Your hesitance to critique at the beginning is such a familiar feeling! It's as you said-they wrote a book! That's hard! And more than I've done! I love how you've talked about publishing books being a community effort in a way. I think publishing sometimes does a disservice to new writers who have an audience prior to their debut
Yes! This book could have been a solid read with a LOT more work. It's so frustrating to see the potential and being stuck with what got published. If Christine hadn't had the following she does, there's no way this book would have been published in this state. UGH. And I feel bad for her because she's not going to grow as much as she could without some tough love.
@Nina Definitely ! I think there is also a tendency to edit debuts with big audiences less (or perhaps they get representation before they're really ready). Publishing is ultimately about money. IDK about you but if I were an editor or agent who was overworked and underpaid, and many are, I would probably spend less time on guaranteed sells and more on underdogs/others.
I was frustrated with how Better Together was supposed to be about two sisters reuniting but then the sisters barely talked to each other after they met and throughout most of the book! I thought they would have a long conversation about their pasts and what their lives have been like but they don’t talk about that and then they just go their separate ways. Did that frustrate you too?
YES. Siri was also a little all over the place, first hating Jamie's guts and then being obsessed with them being close once she found out who she was. And they do that weird thing where they purposely stay apart whole at camp. And then their grand plans involves them having no contact AND they barely even spend time with the parents!! When wasn't? That? The point? Better sister bonding would have definitely helped this story.
@@INKNOTBLOOD Yes! I'm glad you agree I haven't really seen anyone else talk about that. I also agree they didn't spend as much time with the parents as I thought they would. And better sister bonding would have helped the story so much!
It's always gutting to have to critique a book, especially from the POV of a writer who hopes one day that their work will be picked up and published, but I'm glad you persevered because this is such a thoughtful review! I've found that with a lot of books by folks with existing platforms (both celebrities proper and, lately, booktubers writing) the editing is put on the wayside, which as you said is SUCH a disservice, both to readers (who are excited to support someone they admire and perhaps have aspirations to Do The Thing Themselves One Day) and especially to the writers! Growth requires pushback, it requires one to examine the things they do automatically and ask themselves why they're making those choices. It doesn't sound like Riccio was given the room to grow in her craft like that. Amble =/= stagger! Oooof I try to give folks leeway to misuse words in early drafts, but that shouldn't have been allowed to go to the printers like that. The magic sounds completely ridiculous. Just make them identical twins! No magic needed! If you're Parent Trapping, go Full Parent Trap! And I'm actually kind of shocked that the sisters decide to make the switch pre-magic--how was that ever supposed to work? Let's not even touch the parental gaslighting.
Yeah, I am always so aware of how much time and effort gets put into a book, which makes it feel harsh to give a tough critique. But it also makes the fact that it didn't receive adequate editing even worse! And yes! It's a bummer that writers like Riccio aren't getting as much of an opportunity for growth. I think she has a great voice for YA, but her stuff needs a lot more work!
Thanks for saying that about similies and metaphors. If I see one bad similie, sorry but I can't read anymore. Sooooo many writers use corny similies or similies that don't make comparable sense.
I agree with everything you said about this book! It was just not done well and it felt like no one really tried to make it the best book it could be. Also the fake swearing really bothered me, especially when more characters than just Siri adopted the words. Like...using intercourse as a replacement for fuck doesn't even make sense, when that's not what the word means in context with what they're saying??
I really liked her first book and noticed a few things that I expected her editors to pick up on that weren't edited out. I'm excited to read this one as I quite like her writing style and characters.
This book definitely has a similar breezy/voicey writing style to her first book. There are a lot of fun bits-I hope you have a great time when you pick it up!
All things come to their established state. It is a fundamental principle of the universe, everything defaults to minimal effort & maximum disarray. We shall have no disagreement with thermodynamics, Newton 2nd law or Enthalpy. …still glad you are back adding to the discourse.
I attend a writing group, in which half the members called me out IMMEDIATELY on the misuse of the word "pandering". I'm guessing any one of them could have helped Christine "better".
I am nervous about it because I was not impressed with Three Dark Crowns, but I haven't read any of her newer stuff. I can't NOT read a new Buffy spin-off, so I'll have to check it out! Have you read it yet?? What am I in for?!
