I recently read a one-star review where an apparent grammar-aficionado one-star reviewer declared he or she would never read another one of a particular author's books because that author used so many incomplete sentences - apparently leaving the reader unable to follow/identify whatever was happening in the story. I think my jaw actually dropped.
I actually like incomplete sentences and use them for random action/reaction/thoughts in my novels.
Another one-star reviewer of a Christian novel (a bestselling mostly 5-star review receiving book) claimed that the author's theology was in serious disagreement with this reader's and questioned the author's Christianity. Another jaw-dropper for me because I clearly and wholeheartedly disagreed with the reader's theological assessment of the events in this novel and wanted to combat everything written in the rather indignant review.
I share the author's views and depictions written in that novel and incorporate similar characterizations of spiritual events in my stories.
I've repeatedly written and said, the one-star reviews say more about the reviewer than they do about the book being reviewed. Not every novel we read is going to be one of our favorites. Not every story we take the time to read will, in our opinion, deserve a good review. However, the old cliche "One man's junk is another man's treasure" certainly applies to reading novels. So, readers, drop your moral crusades and, if you must write a review, just say the book wasn't meant for you, not your style, didn't care for it, instead of all the pointed criticisms that make you sound arrogant, smug, or mean-spirited.
And don't get me started on the ones who write that they just couldn't finish it. You don't finish a book? You shouldn't review it. Period.
Father, thank you for stories, novelists, books. Thank you for words and characters that fill the pages. Apart from you, we can do nothing. Help me to always honor you in my writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.