Who I Am as a Reviewer and Creator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nI am deeply honored to share my personal approach to the complex world of “problematic” literature and ethical book reviews. My perspective is shaped by a life lived on both sides of the page. Known as Ana in the reviewing community and Vanessa in my creative life, I hold a Master\u2019s in English and Portuguese Literature and a Bachelor\u2019s in Fine Arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMy career has been a journey of storytelling with a lot of setbacks but also character growth: I have taught literature and English in high schools, worked as a professional illustrator for publishers, and personally authored 16 fantasy and non-fiction titles, all of which I illustrated myself. Because I know the weight of the pen and the brush, I approach every book not just as a consumer, but as a fellow creator. This background helps me to inform my own approach to reviewing books ethically, and with open literary critique. Read on for the ways that I choose to review and tips if you chose to emulate my style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nProblematic Doesn\u2019t Mean Wrong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn today’s discourse, “problematic” is often used as a red flag, but I see it as an invitation. A difficult subject brings different opinions to the surface. Problematic books invite conversation rather than cancellation<\/strong>. Good communication between parties with different ideals is essential. This is why these books make the best book club reads. They help us learn about a theme but also about ourselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nI strive to be an eclectic, open-minded reader. Personally, I don\u2019t believe in “cancel culture<\/a>” or the banning of books. I created my platform, Therearenobadbooks<\/a>, because even the clumsiest project can have a solid story at its core. Sometimes an author is too impatient to finish the “loops” of editing, or they hold beliefs radically different from their readers. As long as we are well-informed, we can turn these readings into opportunities for growth<\/strong>. This is why I appreciate the transparency provided by companies like Bookinfluencers.com.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"the](\"https:\/\/bookinfluencers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/111-600x600.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Reviewer\u2019s Responsibility and the “No DNF” Rule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhether you receive a free copy, monetary compensation, or another benefit, be honest. Remember: payment is not for a “bought” opinion<\/strong>. It is to compensate you for your labor, for the hours spent reading, writing, photographing, and the investment in props, lighting, and editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBecause I value this investment, I personally find it difficult to DNF (Did Not Finish) a book.<\/strong> I am a compulsive reader, finishing as many books as I can every year (a passion that keeps me sane). I always think: What if I\u2019m missing the best part at the end? Besides, I can only form a solid opinion<\/a> when I experience the whole project. Even if the lesson is simply learning “not to take that path,” it is never, in my opinion, a waste of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMy Ethical Book Review Method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStarting From a Five-Star Mindset<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen I grab a book, I give it 5 stars immediately<\/strong>. Then, I take points away as I encounter elements that don\u2019t resonate. I personally don’t need trigger warnings, but I deeply respect their necessity for others. I believe that as a reviewer, it is our responsibility to consider what content the next person may struggle with. When a book makes me uncomfortable, I report on that feeling with compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe \u201cBeta Reader\u201d Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf a book is unpolished, I ignore technical grammar issues to find the core plot. I provide specific feedback to help the author improve future scenes<\/strong>. E.g. Some chapters are missed opportunities to describe amazing action scenes, instead of getting the aftermath from the character in a less exciting exposition. Show, don’t tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen I\u2019m Not the Target Audience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf I realize I am not the target audience, I won’t be destructive. I will focus on the positive aspects<\/strong> and perhaps mention that I skimmed certain parts, or that I took notes of the advice provided by the author while still informing my viewers that those elements exist. E.g. even if I\u2019m not a fan of open-door romance descriptions I mention where readers can find these scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am deeply honored to share my personal approach to the complex world of “problematic” literature and ethical book reviews. My perspective is shaped by a life lived on both sides of the page. Known as Ana in the reviewing community and Vanessa in my creative life, I hold a Master\u2019s in English and Portuguese Literature and a Bachelor\u2019s in Fine Arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My career has been a journey of storytelling with a lot of setbacks but also character growth: I have taught literature and English in high schools, worked as a professional illustrator for publishers, and personally authored 16 fantasy and non-fiction titles, all of which I illustrated myself. Because I know the weight of the pen and the brush, I approach every book not just as a consumer, but as a fellow creator. This background helps me to inform my own approach to reviewing books ethically, and with open literary critique. Read on for the ways that I choose to review and tips if you chose to emulate my style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Problematic Doesn\u2019t Mean Wrong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn today’s discourse, “problematic” is often used as a red flag, but I see it as an invitation. A difficult subject brings different opinions to the surface. Problematic books invite conversation rather than cancellation<\/strong>. Good communication between parties with different ideals is essential. This is why these books make the best book club reads. They help us learn about a theme but also about ourselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nI strive to be an eclectic, open-minded reader. Personally, I don\u2019t believe in “cancel culture<\/a>” or the banning of books. I created my platform, Therearenobadbooks<\/a>, because even the clumsiest project can have a solid story at its core. Sometimes an author is too impatient to finish the “loops” of editing, or they hold beliefs radically different from their readers. As long as we are well-informed, we can turn these readings into opportunities for growth<\/strong>. This is why I appreciate the transparency provided by companies like Bookinfluencers.com.