EVEN A 5-STAR READ HAS HATERS

I've been reading a lot recently. There have been some books that I've really really liked, others not so much. I'm no critic so I judge a book primarily based on how it made me feel. I'm a simple girl ; a book doesn't have to do much to impress me.

If I do like a book, I make sure that I look it up on google and on my social media sites. This tricks my algorithm into recommending more posts about the book. My entire “ for you” page becomes a fan site literally.

That's how obsessed I can be.

Here's the catch…

In my search it's always so humbling to stumble on one article, post, or review that downgrades my masterpiece to trash — usually in the most hurtful way. Even in a sea of positive reviews, you don't have to swim far to stumble on the plastic waste of a negative review.

I don't think any book has been spared from this including the Bible.

Then I pause to wonder, “Wait, people actually hate this book? What's there to dislike? I thought we all liked it”.

I've seen this scenario play out so many times but does that does not lessen the shock I feel each time.

Some of these reviews are constructive enough but most—I dare say—are borderline vile. Some are able to articulate why they did not like the book while others keep throwing abuse upon abuse at the book.

This experience has exposed an already known secret, “we are not clones of each other, we all can't like the same things”.

As a creator, this fact encourages me and gives me cold feet all at the same time.

It makes rejection easier to stomach because I know that it is unavoidable but it is still a pity that not everyone is going to enjoy my work.

I know that I can give my very best on a project which will be well received by most people but there will always be some people who will never feel that vibe(Emphasis on “never”).

We are not clones of each other, we all can't like the same things.

Generally, life follows the same pattern; no matter how well you present yourself, some people will never choose you. You be widely acclaimed by your circle of friends or your organization, but someone will still have problem with you. In fact the fact that you are so widely loved might be the reason why someone doesn't like you.

A fundamental rule is respecting their preference but not tying your entire identity to anyone's opinion. Picking up the constructive criticism and leaving the chaff.

My point is, not everyone is going to like you or think the way you do and that's okay, taking a cue from literature, that even a 5 star read has haters.