I once read half of the worst book I've ever read. I posted a bad review on Goodreads and got attacked by the writer's mates, who'd all left good reviews. I don't trust Goodreads reviews.

[–] antonim@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Reviews are supposed to be a place for analysis, evaluation and discussion, not just recommendation.

[–] state_electrician@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

If that is the case, it sounds very niche and only of interest to people inside the literary world.

[–] antonim@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Analysis and discussion of literary works is only for those "inside" the literary world? But surely everyone who reads is inside the literary world.

It is reasonable to read a book and be interested in other people's different thoughts on it, that hardly requires some sort of specialist knowledge.

[–] state_electrician@discuss.tchncs.de 0 points 1 day ago (1 children)

If reviews from people paid to review is what you crave, you are part of the niche group. I do read reviews, but I only care about reviews from people who share my taste in books. Every other review is worthless to me. I don't see why different thoughts would be helpful. Oh, they didn't/did like it for reasons. Cool. That's all fine, but why should I read that?

[–] antonim@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 16 hours ago* (last edited 16 hours ago)

I'm not saying you should read them; and I already provided the reasons for reading them above. You can find those reasons compelling or not.

I never mentioned the reviewer being paid. There's many interesting blogs and Goodreads profiles that are worth following too. My impression is, you're drawing an overly sharp boundary between your style of reading and something you imagine is "professional" reading of those who care about reviews.

[–] mesamunefire@piefed.social 3 points 2 days ago

I found someone on bookwyrm that liked similar reading material. Its like finding gold.

[–] oeuf@slrpnk.net 3 points 2 days ago

The only book reviews that get me excited to read a book are from BBC Radio 4. I have no idea why.