Hardcover Lover Confessions | Coming to Terms with the Type of Blogger I Am Now

Had you asked me five years ago when I started my The Hardcover Lover where I'd be today, I probably would have said happily teaching and reading in my spare time. While I'm still reading, I'm definitely not reading as much as I used to read. I'm not upset about it, but I do feel like it's had an impact on my blogging and the kind of blogger I want to be in the future (if there is a future for me in blogging).

Hardcover Lover Confessions: How Many Books Until it's Considered Hoarding?

Hey there all you little Hardcover Lovers! Welcome to the latest edition of Hardcover Lover Confessions. 

If you aren't familiar with Hardcover Lover Confessions, they're basically discussion posts. I don't have a set schedule for them - they just come as I think of different kinds of bookish posts. Basically, they're just really informal discussion posts wherein I write (or sometimes rant) about certain things going on in the book community or things affecting me as a reader. The posts are fun, and you, my readers, are always encouraged to confess your own thoughts in the comments!

The Hardcover Lover Confessions | Feeling Like a Black Sheep in the Book Community

Hey, everyone, and welcome to the latest edition of The Hardcover Lover Confessions. For those of you who don't know, The Hardcover Lover Confessions is my take on a discussion post, which you probably don't see too often around here... Don't worry... I'm working on changing that.

Anyway, in these Hardcover Lover Confessions posts, you will find my thoughts on certain subject that affect the book community. I feel like these posts are a way for you, my readers, to get to know me better, and in return, I hope that I get to know you better through your comments.

Hardcover Lover Confessions | Dishonestly, Frustration, Scams, and How to Avoid Getting a Bad Name in the Book Community

Welcome to the latest installment of my discussion post feature, Hardcover Lover Confessions!

In these Hardcover Lover Confessions posts, I confess bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things with my readers, and then I encourage everyone to start discussing the issue with everyone else. It's a really fun way to get some bookish confessions off your chest, but it's also a great way to get to know other people in the blogosphere by commenting and interacting.

There really isn't an order as to when I post my Confessions - I kind of come up with them when an issue arises or a thought pops into my head. Sometimes, an issue just eats away at me until I finally decide to write a post. Ergo, there could be one a month or there could be a few a month. There could even be a month when I don't post a Hardcover Lovers Confessions at all. It just all depends on what's going on in the book community or how I feel.

The Hardcover Lover Confessions | Headphones and Book Cover Design

Hey, there, and welcome to the latest edition of my discussion post feature, The Hardcover Lover Confessions! In these confessional-like posts, I confess my bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things about the book community with my readers, and then I encourage everyone to start discussing the issue with everyone else in the comments. It's a really fun way to get some bookish confessions off your chest, but it's also a great way to get to know other people in the blogosphere by commenting and interacting.

There really isn't an order as to when I post my Confessions - I kind of come up with them when an issue arises or a thought pops into my head. Sometimes, an issue just eats away at me until I finally decide to write a post. Ergo, there could be one a month or there could be a few a month. There could even be a month when I don't post a Hardcover Lovers Confessions at all. It just all depends on what's going on in the book community or how I feel.

Hardcover Lover Confessions | My Messy Shelves

Hey, everyone! I know it's been a while, but I'm back with another Hardcover Lover Confessions post! 

In case you forgot what Hardcover Lover Confessions is, I'll remind you! These posts work as a discussion post here on The Hardcover Lover. They are a way for me to express my thoughts and opinions on events going on in the blogosphere, or just for me to confess something about my bookish self.

Hardcover Lover Confessions | My Commenting Habits

Hello there, everyone, and welcome to another Hardcover Lover Confessions post! I'm sure that many of you now know that Hardcover Lover Confessions is a discussion post feature on The Hardcover Lover. In these posts, I confess my feelings and thoughts on things going on in the blogosphere, but sometimes I just use them to share advice or habits of mine.

