I think it’s fair to say we all have strong preferences when it comes to the kind of books we read. Likes and dislikes vary with every reader but occasionally some topics can actually do emotional harm to a vulnerable reader. Triggering subject matter like grief, addiction, abuse, cancer, violence, darker themes in suspense novels to name just a few. Triggers are as unique and numerous as there are readers!
Lately I’ve noticed an increase in trigger warnings offered by both authors and reviewers which seems like a kind, helpful thing to do. Warning off sensitive readers can be beneficial…except those same triggers often become spoilers which can actually ruin the reading experience by revealing too many plot points. Such a conundrum!
For example, let’s say you’re reading a contemporary romance and the author skillfully, slowly and deliberately reveals what’s behind the hero’s grumpy attitude. We won’t know his whole story until we’re well into the book….unless ‘grief’ has been listed as a trigger warning. That would be a spoiler for me.
Or how about a woman’s fiction novel about estranged sisters coming together to clear out the family cottage after their parents’ death. The author digs deep into the emotional dynamics of these adult women and the reasons they grew apart. It will take the whole novel to come to grips with everything each sister has dealt with on their own and that’s the thrill of the read….except if you read the list of triggers ‘miscarriage, addiction, domestic violence’ before you open the book!
So, I’m curious about your thoughts on trigger warnings vs spoilers. Do you post triggers in your reviews? Can you think of a way to include triggers without giving away spoilers? Or are there times you think it’s more important to post a trigger warning even if it gives away key plot points? Do you look for triggers before choosing a book?
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This is a good discussion topic, Kav! I like to include a content note section in my reviews, which sometimes includes trigger warnings. Like you said, though, it’s pretty subjective, and I don’t include everything that could be a trigger.
I try to do some kind of note that there will be spoilers in my review if I feel like I need to mention something because it’s a trigger. I also really like the spoiler function on GoodReads. Recently, I did different versions of a review on my blog and on GoodReads. It wasn’t for a trigger, but because I felt like my discussion was pretty limited without the ability to discuss certain plot points.
As far as triggers, I also think it depends a little on if the theme is foreshadowed/hinted at leading up to the reveal, or if it’s very sudden. I think that even language in synopses can offer hints sometimes, and I think the trigger would be significantly more bothersome if it came from out of nowhere.
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I’ve seen reviews where the trigger warnings were longer than the actual review! Good point about the spoiler function on Good Reade. That’s a great place to add trigger warnings. And posting two reviews so you could talk about plot points is pretty innovative, Stephanie. Sometimes a story just screams ‘talk about me!” and that’s when I wish I belonged to a book club!
I love the foreshadowing that builds into a reveal though sometimes I’ve been wrong about what’s been hinted at and then I’m gobsmacked! 🙂 I can see how that could be quite a shock if it was also a trigger. Good luck, Stephanie!
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This is an interesting topic. There are some triggers that are difficult for me to read, but I would rather put a book down midway than have the book spoiled for me. Secondly, I expect tears, fear, and visceral reactions when I read fiction because that happens in real life. It may mean that I finish a book but need some time to process it before picking up the next one. Next, tv lists vague reasons for its ratings. Wouldn’t a “pg-13 for violence” be a better rating for a book than one with a spoiler? We expect to experience many emotions watching tv shows without any sort of trigger warning. What’s the difference when reading fiction? Finally, a big problem, in my opinion, is people’s perception that Christian fiction should always be happy with unrealistic, fluffy content. I disagree. Christian fiction should be pointing us first and foremost to Christ! We can’t understand the Savior until we understand what we are being saved from – God’s judgment for sin! Yes sin which is disgusting and triggering. And honestly this is a reason I don’t read reviews. Many people post spoilers without any consideration of future readers. I really appreciate StoryGraph for this reason. You can list content warnings separately than your review and you can list how severe those triggers are.
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I’m with you, Rebecca. I’d much rather DNF a book with a trigger than wade through reread spoilers. And sometimes I’ve found that the trigger isn’t the dealbreaker I thought it would be and I keep reading. Love, love, love your second point. Yes to feeling our way through fiction! And that it should reflect real life. I also enjoy lighter, fluffy reads but even rom/coms can go into deeper subject matter. It’s fun to mix things up on my TBR pile and, as you say, sometimes it takes some time to process a book.
Interesting idea about a movie style rating for books instead of trigger/spoilers! I wonder if that’s ever been thought of before? Of course then we’d get into the debate of what constitutes the different levels so…more conundrums, I fear. 🙂 I have’t joined SToryGraph but now you have me intrigued. I should do it before we get much farther into the year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rebecca. Good luck!
