The Sunday Salon used to be a meme but was getting so huge it became unmanageable, so it is now a Facebook group that has become an informal week in review
gathering place for bloggers.
It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature.
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
~ It’s a chance to share news~
A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
Happy SUNDAY Everyone!
Have you ever picked up a book by an author you love and been unable to finish the story because something made you uncomfortable?
This past week it happened to me. It was a mystery and the method of death was the same as my son’s. I thought o.k. I can do this, but I just couldn’t. The writing was so graphic. Sometimes that is a good thing but this time it put pictures in my head that I have been trying to keep out for the last 6 months. I couldn’t even close my eyes to go to sleep that night. I am going to have to tell the author and feel terrible because I committed to read and review her book. I need to remember that was before Kris died and I had no idea of the subject matter. I just knew I loved this series. How would you handle and what do I do going forward? Do I ask authors to give me a heads up if this method is in their book? I feel just awful.
Weekly Rewind September 14 – 19, 2015
Monday – It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Tuesday – Review/Giveaway – Lost in America by Laura Fitzgerald
Wednesday – Cozy Wednesday with Erika Chase – Author of Law and Author – Giveaway too!
Thursday – Review/Giveaway – Threads of Evidence by Lea Wait
Friday – Spotlight/Giveaway – All Dressed Up and No Place to Haunt by Rose Pressey
Saturday – Spotlight/Giveaway – Signs in Life: Finding Direction in Our Travels with God by Deanna Nowadnick
You shouldn’t feel bad because of the way you feel. I have a major problem with domestic violence in romance books. If I know about it being in the book ahead of time, I won’t read the book. If I’m reading it and it comes up, I may or may not finish the book, depending on how the rest of the book was to that point.
I think you are within your rights to ask questions about a book, before you review it. Some people have no problem with certain details or tops, some people do. If the author has a problem with you because you asked a question(s), chose not to review the book, or panned the book in a review, that’s their problem, not yours.
Thank you all so much for helping me. I appreciate it so much!
If you let the author know that you can’t finish the book because a family member died the same way as their character I’m sure they’d understand.
I don’t think the author will have any problem if you tell them that it hits too close to home. I have seen where authors have said that they would rather have the reviewer contact them if it’s not their thing rather than read it and not enjoy it. I really don’t think the author would have a problem. As for future books I wouldn’t think that they should mind if you ask them if it contains this matter, if they do are they worth reviewing?
Yes, the author will completely understand!
Enjoy your new books, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
I think the author will understand, Lori. Perhaps you could offer to get someone else to review the book for her/him? I don’t see anything wrong with a review policy that outlines you will not review books with that manner of death in them.
I remember when my mother died, it was her desire to be cremated and have her ashes scattered in her hometown in Switzerland. About that time the movie A-Team came out. Although I really enjoyed the movie, I was unable to watch the scene where the lead is nearly cremated during an escape from prison. I felt a little strange, but I gave myself that leeway.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
You definitely shouldn’t feel bad and I think everyone would completely understand why you wouldn’t want to read something that is so personal. Maybe add a clause in your review policy that for personal reasons you cannot read books involving a certain manner of death? I’m so sorry I can’t imagine how difficult that must be. You got some lovely books this week and I see several I want to add to my TBR. I hope you have a fantastic week!
Good for you for stopping reading. It is perfectly fine for you to set some boundaries on what you read, whatever the reason. You need to protect yourself so that you can heal; that is more important than reading a particular book, and I think most if not all authors would be just fine with that.
Rule #1 – you have to heal. Rule #2 – attempt nothing that would interrupt that process. My sister lost a son to a car accident when he was 17, 19 years ago, and she still misses him every day. I’m sure she wouldn’t want any more reminders of her grief, and you deserve the same care. I can’t imagine that any author would like to see you suffer, and I wouldn’t care to read (and support monetarily) anyone who would not take your feelings into consideration. Do what you can, when you can. This is, I’m sure, a life-long process. Blessings!
I can’t imagine the author would have a problem if you explained the situation. You have to do what feels right to you.
Because my copy came from NetGalley I hadn’t even seen the cover or if I did it didn’t register but that would have told me this book was a no no.
Sent the author an email last night and she was fantastic. Thank you all for you words. I was looking at my reason as unprofessional but you are all right, I need to heal.
As everyone else already said, I can’t imagine the author not understanding your situation. And don’t hesitate to ask an author specifics about the book before reviewing.
I hope you are able to find peace again soon.