Hardcover Lover Confessions | Dark Themes in YA Literature

Hey, everyone! Welcome to the latest edition of my discussion post feature, Hardcover Lover Confessions! In these Hardcover Lover Confessions posts, I confess bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things with my readers. For me, it's a really fun and informal way to get some bookish confessions off my chest, but it's also a great way to get to know other people in the blogosphere by commenting and interacting.

I have a special Confessions post for you today, brought to you by Penguin Teen and Gayle Forman. Because of this, it's set up a little differently, but my thoughts and opinions are still represented.

So let's get to it. Today, I'm talking about darker themes and issues in YA books.

Hardcover Lover Confessions | Upcoming Book-to-Movie Adaptations on My Must See List

 

Hey, there, and welcome to the latest edition of my discussion post feature, Hardcover Lover Confessions! In these Hardcover Lover Confessions posts, I confess bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things with my readers, and then I encourage everyone to start discussing the issue with everyone else. It's a really fun way to get some bookish confessions off your chest, but it's also a great way to get to know other people in the blogosphere by commenting and interacting.

There really isn't an order as to when I post my Confessions - I kind of come up with them when an issue arises or a thought pops into my head. Sometimes, an issue just eats away at me until I finally decide to write a post. Ergo, there could be one a month or there could be a few a month. There could even be a month when I don't post a Hardcover Lovers Confessions at all. It just all depends on what's going on in the book community or how I feel.

Hardcover Lover Confessions | Morals in the Book Blogging Community

Welcome to the latest installment of my discussion post feature, Hardcover Lover Confessions!

In these Hardcover Lover Confessions posts, I confess bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things with my readers, and then I encourage everyone to start discussing the issue with everyone else. It's a really fun way to get some bookish confessions off your chest, but it's also a great way to get to know other people in the blogosphere by commenting and interacting.

There really isn't an order as to when I post my Confessions - I kind of come up with them when an issue arises or a thought pops into my head. Sometimes, an issue just eats away at me until I finally decide to write a post. Ergo, there could be one a month or there could be a few a month. There could even be a month when I don't post a Hardcover Lovers Confessions at all. It just all depends on what's going on in the book community or how I feel.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (13)

Hardcover Lover Confessions is one of two regularly posted discussion post features on The Hardcover Lover.

In the Hardcover Lover Confession posts, I confess bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things with my readers, and then I encourage everyone to start discussing the issue with everyone else. It's a really fun way to get some bookish confessions off your chest.

There really isn't an order as to when I post my Confessions - I kind of come up with them when an issue arises or a thought pops into my head. Sometimes, an issue just eats away at me until I finally decide to write a post. Ergo, there could be one a month or there could be a few a month. There could even be a month when I don't post a Hardcover Lovers Confessions at all. It just all depends on what's going on in the book community or how I feel.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (12)

Hardcover Lover Confessions (or HCL Confessions) is a discussion post feature on The Hardcover Lover. In the posts, I confess bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things with my readers, and then I encourage everyone to start discussing that comment with one another.

There really isn't an order as to when I post my Confessions - I kind of come up with them when an issue arises or a thought pops into my head. Ergo, there could be one a month or there could be a few a month. It just all depends on what's going on in the book community or how I feel.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (11)

Hardcover Lover Confessions (or HCL Confessions) is a discussion post feature on The Hardcover Lover. In the posts, I confess bookish habits, thoughts, or other random things with my readers, and then I encourage everyone to start discussing that comment with one another.

There really isn't an order as to when I post my Confessions - I kind of come up with them when an issue arises or a thought pops into my head. Ergo, there could be one a month or there could be a few a month. It just all depends on what's going on in the book community or how I feel.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (10)

Hello there, Hardcover Lover readers! By now, HCL Confessions are a pretty important part of my blog, and I'm sure many of you have now become a little more acquainted with the discussion feature.

In case you're not familiar with it, I'll briefly explain what it is. Basically, every few weeks or so (or whenever an issue arises), I take a bookish subject and write about it. I'll confess my thoughts or worries, ergo Hardcover Lover Confessions.

