TPP Update: Rumor has it...

The "Book Horde" as of 10/30/2012

Hello Readers & Authors,

     The past couple of months have been rough - family drama, illnesses, work, school, etc... - so I haven't been able to devote as much time to The Paperback Pursuer; however, I have been reading and posting whenever possible, usually a few posts per week. Unfortunately, this slowing pace has started to have a negative effect on the blog's reputation.

     I received an email last week about a post on a book-related website where a group of authors were discussing possible book reviewers. I was surprised to find myself mentioned as "unreliable", "fictitious", a "fraud", and "horrendously bias" by an author who was unsatisfied with my review process. Apparently, he had sent me a book in August and expected a review within a week - even though he was told that TPP was already backlogged and wouldn't be able to post a review until  January at the least. He accused me of offering my review services in exchange for free books with no intention of actually reading them. He then went on to say that TPP should be shut-down "... before her shoddy content and phony reviews begin to hurt real authors..." He then cited that I still hadn't provided him with the review he "deserved", and that he and other authors had wasted "time and money sending review materials". He even warned other authors and publishers to "steer clear" of TPP and its "dishonest content". 

     I was shocked by these accusations; as a matter of fact, I had read and reviewed his book a week prior - ahead of the initial date I gave him - and had given it an honest and decent review. I am not sure what sparked this author's rant, but I was annoyed and disheartened to say the least. I read, review, and blog as a hobby - NOT as a career! I do not receive any compensation for my reviews! Nor can I be bribed to change my own personal opinion(s) of a book! I do not have set dates for certain book reviews because I have a job and other obligations that simply come first; therefore, I get to a book review as soon as I can, and try to only take on what is possible at the present time. Am I behind on reviews? Yes! I whole-heartedly admit that I may have received more books in the past six months that I ever anticipated - many that showed up at my doorstep unannounced with no paperwork - but I am still going through each and every one of them, reading, taking notes, reflecting, reviewing, etc; no complaints. I have turned away over 230 review requests since June, and hope to have the current "book horde" reviewed by February, but I cannot promise that I will get to every book by them; especially if I continue to get mystery books in my mailbox every week. I have asked several authors to please stop giving out my personal address for this reason. If you are an author or publisher whom I am reviewing for, please contact me if you would like to know the status of my review and I will try my best to get back to you asap. Do not assume that I have forgotten about your book or have decided not to review it. 

   I love to read and review; I have been doing it since I was twelve and enjoy spreading the word about what I've read. I understand that some of my reviews aren't favorable, but not everyone enjoys the same genres or story-lines. I try to be fair based on my own opinions, and I will not change my practices because of a disgruntled author. I hope that I have made this as clear as possible. Again, please contact me if you have any questions. Don't send me hate mail or try and defame TPP because you are impatient or unhappy about a review. Thank-you.

Allizabeth