Authors have been in an uproar since Amazon made it possible to rate a book without leaving a comment. Most of those I’ve heard from about this think it means the rater didn’t read the book.

I wouldn’t jump to that conclusion. Fact is, it’s waaaaaay easier to click on a star than it is to write a comment. People are almost always going to take the easiest path, and if they have a strong opinion after reading the book (or stopping at some point because they didn’t like it), they’ll tap that star — whether it’s 1 or 5 — rather than think about what to write.

Sandy

V.M., maybe the reviewer thought that would be the ultimate insult, w/out really meaning it was a children’s book. Just a guess. In any case, it’s a meaningless review — there’s no value in it for anyone. This is the type we just scroll on past, don’t you think?

Sandy

Kid’s book? Really? A child having to watch his father’s crucifixion? Girls being sold to brothels? Guerilla warfare (although the reviewer didn’t get that far!)

I have no real objection to the rest. It’s up to the reviewer, but I don’t understand why he said it’s a children’s book. 😊

You say ‘I’m not sure what motivates people (especially those who receive free copies) to write such negative comments.’ It sounds as though you think that people who received a free copy should not post one star reviews. If I have an ARC copy of a book, I give a review of my genuine feelings about it. If I think it’s terrible, I will say so, just as I will if I think it’s wonderful.
However, I have, to date, given no one sta,r reviews, but all my reviews are detailed.

I feel your pain, Antia! I’m glad we’ve been able to give you some perspective.

Sandy

It’s pretty much a rite of passage, Gail. Welcome to the club! You’re in good company. Eat cookies and move on. : )

Sandy