I'm encouraging all of my followers, and even non-followers to join in and discuss your thoughts on each topic with me and with the other bloggers/people who leave comments. Seriously... we'd all love to hear what you have to say because everyone has an opinion! It's all about kindly expressing ourselves and making connections with other bloggers and readers while forming blogging friendships.  Don't be afraid to reply to a comment made by someone you've never spoken to! I can promise you that all of my followers are kind and outgoing.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (9)

Hello there, Hardcover Lovers! I'm sure many of you have now become a little more acquainted with my discussion feature, HCL Confessions. In case you're not familiar with it, I'll briefly explain it. Basically, every few weeks or so, I take a bookish subject and write about it. I'll confess my thoughts or worries, ergo Hardcover Lover Confessions.

I'm encouraging all of my followers to join in and discuss your thoughts on each topic with me and with the other bloggers/people who leave comments. Seriously... we'd all love to hear what you have to say because everyone has an opinion! It's all about kindly expressing ourselves and making connections with other bloggers and readers while forming blogging friendships.  Don't be afraid to reply to a comment made by someone you've never spoken to! I can promise you that all of my followers are kind and outgoing.

HCL Confession on Assigned School Reading

I'm sure you all had a feeling this this one was coming when you consider the fact that I'm an English teacher. Right? Okay, okay. Even if you didn't know this post was coming, it's here.

We've all been there... even though we love reading for fun, sometimes the thought of reading a book for school can be daunting or drive you crazy. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't like everything that I read in English classes. Sometimes the books are good and keep you interested, but other times... not so much.

Today, I'm here to share some of my favorite and least favorite assigned readings.

Least Favorite School Reads:

• Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt - This was a book that was assigned to me in eighth grade, and I just remember dreading class when we were reading it. I felt like it was boring back then. 
• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson - GASP! I guess I should tell you that eighth grade was a bad year for me, and it really affected who I was as a student. I didn't enjoy reading this one either. I do plan on revisiting this book in the future because I don't understand how I didn't like it.

Favorite School Reads:

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - I loved reading this book during my junior year of high school, even though we had to rush it. It's just one of those books that I'll treasure forever because I loved the setting, plot, and the characters. It was magical the first time around, and then years later, in college, it was even more magical.
• The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - I didn't think I'd like this book when it was assigned during my junior year of high school, but I loved it for showing me that all people have flaws, and that it's okay. The story had me on the edge of my seat, and I'd love to teach this book in the future.
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - Umm, can you say best assigned reading ever!? There's just so much symbolism in this one, and it's beautiful and comical. I loved reading it, and I am currently loving re-reading and teaching it.
• The Crucible by Arthur Miller - Okay, technically this one is a play, but it's probably my favorite thing I ever read while I was in school. (It's also another book from my junior year.) It's also my favorite work that I've taught in my short teaching experience. I'd love to have a chance to teach this if I ever get a full time job because there is just so much to do with this stunning play.
• The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan - During my senior year, we had a new teacher, and while we didn't read the whole thing (we read bits and pieces), I remember loving this book. I am definitely going to make sure that I reread this one before I die.
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare - I don't know why, but this was my favorite Shakespeare play back in high school. It was just fun to read, and I remember reading ahead of everyone because I was just loving it.
• The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare - This was a play that I read during my Shakespeare class in college, and I loved it. It's my all-time favorite Shakespeare play because it's just realistically hilarious, and I recommend this one to everyone!

Your Confessions

Now I want to hear from you! The school year is almost over, so I'm sure many of you who are in school probably have a lot to say about what you read this year. And for those of you who are no longer in school, I'm sure some titles from your teenage years stick out as being great reads or ones that made you want to skip school.

Let me know about your favorite and least favorite assigned readings in the comments. We can even keep track of how many times people respond with the same books!

Oh, and happy summer vacation!

Hardcover Lover Confessions (7)

Welcome back to Hardcover Lover Confessions, everyone!