@@INKNOTBLOOD it just got it this week, haven’t had the time, but I’m looking forward to kicking back this weekend before the football games come on, and reading it. I will let you know VERY SOON! I will say the cover art is SICK!
I just finished this book (got my rant posted up today lol) and I noticed some major editing mistakes like the name at the start of the chapters saying whose POV we are in (Jamie's or Siri's) were just wrong. So I'd be reading from Siri's POV, thinking it was Jamie, and it would leave me so confused XD
Yes, I am a freelance editor! So, *bows deeply* I am at your service as a word assassin for hire. If you're ever interested in a free editing sample of your work to see if we'd be a good fit to work together, you can email me at inknotblood@gmail.com. 🔪✨💜
YT suggested this video to me, and I love your talking and review style!! It's like chatting books with a friend. Happy to subscribe and check out your other content. : )
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’m on the side of “it’s 100% the authors fault.” Because we don’t know what the editors marked, what she agreed with, what she pushed back on. We don’t know what shape the manuscript was in when it was submitted, what the editors had to work with in what time. What we know is that it’s her book, her name, and if it’s super well received, no one mentions the editors. She gets all the shine. I see no reason why that should be different now. And I don’t say this to be mean. I’m on book 5. I have done MULTIPLE rounds of developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading. And I don’t agree with them on everything. I stetted the same line 7 times in one manuscript and would not be moved. If readers don’t understand the line on reading, that’s not “the editor should have done this” because it assumes the editor didn’t. So when it comes down it, I’m very much that authors can get all the shine, and authors can get all the smoke.
You make some really good points! The truth is we don't know who is responsible for what. I do think that the bulk of both praise and blame belong with the writer-it's their work! So while I can't definitively say that these shortcomings are the editor's fault, they're definitely getting side eye from me because they are, at the very least, SUS. Honestly, I used this framing mostly as an opportunity to touch on the things editors should be helping with during the process. Because, as you said, we really don't know what went on behind the scenes!
I just waa looking through my e-books seeing Again, but Better... and questioning my choice... I've got a feeling that book will just continue to sit there unread... unless...I get really courious, after asking 🙄 myself how bad coukd it be?🤷♀️
Everyone is different, so you never know! You might like it. 🤷🏼♀️ And sometimes reading a book you DON'T like teaches you something too, making it easier to choose books you WILL end up liking in the future! Regardless, proceed at your own risk. 😅
@@INKNOTBLOOD I will approach with a wary caution!😅😂 I am in the process of uploading the Over 30! I be available in a couple hours... hopefully. 🤷♀️ annnd of course I just realized I forgot to add original tag link after typing in your channel name... 😏 easy fix!🥸
Ommgggg I know you're doing a rant review in this video but hearing you talk is making me so excited to discuss wolf tower this weekend! Love how you think about the details
@@INKNOTBLOOD my brain constantly shows up empty!! But I find once I start talking with cool people and I relax a little it fills back up. You'll be great!!
I get it but to me when i go into reading a book like this I go in with the expectation that I'm going to dumb down my brain a bit, not overthink it and just suspend belief, go with it and enjoy it for what it is. That's my general mindset on most YA.
I'm usually pretty good at suspending my disbelief, but this book just asked for too much. SO MUCH amazing YA exists that doesn't require dumbing yourself down! I guess I have high expectations. 😅
@@INKNOTBLOOD I agree it's not the most well thought out but I went into this in a more "this is Disney Channel / Nickolodean YA" so I dumbed it down extra in advance in my mindset even more than I did for your average YA. I do agree with a lot of what you were getting at though and while I enjoyed it there are plenty of things to critique and complain about.. James's stand up was almost objectively not funny even though comedy is mostly subjective as I haven't seen a single comment defending it which to me...like if it's not funny when it needs to be for a comedian... workshop it like the character allegedly was in the story until it is funny lol and yea the glamour and the whole erasure of Jamie as an imaginary friend can be dug into but I do believe they did say they moved after Jamie and the dad left so I was able to overlook the whole "how did they sell it to people outside the family" based on the move even though I get in reality it's not that easy. It was cute though at times. I enjoyed the Siri / Dawn relationship for what it was. I've definitely read way worse. Zenith to give a booktube example was by comparison so so so much worse in all ways. One reason I think I'd definitely give her 3rd book a view is I find her writing easy to read. Some people when they write whether the story is good or bad it feels clunky and I just can't flow with it. I think Christina has a voice and the ability to tell a story but she just needs as you said, more pushing.
