If it makes you angy
Then why the hell are you so sad?
If it makes you angry
Then surely you should be happy
That it makes you feel anything at all?
Is it better to just enjoy something that’s meh, or to feel something bad? Life is full of horrible moments and so surely the entertainment we consume should mirror that and make us feel all those uncomfortable emotions?
I only ask, because I’m reading a book that is making me feel extremely angry. And while I’m reading things, I automatically find myself thinking about what star rating I’m going to give it on Goodreads. And because this is making me feel angry, I wanted to rate it quite low.
However, it may be wrong to criticise an artist or writer for making you feel uncomfortable. Surely that is the point of art? Perhaps this book is a five star after all…
Much Love
Rachel xx
Margot Kinberg
That’s a tough one, Rachel, but for what it’s worth, here’s my view. When a story draws you in so much that you feel strongly about it, even if what you feel is anger, then it’s successful at transporting you. And that, to me, can make for a powerful story.
patientandkindlove
Yep, I agree. I’m pushing through with reading it because the writing is good and so surely the writer is achieving what writers aim to do…
clcouch123
Hmm. Recently, I read a book about language and found myself disagreeing with its premises and points. I stopped reading the book. Which is not necessarily exemplary. Rating a book with stars and comments is self-expressive and potentially a help to others. So if you finish the book and then rate it high or low (low in this case), the rating might be useful all around.
patientandkindlove
I agree that sometimes it’s just too much to continue with a book that either brings up bad feelings or that you disagree with. I just worry that I’ll put somebody off a book, when it’s just my personal feelings that are influencing my rating. It’s a tricky one…