By now, I'm hoping that you've become a little more acquainted with my new every-once-in-a-while feature, Hardcover Lover Confessions. These posts are kind of like discussion posts, wherein I share a little bookish secret or two of mine. Every few weeks (or whenever I find something I want to share), I'll post my thoughts on something going on in the book blogging world or just general bookish thoughts.

I'm encouraging all of my followers to join in and discuss your thoughts on each topic with me and with the other bloggers/people who leave comments. Don't be afraid to reply to a comment made by someone you've never spoken to before! I can promise you that all of my followers are kind and outgoing, and that you might even make a new friend after commenting.

HCL Confession on Dog-Eared Books

Here's something that people might not know about me - I hate seeing when people dog-ear books! Gasp! I just find it cringe-worthy to see someone purposefully deface a book. Strangely, I didn't always feel that way...

When I was a senior in high school, my English class was reading Tuesdays with Morrie. As usual, everybody got a copy of the book to take to and from class. One day, we were reading silently because our teacher needed to grade some of our stuff. When the bell rang, I gathered up my things. I was the last person to leave class, and of course, I was busted folding the page. My teacher wasn't mad, but she wasn't happy. She handed me a bookmark and told me that I was only ruining the book if I dog-eared it. I haven't folded down a page on a book since that day.

Before that moment, I'd never really given dog-eared pages much thought. I didn't have an extensive book collection then, and if I didn't have a bookmark, I'd just fold down the page. Now I'm pretty anal about trying to keep my books in pristine condition, but I LOVE finding used books with dog-eared pages. Weird? Yeah... I'd say so. But... I'm kind of a freak.

What Do You Think?

Now I want to hear your thoughts on dog-eared pages. Are you okay with folding down a page to mark your place or when you find a quote or passage that you really enjoy? Does seeing a dog-eared page make you cringe like me? What do you think of my weird habit of finding dog-eared books? Do you prefer to fold a page or a bookmark?

Feel free to leave a comment to let me know, and be sure to interact with everyone else who comments. I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there who have some of the same habits as you, so don't be shy - say hi!

Hardcover Lover Confessions (5)

Hey there, everyone! By now, I hope that you've become a little more acquainted with my new every-once-in-a-while feature, Hardcover Lover Confessions. This is my fifth HCL Confessions post, and I've found that people seem to be enjoying them.

If you're new to The Hardcover Lover or just missed the first few posts, I'll fill you in. HCL Confessions are my discussion posts. Every few weeks, I'll post my thoughts on something going on in the book blogging world or just general bookish thoughts.

I'm encouraging all of my followers to join in and discuss your thoughts on each topic with me and with the other bloggers/people who leave comments. It's all about kindly expressing ourselves and making connections with other bloggers and readers while forming blogging friendships.  Don't be afraid to reply to a comment made by someone you've never spoken to! I can promise you that all of my followers are kind and outgoing.

HCL Confession on ARC Envy:

ARCs - (n.) advance reader/review copies; galley copies of books that are soon to be published that are sent to reviewers and bloggers for review purposes

related terms - eARCs, galley

Recently, people have been asking me a lot of crazy questions about my blog. Most of them are about ARCs and how I get them. Unfortunately, a few people have admitted to me that they are  jealous that certain bloggers are sent physical ARCs. A few people just want to start blogs for the ARCs. I understand feeling jealous sometimes, but I do not understand starting a blog just for free books. It's absurd, and that's not why book bloggers do what they do. We're here because we all share a love for reading.

I'm sure that many of you are familiar with the Twitter discussions on ARC Envy because it's literally been a huge issue within the book blogosphere. So what is ARC Envy? Well it's pretty simple. People get jealous of bloggers who have been granted access to digital galleys or sent physical ARCs. Things have been getting out of hand. People are extremely angry that some bloggers are able to obtain ARCs - so mad that they have pretty much thought that just because they also blog, they deserve these books. Here's the thing: ARCs are a privilege, not a right.

