“I don’t care, I didn’t write it”

Alrighty I know I said I was gonna post up my Q&A next, but I haven’t had the time to compile it yet. Feel free to leave more questions- I’m leaving it open for a little longer 🙂 In the meantime, I thought I’d share some thoughts I had a while ago about people not liking the same books as you, cos I was inspired by a comment from The Reading Rebel on my Emma post.

So what’s with the title I hear you ask? Well that’s basically my mantra when it comes to people’s opinions if they disagree with me about books I loved/hated. Honestly, I don’t see why it should affect me. I’m confident enough in my own opinions to defend them. Even if that book is trash- I can still determine what I liked about it. Very often, I give a higher rating to a book if it made me cry. Does that mean it was a great work of fiction? Nope. (I mean, this is coming from the girl who cried over the Sainsbury’s Christmas ad last year- it’s not *that* hard to make me cry). So if I like a trashy book, then so be it. Heck- I could like the next Fifty Shades of Grey– and it wouldn’t matter to me if I was the only person on the planet that did (although that’s somewhat unlikely, but you get the idea).

It’s not an affront to me personally if you hate something I loved. And why should it be? We’re all entitled to our opinions and someone disliking something I like isn’t going to take away my enjoyment. (Unless of course you’re standing directly behind me shouting those opinions- cos that would just be annoying).

Now obviously, this would be an entirely different story if I did write it. Because most of the time, the only feedback most authors want is “OMG I want to marry your book and have its babies!” Which I can totally understand (while obviously not condoning authors that throw a hissy fit when someone doesn’t like their work- I can see why a lot of authors completely ignore all book reviews of their work). What I don’t understand is people that take it as a personal affront when someone criticises or even insults a book or author they admire. It’s a ridiculous stance to take because these things are *not an extension of you*. It really doesn’t matter if everyone likes it or if you’re the only one that does.

Just stand by your opinion. Because for all you know, one day they could be the next Van Gogh. I mean, people didn’t like John Donne for centuries- does that mean he suddenly went from bad to good? For crying out loud, even Shakespeare’s popularity has gone through phases! So stick to your guns- it doesn’t matter who agrees with you and who doesn’t.

And in the words of Jerry Seinfeld if someone says they don’t like a book you like, just say:

Now- after all that- this is the best time to make your voice heard. Agree or, heaven forbid, disagree? Let me know in the comments below!