Today we’re asking the big question:
What the hell happened to book reviews? Did Booktok ruin them, or did the industry break it first?
In this episode of Rationally Insane with Rachel D. Oak, we’re spiraling through the mess of fake reviews, early reader scams, review bombing, and why publishing has become so addicted to 5-star praise that it’s ruining the joy of reading.
But underneath the drama, here’s what we’re really uncovering:
What happens when trust in book reviews completely collapses?
How indie authors are losing another key tool for visibility
Why the publishing industry has gotten lazy, and how we let it happen
The book influencer pay-to-recommend pipeline
And perhaps the most important factor: when did we stop having fun?
If you’re feeling exhausted by the viral hype cycles, or just miss when BookTok was weird but wonderful, this episode is for you.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Previous podcast on Performative Author Takedowns → https://racheldoak.substack.com/p/why-female-authors-keep-getting-destroyed
My YouTube channel → youtube.com/@TheAuthorRach
✨ New episodes drop every sunday.
If this one hit a nerve (or helped you process your own book review feelings), please leave a 5-star, it helps more little book gremlins find this cave :)
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