@@BuffBillsFan83 You make a really good point about its readability! Even though I roll my eyes a lot, she does have a strong voice, which I like. And I agree that the Siri/Dawn relationship was probably the best part. The Disney Channel comparison feels spot on too! I was prepared for some silliness, but I just expected more improvement between her first book and this one.
I feel like her books are usually aimed at a younger YA market that is missed in a lot of books today. A lot of the ya books today are aimed at 16 to 18 year olds and her books seem to hit the audiences of 13 to 15 more. I think I would have loved them at that age.
Completely agree with everything you said, especially about how part of it is on the editor(s). I work as a full time editor and it's my job to be honest with the writer about any issues I'm seeing. I'm not mean about it of course, but I believe it's the editor's job to help the writer make the book the best it can be, which means being open and honest about what's working and what isn't. It definitely seems like this was not the case here with this book. Great review! You made a lot of really valid points.
Thanks! And YES, I think (tactful) honesty is a HUGE part of an editor's job. I've spent many years learning how to give constructive criticism that guides someone without crushing their spirit. 😅I really believe that challenging people is the key to their best work, whether that be in writing, sport, or whatever!
I understand having your own opinion, and I appreciate that you weren't purposely trying to bash on Christine. However, it was quite insensitive to say her editor should have pushed her harder when she was going through some really difficult times with mental health. I personally found this book delightful and don't see the need for an entire video of criticism when you could be talking about a book you absolutely loved instead. 💛
The thing about publishing a book is that once it's out of your hands as an author, it stands on its own and the context of when/how/why you wrote it doesn't necessarily get carried along. While what an author went through personally while writing something may give more depth to our understanding of the final product, it isn't an excuse for that final product to be of lesser quality. If she and her team couldn't make her book the best it could be because of what she was going through, maybe they should have postponed its release. I have tons of compassion for Christine and take no pleasure in hearing that she was having a difficult time. However, that doesn't make her work exempt from criticism. Making videos about books I love is great! Making videos about books that frustrate me is also great. You may not have found value in this particular content-and that's fine-but others do. Videos like this help readers decide whether or not they want to spend many hours reading a book they aren't sure about. One of my goals with this video was actually to inspire writers and editors to think critically about aspects of their own work. Additionally, when you don't like a book and you see someone else laying out the reasons THEY didn't like that same book-it's extremely cathartic! So this video is for those people too. All in all, I'm of the mind that criticism always has a place in the bookish ecosystem. All that being said, I'm happy you enjoyed the book! As I mentioned in the video, I think there definitely is an audience for it.
@@INKNOTBLOOD i think you were honest and gave fair criticism without bashing on the author! And i think you’re right the criticism isn’t just for the author, the editor should have pushed a little further because I think there was potential for a good story!
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Your hesitance to critique at the beginning is such a familiar feeling! It's as you said-they wrote a book! That's hard! And more than I've done!
I love how you've talked about publishing books being a community effort in a way.
I think publishing sometimes does a disservice to new writers who have an audience prior to their debut
Yes! This book could have been a solid read with a LOT more work. It's so frustrating to see the potential and being stuck with what got published. If Christine hadn't had the following she does, there's no way this book would have been published in this state. UGH. And I feel bad for her because she's not going to grow as much as she could without some tough love.
@Nina Definitely ! I think there is also a tendency to edit debuts with big audiences less (or perhaps they get representation before they're really ready). Publishing is ultimately about money. IDK about you but if I were an editor or agent who was overworked and underpaid, and many are, I would probably spend less time on guaranteed sells and more on underdogs/others.
I was frustrated with how Better Together was supposed to be about two sisters reuniting but then the sisters barely talked to each other after they met and throughout most of the book! I thought they would have a long conversation about their pasts and what their lives have been like but they don’t talk about that and then they just go their separate ways. Did that frustrate you too?