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Reviewer\u2019s Responsibility and the “No DNF” Rule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhether you receive a free copy, monetary compensation, or another benefit, be honest. Remember: payment is not for a “bought” opinion<\/strong>. It is to compensate you for your labor, for the hours spent reading, writing, photographing, and the investment in props, lighting, and editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBecause I value this investment, I personally find it difficult to DNF (Did Not Finish) a book.<\/strong> I am a compulsive reader, finishing as many books as I can every year (a passion that keeps me sane). I always think: What if I\u2019m missing the best part at the end? Besides, I can only form a solid opinion<\/a> when I experience the whole project. Even if the lesson is simply learning “not to take that path,” it is never, in my opinion, a waste of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMy Ethical Book Review Method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStarting From a Five-Star Mindset<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen I grab a book, I give it 5 stars immediately<\/strong>. Then, I take points away as I encounter elements that don\u2019t resonate. I personally don’t need trigger warnings, but I deeply respect their necessity for others. I believe that as a reviewer, it is our responsibility to consider what content the next person may struggle with. When a book makes me uncomfortable, I report on that feeling with compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe \u201cBeta Reader\u201d Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf a book is unpolished, I ignore technical grammar issues to find the core plot. I provide specific feedback to help the author improve future scenes<\/strong>. E.g. Some chapters are missed opportunities to describe amazing action scenes, instead of getting the aftermath from the character in a less exciting exposition. Show, don’t tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen I\u2019m Not the Target Audience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf I realize I am not the target audience, I won’t be destructive. I will focus on the positive aspects<\/strong> and perhaps mention that I skimmed certain parts, or that I took notes of the advice provided by the author while still informing my viewers that those elements exist. E.g. even if I\u2019m not a fan of open-door romance descriptions I mention where readers can find these scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In today’s discourse, “problematic” is often used as a red flag, but I see it as an invitation. A difficult subject brings different opinions to the surface. Problematic books invite conversation rather than cancellation<\/strong>. Good communication between parties with different ideals is essential. This is why these books make the best book club reads. They help us learn about a theme but also about ourselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I strive to be an eclectic, open-minded reader. Personally, I don\u2019t believe in “cancel culture<\/a>” or the banning of books. I created my platform, Therearenobadbooks<\/a>, because even the clumsiest project can have a solid story at its core. Sometimes an author is too impatient to finish the “loops” of editing, or they hold beliefs radically different from their readers. As long as we are well-informed, we can turn these readings into opportunities for growth<\/strong>. This is why I appreciate the transparency provided by companies like Bookinfluencers.com.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you receive a free copy, monetary compensation, or another benefit, be honest. Remember: payment is not for a “bought” opinion<\/strong>. It is to compensate you for your labor, for the hours spent reading, writing, photographing, and the investment in props, lighting, and editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because I value this investment, I personally find it difficult to DNF (Did Not Finish) a book.<\/strong> I am a compulsive reader, finishing as many books as I can every year (a passion that keeps me sane). I always think: What if I\u2019m missing the best part at the end? Besides, I can only form a solid opinion<\/a> when I experience the whole project. Even if the lesson is simply learning “not to take that path,” it is never, in my opinion, a waste of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When I grab a book, I give it 5 stars immediately<\/strong>. Then, I take points away as I encounter elements that don\u2019t resonate. I personally don’t need trigger warnings, but I deeply respect their necessity for others. I believe that as a reviewer, it is our responsibility to consider what content the next person may struggle with. When a book makes me uncomfortable, I report on that feeling with compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a book is unpolished, I ignore technical grammar issues to find the core plot. I provide specific feedback to help the author improve future scenes<\/strong>. E.g. Some chapters are missed opportunities to describe amazing action scenes, instead of getting the aftermath from the character in a less exciting exposition. Show, don’t tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If I realize I am not the target audience, I won’t be destructive. I will focus on the positive aspects<\/strong> and perhaps mention that I skimmed certain parts, or that I took notes of the advice provided by the author while still informing my viewers that those elements exist. E.g. even if I\u2019m not a fan of open-door romance descriptions I mention where readers can find these scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe Reviewer\u2019s Responsibility and the “No DNF” Rule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
My Ethical Book Review Method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Starting From a Five-Star Mindset<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cBeta Reader\u201d Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When I\u2019m Not the Target Audience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/bookinfluencers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/121-600x600.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n