A positive + a negative = a positive
only if the original positive > the original negative
Huh? This math rule never made much sense to me. So if I apply this to reviews, does it make sense? Do the positive comments outshine the negative ones only if the original positive comment was greater than the original bad thing someone said?
The following are actual reviews for Coyote In Love. They all seem to contradict one another, so while it seems important to read reviews, it probably is more entertaining than anything else.
+ “She tells the story elegantly, allowing the reader to see and feel Coyote’s every word and action.”
– ”The legendary Coyote falls hopelessly in love in this meager and rather melancholy Native American tale.”
+ a child writes; “Coyote In Love is a little funny. I like the part when Coyote was running for the star up the mountain but the star was running away from Coyote.”
– ”If the reader is old enough to disassociate from Coyote’s rejection and hurt and you can get past the name calling, the book is worth reading.”
+ ”fun to read because the author has sprinkled a perfectly paced text with words of different colors, shapes and textures which often dance or leap unexpectedly across the page”…
– ”the zesty artwork and chatty text are at odds with the sorrowful story line.”
+ ”A beautiful book for reading to children before bedtime or enjoying yourself this retelling of a Northwest Coyote legend is exceptionally appealing…”
– ”The rudeness and rejection from the Star might be considered inappropriate behavior to show a child, although many myths are harsh.”
+ …”Readers will smile at Coyote’s arrogance and the star’s sassy rebuff”
– ”his deep abiding love borders on harassment.”
+ “With an interesting layout and typography supporting an appealing tale, this is worthy addition to collections.”
– ”urging children to explore the rich traditions of Native American culture is arrogant.”
+ Certificate of Excellence from Bookbuilders West 1998 – recognizing excellence in concept, design and manufacture
– “It’s another overdone, rhythm-less vehicle to showcase an alleged artist’s “bright, whimsical renditions of Coyote,” who, right now, may be cooking up a way to get back at her.”
+ a 10 year old writes: …”the borders tell the story as much as the words. I especially like the first border because it has little pictures of the blanket that kids are under, listening to the story, and so every time I see another border I remember that it’s a story being told but a mama to her children.”
+ 2000 – Children’s Book Council; Not Just for Kids Anymore Award!
So what really matters is that you wrote your book, and someone, somewhere is reading it. Here’s the proof.