10 Things I Hate About Starred Book Reviews
In the world of publishing, the question that often hangs in the air during conversations among colleagues is, “Why wasn’t [insert book title here] starred?” This inquiry, while seemingly innocuous, reveals a deeper issue within the realm of book reviews. Starred reviews, which are often seen as the gold standard, come with their own set of complications that can overshadow the very purpose they aim to serve. Here are ten reasons why starred reviews can be problematic.
1. Comparison is the Death of Contentment
Starred reviews inherently create a hierarchy among books. When one title receives a star, it sets a benchmark that other noteworthy titles may struggle to meet. This comparison fosters a culture of dissatisfaction, where books that may be equally deserving of recognition are relegated to the “less than” category. It’s a disheartening reality that can diminish the appreciation for diverse literary voices.
2. Equal Effort, Unequal Recognition
The effort that goes into creating a book is immense, regardless of whether it receives a star. Authors, illustrators, and editors pour their hearts and souls into their work, yet the absence of a star can lead to self-doubt and questions about what more could have been done. This disparity in recognition can be demoralizing for those who have invested significant time and energy into their projects.
3. The Compartmentalization of Work
Starred reviews can lead to a dangerous compartmentalization of an author’s body of work. When creators begin to categorize their books into “starred” and “non-starred” piles, they risk losing sight of the holistic value of their contributions. This binary view can overshadow the richness of an author’s entire portfolio, reducing it to a mere marketing label.
4. Budgetary Implications
In the publishing world, starred reviews can significantly influence budget decisions. Books that receive a certain number of starred reviews may qualify for increased marketing support, while others—despite their merit—may be overlooked. This financial disparity can limit the visibility of deserving titles, creating an uneven playing field in the marketplace.
5. The Shorthand of Stars
For many readers and retailers, a starred review serves as a shorthand for quality. Unfortunately, this can lead to a situation where the star is the only part of the review that gets read. As a result, other noteworthy titles—those that might fill a specific niche or offer unique perspectives—can be ignored simply because they lack that coveted star.
6. Awards Season Momentum
Starred reviews often propel books into the awards season spotlight. However, this focus on starred titles can overshadow the vast array of books published each season. Many deserving works may go unnoticed, as the industry fixates on a select few, leaving a wealth of literary treasures in the shadows.
7. The Unstarred Books Dilemma
The impact of starred reviews extends beyond initial sales; they can also influence award committees. While some committees may consider starred status, many readers and judges may unconsciously dismiss unstarred books. This bias can prevent exceptional works from receiving the recognition they deserve, simply because they lack a star.
8. A Snapshot in Time
A starred review is often a reflection of opinions at a specific moment, yet the star remains a permanent fixture in a book’s life. Over time, societal attitudes, literary trends, and reader preferences can shift, rendering a starred book less relevant. Conversely, a book that may not have received a star could resonate deeply with readers long after its initial release.
9. Impact on an Author’s Legacy
Starred reviews can cast a long shadow over an author’s entire body of work. A celebrated author may find themselves wishing for recognition of earlier works that didn’t receive stars. This can create a sense of inadequacy, as the focus on starred titles can overshadow the value of non-starred books that are equally worthy of praise.
10. The Reader Who Needs It Most
Perhaps the most significant issue with starred reviews is their potential to limit access to books that could profoundly impact readers. A starred book may reach a wide audience, but the unstarred title sitting right next to it might be the one that resonates with a reader in need. This reality underscores the importance of recognizing the value of all books, not just those that receive stars.
In the end, while starred reviews can serve as a useful tool in the publishing industry, they also come with a host of challenges that can complicate the landscape of literary recognition. The conversation around starred reviews is not just about accolades; it’s about the broader implications for authors, readers, and the literary community as a whole.
