Goodreads/The Eternal Struggle

Do I use Goodreads?

The answer is yes, I absolutely do. it is a wonderful way to track my books. I mostly use it to remind myself which books I hated so I never read them again.

What is the eternal struggle?

Well, this is something to do with looking at star ratings and reviews of other people just like you and assuming they are more qualified to judge a book than you are.

I have always been blessed with not giving a flying damn about ratings and reviews when it comes to what I am going to read for myself. I read and love other peoples book reviews all the time. I just don't hold them up on pedestals. I'm human and so are they, unless it's a bot account. 

My point is that sometimes people can lose perspective in this world, and it happens very quickly. Someone recently asked me if the costumes and rituals depicted in Black Panther would be considered cultural appropriation. 

Now, I'm white. I am so white that I can't use witch hazel as toner. My skin is too sensitive for that shit. I do think that on this issue the answer should be clear. No. Based on news reports about the costumes, they were sourced ethically from companies located in and employing the people of the communities these rich traditions and styles come from. There will always be trolls that go after a thing because they can. 

This is how I feel regarding the current climate in reviews on goodreads. Now, I follow a wide variety of reviewers from many walks of life. There is a disturbing trend for people to give negative reviews on books they have not read yet. They merely pile on to someone considered big in the community and trust their word. 

If there is one thing that I have learned after nearly eight years in college, you never take anyone at their word. Always do your own research. That means reading the book for yourself before writing a review either negative or positive. This means thinking for yourself, rather than reading two negative reviews in a sea of many and quitting. 

Let me be clear, mental health will always come first. If a book contains subject matter triggering for you, don't read it, unless you feel you can handle it. Just don't give it any kind of star rating or review if you haven't or can't read a book. 

Remember that book that somehow made it to the top of a reputable bestseller list before its official release date? your tactic is exactly the same as that marketing team when reviewing a book you haven't read, or rating it.

Oh and by the way, triggering doesn't mean it is offensive to you. it means that reading about it will trigger your illness. People with PTSD or Depression and other mental health concerns have emotional triggers. These can result in flashbacks, rage incidents, suicidal ideation, etc. These are serious and should never be ignored. 

Being offended by something or grossed out by it or annoyed by it is not even close to the same. These are about your tastes or what is socially acceptable. Not. The. Same.