Eating my words.

Thanks for everyone who contributed to the recent discussion over the book Radical Homemakers. I decided to take down my review of the book, since it was essentially negative and it just didn't sit right with me that I had published a negative book review. I kept hearing the voice of Thumper's mother in my head: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

I have written negative reviews for books on Amazon before, but somehow a blog post felt different--like I was going out of my way to be unkind.

Probably I overanalyze things too much, but anyhow, the review has been removed. :)

Comments

[Sarah Jones]

I, for one, appreciated your unvarnished book review, even if it was a bad review. There are SO many books on the subject out there that it's hard to find what are worth buying for the lifestyle we live. I see so many books promising to be about living frugally, but their idea is using coupons at the big supermarkets. I want to be given ideas about how to reuse the tin cans my veggies come in, or how often one can reuse a plastic zip bag. Things that really get down to homesteading, rather than the idea of it, if that makes sense. I have to say, knowing the families from the book make more while homesteading than my family ever has period is a big turn off for me. It might not be for someone else, but it's just not what I'd waste my time reading.

[Lesa]

I agree with Sarah Jones. I appreciate your point of view. How would anyone ever learn to go beyond or to be more than mediocre if someone wasn't willing to show a little tough love now and then?

Your critique was polite, well written and thoughtful. You definitely are not one to go out of your way to hurt or harm anyone. The title of the book intrigued me and I might have purchased it, but in reading your review I realized the book would not be for me. So, thank you for giving your honest opinion.

And don't think that just because someone gets a bad review that it will utterly harm their book sales. Sometimes people purchase things out of a desire to see for themselves if the book or whatever it is really is that bad. I've bought things, gone to movies etc. after reading bad reviews. It just depends on whether or not someone has the money to throw at something they may end up not liking.

In case you're wondering who the heck I am, I discovered you through Etsy when they featured you and your husband. I've been enjoying your wonderful blog ever since.

Take care. :-)

[Katy~TheCountryBlossom]

Honesty in a book review is the best! I didn't get the chance to read your review...but I wanted to encourage you by saying that I have the book...and if I had been reviewing it...I would have done so negatively as well....! :)

Kindly,
Katy