Discussion Question: Does an Authors Personal Belief System Impact If or How You Support Them?
I recently received a comment on one of my blog posts that has really gotten me thinking and I wanted to open it up to discussion. In essence, the comment stated that because of an authors religious and political background, we were urged to not purchase his books but read them from the library instead. It was a thought process that I was intrigued with because it’s actually not the first time I’ve heard it.
What happens when an author’s personal belief system is different from your own? What if they actively speak out on issues that you disagree with? When you purchase that book are you supporting something that you don’t believe in? Are you putting your money into an organization that you do not want to support?
What if you have loved an author and all of their books? And then find out something about that author that you don’t agree with. Can you ever read their books in the same way? Or is it now ruined? Does an author taint their writing simply because of who they are and what they believe?
Is it possible to check the background of every author whose book you purchase to see what your money is supporting? Would you want to do that? What kind of statement are you making if you do (or don’t)?
I’m asking the questions as generalities and personally don’t intend to site specific examples. But I’m curious to know what you think. Have you ever not purchased a book simply because of who wrote it and because you disagree with their personal belief system? Or does it not matter? Will you or will you not purchase and read books regardless of the race, religion, sexual preference, political stance or belief system of the author?
Let’s discuss.
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Interesting questions! I’ve heard from discussions on Yahoo groups that readers won’t buy or read books by an author (I’m not sure on the exact name) because the author helped to murder a friend’s mother when they were a teenager. Obviously I don’t know all of the details but it would fit in with what you are talking about. For me to stop reading a favorite author it would have to be something very big or that I felt really strongly about for me to decide not to read that author’s works.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:35 amThose are some heavy questions. For me, I never buy a book anyways unless I love it and want to keep it forever. I wouldn’t refuse to buy an author’s book just because they believe differently than me, but knowing such details about an author might color my opinions of them enough that I dislike reading their books, so it could affect my buying habits indirectly that way. My husband has felt so negatively about an author’s beliefs that he quite reading their books, but even though I knew of the same dilemmas, I still was able to enjoy reading his works. There have been times when knowing negative things about an author has steered me away from ever wanting to read their books (like A Million Little Pieces). The more I think about this the harder it is to feel objective about it.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 amI haven’t decided.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 amWith actors, I’m really good at separating their work from their lives, but when you read an author and then find out the author has written horrible hurtful things….
Yeah, I just don’t know.
In most cases I would have to say no. I buy and read books based on the content in the book, not on the author’s beliefs. If the message in a book does not appeal to me, I typically wouldn’t buy it or read it. Sometimes I may actually read a book just because it discusses a different viewpoint. Never hurts to broaden your horizons. Doesn’t mean I have to agree with the the views expressed, though.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 amThis is interesting. Belonging to a book club, I’ve read books I wouldn’t usually read. One that comes to mind is Atlas Shrugged. It’s pretty strong in it’s statement and I didn’t agree with all that Rand proposed but it did make me think.
I don’t think I could help thinking of an author differently after they’ve done something terrible. I even have a hard time if they’ve made a fool of themselves (all those authors who bash reviewers come to mind).
As for your last question, unless the person is beating me over the head with their POV and it’s a good book than it doesn’t bother me.
There’s a lot to think about in this post.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 amI struggle with this on a historical basis, because it’s hard to really enjoy an author’s work when you know they were horribly anti-Semitic or something to that effect in other areas of their life. I think this happens a bit less nowadays, or at least it gets out less often. If an author is not vocal or preachy about their beliefs in the work itself, or intending to forward an agenda in the book, I don’t have a problem reading a book by them. I will even find it interesting if they’re teaching me something about their religion. To be honest, I’d probably still buy the book if I liked it, but I would feel differently about the author. I think it’s important to distinguish art from artist in all respects.
FWIW, I’m an atheist, so most books would be out for me if I discriminated.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 10:31 amAn author’s personal beliefs definitely affects my interpretation of their books. If I like them as a person I tend to like their books more, too, while the opposite holds true. I won’t necessarily stop reading their books, nor will I ban myself from ever reading anything by that author again, but it does affect my reading a bit. For instance, I read Ender’s Game a few years ago and liked it, then found out about Card’s homophobia. That made me like him/his books a lot less, but I still kept my copy of Ender’s Game and even ended up getting the next few books in the series from BookMooch.
