Random Thursday Thoughts: Badly Behaving Authors
So, I am currently reading a book. It is the newest installment in a series that so far I have really enjoyed. I am enjoying this book. But somehow, I feel like some sort of a fraud by reading it. I have a major beef with the author of this book, because I find her incredibly disrespectful to Christians.
Yup, I said it. I have never tried to hide my faith and try to keep my reviews from a Christian view point without being preachy. Does my faith influence the kinds of books I like? Absolutely. Would I tell other people not to read a book because of what I believe? No, unless it was an instruction manual for sacrificing small children- that could be an issue.
My problem is that between the last book I read in this series and this book, the author has made it pretty clear that she doesn't care for Christians and has mocked them repeatedly. Now, I have no beef with anyone who doesn't like Christians. I will be the first to admit that there are Christians out there who do really stupid things, but each of those people- there are 20 who are completely normal.
Regardless, it was the mocking that really got to me.
So when it became time for reviewing the next book in the series- I was incredibly conflicted. Do I read a series that I really enjoy, despite the things that the author has said? Or do I give up on this series and completely give it the cold shoulder? If I read and review this book- I am giving the author even more of a voice in the public eye, and even more people will read the rude things that she had to say. If I ignore it, I will be leaving behind a series I actually really like.
I am halfway through the book and I still can't decide. I have no problem with saying, " I don't like an author and because of things that they say, I will not be reading their books." That is my right as a reader. I refuse to read anything by Phillip Pullman. Am I missing out? Probably. But after reading interviews where he stated that he wrote the Amber Spyglass with the intent to draw children away
from Christianity- I am not interested. (And let me know- this isn't a Christian or non-Christian thing... this is the fact that he wrote something to specifically lead children on a certain path... I find that shady).
But the author drama that seems to be online? Well, I tend to be a little more forgiving when authors do something stupid and then apologize. As long as an author owns up to it- I have no issue with continuing to support that author (and sometimes I think bloggers can be a little psycho about when authors mess up). Therein lies my problem. This author has never said anything other than she is right. So what do I do?
Yup, I said it. I have never tried to hide my faith and try to keep my reviews from a Christian view point without being preachy. Does my faith influence the kinds of books I like? Absolutely. Would I tell other people not to read a book because of what I believe? No, unless it was an instruction manual for sacrificing small children- that could be an issue.
My problem is that between the last book I read in this series and this book, the author has made it pretty clear that she doesn't care for Christians and has mocked them repeatedly. Now, I have no beef with anyone who doesn't like Christians. I will be the first to admit that there are Christians out there who do really stupid things, but each of those people- there are 20 who are completely normal. Regardless, it was the mocking that really got to me.
So when it became time for reviewing the next book in the series- I was incredibly conflicted. Do I read a series that I really enjoy, despite the things that the author has said? Or do I give up on this series and completely give it the cold shoulder? If I read and review this book- I am giving the author even more of a voice in the public eye, and even more people will read the rude things that she had to say. If I ignore it, I will be leaving behind a series I actually really like.
I am halfway through the book and I still can't decide. I have no problem with saying, " I don't like an author and because of things that they say, I will not be reading their books." That is my right as a reader. I refuse to read anything by Phillip Pullman. Am I missing out? Probably. But after reading interviews where he stated that he wrote the Amber Spyglass with the intent to draw children away
But the author drama that seems to be online? Well, I tend to be a little more forgiving when authors do something stupid and then apologize. As long as an author owns up to it- I have no issue with continuing to support that author (and sometimes I think bloggers can be a little psycho about when authors mess up). Therein lies my problem. This author has never said anything other than she is right. So what do I do?
Have you had this problem before? Have you loved an author but been turned off by things they said/ did in real life? What do you do?
