Say you have a friend who loves an author, buys every book, loves every story. You have also read that author and didn't enjoy their writing style and probably wouldn't read anything else by them. Do you tell your friend you didn't like it? Or keep quiet?
For me, I just assumed that if someone didn't like a book or author, they would feel comfortable in telling me, just like I would feel comfortable in telling them. But a friend mentioned to me today that it probably isn't a good idea to do that, so I wondered what everyone else thought!
So, tell me, would you say something or keep your opinions to yourself?
3 comments:
I would be tactful in how I shared my thoughts, and make sure they know that I don't judge them for loving something I don't, or de-value their interest, but just that it's not my cup of tea.
I've had my feelings hurt by a friend who doesn't like the kinds of books I do, but it was because she had a mocking tone and called the books I read lame. She values books that are literary or have a depressing reality. I prefer romance and happy endings. When someone disagrees not-so-respectfully it's hard to not take it personally.
My friends dislike whole genres that I like, and don't mind saying so. It's disappointing, but then I don't care for some of the things they like, either. So in book club discussions I try to look for the good parts of the books I don't like, and possibly critique major issues, but mostly keep quiet about my loving or hating anything unless there's a kindred spirit about.
By the way, have you read PG Wodehouse's "Honeysuckle Cottage"? It's not his most widely available story, but it's an entertaining look at an author's influence.
Heidi, I totally agree! Being judgmental or condescending would be so hurtful. I would hope I would never come across that way to anyone. :(
T, I haven't read that one! I'll have to look it up. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
And thank you both for chiming in. I appreciate your perspectives!
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