Today I’m honored to feature a review from Sara Shepard, the hilarious, wise and phenomenally talented author of the bestselling YA series PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and just-released debut adult novel THE VISIBLES. First, let’s take a look at what yet another Amazonian had to say about Sara’s PLL:ONE STAR
child porn?
By Frugal Shopper
“Am I missing something here? 16 year olds having sex? One with her teacher? Not saying this doesn't happen but having a book that is targeted for teens and pre-teens that galmorizes it? This author should be drawn and quartered for writing this trash.”
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Now, here's Sara...
When and where did this review appear?
Amazon, November 18, 2007
How did you happen upon the review?
Just clicked on the book one day and there it was. Hooray!
How did you feel immediately after seeing the review?
Well, I was kind of surprised at the reviewer’s decision that I should be “drawn and quartered.” I mean, seriously. Perhaps “given a severe lecture” or “made to stand in the corner” or even “slapped on the wrist” get the point across, don’t they? We don’t need to bring horses into this.
Did you do anything in response to the review?
Oh, probably drank heavily.
If you did something in response, how do you feel about said reaction in retrospect?
I will say I’ve been very restrained when I get bad reviews. Of course I don’t want to be restrained, but I try to hold back. Because really, most of these people are idiots. And I suppose they’re entitled to their own opinions, too. My characters do steal, after all. If you can’t take that, you probably shouldn’t be reading the books, I agree. But on the flip side, it’s devastating when someone is so mean about your books. It goes without saying that we pour our hearts into writing these things, and that writing is a delicate process, and that if the reviewer has such an opinion, I’d like to see her try and write a book and see just how hard it is. Of course I have fantasies about confronting these people and seeing if they’d be just as mean about the books to my face. Although, maybe they would be. Which would probably make me want to hide under a table and never come out.
What other steps did you take in an effort to assuage your pain?
I wrote more books. I did my best not to think about it. And honestly? I try not to read reviews anymore. It’s not worth it.
How long did it take you to get over the pain and humiliation of the review (assuming you got over it)?
Probably not that long. Until another one-star review came along! :-)
What, if anything, positive came from receiving your WORST…REVIEW…EVER?Well, 13 out of 20 people found the review helpful!
Damn, I love Sara. Okay, so here’s your chance to rate her pain—but first, I’m wondering: How many people out there don’t read their reviews, and how do you resist the temptation? (I’m such a glutton for punishment—obviously—I need to know every last hateful word people say about me.)
1 star = That wasn't so bad
2 stars = Yeah, that would hurt
3 stars = Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
4 stars = Beyond harsh, cruel, and unusual punishment
5 stars = Definitely the WORST. REVIEW. EVER.
11 comments:
well I for one loved the book. And maybe that girl hasn't read much? I'd love to see her response to judy Blume's Forever.... lol
16-year-olds having sex with each other or indeed anyone older isn't even illegal in plenty of places, eg the UK. (In fact, teachers having sex with pupils 16 and over, up to 18, wasn't even illegal - though unprofessional - until 2003 in the UK). So drawing and quartering is a bit harsh... Also, you're supposed to be hanged first.
No need to bring horses into it!! If Sara is this funny all the time, then I really need to read the book!
Drawn and quartered. Wow, is this what medieval reviews looked like?
Wow, that is pretty harsh. I laughed when Sara said "We don't need to bring horses into this!" lol
Alexa, I'm also the same way, though I don't have books to be reviewed, just myself. I always want to know what people think of me, good or bad. I mean, I hate reading the bad stuff but it's just so tempting anyway, you know?
that review is complete craziness. The Pretty Little Liars Series dominates and anyone who gives it a bad review is obviously stupid.
Yeah, the drawn and quartered part was over the top, but I agree with the sentiment that a YA novel shouldn't have the kid sleeping with their teacher...unless there was a point to show how wrong it is.
Great comments, people. And to respond to a few...
Lenore: Sara IS this funny and her books are great (SO well written, she awes me). You should check them out.
BC: Replied to you on your blog. :)
Jude: Okay, I don't want to sound harsh but I have to ask...do you think ALL novels should have some underlying moralistic message to go along with a controversial plotline, or just the ones targeted to teens? Personally, I cringe at the thought of books that do the after-school-special-type message. I think kids are smarter than they're often given credit for being, and most can make up their own minds about what's right and wrong without some heavy "point" being hammered home. But maybe that's just me?
Yeah also, I'd like to see what that reviewer thinks of Melvin Burgess' DOING IT.
heyy guys stop hatinn on my gurrrlll sara shepard. she be a great author and you all be very jealous. lets see you all write books dis good. you should be proud of mah gurl. dont hate!
oh yes, i agree with anonymous. she is very intelligent with her words
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