Why I don’t post many book reviews

Over the last twelve months I’ve been sent about twenty-five books from publishers hoping for a review. This is always a hard call for me because I take book reviews very seriously. I think there’s an inherent responsibility to the book, the author, and the audience (intended or otherwise) that a reviewer on a public platform needs to respect. That tends to come with more time than I have.

Here’s a few reasons why book reviews take me so long, and why, therefore, I don’t review many books on YouthWorkHacks.

I have to live it to know it

A ‘book reviewer’ should never be your intended reader. In that vein, I need to try and put myself into the shoes and experiences of those that any given book is intended for, and frankly, I find that difficult. I’m not a typical youth worker to begin with, and beyond that I’m not an undergrad student, a parent, or a young person. Reading a book with a different perspective in mind takes a little more mental aerobics that I usually have the time or brain power for. I find writing to a specific audience much easier than reading one into something that already exists. It’s usually easier to just stay in my own head.

There are real people behind a book

I’ve gotten to know a few authors since writing my own book and the main thing I’ve discovered is their skin is no thicker than mine for having published more (and mine is pretty thin). Book reviews – especially done badly – can really stink for an author in more ways than just affecting their sales. They can hurt deeply and personally in ways that the reviewer, hidden behind a keyboard, can be either woefully unaware of, or tragically unconcerned about. Beyond the author there are also designers, editors, and publishers, all of whom own a project, are invested deeply in it. They know it inside out, and also get a sharp slap from a misplaced review.

I can easily read things wrong

Over the last eighteen months I started a lot of ‘objective reading.’ This has included marking essays for universities, editing booklets for publication, and peer-review for journals. This has been a whole new experience for me, but these all have something that keeps me accountable: they all have moderators! A moderator is a professional who reads my comments and checks that I really did understand what was written. Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I get things wrong, and sometimes I completely mischaracterise what has actually been said without even realising it. Book reviews on my blog just don’t have that same formal line of accountability. If I review anything, therefore, I tend to read it through at least twice, and then try to be immensely careful that I’ve read it correctly. That’s just hard! If I’m going to post an unfavourable review – usually I’ll send a copy to the author, the publisher, or just an honest friend to comment first. I’d always rather err on the side of care and caution. I don’t want to ever mischaracterise something that means so much to somebody else.

My biases can slip through

Before I wrote my own book, I spent years wanting to write a book. I saw some authors write books that I wanted to write, and others who wrote books that I thought at some level were simply ‘unworthy’ of writing a book. I was so upset and frustrated that it wasn’t ‘me’ that I found it far too easy to lash out. Knowing that, I think it’s much too convenient to inadvertently use a review as a retribution platform – to try and readdress a balance or put a new slant on something accepted; to arbitrate our own justice, or even just to vent. Any review with high levels of bias – especially bias that the review reader might not be aware of – drains a review of all its integrity and credibility. I don’t want to be that guy.

I’m not a very good referee

Reviews can often tribalise and polarise Christians even more than they already are. Reviews that bleed into social media spaces can create bloodthirsty frenzies which feed on authors without nuance or care. This is particularly damaging when the person you’re reviewing is a committed follower of Jesus, so someone that you’ll probably know in Heaven. A respectful and wise reviewer knows how to temper and guide their audience without further propagation of ill-will. I just don’t think I’m that wise, humble or clear-tempered enough to do this. It would be too easy to use comments as a way to boost my own fragile self-esteem, rather than grow healthy conversations about resources. I’d rather just stay out of it!

They’re effective

My blog sees quite a bit of traffic now, and there are some who would read an endorsement or rejection by this blog as carrying a lot of weight. That’s not to show off, it’s just the reality. I’ve spent years very carefully cultivating a very particular audience and I have a responsibility to make sure that I model a language which reflects Christ in this very public, free-for-all internet arena. If I care enough to push back on, or endorse any book, then I want to make every effort, take every care, avoid every integrity stumbling block – and make darn sure that I’m writing in a heart that reflects the faith I live for. I often can’t do this – so I often don’t write reviews.

So, there it is! If you’re a publisher that’s been sending me books, thanks, but I’m sorry I don’t review a lot.

If you’re an author who wants me to review something specific – do get in touch with me, but don’t feel rejected if I say no (or if I take forever). I’m trying to honour your book and your audience – and also mine. So, forgive me!

I might try and review a bit more – probably beginning with books that I already know well or really care about – but don’t hold your breath. 😛

Thanks 🙂