Opening Myself Up to Criticism

It’s inevitable: someone is going to criticise my unschooling books. No one has yet, but someone will. How do I know this? Well, even though we would like to think everyone agrees with our ideas and likes our work, that’s just not true. It’s impossible to please everyone in this world.

A week or so ago, I finished listening to the audio version of Trent Dalton’s, Boy Swallows Universe. Maybe my family was glad when I came to the end of this Australian novel because I kept talking about it as I was listening. Then just when they thought I’d finished sharing my thoughts, I found something new to tell them.

I said: “I was browsing Audible and saw Boy Swallows Universe so I read the reviews. It has loads of 5-star views, but there are some 1 and 2-star reviews as well.” Not many, but I didn’t expect any.

I couldn’t at first understand why anyone would give a book that I’d enjoyed such a low rating. Boy Swallows Universe is a book that’s won four Australian Book Industry Awards. I can see why. I soaked up Trent’s wonderful language. The voice-actor was superb. And there were so many things to think about along the way.

So why didn’t absolutely everyone in the whole world like this novel? Eventually, I realised that each person is looking for something different in a novel. Not everyone is hoping for a long and deep and colourful story, drenched with rich language. (And not everyone spent some of her childhood years living in the area where the book is set.)

If a well-acclaimed writer can receive a few negative reviews, what makes me think I won’t get any for my books Curious Unschoolers and Radical Unschool Love? It’s probably only a matter of time before someone stops by to tell me they don’t like what I’ve written. Yes, a day will arrive when I wish I hadn’t hurried over to Amazon to look at my books’ reviews. And when that day comes, how will I feel?

Criticism is difficult to deal with. It hurts when someone stomps carelessly across our words with their big reviewing boots. My books are full of very personal stories. They are my husband, my kids, my life, my heart.

Why we have to risk criticism

Publishing books involves a lot of risks. Doing anything in public does. We’re honest and open, and we invite people in, not knowing how they’re going to react. Sometimes I think it would be much safer to stay away from the public eye, and not expose myself to possible pain. But I can’t do that because I feel I have something valuable to say and I have the talent to say it. Yes, not everyone will want to listen but some people will.

We all have talents and we have to be brave enough to use them. Doing nothing with what we’ve been given will protect our hearts, but it won’t encourage us to grow. And it won’t help us make a difference to the world. We can’t let our worries about other people’s opinions stop us from doing what we should do.

We also have to expose ourselves and do ‘dangerous’ and adventurous things for our kids’ sakes. We have to be good examples for them so that they’ll also have the courage to be themselves, to use their talents and follow their dreams.

Reviews for Curious Unschoolers

So I have published my unschooling book Curious Unschoolers and I’m happy to report that, so far,  readers like it!

Here are several 5-star Amazon reviews that kind readers left for me:

“As I read through this book I am reminded of why I love Sue’s podcast. It is like a pleasant chat over coffee with a friend. There is nothing one-sided about Sue’s work. She makes you feel like a friend. This book explains and explores unschooling as a concept, but also gives you the feeling that unschooling is just another name for living a full, interesting life, and that it is not beyond anyone’s grasp. Sue will also help with the practical matters of translating organic learning into records. If you have ever wondered “What?” or “Why?” or “How?” this is an excellent resource for unschoolers, homeschoolers, and families.”

JustKristyn

“I loved this book. Sue’s writing is beautiful. Her stories draw you in giving the reader an honest look at their unschooled life. I didn’t want the book to end. Looking forward to her second unschooling book.”

Pen Name

“A wonderful and encouraging resource for homeschoolers and those interested in homeschooling. Sue paints a picture of unschooling life through her stories that keep me inspired and motivated. It’s a true gift to benefit from her years of experience!”

Venisa McAllister

Radical Unschool Love

Soon my second unschooling book Radical Unschool Love will also be available on Amazon. All I have left to do is write the book blurb for the back cover. Then we can upload the files and order a proof copy. Before I know it, I’ll be saying, “My new book Radical Unschool Loveis now available on Amazon!” And hopefully, people will want to read it.

Opening up a Conversation

Radical unschooling has a lot of critics. As I said, my book might have its critics too. What if some readers don’t agree with my ideas? I thought about that and then finished my book with these words:

“If you do think my ideas are offtrack, should you dismiss my book and say, “That was a waste of time and money!” I hope not. Instead, maybe we can discuss the ideas I’ve written about. You could share your thoughts. We might learn from each other. Go deeper.

I want my book to open up a conversation.”

Although it would be wonderful if everyone agrees with my ideas, it’s not essential. As long as we can share thoughts, have proper conversations and learn from one another. So I’m not really afraid of negative feedback. Unless, of course, it’s unkind and hurtful and unproductive. But we can’t have the good without risking the bad so I’ll learn to deal with whatever comes along.

Criticising our work is a bit like criticising unschooling. Only those people who have tried unschooling can really comment on it, can’t they? And so only those who have opened themselves up and shared something precious have the right to judge someone else’s work. But, of course, that doesn’t stop people saying whatever they like!

Another thought

I probably shouldn’t have mentioned the word ‘criticism’ in the same post as my books. I wouldn’t want you to think they aren’t any good. I should have said, “My unschooling books are brilliant!” and left it at that. But I’m not that kind of person. I can’t do things the recommended way. Maybe that’s because I’m an unschooler!

So I’m wondering:

What are your talents? Have you ever felt reluctant to share them because of possible criticism? Or do you stare down any fears and refuse to let them get in the way of all the things you want to do?

Have you read Boy Swallows Universe?

Are you interested in reading my upcoming big pink book, Radical Unschool Love? I think it will look good next to my big orange book! (My daughter Charlotte created the covers!)

And do you have time to write a review of Curious Unschoolers? If you do, please be honest. I’m brave. I’m gritty. I can bear to hear the truth!

One final thing: A big thank you to Kristyn, Pen Name and Venisa!