So, er, I dunno what that means about me. On the one hand, I feel kinda bad for supporting someone who hates my best friend, but on the other hand, I didn’t actually spend any money on his books AND I do think that people are allowed their own opinion as long as it doesn’t affect anyone else negatively. So, um. Hm. The homophobia doesn’t really come out in his books, either (well, from what I’ve read of his, at least), though I think he did write an essay about it. GAH I’m getting off this Card thing; it’s going nowhere.
Anyway, I don’t really do any research about an author before reading their book; I tend to find out stuff about them after I’ve already read it. Nor do I do any research about what books support which organization, or the politics behind a book or whatever. I don’t know if this makes me a bad person/reader/whatever. Honestly, I just wanna read a book and not have to worry if I’m supporting Neo-Nazis or something, y’know?
Separating the art from the artists, yeah! That’d be good.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 10:50 amUnless the author’s personal beliefs are discernible from their text, then I could not care less. The only exception are books of the true crime variety (although we have a law that the criminal cannot profit from a book on their crime) where I might be concerned about someone profiting from their association with a criminal or criminal act.
It’s pretty difficult to keep ingrained world views from coming out in fiction books, so if there is a political or philosophical leaning the author holds I will likely see it in their work (unless of course it matches my leanings, in which case it doesn’t stand out to me).
If I first hear of an author because they are expressing strong political or philosophical beliefs that I don’t agree with I may be uninterested in picking up any of their books or I may be more interested … it all depends in how the opinion is expressed. I tend to lose interest in authors who are rude or arrogant about sharing their views whether they agree with mine or not.
Having said that, I tend not to pay too much attention to author interviews and such (I am one of those people who really could not care less what a particular celebrity is doing as long as their work is enjoyable–unless of course they are hurting someone else like a spouse or child).
on February 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 amThis is such a great question and a big one. I couldn’t possibly put my full answer in a comment, but my answer is that I read books I love, no matter what the author believes in. I love a good writer and a good book. I read The Davinci Code even though it sort of stomped on my beliefs. I watch movies with people in them who might not represent what I believe in because I love the movie. I think people are still reading Anne Rice’s vampire books even though she has started writing new novels and I can see why. I personally like her Christ novels and don’t read vampires, but I am sure wanting to read Stephenie Meyers now that I’ve heard such great reviews. I don’t really mind. I love a good story and I don’t feel like I’m supporting the author’s “cause” by reading their book. I guess I should qualify that I’m talking about a story and not non-fiction.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 amAh, Samantha, you must be talking about Anne Perry. She’s the one that the movie Heavenly Creatures (with Kate Winslet) is about. I do have one of her books (though I haven’t read it yet) and I bought it even after I already knew the story about her, so I guess it didn’t effect me.
I’ve had a lot of people tell me not to read The Golden Compass becaue Pullman “kills” God and I’ll admit, it did kind of make me want to read the book less. I’ll still read it eventually, but let’s just say it put a damper on my enthusiasm for it.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 12:12 pmWhat a great question Natasha! And the answers here are so thoughtful. I would have to say I am most like Tina above with my answer.
On the other hand, I haven’t ever looked into an authors belief system before. If I did somehow find out that they were actively speaking out against my religious beliefs, then I wouldn’t buy the book.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 pmI personally think that the book is separate from the author. Unless the book in hand is so outrageously offensive, unapologetically hateful that it can’t be stomached, it doesn’t matter to me what an author does or does not believe. It doesn’t matter if it’s right or left, conservative or liberal…the beliefs in question. If you’re a believer who would reject a book after the fact because after you’ve read it (and enjoyed it) you discovered that it was written by an atheist…or an atheist who discovered that a book was written by a believer. A book is a book is a book. It’s all fiction. All that matters is how they craft a story.
I think I’m more open to reading fiction than nonfiction.
