the way.) So, there is no way I can be persuaded by good reviews to read the books or watch the movies for this series.

There has been a lot of drama lately over reviews, because it seems anything under 4 stars is unacceptable to most authors. But, I find a book with all 5 star reviews suspect, and I'll tell you why. Rarely, if ever, is there something that the masses agree on and can rally around, including books and movies. There will always be a difference of opinion on books, movies, art or just about anything.

When I see a book that doesn't have at least a few not-so-good reviews, I secretly think all the reviews are from friends, family or someone else who has a vested interest in this author. I'm not saying a book can't have a majority of good reviews; I am saying there will always be someone who does not like a certain plot, characters, the writing or whatever else they may find fault with, and these people let everyone know.

Now, I did the same thing as most authors do when they get their first 1 star review. I let it get to me, but that is not the way to handle it. I think authors have to remember that not everyone will like their work and when they send it out to the masses, there will be some people who just do not like it for whatever reason.

Switching gears a bit. Sometimes a lot of bad reviews can also make a book popular. I think it is because people are curious by nature and want to see for themselves if the book is really that bad. So, can the stars work both ways?

I do have one rating pet peeve. When someone rates a book with 1 star and leaves no comments or review. This makes me wonder if the person really read the book or are they just having a bad day and want to take it out on someone else. It doesn't make sense to me to do so.

I think I'll stick with my own method of choosing books. I will read what interests me, not because someone else liked it or didn't like it.  I will judge for myself.

Happy Reading!

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