Can you enjoy the work of an author if s/he is a total jerk?

[Mallory Whitaker]

I really couldn't care less. If the author believes in something I don't, is a jerk to his fans, or drowns kittens in their free time that's not really relevant to me. I'm reading a book not signing up for a lifelong relationship with them. Not all authors put every part of themselves into a book. If they do, then I'm judging the book's contents and not the author's personality/politics.

[Bookworm17]

It's really hard to enjoy it when they express views that aren't really something you talk about if you're a public figure like politics,religion,or etc. I understand if they have a dislike for a football team or someone whom a lot of people don't like,like a celebrity but personal views should be kept just that,PERSONAL!

[dark-moo88]

It really makes it kind of difficult. But if I enjoy how the author writes I do my best to push aside the "jerk" part and just read. But depending on how much of a "jerk" they are it will dissipate how I feel towards the book.

[Bookworm17]

As far as their books go they are books but when the author posts or tweets something I don't agree with it affects how I feel about their books. I try my best not to let it affect the books but it unfortunately does and I hate myself for it but if you know your in somewhat of a public position where what you say DOES matter make sure you express views or opinions people can relate to, for example " I hate long lines!" That's something that people relate to or views like "We should really help our illiterate youth in America." That's a view that many people can get on board with.

[missbookworm]

It would be a little bit harder to enjoy, but I think I would still like the books I liked by them. I mean, I still like the Dr. Seuss books, though knowing he didn't like children is always in the back of my mind whenever I see one of his books, especially one that I used to love as a child. It's really hard to say, though. I think I would just be a little disappointed, but I think I would still read the books I liked before I found out they weren't very nice.

[Bookworm17]

I agree with missbookworm things like that are always gonna be in the back of my mInd and it would make me feel a little disappointed while I'm reading the author's books.

[AKBookAddict]

Wow. I feel like I'm going to be taking the opinion of the small minority here but yes, yes I can still read the book.

1.) I think there are varying definitions of "jerk" - although I'm sure the person asking the question meant the person did something I disagree with, did not like, etc.
2.) I think there are varying scenarios depending on the type of book you are reading. Are you reading the life story of a mass murderer or are you reading a children's book written by a drug addict?
3.) Where you reading fiction or non-fiction? (Did you interpret something incorrectly at first?)

We are each privaledged to our own opinion and beliefs, mine happens to be that everyone deserves privacy in their lives that media seems to think should not be granted to popular figures like authors.

My main purpose in reading is for enjoyment. So I don't let anything move me from that. If I don't like something about an author, I don't hold it against their writing, instead I say, "Hmm, interesting but none of my business" in my head and move on.

You could ask this same question about movies and I bet a few different answers might pop up

[Conycardoza]

I find that its quite easy to read people's work no matter what they did or what they said. If they are a good writer then why should I care about what they do in their personal life? If they began to make books with opinions or actions I didn't like then maybe I would stop reading. But as long as I enjoy their books I don't think its a problem. Maybe I won't idolize them or anything like that but I think I'd still read all their books because all in all a book is to get sucked into and to enjoy.

[Jolyon Trevelyan]

Of course i can

I don`t care what authors are in real life. I only care about the books they write. that is all i care about

[kitsune1997]

Usually not, cause to tell the truth, I usually remember the books but not the author... I don't know why. So if they were a jerk I wouldn't know :p but the authors that I do remember their names, if I heard they are jerks I'd appreciate the book less cause in my opinion the author puts some of his soul in making a book.

[danamarie95]

I mean, it would probably make me super sad, but I would probably still read their books.

[stoppoppingtheP]

It depends on their level of jerkiness, I suppose. If it is some part of their character that is not widely known I wouldn't really have a big problem, but if the author publicly displays a certain viewpoint then I would judge them.

[sound_readerrev]

Often, finding out that the author was a jerk in real life, can put a damper on things.

[MadelynNicole]

Personally it doesn't matter to me. I can respect and appreciate someone's work without respecting them.

[Mariar3]

I can if I've already read/enjoyed the book. However, if I find out the author is a jerk before I read a book, I have difficulty reading and enjoying that book. It's why I haven't read Ender's Game.