And personally, I think to try to “boycott” an author because you may not like how their money is spent? What if you’re a vegetarian and discover that your favorite author loves steak? Or what if you really believe strongly about not consuming alcohol and your favorite author does. To refuse to buy a book so you can’t fund their habit? I mean you’ve got to draw a line somewhere between public and private. Or what if you’re an atheist who wouldn’t want to give the (believing) author even the tiniest amount of money just in case they tithe at the local church? Or what if you found out your favorite author voted for Bush? Granted those are somewhat silly examples. But unless the book in question is a didactic booklet containing thinly veiled sermons as “stories” on what you should think and say and act…then it’s a lot of overreacting going on.
Let books speak for themselves. I mean I can see how no one book can appeal to every reader, and you may ultimately reject a book for any number of reasons…and that’s your own business…but to just advocate rejecting an author altogether because you may not be ideological twins? Especially if you’re judging a book without even reading it. As far as I’m concerned, you have no reason to speak out against a book or an author unless you’ve actually read the book or author in question.
*All ‘you’’s are hypothetical and general
on February 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 pmI already made a short comment on this in a previous post. Sorry I’m too lazy to go find it. However, Janelle, who was commenter #4 said it all for me. I pick books or authors that keep the content clean. If that means I have to read more YA novels than so be it.
Sometimes I pick up an adult novel that had too much swearing or sexual content, and if that is the case I won’t read another of that author’s novels unless they have something for YA. Those tend to be cleaner.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pmI’m not really sure – I guess it would depend what the beliefs are. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any authors that I avoid.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pmI have a hard time seperating authors and their books. I saw an “interveiw” with a particular author I loved and she said things that I strongly disagree with. It stopped me in my tracks. Completely turned me off on her work. Its was sad but what can I say?
on February 2nd, 2009 at 1:54 pmI haaaaatttte it when an author or artist suddenly decides to get political in a partisan way. Honestly speaking, it is hard for me to then separate them from their work, if they are extremely outspoken about it. If they get policital in a non-partisan way (let’s all work together to end slavery for example) it’s not a problem.
If the book is strong, it will stand on its own and not fall into politics to make a point, if that’s the case, I may still read them even if they have become obnoxious about their political persuasions.
As far as other issues…I’ll probably still read their stuff. The work stands on its own, and becomes its own entity…I think.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 1:55 pmI often think about this as well. Recently I was thinking about the fact that we’re more likely to deem a book “preachy” or “heavy-handed” if the beliefs we see in it are different from our own. I don’t think it’s necessarily because we are rejecting the author’s belief system or making excuses to dismiss the book because we don’t agree with it or whatever, but because ideas and beliefs that are a great depart from our own stand out more. And so we actually perceive the book as being more preachy. I’ve just seen Anysia’s comment now, and yes, it’s pretty much that.
Anyway, this is a bit of a tangent. To answer your question, it depends. Religious beliefs don’t put me off. I actually like reading books by authors from different religious backgrounds because they help me understand how people experience different faiths. They bridge the gap, so to speak.
But it’s different for things like racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. Those can affect whether or not I continue to read an author. But then again, there are exceptions. For example, Orson Scott Card has made some homophobic statements I COMPLETELY disagree with, and yet I have enjoyed his books. But I guess it helps that I don’t see homophobia in the books themselves. If I did, it would drive me nuts, and I would probably not be able to focus on the stories at all, and then there would be no point reading the books anyway.
It can be complicated…I guess authors, like most people, have contradictions. In theory I do like the idea of separating the art from the artist. But I know that in reality I can have trouble doing that. What matters most to me, though, is whether their ideology is visible in the books themselves. Because I don’t read a lot of author interviews unless I already love the author, if it’s not in the books I probably won’t even hear about it. But if it’s in the books, I’ll notice.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 2:03 pmMy husband bought all the Golden Compass books when people kept telling us Phillip Pullman had an anti-God agenda … husband said the books were not worth all the hype (I started the first, but it didn’t draw me in).
SO, no, we don’t avoid an author whose views or ideas may be offensive, in fact, I think it is very good to expose yourself to other views and make sure you can defend your own.