YES. Siri was also a little all over the place, first hating Jamie's guts and then being obsessed with them being close once she found out who she was. And they do that weird thing where they purposely stay apart whole at camp. And then their grand plans involves them having no contact AND they barely even spend time with the parents!! When wasn't? That? The point? Better sister bonding would have definitely helped this story.
@@INKNOTBLOOD Yes! I'm glad you agree I haven't really seen anyone else talk about that. I also agree they didn't spend as much time with the parents as I thought they would. And better sister bonding would have helped the story so much!
@@Lillyjoy I'm so mad since the idea was an interesting one, but the execution was lacking in so many way.
YES SO GLAD TO SEE A VIDEO FROM YOU IN MY SUBSCRIPTION FEED!
Sorry it's for a review of a book you didn't enjoy
It's always gutting to have to critique a book, especially from the POV of a writer who hopes one day that their work will be picked up and published, but I'm glad you persevered because this is such a thoughtful review!
I've found that with a lot of books by folks with existing platforms (both celebrities proper and, lately, booktubers writing) the editing is put on the wayside, which as you said is SUCH a disservice, both to readers (who are excited to support someone they admire and perhaps have aspirations to Do The Thing Themselves One Day) and especially to the writers! Growth requires pushback, it requires one to examine the things they do automatically and ask themselves why they're making those choices. It doesn't sound like Riccio was given the room to grow in her craft like that.
Amble =/= stagger! Oooof I try to give folks leeway to misuse words in early drafts, but that shouldn't have been allowed to go to the printers like that.
The magic sounds completely ridiculous. Just make them identical twins! No magic needed! If you're Parent Trapping, go Full Parent Trap! And I'm actually kind of shocked that the sisters decide to make the switch pre-magic--how was that ever supposed to work? Let's not even touch the parental gaslighting.
Yeah, I am always so aware of how much time and effort gets put into a book, which makes it feel harsh to give a tough critique. But it also makes the fact that it didn't receive adequate editing even worse! And yes! It's a bummer that writers like Riccio aren't getting as much of an opportunity for growth. I think she has a great voice for YA, but her stuff needs a lot more work!
Thanks for saying that about similies and metaphors. If I see one bad similie, sorry but I can't read anymore. Sooooo many writers use corny similies or similies that don't make comparable sense.
I feel like writers get away with this A LOT in YA. Not sure why. But the truth is that 85%+ of similes and metaphors belong in the trash.
I agree with everything you said about this book! It was just not done well and it felt like no one really tried to make it the best book it could be.
Also the fake swearing really bothered me, especially when more characters than just Siri adopted the words. Like...using intercourse as a replacement for fuck doesn't even make sense, when that's not what the word means in context with what they're saying??
UGH, THE FAKE SWEARING. Very eye-roll-inducing. And judging by the reviews, it rubbed A LOT of people the wrong way! 😬
What the hell kind of mom treats their babies like that? Mom was okay with parting with one of her babies? Not a good mom. She'd fight for her babies.
Yeah, how easily the parents each gave up one of their kids did not sit right with me or feel believable for the characters.
I really liked her first book and noticed a few things that I expected her editors to pick up on that weren't edited out. I'm excited to read this one as I quite like her writing style and characters.
This book definitely has a similar breezy/voicey writing style to her first book. There are a lot of fun bits-I hope you have a great time when you pick it up!
All things come to their established state. It is a fundamental principle of the universe, everything defaults to minimal effort & maximum disarray. We shall have no disagreement with thermodynamics, Newton 2nd law or Enthalpy.
…still glad you are back adding to the discourse.
i love how u break things down im excited to see more content from u! u should talk about the poppy wars!
I attend a writing group, in which half the members called me out IMMEDIATELY on the misuse of the word "pandering". I'm guessing any one of them could have helped Christine "better".
I saw you did a review for one Buffy spin-off, any plans to review, The new kendare blake series??
I am nervous about it because I was not impressed with Three Dark Crowns, but I haven't read any of her newer stuff. I can't NOT read a new Buffy spin-off, so I'll have to check it out! Have you read it yet?? What am I in for?!
