Lex Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "commentary"
A Backwards, Positive Review
Many writer friends of mine would never admit to soliciting book reviews. Immediately after publishing my first novel, I freely admit to asking a few friends and acquaintances to read and provide an honest review. Of the six that I asked, three responded. 50% is not a bad ratio and I appreciated the fact that they weren’t all five star reviews; a clear indication that they’d been honestly written.
On the Amazon forums, I “met” and engaged in thoughtful and polite debate with a devout Catholic. Unlike most of his ilk, Mr. X did not fall back on Bible verses when responding to debate points or questions for which he had no real answer. Although some of these discussions became quite heated, as religious debate often does, Mr. X remained the perfect gentlemen. We were on different sides of every argument, but I respected him and, I believe he returned that courtesy. I was curious how an ardent Christian would review my novel, so Mr. X and I made a deal, and I sent him a copy of the book. Several months passed, with gentle reminders on my part, and continued promises on his part, until the day finally came when he admitted that he couldn’t, in good conscience, write a review. Below is the email he sent me and… I think it would have made an excellent review:
“Lex – I know your patience has been tested, but your book has proven a quandary to me. For a first time writer, I have found your book enjoyable to read. On the other hand the themes you have presented are quite offensive to me as a Catholic. If I have learned anything from the threads we met on, it is that people can believe some very outrageous things. I don’t know if you picked such themes purposefully, but I do know that there are people out there who could read this book and use it as a foundation to feed beliefs which endanger their souls.
“So what to do? I cannot recommend the content because there are gullible people out there who might not realize that the content is purely fictional. Like a good episode of the Twilight Zone that is taken for more than science fiction it could do damage to the reader. On the other hand, for a reader who likes science fiction and is mature the book could be most enjoyable.
“The treatment of Jesus is of course the issue, though however laughable and outrageous the themes in your book, there are people who might just take it seriously. I am trying to balance the true talent of a new writer against the unfortunate portrayal of Jesus found in this book which is purely fantastical.
“You have been patient and if you wish to give me a deadline I will happily comply, but I never imagined what would arrive in the mail when you sent me your book. I am truly sorry to have disappointed you, I know how you could feel that way, but I am truly caught in a dilemma, not wishing to offend your talent, having been offended by the themes found in your book.
“You are a talented first time writer, but I have never read a more enjoyably written book that is so thoroughly misguided. I would never have picked it off the shelf. I look forward to reading a book of yours someday with a different topic. Take it easy Lex. I hope the sun is shining where you are at.”
A few months after this email, Mr. X posted a condensed version of what you’ve read here as a two star review on Amazon.com. Mr. X… wherever you may now be… thank you!
On the Amazon forums, I “met” and engaged in thoughtful and polite debate with a devout Catholic. Unlike most of his ilk, Mr. X did not fall back on Bible verses when responding to debate points or questions for which he had no real answer. Although some of these discussions became quite heated, as religious debate often does, Mr. X remained the perfect gentlemen. We were on different sides of every argument, but I respected him and, I believe he returned that courtesy. I was curious how an ardent Christian would review my novel, so Mr. X and I made a deal, and I sent him a copy of the book. Several months passed, with gentle reminders on my part, and continued promises on his part, until the day finally came when he admitted that he couldn’t, in good conscience, write a review. Below is the email he sent me and… I think it would have made an excellent review:
“Lex – I know your patience has been tested, but your book has proven a quandary to me. For a first time writer, I have found your book enjoyable to read. On the other hand the themes you have presented are quite offensive to me as a Catholic. If I have learned anything from the threads we met on, it is that people can believe some very outrageous things. I don’t know if you picked such themes purposefully, but I do know that there are people out there who could read this book and use it as a foundation to feed beliefs which endanger their souls.
“So what to do? I cannot recommend the content because there are gullible people out there who might not realize that the content is purely fictional. Like a good episode of the Twilight Zone that is taken for more than science fiction it could do damage to the reader. On the other hand, for a reader who likes science fiction and is mature the book could be most enjoyable.
“The treatment of Jesus is of course the issue, though however laughable and outrageous the themes in your book, there are people who might just take it seriously. I am trying to balance the true talent of a new writer against the unfortunate portrayal of Jesus found in this book which is purely fantastical.
“You have been patient and if you wish to give me a deadline I will happily comply, but I never imagined what would arrive in the mail when you sent me your book. I am truly sorry to have disappointed you, I know how you could feel that way, but I am truly caught in a dilemma, not wishing to offend your talent, having been offended by the themes found in your book.
“You are a talented first time writer, but I have never read a more enjoyably written book that is so thoroughly misguided. I would never have picked it off the shelf. I look forward to reading a book of yours someday with a different topic. Take it easy Lex. I hope the sun is shining where you are at.”
A few months after this email, Mr. X posted a condensed version of what you’ve read here as a two star review on Amazon.com. Mr. X… wherever you may now be… thank you!
