I often don't read reviews.
In fact I have a full page warning, right in the front of the book, that no one under the age of eighteen should read this book and no one should even turn the pages if they are sexually conservative or erotically deprived.
When you buy my books, you kind of know what you're in for. It's kind of self-selecting. If you have a delicate sensibility, and you're easily grossed out, you probably will never read one of my books.
At the end, we can embrace and love whatever we want of an author's work. But we also can't ignore a writer's express wish just because we don't happen to agree with it.
A story has to be a good date, because the reader can stop at any time. Remember, readers are selfish and have no compulsion to be decent about anything.
Some say it is the elements of hope and wonder in children's books that make them special. But there are many dark young adult novels these days. Adults loved Harry Potter, though it was written for the young. In the end, it is probably up to the reader of any age to decide if this book is for him or her.
Whether my columns are worth reading isn't for me to say.
I'm not a critic so much of my own writing. People must make up their own minds over that.
If my books appear to a reader to be oversimplified, then you shouldn't read them: You're not the audience!
I don't read reviews anymore.
But in all things whether we shall make only a due use of the liberties we have asked, is left entirely to the judicious reader to decide.
If you wish to avoid an unpleasant story you had best put this book down
