What Do You Mean You Didn't Like It?!

A few weeks ago a sixth grade teacher came to me looking for read alouds for her language arts classes.  I handed her a couple including one that I referred to as one of "my favorite books."  It was The Big Splash by Jack D. Ferraiolo.  If you have read my blog for a bit you will know how very much I loved this book.  But, I know not everyone loves it.  It has a noir-ish tone that some people do not get.  And if they don't get it, the book isn't as enjoyable.

So, when she came back a week later and told me she didn't like the book I was kind of offended.  No, make that really offended.  I know this book is not for everyone. I know the tone is way different.  But I was still offended.

Does this happen to you?  Do you feel offended when someone doesn't like a book that you LOVE?!

For some reason it doesn't bother me that much when kids do this.  I expect their honesty and I can give them some good-natured ribbing about them not having any taste. Then I can find something else they like.

Maybe the way she told me she didn't like it was the problem.  I guess I would have preferred she just returned the book quietly and asked me for another recommendation. 

So here's where this is all going.  There has been all those discussion about negative reviews and authors and agents and bloggers all over reacting.  If I felt that upset by a book I didn't write, I can just imagine how hurt an author feels about a book they nurtured into life.

Everyone has the right to their opinions, just as long as they are the same as mine!  :)

(And seriously, The Big Splash is awesome.  Try it for yourself!)