Leah’s answer to “Lea, recently you’ve removed all your reviews from GR. Does it mean that you wouldn’t post any revi…” > Likes and Comments

Brava.

I have nothing but the most respect for you, Leah.

I understand/respect your stance, but I will miss your reviews. They always made me think :).

What CYWL said. It's too bad.

Aww I'm sad to see your reviews go. Smh at those mindless trolls. If everyone thought the same we'd be boring as hell.

Noooooooooooooooo :'(

I loved your reviews :(

That's terrible! I'm so sorry you've to go through that!

You have my gratitude, Leah. Always. Your post moved me more than any book I've been reading lately. I wish you only the very best for the future! May your distinct voice never run dry. <333

Baba... <3

@Leah
<333 :))

Leaaah :( This makes me so sad :( I always admired reading your reviews. They're always so thoughtful and critical and I learn from them each time. Would it be possible to make a separate account, maybe? Because I would really miss your insights :( I hate what GR has become and how it has affected you and many readers and writers :( Ugh, this is so painful >_<

Lea, thank you for your emotional and honest answer. I’m sorry it came to this. I second Faye about separate incognito account. What do you think? Of course it’s awful that a person has to conceal his true identity to stay safe.

This is so sad. I wish people would respect other people's opinions. I loved your reveiws. They were always so honest, but anyway, it's such a shame you had to go through all this. I still don't understand why people behave this way.

Thank you for the kind comments, guys. I've considered making an anonymous account, but the same thing would happen to a lesser degree--some people feel the need to troll any review they disagree with. It also feels dishonest for me personally to review under a pseudonym. I'd prefer to own my opinions, but that's not something anyone can really do safely anymore.

I'm so disgusted with the backlash that I just feel totally burned out on reviewing right now. The thought of coming back for more abuse is depressing.

Please, though, if you guys EVER need an advocate, feel free to reach out to me. I'm always willing to stand up for reviewers who get bullied and to support you in any way I can.

I'm just so sad that authors can't honestly review a book without having such harsh backlash. Is the default for your honest opinions always going to be because you are jealous of that author? Are we not better than that? I GUESS NOT.

This makes me sad! Just recently discovered your writing and I've enjoyed your reviews. Goddamn trolls.

I'm going to miss your reviews, Leah... but this was SO ON POINT!

This makes me extremely sad. I see your point, having experienced something similar (only in the other direction - from author to me), but it's still another voice lost on the side of those who simply love to discuss books. Are you hosting your reviews someplace else or have we lost them forever now?

I'm so sorry that this happened to you, Leah. You and Jenny Trout have experienced the same amount of harrassment, and I hate to see that happening to two authors I greatly respect. For me, books have always been a great way to open up discussion regardless of opinion on quality, and I hate to see that the community is veering off in another ugly direction. Do you think a better, more appreciative community will open up eventually (ie, some Youtubers using Reddit or their own forum rather than the Youtube comments)? And if so, would you write your reviews there?

@Saphana: For now, no reviews, period.

@Alice: Fantastic question. I really, really hope that a "better, more appreciative community" opens up. I've heard from so many people who've also been harassed and would love to find a safe space to express their opinions.

The sad thing is, Goodreads COULD be that place, if they hired more staff and did some basic moderation, plus gave users tools like privacy settings, filtering, etc., a la Facebook. That, at least, could help protect reviewers using pseudonyms.

I don't think the culture is going to change any time soon when it comes to authors reviewing books, though. I'm trying to let go of expressing certain things that I know will just result in backlash. There are a few issues, like gay rights, that I simply can't remain quiet about because they impact my real life, but I'm trying to figure out how to use my status as an author to support and defend *other* reviewers instead of myself. That's a better, more positive way to channel my energy, IMO. I feel for Jenny Trout and other authors who've stood up to bullshit in the book world. She's a braver woman than I am.

I do think people will get fed up with the increasing hostility around here and that it'll either force GR to change, or a new site/medium will rise up in its place. There are a bunch of great alternative book review sites now like Booklikes, Leafmarks, etc., but GR is still the go-to site, and change is hard.

Well said. I hate that this has happened to you, Leah. You're one of my fave authors. I wish you well with writing. I can't wait to read more of your work. And rest assured, I will not be hanging up my hat. I will continue to say what I think, share my experiences with books whether that experience was good or bad. Or whether my opinion is the popular one or not :)

Well said... I must admit, I JUST discovered Unteachable and I haven't been able to stop listening to the audiobook. I'm fascinated with your writing style and would love to read your reviews.

Waow. I'm so sorry .

Wow. People can be real assholes. I am sorry this happened to you. I faced the same shit you did; I rated a book 1 star and the author and her friends started attacking me. It's sad that this has stopped you from reviewing. Btw, I loved Unteachable. I don't get why people would rate it 1 star out of malice.

Thank you for your insight. Well said.

so why has GOODREADS allowed this? regardless Trolls should be eliminated !