If you’re like me, your writer’s ego is slightly delicate (like one of these Ukrainian eggs).
I try to feel hopeful when I find a new review of my work online, but cautiously hopeful. It is only one person’s opinion, right? I read books every week that I don’t absolutely love. School Library Journal (SLJ) is a big US review agency, so having a book reviewed in SLJ is good publicity. So, when I found a SLJ review of Rocket Man, I read it slowly. But what’s this? Bob O’Neill? My protagonist is Bob Prescott. Maybe the reviewer, from Fairfax Virginia, was writing to a deadline. She felt the basketball and net on the cover was misleading as the book isn’t really about basketball – I beg to differ, although the book is, of course, about more than the sport of basketball. And I still haven’t figured out this bit:
The book’s brevity (of) pages may appeal to reluctant readers,although the dialogue has a distinct after-school special feel.
Overall, the reviewer did a fine job of summarizing the book, and it’s an okay review.
But then, on Google Books, I came upon this review, for The Power of Harmony:
i love this book! although at times its sad its always got me on the edge of my seat making me want to finish the book in one sitting. The power of harmony makes you smile tear up and want to go find the people in the book in real life and either hug them beat the up or help them. this booked is filled with emotions as sadness but at the same time happiness. I wasn’t sure that Jan Coates would be a good author but after reading this book i Know for a fact she is. XOXO providence
So whoever you are, providence – this grateful writer thanks you for the hugs and kisses, for taking the time to review my book, and reminding me why it is I write.
What do you think – reviews, the good, bad and ugly? Helpful, hurtful? All of the above?
Jan L. Coates - "What if...?" 
It’s good to remember that reviews are not for the writer, but for potential readers. There is no way to know if an opinion comes from a helpful and sober place, or from a dark place.
What a great review. That’s the stuff that keeps you going.
Wise thoughts, Mirka – thanks for stopping by dewdrops! Every time I walk into the library or a bookstore, I’m amazed that, despite the number of books I read, so few become my favorites, books I want to re-read. Personal taste, I guess – good thing there’s always lots of choice!
Reviews are so subjective–glad you found a great one to balance out the ‘okay’ one.
Hi, Marcia: Thanks for visiting! The longer I’m in this business, the tougher my skin is getting (or maybe it’s just because I’m getting older and wiser). Happy writing!