@@INKNOTBLOOD it just got it this week, haven’t had the time, but I’m looking forward to kicking back this weekend before the football games come on, and reading it. I will let you know VERY SOON! I will say the cover art is SICK!
@@RayRaySnow Ummm, I MAY have just run out to buy a copy. 😁
loved this review!
I just finished this book (got my rant posted up today lol) and I noticed some major editing mistakes like the name at the start of the chapters saying whose POV we are in (Jamie's or Siri's) were just wrong. So I'd be reading from Siri's POV, thinking it was Jamie, and it would leave me so confused XD
*facepalm* That's pretty bad! Can't wait to watch your video!
@@INKNOTBLOOD omg and when you mentioned how the mom *ambled* into bed...shudder
What you said about killing your darlings made me snicker. So you're an editor?... Does that mean I can pay you to help me murder my loves? *grins*
Yes, I am a freelance editor! So, *bows deeply* I am at your service as a word assassin for hire. If you're ever interested in a free editing sample of your work to see if we'd be a good fit to work together, you can email me at inknotblood@gmail.com. 🔪✨💜
YT suggested this video to me, and I love your talking and review style!! It's like chatting books with a friend. Happy to subscribe and check out your other content. : )
Awwww, thanks! Happy to have you! I haven't been making RUclips content lately, but I post more frequently on TikTok under the same handle!
No way. Criticism is a completely legitimate response 😊
LOVE THE EARRINGS!!
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’m on the side of “it’s 100% the authors fault.” Because we don’t know what the editors marked, what she agreed with, what she pushed back on. We don’t know what shape the manuscript was in when it was submitted, what the editors had to work with in what time. What we know is that it’s her book, her name, and if it’s super well received, no one mentions the editors. She gets all the shine. I see no reason why that should be different now. And I don’t say this to be mean. I’m on book 5. I have done MULTIPLE rounds of developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading. And I don’t agree with them on everything. I stetted the same line 7 times in one manuscript and would not be moved. If readers don’t understand the line on reading, that’s not “the editor should have done this” because it assumes the editor didn’t. So when it comes down it, I’m very much that authors can get all the shine, and authors can get all the smoke.
You make some really good points! The truth is we don't know who is responsible for what. I do think that the bulk of both praise and blame belong with the writer-it's their work! So while I can't definitively say that these shortcomings are the editor's fault, they're definitely getting side eye from me because they are, at the very least, SUS.
Honestly, I used this framing mostly as an opportunity to touch on the things editors should be helping with during the process. Because, as you said, we really don't know what went on behind the scenes!
I just waa looking through my e-books seeing Again, but Better... and questioning my choice... I've got a feeling that book will just continue to sit there unread... unless...I get really courious, after asking 🙄 myself how bad coukd it be?🤷♀️
Everyone is different, so you never know! You might like it. 🤷🏼♀️ And sometimes reading a book you DON'T like teaches you something too, making it easier to choose books you WILL end up liking in the future! Regardless, proceed at your own risk. 😅
@@INKNOTBLOOD I will approach with a wary caution!😅😂
I am in the process of uploading the Over 30! I be available in a couple hours... hopefully. 🤷♀️ annnd of course I just realized I forgot to add original tag link after typing in your channel name... 😏 easy fix!🥸
@@amy_harboredinpages8272 Oooh, I'll definitely check it out!
Ommgggg I know you're doing a rant review in this video but hearing you talk is making me so excited to discuss wolf tower this weekend! Love how you think about the details
I AM SO EXCITED! And nervous. Do I even know how to say things????? WHAT IF MY BRAIN SHOWS UP EMPTY?
@@INKNOTBLOOD my brain constantly shows up empty!! But I find once I start talking with cool people and I relax a little it fills back up. You'll be great!!
I get it but to me when i go into reading a book like this I go in with the expectation that I'm going to dumb down my brain a bit, not overthink it and just suspend belief, go with it and enjoy it for what it is. That's my general mindset on most YA.
