On Bad Reviews and Why They Matter

Today I want to talk about bad reviews and why I believe they matter!

Three years ago, I saw a 2⭐️ review for an obscure little book called I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. The reviewer listed down everything they didn’t like about the book and it was a lot! The average review for the book on Goodreads at the time was less than 3⭐️. But the concept sounded intriguing so I gave it a try. I ended up loving it and gave it 5⭐️! It’s now one of my favourite books of all time.

Here are some of my favourite books that have received scathing reviews:

I love reading reviews, both positive and negative! I can always learn something new from the good and the bad. I believe that if a reader has used their hard-earned money to buy a book, they have the right to say what they think about it (provided the review isn’t rude or insulting, of course). Every review counts and whether good or bad, they’re helpful to other readers.

Negative reviews can be constructive and point out issues that other readers may have overlooked. They allow readers to process the content on a deeper level and encourage critical thinking. A book that sparks discussions ensures its presence in the public eye. Sometimes negative reviews make me more interested in the book. Things that another reader dislikes might be the same things that I love. I’ve discovered many beloved books by reading other people’s bad reviews.

Some reviewers have commented on the pressure to rate a book higher to appease publishers for providing them a free book. There’s also pressure to rate a book higher to avoid standing out in a crowd of positive reviews. But I don’t like the idea that we should only write positive reviews or pretend to like a book to fit in. There’s a reason why the usual disclaimer is “The book is provided in exchange for an honest review.” If reviewers are not honest in their reviews, then what’s the point? Reviewers are not marketing or publicity departments. Besides, books can still be promoted and celebrated without faking our feelings about it. I would trust a reviewer more when I see them share their feelings honestly.

There are exceptions – like when white reviewers give lower ratings to books by BIPOC authors without proper consideration. The lack of diversity in publishing is an issue that’s been in discussion for years which is why Own Voice reviewers are important. When a book is specifically about the experience of a minority community, reviewers should take into account they might not be the best person to review said book. And if, for example, a book by a white author misrepresents minority characters, reviewers shouldn’t be afraid to give it a negative review if they feel it’s necessary.

In fact, negative reviews don’t usually put me off from reading a book that I’m already excited about. Authors behaving badly affect my view of their work more than any bad review. I think it’s a bad form for authors to rant about negative reviews on their social platforms. Once you’ve published a book (or any form of art), it’s up to the public to consume as they see fit. No one should be scared to write book reviews in case they get attacked online or in real life. If you can’t handle bad reviews for your book, then you shouldn’t read them at all.

So yes, I believe negative reviews matter as much as positive reviews and I hope reviewers aren’t afraid to be honest when reviewing books. Even if the book was received for free. This is why I make it clear in my review policy that I give no guarantee that a review will be positive for books I accept for review consideration. I believe in sharing my feelings honestly so you know that if I give a book 5⭐️, it’s purely based on merit.

What do you think about negative reviews? Tell me your favourite books that have received bad reviews!

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