Why I’m Not Reading Reviews of My Book

Hi all, I hope your Friday is proceeding with great jolliness.  I wanted to write a quick post to thank to every well-meaning one of you who is sending me links to all the positive (so I’m told) reviews of my book that are popping up on blogs, websites, and in the media. And I wanted to explain why I’m not going to read them.

As much as I love a good compliment (too much), and as proud as I am of my book (I love it!), and as happy as I am that so many advance readers have enjoyed it, I know myself too well.  I know that there are much healthier things for me, mentally, than reading my own praises. Not that I’m not tempted!

But I’m sure that, given time, the positive reviews would make me start to think I’m some sort of Big Deal, while the negative reviews would be committed to memory and become an unhelpful fixation during long, sleepless nights.

At the core of this is my determination not to take any criticism, positive or negative, personally.  I don’t even want to give myself the chance.

But!  If you ever want to write to me and discuss the book, or you have questions. I’d be delighted and honored.  I’m open to any and all interview requests and media.  I’ve already had some great chats with early readers, which usually devolve into conversations about other books.  And we can always talk in the comments here on the blog if you prefer that.

So, if you send me a link to a review of my book, I’m going to say thank you, forward the link to someone in publicity, and then ask you if you’re reading anything else good.  Then I’ll get back to trying to become a better writer, a kinder person, and a useful librarian.

Thanks as always!

Josh, just some guy