I can only speak for myself as a reader. Of course, I’m also a blogger, so maybe that makes me a bit biased. I think power is too strong a word. Influence would be better. I can’t say either bloggers or professional critics have more influence on me either way. I have chosen books that are popular with other bloggers or with critics, but I do not always feel the same way myself. I also often find myself loving books that might not be as popular with others. So, I would say the only thing that influences me is the book itself.
I love to read and write book reviews in my free time. I review advance review copies of books on Netgalley for various publishers. I am also a reviewer for Historical Novels Review Magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. I review books from publishers of all size, large to small. I have a special place in my heart for indie authors. I will sometimes post a little writing that I might dabble in occasionally. I also am lucky enough to live in the Smoky Mountains, so I'll be sharing photos of the beauty around me from time to time.
View all posts by BonnieReadsAndWrites
7 thoughts on “Book Blogger Hop: Bloggers or Professional Book Critics?”
Great answer! I’m definitely more influenced by bookbloggers than literary critics as I don’t tend to enjoy the books they review!
I agree that “power” is the wrong word; in this context, it has negative connotations. These days, I don’t think I could even define “professional book critic.”
I tend to stay away from professional critics because so many times I’ve hated the books they’ve loved and figure they’re in bed with the publisher to promote the book. Book bloggers I might lean toward more but even they aren’t always straight because some of them want to be on the good side of publishers so they can continue to get advanced copies. Luckily I think that’s a very small amount. Word of mouth from everyday people probably influences me the most.
I agree! Often it is a blogger more because I’ve followed them and know what they like and if it is the same things I like. Where as a critic is being paid and often has different guidelines that don’t match up with why I’m reading. Fun post!
Bonnie Reads and Writes 
Great answer! I’m definitely more influenced by bookbloggers than literary critics as I don’t tend to enjoy the books they review!
LikeLiked by 2 people
To me, being who you are is the right thing to do. You can be kind to others and still be yourself.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree that “power” is the wrong word; in this context, it has negative connotations. These days, I don’t think I could even define “professional book critic.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tend to stay away from professional critics because so many times I’ve hated the books they’ve loved and figure they’re in bed with the publisher to promote the book. Book bloggers I might lean toward more but even they aren’t always straight because some of them want to be on the good side of publishers so they can continue to get advanced copies. Luckily I think that’s a very small amount. Word of mouth from everyday people probably influences me the most.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think other bloggers, especially ones that I know we enjoy similar books have more sway over me that professional critics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s definitely true.
LikeLike
I agree! Often it is a blogger more because I’ve followed them and know what they like and if it is the same things I like. Where as a critic is being paid and often has different guidelines that don’t match up with why I’m reading. Fun post!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2024/04/02/e-galley-review-bridesmaid-for-hire-by-meghan-quinn/
LikeLiked by 1 person