DNF Reviews Vs. Usefulness
I'm guilty of writing reviews on books I don't finish. Most of those paragraph-long reviews consist of reasons I didn't like the book or the problems I had with the story and/or characters up to the point that I read. They're useful to a degree, but I'd still take them with a grain of salt.
DNF reviews tend to get angry and mean-spirited very quickly. As much as I try and edit myself down and make sure that everything makes sense to someone who hasn't read the book, some "reviews" do slip through the cracks. I'm human, therefore I will likely make mistakes. Those types of reviews are usually ramblings as to what finally broke the camels back in terms of why I refused to finish said book.
With my DNF reviews, I don't star rate them, because if I did I'd have A LOT more 1 star reviews then I'd care to admit to. For the most part, they aren't meant to be taken at face value. Chances are if you're reading a negative review of a book then you'll also be looking at positive reviews if you're considering reading it.
In conclusion, I've learned to take all reviews with a grain of salt. Everybody's reviews/opinions on certain books comes from a different background and life experience. What works for you may not work for the next 50 people who read the same book. Therefore, once in a while give a book a chance you'll be in awe at how many will surprise you!
*DNF: Did Not Finish
Do you think DNF Reviews are useful?
Let's discuss in the comments below!
There is an audience for DNF reviews. I have heard a lot of people talk about how they only read the negative reviews. My problem is that I feel a negative seed grows faster. I could be in love with something, then someone points out this one thing that bothers them, and all of a sudden, it's the only thing I see. Because I am that way, I try to just point out the things I liked in a book, but I also understand people who want to let others know what didn't work, especially if it's offensive or totally unexpected. It's such a grey area for me.
ReplyDeleteI can understand where you're coming from. For me though, I would rather know about something that took someone aback and that consequently offset the story for them than to walk into it blind and have that book and author leave a bad taste in my mouth because I didn't know it was coming (if it's something I can deal with) :)
DeleteOh I think DNF reviews are definitely valuable! I mean- maybe whatever made you not want to finish is something I don't mind, or even like? Plus, I'd rather see a variety of reviews anyway, and then make my own decision. AND, I'd rather know if it's something I KNOW won't work for me, rather than wasting my time and money. In a way, I feel like ONE DNF review could technically save the author a lot of other DNF/low-starred reviews.
ReplyDeleteExactly! What didn't work for me may not be a bother for all the other people potentially looking to read the book. I can totally agree with your last statement. DNF reviews have saved me a lot of money and time that would have had to be set aside for writing a low starred review. As long as the person writing the DNF review is civil and respectful I'd love to hear anything they have to say about the book :)
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