I'm usually pretty good at suspending my disbelief, but this book just asked for too much. SO MUCH amazing YA exists that doesn't require dumbing yourself down! I guess I have high expectations. 😅
@@INKNOTBLOOD I agree it's not the most well thought out but I went into this in a more "this is Disney Channel / Nickolodean YA" so I dumbed it down extra in advance in my mindset even more than I did for your average YA.
I do agree with a lot of what you were getting at though and while I enjoyed it there are plenty of things to critique and complain about.. James's stand up was almost objectively not funny even though comedy is mostly subjective as I haven't seen a single comment defending it which to me...like if it's not funny when it needs to be for a comedian... workshop it like the character allegedly was in the story until it is funny lol and yea the glamour and the whole erasure of Jamie as an imaginary friend can be dug into but I do believe they did say they moved after Jamie and the dad left so I was able to overlook the whole "how did they sell it to people outside the family" based on the move even though I get in reality it's not that easy.
It was cute though at times. I enjoyed the Siri / Dawn relationship for what it was. I've definitely read way worse. Zenith to give a booktube example was by comparison so so so much worse in all ways.
One reason I think I'd definitely give her 3rd book a view is I find her writing easy to read. Some people when they write whether the story is good or bad it feels clunky and I just can't flow with it. I think Christina has a voice and the ability to tell a story but she just needs as you said, more pushing.
@@BuffBillsFan83 You make a really good point about its readability! Even though I roll my eyes a lot, she does have a strong voice, which I like. And I agree that the Siri/Dawn relationship was probably the best part. The Disney Channel comparison feels spot on too! I was prepared for some silliness, but I just expected more improvement between her first book and this one.
I feel like her books are usually aimed at a younger YA market that is missed in a lot of books today. A lot of the ya books today are aimed at 16 to 18 year olds and her books seem to hit the audiences of 13 to 15 more. I think I would have loved them at that age.
@@LinikMolly2004 I definitely agree that her books read like they're for the younger side of YA.
Completely agree with everything you said, especially about how part of it is on the editor(s). I work as a full time editor and it's my job to be honest with the writer about any issues I'm seeing. I'm not mean about it of course, but I believe it's the editor's job to help the writer make the book the best it can be, which means being open and honest about what's working and what isn't. It definitely seems like this was not the case here with this book. Great review! You made a lot of really valid points.
Thanks! And YES, I think (tactful) honesty is a HUGE part of an editor's job. I've spent many years learning how to give constructive criticism that guides someone without crushing their spirit. 😅I really believe that challenging people is the key to their best work, whether that be in writing, sport, or whatever!
@@INKNOTBLOOD YES! All of this comment, yes!
I understand having your own opinion, and I appreciate that you weren't purposely trying to bash on Christine. However, it was quite insensitive to say her editor should have pushed her harder when she was going through some really difficult times with mental health. I personally found this book delightful and don't see the need for an entire video of criticism when you could be talking about a book you absolutely loved instead. 💛
The thing about publishing a book is that once it's out of your hands as an author, it stands on its own and the context of when/how/why you wrote it doesn't necessarily get carried along. While what an author went through personally while writing something may give more depth to our understanding of the final product, it isn't an excuse for that final product to be of lesser quality. If she and her team couldn't make her book the best it could be because of what she was going through, maybe they should have postponed its release. I have tons of compassion for Christine and take no pleasure in hearing that she was having a difficult time. However, that doesn't make her work exempt from criticism.
Making videos about books I love is great! Making videos about books that frustrate me is also great. You may not have found value in this particular content-and that's fine-but others do. Videos like this help readers decide whether or not they want to spend many hours reading a book they aren't sure about. One of my goals with this video was actually to inspire writers and editors to think critically about aspects of their own work. Additionally, when you don't like a book and you see someone else laying out the reasons THEY didn't like that same book-it's extremely cathartic! So this video is for those people too. All in all, I'm of the mind that criticism always has a place in the bookish ecosystem.
All that being said, I'm happy you enjoyed the book! As I mentioned in the video, I think there definitely is an audience for it.
@@INKNOTBLOOD i think you were honest and gave fair criticism without bashing on the author! And i think you’re right the criticism isn’t just for the author, the editor should have pushed a little further because I think there was potential for a good story!