How do you handle comments that ‘strongly’ disagree with your book review?

Bookish Verbosity is a non-regular feature at AEROPAPERS where I talk about topics that are related to books, blogging, and the book community.

Sometimes I take criticism of my work more seriously than it should be. I admit that (but I deal with it inwardly). And because I knew the feeling, I tried to be very careful with what I wrote. That said, I’m not withholding my opinion or sugar-coating things; I’m just careful about what I’m going to say. I mostly do pro-con things when it comes to reviews. I stated what I liked and laid out what I didn’t. I might hate the book, but I don’t tear it apart for other readers.

But even though I have this mindset, there is someone who will take my words for more than what they are. Reading and reviewing are subjective for me. I write negative reviews. And it’s inevitable that I won’t, because even though I want to love or like all the books I read, it’s just impossible. It is not going to happen despite my utmost enthusiasm. But there were times (which is really, really rare—like ‘once in a blue moon’ rare) I received comments telling me that they don’t agree with me (and was even challenged to write my own book because of it *sighs*).

Respect begets respect, right? Your passion should not lead you to disregard respect. I always believe that. It is why I don’t comment on reviews that I don’t agree with (but that’s just me). There is, however, nothing wrong with leaving comments as long as they are polite and objective. You’re not there to goad the writer; you just want a healthy discussion. And I love discussion! (I’m reading it mostly since I’m not really loquacious.) But I wouldn’t go that far as to ask the person to retract what he or she said because I don’t agree with him or her. It’s counterproductive for me, futile even. I won’t go to a negative review of Ignite Me and tell that person she was wrong. Because she isn’t. Because that’s her opinion, and I respect that.

I find it disrespectful if you force your opinion on me. I value everyone’s opinion, and I think we all should. I read negative reviews and highly value them; they balance out my perception of the book. While it will factor into my decision, it will not deter me from loving the book. Me loving or hating a book is mine alone. Like it is yours, too. We just need to accept that we interpret books in different and various ways, hence our different opinions.

ETA: I’m referring to comments that strongly disagree with you. One is pressing their opinion on you (as in trying to provoke you). It’s natural to not agree on something, and it’s ok to voice your opinion on it without disrespecting others.

So it’s your turn, bookish peeps. What can you say about people who disagree with your book review? How do you handle it? Care to share it with me?