I'm sure that many of you already know that you just won't be sent ARCs because you already have a book review blog. Some people unfortunately don't know that. Being sent ARCs is a tricky business, and it all depends on the books and publishers. I won't speak for publishing houses, but all of them have their own preferences. They might send one blogger one ARC but another blogger might not be sent it. Why? They want to make sure that they are sending these ARCs to people who will read and review them, and most of the time, it's to bloggers who they trust.

Trust me. I don't get all of the ARCs that I request. It's all about waiting and doing your time. But the ARC Envy needs to stop. There are ways that you can prevent this:

1. Do not create a blog just for the ARCs - Mostly everyone who has a book blog keeps one because they love reading and sharing their thoughts with others. Many people do not wake up and create a book blog because they know that ARCs will be involved because that's not the case. Book bloggers are here for the community.
2. Only request ARCs that you want to read - When you've reached a certain point (usually around six months of active blogging), you can start to request ARCs. You should only request books that you want to read. If you get an ARC and decide not to read it, you're essentially taking it away from a reviewer who would have read and reviewed it. Advance reviews generate buzz, so it's best to pass on a book if you won't read and review it before it's published.
3. Sign up for an ARC tour - There are certain groups and authors that send out ARCs through snail mail. You don't get to keep the ARC, but you will be allotted a certain time to read it before sending it to another person. 
4. Enter giveaways - Goodreads always has giveaways, and many of these books are ARCs. This is how I got my first few ARCs, and it's nice, especially if you are just starting your blog.
5. Don't ask someone you don't know to send you their ARCs - I've had this happen. It's true that some bloggers (including me) will share their ARCs with other bloggers (if permitted by the publisher), but you can't just ask someone you don't really know to send you one. I'm all for sharing, but I share with the right people. I want to make sure that I get my ARCs back and that someone won't just steal them, so that's why I only share with my blogging friends or with trusted groups.
6. Do not engage in ARC drama - Too many times, I've heard about this happening. If you don't get an ARC, don't badmouth the author or publisher. It only makes you look bad, and it will probably cost you any ARCs in the future because you don't look professional.
7. Do not buy ARCs from other bloggers - This is something new I've noticed on Twitter and Instagram. People are selling their ARCs after they are done with them. This is illegal! They say "NOT FOR SALE" on the cover for a reason. Do not purchase any ARCs from another blogger because they are breaking the law. You should really report them to the publisher of that book. 

Now I want to hear from you! How do you prevent ARC envy? Have you ever had a case of it? What did you do to prevent ARC envy? Do you have any other tips to share with other bloggers?

Feel free to leave comments and share your thoughts, but please be kind, courteous, and professional. I don't want to see anyone naming names or calling out other bloggers.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (4)

Hello, everyone! I hope that you've become a little more acquainted with my new every-once-in-a-while feature, Hardcover Lover Confessions.

If you're new to The Hardcover Lover or just missed the first few posts, I'll fill you in. HCL Confessions are my discussion posts. Every few weeks, I'll post my thoughts on something going on in the book blogging world or just general bookish thoughts.

I'm encouraging all of my followers to join in and discuss your thoughts on each topic with me and with the other bloggers/people who leave comments. It's all about kindly expressing ourselves and making connections with other bloggers and readers while forming blogging friendships.  Don't be afraid to reply to a comment made by someone you've never spoken to! I can promise you that all of my followers are kind and outgoing.

HCL Confession on DNFing Books:

Before I joined the book blogging world, I didn't really think about not finishing a book. If I wasn't enjoying a book, I would leave a bookmark in it, and make a promise to myself that I would one day finish it. After a few weeks, that book, with the bookmark still intact, would just end up on my shelf, never to be touched again.

A few years ago, things started to change. If I knew I would never finish the book, I would stop reading and pretend like I had never started the book. Eventually those books would make their way to Half Price Books or thrift stores. Obviously, I was sad, but I didn't want to waste my time.

