This is such a tricky topic, but I appreciate Susan’s articulate, logical approach. In my former life (pre-blogging and writing), I left Goodreads reviews that ranged from one-sentence “I liked it” to long, rambling mini-novels. I didn’t follow any guidelines about how to review, but I didn’t leave spoilers either. Most readers review from the heart. They are posting an honest opinion of how they feel about the book.
I think it’s different for professional reviewers and bloggers. If someone is going to be a professional reviewer or have a blog where they review books, I think they should refrain from leaving spoilers. If they must reveal aspects of the plot, it’s a good idea to post a “Spoiler Alert” as a courtesy to the readers. Once a reviewer enters the professional or blogging arena, they have their audience to consider. As a reader, I would be very disappointed if someone decided summarize the entire book before I had a chance to read it.
Please read the post on Susan’s blog and contribute to the conversation if you wish. It’ll be interesting to see where everyone stands on this issue.
My novel, Island in the Clouds, recently received a second 2-star review on a book review site. I’m okay with the rating, because I know not everyone will enjoy my writing so this was a little jolt of reality to counter all those 4-and-5-stars I had been receiving since I first published the book in February of 2012.
What caused me to take exception with the reviewer was that she had listed my novel in the “Thriller” category – which it is not – then complained that it had not been “thriller” enough. Worse though was that she recounted much of the plot line, right down to the ending, taking away any potential suspense readers may have discovered for themselves, had they a mind to read my book, in spite of the low rating and this reviewer’s comments. She did not include a “May Contain Spoilers” warning.
I know…
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All I Have to Say 
Thanks for rebloggig, Tricia!
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I always thought the whole idea behind book reviews was to encourage readers to read a book. Even when a reviewer gives a not so good rating, readers may be inclined to read the book for themselves. However, if the reviewer reveals the plot ending (in addition to giving a low rating), readers are discouraged from reading the book. At the end of the day, book reviewers are people too. And just like anything else, what one person doesn’t like, another person may like.
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That’s very true. If a review lists the reasons why a reader doesn’t like a book, those same reasons may be what someone else is looking for in a book. So, a “bad” review might not be a bad thing! But revealing the ending isn’t fair to anyone. If they feel they absolutely must reveal critical elements of the plot, they should post a spoiler alert so readers can choose whether or not to read that particular review.
Thanks for your comment!
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I’ve nominated you for the Blogger’s Recognition Award. I hope you look at it as the compliment I mean it as and please don’t feel obligated to participate if you don’t want to.
https://ramblingsfromthedarkness.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/blogger-recognition-award/
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