Though I do avoid so-so authors who are overly offensive with sex and profanity. I’ve been so impressed with so-called YA books lately, that maybe it has left me overly sensitive when I dive into traditional adult fiction.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 2:23 pmWell, recently I’ve found out that one of my (ex) favourite authors has some pretty extreme ideas that I recognize as racist and violent and completely destructive. She has opened a blog just to talk about her ideas and apparently will stop writing fiction just to focus on her battle.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 3:00 pmI was so so so disappointed and angry. Her books spoke to me in a completely different way. I was in the middle of reading one of hers, but eventually had to put it aside because my anger was ruining my reading experience.
So yes, I guess it does influence me. But only if the author’s opinions are expressing values opposite mine: racism, homophobia, pro war or pro death penalty for example.
this is stronger in non-fiction works, but as with the author above, the discovery of such beliefs completely ruined my appreciation of her novel.
I seldom bother to search for anything personal about an author past what’s in the book.
Their political or religions views don’t affect me; they’re entitled to their opinions, as are we all.
The only thing that does affect me where they’re concerned is the stories they tell me via their writing. If I don’t like their style or characters and have trouble finishing the book, then I won’t be buying another one by them.
If I do enjoy their books, nothing’s going to ruin that for me. =)
on February 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 pmI could care less about an author’s personal beliefs, because they’re just that–personal, and everyone has the right to be free to choose his/her personal path.
Judging anyone because of their beliefs or lifestyle smacks of intolerance and bigotry. I hope we’re enlightened enough to be past all that stupidity. I will never judge someone harshly because they’re gay or Communist or whatever.
I hope people don’t think negative thoughts about me because I’m an atheist. That’s just too weird, and so 1950’s!
on February 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 pmIt’s an interesting question. This has only happened to me one time that I can recall. The author’s political beliefs were very clear from her writing, and very heavy-handed. They were also incongruous because the event had taken place in the future, and the comments directed toward someone who could not have been in office at this future time. That put me off and disgusted me. Frankly, I did not care to read another book by this person because their political beliefs were inserted in an intrusive manner (IMO) in the book. I would have to say if I encountered that type of thing again, it would probably be a big turnoff. I don’t go researching every author I read – I think it’s more whether they do insert their beliefs in a similarly intrusive, obnoxious manner. I probably would not read anything by an author if I had strong negative feelings toward them for whatever reason.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:21 pmI want to follow up because I just read the comment just before me. Whether an author is gay, or Communist, athiest, Christian, left, right or center does not bother me in the least. It’s how they handle their personal beliefs in the context of their writing, if that makes any sense. As I said, I’ve only had this occur once, and I’ve read a lot of books. A good writer is more subtle about communicating their convictions that the one I’m talking about. I hope I’m making sense!
on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:24 pmWhat a thought-provoking question! I think that it boils down to the author’s writing style itself. If an author holds certain beliefs that are antithetical to mine, and can’t keep those beliefs out of his or her writing, then I’m not likely to want to keep reading those books, not because the author holds those beliefs, but because having the beliefs colour the writing would affect my enjoyment of the book. This would be particularly so if the beliefs in question were ones I found particularly abhorrent.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 5:58 pmThis is a VERY good topic. My answer would be yes and no. I wouldn’t avoid picking up a book solely on the author’s religion, sexual orientation, or personal views. However, if the writer was talking about these topics in their book then i would avoid it, not because I disagree, but just because I probably would not be interested in the book.
The only example I can think of is the Golden Compass books. All of the hype about why you shouldn’t read them and why you shouldn’t go and see the movie actually made me more interested to check it out for myself.
I saw nothing at all wrong with the movie and let both of my children watch it. As for the books, I have not gotten to them yet, but a friend and fellow christian and book-lover has and says that they get progressively more anti-christian, but are well-written. I don’t like other people telling me what I should and shouldn’t read. Especially when it is something like, “the writer is an atheist.” etc….
on February 2nd, 2009 at 9:48 pmI agree – a lot of times an author writes a book to SAY something, they have an agenda and it spoils the book – the characters aren’t free to be real, they are just tools for the author. One of the previous commenters mentioned Orson Scott Card – I love most of his books because, to me, he lets his characters just be themselves, he tells the story, rather than uses the story to further his personal views. I think that is one of the keys to a really good book.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 pmIt depends on the content of the story. If the book is not written as propoganda for the author’s views or beliefs then it really doesn’t matter to me. Kathy Reichs sometimes bothers me because she’ll put a couple of pages of “save the world” mumbo-jumbo that really doesn’t fit into the story so I know her political views are different than mine but I read her anyway.
