Yet how important, or rather, how helpful are book reviews?
Take John Grisham’s new novel “Gray Mountain” for instance.
Professional reviewers rave about the book, but readers are everything but happy with the story.
Note the difference:
Editorial Reviews Review “An important new novel...
Grisham’s work—always superior entertainment—is evolving into something more serious, more powerful, more worthy of his exceptional talent.” —Patrick Anderson, The Washington Post
“John Grisham makes a powerful closing argument against Big Coal, but the message never obscures a satisfying, old fashioned, good guy-bad guy legal thriller.” --Christian Science Monitor
“Grisham has written one of his best legal dramas in quite some time with this dive into small-town politics. There's a mystery, but that's a minor portion of the story. The main thrust that will engage readers is Samantha Kofer and the cast of characters that help her discover her passion.” —Associated Press
Actual reader reviews:
Who Wrote This?
By elizabeth on October 24, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I kept waiting for the excitement to begin....never happened. Main character Pollyanna and weak. Very sorry I spent time and money on this book. I have read all of his books and can't believe it is the same author.
Elizabeth gives the book one star.
Empty plot poor effort on Grisham's part
By David Cahn on October 24, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I'm almost halfway through this book, and NOTHING has happened, except for endless exposition about the evils of coal mining, which, while true, is no substitute for an actual plot. Don't waste your money!
Another one star review.
By michael bartow on October 25, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Really, no ending. Just a wandering diatribe. I'm a Grisham fan but I was never "involved" in this book. Shallow characters, unresolved issues. As a male author with a female main character I have to say he shouldn't try this again. She was one hundred percent vanilla. I'm still wondering what the point of the novel was.
Michael also gives the book one star.
This was the most boring book I have read in years
By Jacqueline K. on October 25, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This was the most boring book I have read in years. The characters were uninspiring and dull and it did not feel as though Mr. Grisham had written this book as I have read all his previous books and loved them. I did not finish the book and I would not recommend it to anyone. A complete waste of one's time
Another one star review.
Who are you going to believe? People who get paid to write reviews, or those who actually read the book?
Personally I’m with David Cahn. I’m reading the book myself and let me say this … if you’re interested in deep coal mining, strip mining, the effects coal sludge has on the environment and black lung disease, you’re in for a treat. If you want a good story and suspense … don’t bother.