Eight Percent Amanda....

As an avid reader I invest hours reading sample chapters and reviews on amazon looking for books I find appealing. 

I usually don't put too much into ratings unless there are several—obviously reviews are subjective.  Occasionally I'll come across a tasteless, arguably-inappropriate rambling regarding how “f*&%ing awful!” something is. I'm often tempted to jump to the author's defense, reading the book for ammunition. 

If I research an author or book, purchase it and spend hours reading it, I'm good about reaching out to that author and telling them how much I enjoyed their work--if I enjoyed their work.  I guess I don't have the heart to 2-star somebody just because their writing style doesn’t suit me (but that’s just me). 



I recently read a review from an, Amanda Emma.  It started,

"I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Find this review and other reviews like it on my blog Little Miss Reader."

 
As I read the review, I was taken aback by how crass her words were.  I decided to read other reviews by Amanda.  I was appalled to read that she read only "8%" of a book, but gave it a one-star rating.  There were a few of these. 

I understand why reviews are important.  I also know how much work goes into producing a book, and how hurtful negative feedback can be when it’s given unconstructively.  If I don't enjoy a book, my one or two-star rating probably isn’t going to make a difference.  If, however, I were going to give a negative review, it would be only after I read every single page.

 I have a few paperbacks from some of my favorite authors that I’ve read about eight percent of.  It didn’t grab me. I get it.  But I would never rate it. 

 Here’s her list of reviews if you want to see for yourself.



 http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/AEMM6NOR4WJQE/ref=pdp_new_read_full_review_link?ie=UTF8&page=2&sort_by=MostRecentReview#R1LZV35SLJULC0

 Thoughts?