I actually am interested in reading Orson Scott Card more because I love the things he has to say about his beliefs. Though I am not the same religion as he I love where he stands and what he has to say.
So, for me it works more the other way around I am more prone to read somebody because of their personal belief system rather than *not* read someone because I hold it against them.
on February 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 pmI bounce EVERYTHING I read off of the truth found in God’s Word. Having said that, disagreeing and writing contrary to the Bible are two different things. We can all be mistaken in our beliefs. But what are we saying about Jesus? How are we representing what He taught us?
Boycotting doesn’t really seem to get us anywhere or demonstrate the love of Christ. But try to sell me another Jesus or to use your writing to push personal beliefs rather overtly, and I’ll take a pass on what you have to say.
Regardless of who or what we read, it MUST line up with Scripture…and that leaves a fairly narrow margin, yet still a field full of ideas to play with, don’t you think?
Basically, just don’t mess with my Jesus or my Bible and we can agree to disagree for the sake of ideas.
on February 3rd, 2009 at 1:07 amThese are all really good comments, especially about whether the author’s “agenda” comes through in fiction, which I will agree is a good reason–maybe the only good reason–to quit reading someone. I’m often not aware of an author’s beliefs, and usually wouldn’t care. The exception is an author who contributes money and talent to a cause that I feel strongly about but on the other side, and then even though I’ll still read that author, I won’t buy the books and contribute indirectly to the cause he supports and I don’t.
on February 3rd, 2009 at 8:19 amSomeone made a good point. I usually get most of my books from the library or at most from the used book store, I don’t feel like I am directly supporting the author.
I usually only buy books that I am really into, especially new from a place like Borders or Barnes and Noble.
I agree with Jeanne, I usually don’t know about the authors belief system before I read a book. Maybe I’m running around with my fingers in my ears saying, “I CAN’T HEAR YOU” just because I dont want to know. Honestly though, I think I usually find out afterwards when i am talking about the book with someone and they make a comment about the author.
on February 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 amIn regards to Jenn M.’s comment above: That’s why I seldom discuss books with friends/acquaintances.
I’ve had the experience of having my significant other absolutely ruining some of my favorite songs by making up new (rude) lyrics to them and singing them to me because he thinks it’s funny.
I can’t listen to those songs anymore without hearing his lyrics.
I know the same thing will happen with books for me, because after seeing some comments on the Twilight series, my interest in reading those has waned. On the other hand, I’ve read several books by a particular author whose fallen out of favor with quite a number of her fans due to the direction she’s taken her characters in.
They’re very vocal about it over on Amazon, even to the point of bashing on her for matters in her personal life.
I still read her books and enjoy them just fine. =)
on February 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 amNote: my interest has fallen not because of the author, but too many spoilers about what happens in the books and the commentators’ personal opinions of them.
on February 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 amI rarely buy books, so I am not contributing to many author’s retirement funds. It’s still an interesting question. For the most part, I don’t really care what an author believes, especially if his/her beliefs aren’t part of the writing. I do hate books where I feel I am being preached at – even on subjects where I agree with the author, but I won’t necessarily avoid those books.
There is one author that I am trying to decide what to do about. She was fairly politically active during the last campaign and while I don’t really care about her stance on the particular issue, she allowed commenters to ridicule people who disagreed with her. I thought that was pretty poor form; however, I realize short of deleting said comments there isn’t a lot she could have done about it. I wouldn’t have purchased her book anyway, but I do find that I am less interested in reading it now than I was before the election…
on February 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 pmI was browsing some other blogs and I found this one from Jen at Devourer of Books. I thought it kind of tied in to the topic we are discussing. It is a book from an author who is essentially critizing or is upset about an author’s religious views.
http://www.devourerofbooks.com/2009/01/the-magicians-book-book-review/
Her reveiw is fantastic. The book is about the author, Laura Miller loving Narnia when she is growing up. As an adult she learns of C.S. Lewis’ christian tie-ins to the books and is unhappy.