You see... before I was a book blogger, I was embarrassed if I didn't finish a book. Now I'm a little more neutral. I still don't like putting a book down permanently, but I understand that it's okay. Plus, I know that there are others out there with the same tastes as me. If I can help them, awesome. If not, that's okay too. Still, I don't want to waste my time reading something I don't like, but there are still some times when I force myself to finish a really bad book. I guess old habits die hard.

These days, I'm more actively reading other book blogs. I've noticed a lot of DNF reviews or blurbs than I did in the past when I would browse a few blogs once a week. If I've DNFed the same book or a book by that author, I actually take the time to read them and fully understand them, especially if I know that another blogger and I have similar taste in books. If I haven't read the books yet, I take a mental note of the DNF reviews I see, especially if the review/blurb is posted by someone who likes the same kinds of books. Those reviews help me decide what books I won't be buying.

Sometimes I feel extremely awkward when I write a DNF review. I feel like people will judge me for not finishing a book. But I understand that there are going to be people out there who love that book, and then there will be people like me who didn't enjoy it. It's okay to share your thoughts with the world on a book you didn't finish as long as it's done respectfully. Other times, I simply just go to Goodreads and leave a DNF review instead of writing one for my blog.

Going along with my last HCL Confession... I would never bash a book simply because I didn't like it or didn't finish it. I take the time to consider the reasons why I didn't finish the book. I then write a professional review. I even include some things from the book that I did enjoy to let my readers know that there were some good parts, but just not enough to keep me interested.

So... What are your thoughts on not finishing a book? Have you ever done it? Have you written DNF reviews or blurbs? Feel free to discuss your thoughts in the comments with me and with other bloggers.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (3)

Hardcover Lover Confessions is a new, every-once-in-a-while feature that I'll be posting on my blog. It's a way for me to express and discuss my thoughts and opinions on news and events I come across in the book blogging world. It's also a way for me to get to know my followers better. Everyone is more than welcome to join the conversations that we start and get talking. We'd love to know what you're thinking, but if I see that you're being abusive, I will delete all of your comments, and you will be asked to never comment on HCL Confessions ever again.

I won't be posting a HCL Confession every week, but I will be posting these little discussion posts when I find that I have something to share with the book blogosphere.

HLC Confession on Author Behavior

It's no surprise that in this day and age, authors are an online presence through social media - Websites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Goodreads. All of these websites are wonderful tools that authors can use to reach out to their readers and for readers to reach out to an author. It's like heaven for book publishing. I've met and talked to so many awesome authors through Twitter and Goodreads. It's a wonderful feeling when one of your favorite authors responds to you, and it makes you feel important in such a large world.

There is also the downside to being on social media, and please don't put words in my mouth on this because this is no way any kind of an accusation. Authors, like everyone else, need to be careful of what they put on the Internet. I might seem like a teacher for this, but whatever, I am a teacher. Once you post something on the Internet, it's there forever. Even if something is deleted, you still have to worry about it being cached or someone else re-posting it. That's why it makes me so sad to see when an author does something unprofessional on the Internet. It's one hundred percent avoidable, but when it happens, it can, and it probably will spread like wildfire.

Now I'm not going to name names in this post because I don't want to start anything with any authors, but I'm sure some of you will remember some of the crazy stuff that's happened in the book blogging world lately. Some of them have been pretty bad and illegal, and others have been just downright stupid. The sad thing is that only a few authors are posting upsetting and unprofessional things online. It's not every single author, and many authors are upset when they see their colleagues do something wrong. But those few who get angry and make a post when they are "in the moment" really make online book reviewers feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. I'm in no way saying that an author shouldn't have feelings - they are human - but they definitely need to be careful online.

The fact that authors lose their cool and do something unprofessional is just sad. So many authors are extremely savvy and they realize that online reviewers are a huge part of the publishing process, whether they read an advance copy or not. It's great to see when they support reviewers, and even a few of them reach out to people who didn't like their books to simply see why without accusing them of attacking them or starting dramatics. This is how I think it should be. Being professional will get you so far in life. I'm even more likely to read a book by someone who conducts him or herself professionally online, even if I disliked a book by them before. 

