When you read a book, do you care about what critics say about it?

Question

I think most Americans pay too much attention to what critics say. You have to read books not only with your head but also with your heart. Am I wrong?

Answer 1

I have not read a book because of what critics said about it. Same way with movies, i've not wanted to see a movie because it got bad reviews, but turned out alot of those i actually liked.

Answer 2

It's hard to say that you don't listen to what book critics say...books are a very subjective topic and depending on who you are and where your tastes lie, what you may love another person may hate....then again their are the polar folks who absolutely love everything and those that hate everything (neither of these get no credibility in my book).

I think the most important thing to take into consideration if you read reviews, is to get many of them. You can generally get a good feel for a read if you get five or six reviews (and not even professional reviews, but amateurs like at Amazon).

Bottom line is that it's okay to read what critics say, but don't take it as gospel. That said, I could have saved myself more than a few bucks if I hadn't just grabbed some selections off the shelf...suggestions from other people are good!

By the way, what's this about "Americans"? You're assuming that people in other countries don't or that "Americans" is a phrase to be used with contempt. That kind of characterization is dangerous, not to mention, it makes you sound antagonistic and -- dare I say it? -- ignorant.

Answer 3

You are so completely right! Reading is entirely about the heart! It's about empathy! If you can't sympathize with the characters, you can't appreciate the story! In my experience, most critics are idiots who really don't know what they're talking about. For crying out loud, how many people will praise Kafka but shoot down a modern fantasy novel? Reactions to reading are based on opinion. Ergo, critics who hate the books I like simply have the wrong opinions! I will read what I like and not care a bit what critics think! Same goes for my writing!

Answer 4

In general, I don't pay attention to critics because i have yet to find one that enjoys a broad spectrum of material like myself, as well as not have a elitist attitude about other material. Yeah, I like the classics, but I also enjoy a good sci-fi novel every once in a while.
I totally agree that you feel a book when you read it. It's such a cathartic process that it doesn't matter if someone else hates or loves the book. As long as I enjoy the experience, I really don't care what someone else says. It's the same with art. I know what I like, because I like it. In my opinion, if you let someone else tell you what's good or not then you're missing out on the best part of the reading experience.

Answer 5

You're right
First, I read the book, then look at what the critics say and compare what I think to them.
Usually the books I consider pretty good don't always get the same reviews.
Like, some books I don't like at all yet the critics think it is great.

Later
--AMB

Answer 6

I don't give a crap what any critics say on anything. if i think it looks and sounds good, then I'll read it. If I don't, I won't - even if the critics say its God's gift to man.

It's my personal opinion that anyone who reads a book just because a critic or Oprah says its the best da** book in the world are sheep.

Answer 7

So true!! To be honest I think some critics just write things just to write! They don't care WHAT they say! I've read books that critics have said some very common things about (the usual fake wonder) and loved them all the same!

Answer 8

I always look at what critics say, but usually only the good ones are on the book. Even though I look at what the critics say, it doesn't determine whether I will read it or not.

Answer 9

I very, very rarely ever read reviews by professional critics. Personally I like reading peer reviews like the ones on amazon.com. I think everyone perceives books in their own way and shouldn't put too much in store by only reading what the critics tell you to.

Answer 10

Youre right. Personally though, I dont really care what critics say. It happens many a times that I love a book that critics widely discredit.