Read Jen’s review…she actually read the book, she puts it better than me.
on February 3rd, 2009 at 4:08 pmSo many great comments! I love them all. I would love to respond individually, but there are just so many of you and I’m battling strep throat (my first time ever) and it’s no fun.
The viewpoints are interesting and certainly do encompass a wide range of yes’s and no’s. As for me, I haven’t come across many instances where I would “boycott” an author because their belief system is different from mine. I certainly don’t check them out beforehand. But I’m sure if I found something out afterwards that was so abhorrent to me, I would have a difficult time responding to them in the same way.
Keep the thoughts coming!
on February 3rd, 2009 at 6:44 pmGoogleReader isn’t letting me come through their site…I had to direct…?
Anyway, I’ve never been one to boycott, so I guess it just depends on what the situation is. I do have to admit that I think of Tom Cruise a little differently than I used to, but I think that authors’ lives are usually a little less public than actors??
on February 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 pmVery interesting. I don’t really know much about authors beliefs either before I read a book so it doesn’t usually matter. I think if I did know though, it would color my opinions. This is outside books but, like Trish, I look at Tom Cruise a little differently now. I don’t watch Oprah anymore because I feel like she has such an agenda (which she has every right to have) that I don’t really agree with. I think in general, an author’s beliefs come out in his/her writing and we enjoy the book or dislike it in part because of that.
on February 3rd, 2009 at 10:07 pmI’m all over the map trying to formulate an intelligent answer to these questions, which means you’ve come up with a great discussion! My first thought was along the lines of “knowledge is power.” What kind of belief system do I have if it can’t stand up to reading authors who might challenge it? But, I guess buying a book is different. Thank God for libraries. At the same time, I have no interest in researching the lives of every author before I buy a book. This reminded me of a quote I read recently (sorry I can’t remember whose blog!) by John Updike: “Until the 20th century it was generally assumed that a writer had said what he had to say in his works.” Anyway, I have more to say on this (like how I had trouble liking a Spike Lee baby book that my husband brought home from the library recently because I’m not crazy about his treatment of women in film), but my little guy just woke up!
on February 4th, 2009 at 11:52 amI don’t usually research or know an author’s beliefs so it doesn’t often become an issue. There are books with themes that I don’t enjoy, because I find them highly critical of the opposing side, almost insulting, but not the author. I will avoid certain authors based on their behavior. There is one romance author who did something dishonest on a mailing list I was on and while I had LOVED everything I read by her, I still can’t bring myself to read anything else.
on February 4th, 2009 at 3:38 pmWhat a fantastic question! Generally for me I don’t avoid a book simply because the author has a different belief system, sexual orientation, etc. as me. I think I would end up with a very small narrow list of books to read and to me that would be worse. I also thinks it is good to read books that may challenge you to think about your belief system. I am more put off by the writing. If it’s not very good or on topic I am not very excited about then I have a harder time. Oh and I am not a big fan of lots of profanity and sex, etc. I have also found that even when an author has a similar background that does not mean that I will like the book. And I am one of those who gets books from the library and then buy books that I really, really like.
on February 4th, 2009 at 9:05 pm[...] assume this has to do with the controversy that Natasha blogged about earlier this [...]
on February 4th, 2009 at 11:52 pmHmmm….there are things my brother believes that I don’t…. and I still love him. (my children, my husband, my friends too) My point? Well…. I can’t jump on a bandwagon because a “group” of people tell me not to buy the books. I don’t tell them what to buy and what not to buy, what to read and what not to read.
on February 5th, 2009 at 6:57 amI think I’m going in the wrong direction with this comment. To make it shorter, the answer is no. If I liked a book and wanted it, I would buy it. I like to make decisions on my own and I like diversity in a person. I can agree to disagree, and it’s okay.