My question is actually very simple. Why aren't publicists guiding their clients to be more professional online? It's not very hard to shoot someone an email to tell them that they've crossed a line. 

Now... what can you do if you find yourself upset over author behavior? Well there are a few things. 

• Do not retaliate - It's hard not to do this if you feel like you've been victimized, but don't do anything that can damage your reputation as a reviewer. You can try emailing the author or the publisher if you see something damaging about yourself from an author online. If it's something more general and applied to the blogging community, just learn to ignore it or mark the book or author as someone you won't read.
• Don't make fun of an author - It just makes you look bad and very unprofessional.
• Delete the book from your Goodreads shelves or cancel your pre-orders - It's always tough to see an author do something damaging online before his or her book is published. If it offended you enough, you can cancel any pre-orders for those books that you might have placed.
• Try emailing the publisher - Publishers and publicists aren't always policing their clients' online accounts. There just isn't enough time, and there are so many authors. If enough people bring attention to it, something might be said to the author to warrant an apology.
• Submit NetGalley feedback - If you had an eARC and an author has done something upsetting, send feedback on NetGalley. This can be done on the bottom of the feedback page. Keep it professional, but let the publisher know why you won't be reading the title.
• Be careful with Goodreads reviews - When an author knows he or she made a mistake, he/she will be on the lookout for bad reviews on Goodreads. Don't attack the author in your review. Be honest and professional. If you had an ARC but are no longer interested in reading it, say something simple like "I was given an ARC but am no longer interested." It will keep you out of trouble.

So... what are your thoughts on online author behavior? Do you think there should be a way for us to reach out to authors if they've done something offensive without starting a war? Who are some of your favorite authors who conduct themselves in great ways? Have you ever seen an author post something that just makes you shake your head?

PLEASE DO NOT NAME ANY NAMES IN THIS POST. IF YOU DO, YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED. YOU WILL ALSO BE ASKED NOT TO COMMENT ON HCL CONFESSIONS AGAIN.

Hardcover Lover Confessions (2)

Hardcover Lover Confessions is a new, every-once-in-a-while feature that I'll be posting on my blog. It's a way for me to express and discuss my thoughts on things I come across in the book blogging world, but also a way for me to get to know my followers better. Everyone is more than welcome to join the conversations and get talking.

I won't be posting a HCL Confession every week, but I will be posting them when I find that I have something to share with the book blogosphere. They might be about blogging news, or even about a book that I might have disliked even though it's popular. Bottom line - anything and everything can be discussed. I encourage you to join in the conversations, and leave comments. You can even suggest topics for a HCL Confession. All I ask is that you be respectful if you disagree with my opinions.

HCL Confession on Disliking Popular Books:

I'm sure we've all been there because I've seen this topic discussed before. Everyone is talking about the same book, and it seems like just about everyone loves it. The problem? You don't. It's hard not to feel like the black sheep in the book world when you're in this situation.  It seems like it's you against the world. What's a reader to do?

I've been in this situation more than a few times, and let me tell you... it's tough. For the longest time, I was even afraid to talk about my feelings on one particular book because I saw how brutal things got for people who disliked popular books on Goodreads. I still see bloggers saying that people have sent hateful comments because they have a different opinion. Why would I subject myself to that situation over one book? I quietly gave the book a one star rating, and quickly changed my Goodreads profile settings so people who weren't friends with me couldn't comment on the review. 

But why live in fear? We're all entitled to our own opinions, right? Why should I fear that someone might call me out? Eventually, I posted the review for said book on my blog, and I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. And the best part... not one person said anything terrible about me disliking the book!

Have you ever felt like an oddball because you hated a book that everyone else loved? Were you ever afraid of posting a review on your blog or on Goodreads because of it? Feel free to discuss with me or with other bloggers in the comments.