Lynn Schooler: Having The Blue Bear reviewed has been quite an experience. The first review that came out, which appeared in the National Geographic Adventure magazine, was very, very complimentary, and I felt like the reviewer had read the book carefully and understood it. After that, the reviews have run the gamut of everything from very flattering to so off-base that I have to wonder if the reviewer actually read the book. But after the initial shock of having someone slam my work, I realized it was very important to just sit down and give the criticisms some impassive consideration to determine if they had any merit. And after doing so, I had to admit that some of the things that stung the worst did so because they were accurate, and in that way learned a few things that I hope will serve to make me a better writer in the future.
Mona Golabek: Absolutely heart-filled and joyous. The reviews have been wonderful, and I am deeply grateful.
Emma Sweeney: It's been wonderful. Reviews have been good (except one that said my father's letters were not erotic!) and the letters I have received from readers have meant so much to me. I've received very touching letters, making me glad I did the book.
Tony Perrottet: So far it's been great no real complaints, since the comment has been mostly positive, and nobody has denounced me for any glaring errors of fact or taste. Of course, one could always do with more column inches from reviewers, larger author photos and more repeated use of the word "brilliant," but I haven't felt anyone has been foolish or vindictive (the only weird review so far was from Seattle, where someone took me to task for being too entertaining! Apparently nonfiction books are supposed to be grimly serious, at least over there. It was panned somewhere in Germany, too, but I can't understand the review so my ego hasn't been too battered). I love getting emails from people I've never met, saying they read the book from cover to cover on their summer vacations, or whatever! It certainly makes a pleasant surprise getting a nice letter from a reader in the wilds of Maine --- it livens things up as I sift through the morning email!
Maria Rosa Menocal: Mostly terrific, and I have been lucky in that I have gotten mostly very nice reviews, although I think its also important to be aware that reviewers may have all sorts of axes to grind and to be prepared for all of those who will review your book on the basis of what they think the book should have been, or how they would have written the book. But I especially appreciate the many long and thoughtful and generous letters (and emails) I have gotten from readers, they obviously have no other agenda and are written from the heart and very much make the difficulties of writing seem so eminently worthwhile.
