Authors who have scorned, lied…does it matter?
I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Big breath in…one of our summer *sighs*. We girls are eagerly anticipating this sci-fi/horror book that will be hitting the shelves soon.
While we wait to get our hands on this book, I started thinking, “Who is Pittacus Lore?” Like Lemony Snicket, I knew that had to be a pen name. So, I Googled. As you may know, Pittacus Lore is the nom de plume of Jobies Hughes and James Frey (okay, so James Frey is neither confirming or denying, but insider sources say it’s him). Yes, that James Frey. You know, the one that duped thousands (maybe millions) of readers and Oprah with his autobiographical book, A Million Little Pieces with key parts that were partially (totally) fabricated.
While I am not here to discuss A Million Little Pieces or James Frey for that matter, the bigger question is do we as readers want to read books by authors who have scorned their audience, lied to them or have reputations that are questionable? Do the private lives of authors matter?
The answer is no they shouldn’t matter. However, I know without a doubt that there are certain things that would stop me from reading an author’s books. For example, if an author was a pedophile, abusive to children, etc. But a fib about how long an author was in jail? Or an author who is a raging alcoholic? Does it really matter when you are reading their stories? Does it really matter if you are moved by their words, and feel emotion reading their tale? Or is what really matters what you take away from their story, what you have learned and taken to heart?
For me the story is of value if I like it, whether or not the author is honest or likeable has little to no bearing for me. I may not like or approve of an author personally, but it’s their life. I read for the creativity within, the stories they tell. I would miss out if I let my opinions hinder me.
I’ll throw the question back out, does it matter to you?
See you in the STACKS,
Stacy – who would really like to thank my wonderful editor Nancy!!
It matters if they abuse children or family members. That is one thing I can’t forgive and it turns the story, for me, to one of complete psycho inspired instead of creativity inspired. I don’t need that writing to influence me in any way nor do I want to GIVE MONEY TO A COMPLETE PSYCHO! Money talks, baby!
Now, Let’s talk James Frey. I really don’t care what he did so much. Is he completely honest? No. However, this is a fiction book and I really don’t know why they are hiding behind a pen name unless they are trying to have the EXPERIENCE of reading this book more enticing.
Love, me – who is going out to buy the book ASAP and really wants to visit the set of the movie!
I guess it depends on their personal life. But in this case- at least we all know ahead of time its fiction. Can not wait to read this
I agree, personal lives mean little to me. It’s all about the story/book. I love James Frey’s writing I know little about his life. Now if a book is touted “true” I would be upset if it turned out to be all made up. But if it was a entertaining read I’d get over it
Great question.
Okay, just to clarify that I would have been upset had I read A Million Little Pieces and been told it is true to find out that parts weren’t. However, I easily forgive but would be very wary of any other non-fiction work he produced.
Shannan, yes money talks! Which is why I really prefer NOT to know anything about their personal lives.
I didn’t read his book and I don’t pay attention to Oprah, but I did here about James Frey. His book may have been portrayed as non-fiction and ended up being largely a work of fiction, but from what I hear, it was well written. I would think that a fiction book by this author could be expected to be good.
The only thing that really bothers me with authors personal lives is when they are very religious and it shows in their writing. If I wanted a religious book, I would buy a religious book. I read fiction to escape real life for a short time, not to be converted in any way.
@John – I agree I don’t like preachy books, and by that I mean where it is obvious that the author is pushing his/her polotical views, religious, etc…I think if they are great with the pen they can have those things and feels real, authentic and not forced.
I used to read romances and absolutely loved Janet Daily until she was convicted of plagiarism of Nora Roberts. I quit buying Janet Quinn and bought Nora Roberts. Rather get my books undiluted!
)
OOPS not Janet Quinn, Janet DAILY
I’m definitely not one to care too much about an author’s personal life (unless they’re a murderer, child abuser, etc. and I don’t want to give money to them). As for James Frey, I think memoirs should be classified as fiction anyway. Life stories are embellished to make a point in almost all memoirs, and I don’t think that takes away the truth of the story. Keeping every fact straight often hinders the impact of a memoir, and there shouldn’t be such pressure to make everything correct (unless you go heinously overboard and make EVERYTHING up).
I also googled who he was, but only after reading the book. I don’t think it really matters either way if an author lies, unless, as you say, they are a pedophile or abusive or something. Well written is well written.
It’s like asking the same question about Mel Gibson, Tiger Woods and more. Do we separate the art from the artist? And I’d say, “yes.” Unfortunately, as much as we want our artists to live up to mother-Theresa-like standards, they’re human beings who are, essentially, INCREDIBLY FLAWED. We can hope to expect a human being meet the lowest bar of decency … but that’s sometimes even a stretch.
Good thoughts from everyone here!
It doesnt matter to me at all. I do remember the James Frey thing and I know he told Oprah that parts of the book were not completely true for creative effect. I was there I read it on her website. Why it was so totally blown out of the sky I have no idea. She has since apologized to him but his career is still ruined.
It should not matter what a author has done, if the books are good I am going to read them.