[...] question is really similar to a discussion that Natasha at Maw Books started earlier this week. Her question was a bit more hypothetical and conceptual than this one, [...]
on February 5th, 2009 at 7:02 am[...] Book Lady’s Blog, I’m going to open this question up a little more along the lines of this post at Maw Books, which discusses a little more generally: What happens when an author’s personal belief system is [...]
on February 5th, 2009 at 10:10 amI don’t go out of my way to learn more about an author whose books I’ve read unless they touch something very personal in me–as if they’ve gone down the same road as I have. Normally the small snippet on the dust jacket is more than enough for me. But…if I feel that very personal connection, I’ll set out to learn more. When this has happened (about four times in my lifetime), I’ve become a Fan For Life of that writer.
The only other time that a writer’s life and beliefs show up on my radar is when that person hits me upside the head with them. If that life, that belief system is diametrically opposed to mine, I simply don’t read any more of their books. I don’t go out of my way to “boycott” them because they have just as much right to their own beliefs as I do mine.
on February 5th, 2009 at 12:14 pmCathy, I don’t agree that authors have “as much right to their own beliefs” when those beliefs are wrong. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right. If you don’t, then you’re like the Germans who didn’t want to admit they knew about the concentration camps, or the slave owners who did nothing about the way their neighbors’ slaves were mistreated.
on February 5th, 2009 at 1:00 pmVery interesting questions! I have mixed feelings about this.
First it seems there are two very different ways of taking the original question: Would I refuse to read a book because the author has a different religion, origin, sexual orientation…? No, of course not! I might not agree with their views but diversity is something I actually look for. What would the point be in reading only the works of writers having similar backgrounds and belief systems as myself? For me reading is a way of travelling to unknown/ different territories. Like others have stated books written as propaganda probably wouldn’t interest me. But then as someone said above ideas very different from our own often stand out more, so ‘propaganda’ might be a very relative notion.
On the other hand, would I refuse to read an author’s work known to have committed a crime or be openly intolerant/ extremist? That one is more difficult to answer. Like others I probably wouldn’t know to start with – I don’t research authors much and don’t see why I should do a background check. Or should I also do one for my baker, teachers and bookshop owner? What do I know of what I fund by paying them? I don’t think it’s any of my business. But then I might stumble across the information. I’m not sure what I would do then. If I hadn’t read the book yet I probably wouldn’t get it. But if I already had and really enjoyed it? I honestly dont know.
on February 5th, 2009 at 2:05 pm[...] Does an author’s personal belief system impact if or how you support them? February 5, 2009 Posted by Chimera in Uncategorized. trackback This is a very interesting discussion which is going on at Maw Books. [...]
on February 5th, 2009 at 2:22 pmI’m delurking
This is an interesting topic. I don’t usually research authors’ beliefs so it’s not a huge issue of mine. But another thought of mine is that if an author has opposing beliefs to my own, I might be even more inclined to pick it up simply because I’m interested. I really like to keep an open mind in life and in reading because it’s important to consider all perspectives.
on February 8th, 2009 at 7:29 am[...] This post was Twitted by mawbooks [...]
on July 31st, 2009 at 3:10 pmWow, there are definitely plenty of books I never would have read if the author’s believes came into my decision making!
I think you broached a deeper concern than can really be answered in a comment though. Reading through what others have written, I can stand behind the concept of “knowledge is power” but this only works if the book in question reflects the author’s believes. And if the book does, your believes will either change or be cemented further.
Ultimately, I think a larger concern is our own moral comfort in supporting someone and the literary content doesn’t come into play at all.
on July 31st, 2009 at 3:29 pm[...] reminded me of the discussion we had here on the blog over a year ago when I asked if an author’s personal belief system impact if or how you support them. I think there are two schools of thoughts out there. One, we should always separate the author [...]
on July 11th, 2010 at 10:02 pm[...] needed to prepare myself on every level to magnetize him into my life. Mouse here for Related LinksDiscussion Question: Does an Authors Personal Belief System Impact If or How You Support Them? This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged barbra streisand, looking for your lifepartner, [...]
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