Quote:
Originally Posted by apbschmitz
I used to review books and restaurants for print publications back when. Looking back I realize it was always a lot easier to write a funny review that trashed the subject matter. It's harder to write an interesting review that praises a book, and way harder still to write a nuanced review that honestly describes the good and bad of the book, puts it in a context, and conveys enough of your taste as the reviewer so that readers can decide how seriously to take your opinion. Now when I see a book getting drubbed I wonder whether it was the reviewer's honest, considered opinion, or something more like the path of least resistance.
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I've certainly noticed it is easier to write a review of a book with serious issues. Great books are hard to review and not sound like a sycophant. Ones in between... actually I like writing them, too, though the balance between criticizing the bad and praising the good can be difficult.
I never thought to wonder if reviewers were being hyper critical because it's easier.