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While I don’t tend to read triggers, usually listed at the bottom of a review, mainly because people’s perceptions are so different and that I don’t want to have feelings before I even open the book. Guess the only ones I look at at at the top of the Amazon description where it says things like Christian, suspense, etc. that just give a general overall description of a book.
The only time I list a disclaimer on a review if there is non-sexual, brief nudity or the use of a very few words of foul language. While to me, if brief but adds meaning to the story, I can accept either, but not a big part of the story. I once won a book on Goodreads with no warning of language. However, within the first few pages there was several instances of language I don’t use or want to read at all. I notified them I would not read it and why. If having know so ahead of time, I won’t have entered to win a copy. I learned from a blogger years ago how to put a disclaimer at the end of my review stating if either of these things are in the book for those that might be more sensitive than I am. I work hard to entice a reader by letting them know how much I enjoyed a book, but never give away the total plot, surprises, or details that takes half the book to get to.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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I’m grateful to reviewers who place triggers at the end of their review even though it’s hard not to skim them without meaning to. I’ve found that a lot of people post the triggers before the review which is irksome for those of us who don’t want spoilers. Ohhh, and great point about reader’s perceptions being different. I’ve definitely found that to be true, especially when it comes to suspense topics. Things I find unpalatable are totally fine with others and vice versa. Sometimes it’s hard to be objective.
I like your list of disclaimers — not plot spoilers, but content warnings (language etc.) and I find that very helpful when I’m venturing into general market reading. Even cozy mysteries have a range of…content controversies…so it’s not a guarantee anymore that you won’t get an open door scene or a lot of swearing in the genre. I like that you do your research when it comes to review books so you are sure the content will fit your standards. I try to do that too. Thanks for participating in today’s chat, Kay. Good luck!
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I do appreciate a small trigger warning comment, but nothing more detailed than that. I enjoy those types of books on occasion because I know they will be real and thought-provoking. Sometimes I want a fluffy story, but at other times I want depth. As I get older, the more I want real life in my fiction. Life is messy, and it can help to work through things when I read about it.
kathrynlvossATgmailDOTcom
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I guess there’s a talent for posting a trigger warning without spoiling the plot. There should be classes on how to do that! I like to mix up my reading – breaking up a heavy book with a lighter one before diving back into something grittier. And then I go by my mood too and I’ve been known to read three cozy mysteries in a row just because. 🙂 And I love your point about using fiction to help a reader work through things. Bibliotherapy at it’s finest! Good luck, Kathryn!
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I do like trigger warnings, and if I think it might, I’ll pass on reading it because I know my book club members won’t enjoy it. I read a variety of books for book club and just for fun. I can appreciate and can grasp the depth of the story without it being very graphic and feel like I could be the next victim.
Years ago there was a book titled Words. I knew it was about a child that was physically and sexually abused. I talked to others and checked reviews before I jumped in. I was confident it wouldn’t get too graphic. I was amazed at how much this little one loved WORDS. It was a beautiful story that left me crying. I don’t think I was writing trigger warnings in my reviews back then, but I appreciate those who did.
I recently read a Thomas Nelson-published book that had a surprising amount of cuss words in it and dealt with a hostage situation at a post office. I appreciate trigger warnings and other triggers that would help me gauge if the book would work for book club. Some are very offended by too much language, and some might have been in a hostage situation. You never know.
Are these the kind of triggers you are talking about?
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You have a unique responsibility in choosing books for your book club, Nora. I can see where trigger warnings might help you with that. I just wish there was a way to post them without turning them into plot spoilers for people who want to read the book. That book you read, Words, sounds heartbreaking. I’m guessing the synopsis on the back of the book hinted at the abuse content though. If that’s the case then any reviewer comments wouldn’t really be a trigger warning, but more of a content warning as to how graphic the material was. Just a guess on my part.
Wow, I’m surprised that a Thomas Nelson book had a lot of cuss words in it! I know they have branched out to publishing general market books but I thought they still had a kind of ‘clean reads’ standards. The hostage situation could definitely be a trigger for some people. I wonder if it’s mentioned in the book blurb? I don’t consider mentioning language issues as triggers (though that definitely triggers me!) I consider it a content warning. For me triggers are a plot element or character personality that’s integral to the story that may or may not be mentioned in a synopsis. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Nora. Good luck!
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Thanks for going a little deeper as to the triggers that give away the story.
Words a novel by Ginny Yttrup Below is the book blurb on Amazon.
“Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn’t speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods, in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary”
It doesn’t specifically mentions sexual abuse but the review under the blurb does mention it.
Handle with Care Marybeth Whalen is the Thomas Nelson book.
I can handle an occasional “dam” or “hell” but a few times in this book women were called the “b” word. It was surprising. At the bottom it mentions this book would be great for book clubs and includes a discussion guide.
Thank you again for this discussion. It’s an eye-opener.
Nora Finding Hope at yahoo.
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Oh boy, I have strong feelings about this and have shared about it on Best Reads before. I am very intentional about the books I choose to read. I put a lot of time and thought into researching summaries and a few early reviews to get a feel for a story. Many times, this gives me all the information I need because there are certain storylines I know to steer clear of. Having said that, I have been surprised more than once by content.
One book comes to mind reading an author I’ve read many times. One particular book had a rape scene that I was not prepared. for. Shocked and horrified was my main reaction. And yet, it was still a 5 star book overall. This was the beginning of me paying closer attention to content. I might have picked up on it being it was during a wartime setting, although the book was more about refugees coming to America.
Another time I picked up a dual timeline by a debut author, again a 5-star book, but the main thing I remember after all the years is the rape scene. I could go on…
All that to say this, I am super sensitive to rape or sexual abuse, and abuse of children. I have read at least half a dozen books with this unexpected content, all Christian fiction. All read before “trigger warnings” were even a thing. I wish I had known, I wish I hadn’t read them. After all these years, the abuse scenes are stronger in my memory than the stories themselves.
Interestingly enough, I’ve never seen any warnings until now. I’m reading a clean/wholesome suspense series on KU that just had a trigger warning right before the chapter that went on to describe the abuse the FMC went through as a child. I could handle it because it wasn’t sexual. It was painful to read her experiences, but it was a big part of the storyline.
Bottom line is, I think it may be hard for authors or publishers to do, put I’d appreciate some kind of warning if they’re going to a hard place in the story. It doesn’t have to be detailed or specific. I’ve gotten good at reading between the lines. I know they worry some won’t read it, and yet that’s the whole point. In the meantime, I am my own advocate/censor. I think each person has to figure out their own tolerance level and do the same.
I’ll be reading all the comments to see what other Best Readers think.
Thanks for the interesting topic, Kav! tracey14567 atgmail.com
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Tracey, I have a similar approach about wanting to know what I’m getting into and wanting others to know what to expect. I agree with you about the trigger scenes (or for me romantic content that is beyond my conscience zone) being the most memorable part of the story sometimes.
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You might have been the inspiration for this post, Tracey. 🙂
I love that you are a well-researched reader. I try to do that too, especially when I can check trusted Good Reads friends for early reviews. But, it’s not a foolproof plan for sure. And you raise an interesting point — how far should we go to cater to our triggers so to speak. You mentioned that book with a rape scene and yet it was a five star read for you. I can relate to certain subject matter invading your mind and stick with you long after the read. And it’s good to be aware of your triggers. I think the situations you have related speak to what Stephanie said about whether a trigger situation crops out of nowhere in a scene (likely written that way for shock value) vs foreshadowing of it throughout the story. At least if it had been hinted at early on you could opt out of the read before the actual trigger scene crops up.
As you know, I love suspense, but I’ve struggled with two big name CF authors recent books because of their very well written and researched deep dive into the villain’s psyche, which includes disgusting and graphic details of their desires and actual crimes. Like you, I can’t shake those kind of scenes from my mind and it totally overshadows the rest of the story even if there’s a solid inspirational thread, relatable characters etc. It just creeps me out. Which is kinda the point of thrillers, I guess, I just haven’t experienced it in Christian Fiction romantic suspense until recent years. Not sure how that kind of story could be triggered — ‘mature themes’ isn’t really specific enough. Maybe ‘graphic details’? I just avoid most serial killer themes now. In fact, I’ve stopped C C Warrens’ Holly series at the second book because everything I’ve read about the third book is pretty graphic and involves abuse, including sexual abuse, but everyone raves about this series and the next one that’s a spinoff so I’m really in a quandary.
I find that KU trigger warning placement very strange. Not at the beginning of the book but before the chapter?! Curious to know if the abuse is hinted at in previous chapters? Maybe the author is hoping that readers will have connected with character and trust her storytelling style so that they will continue on whereas they might have chosen not to pick up the book if they new ahead of time?
Very good point about each individual reader championing their won reading content. We can do everything we can to be informed and then decide whether to read the book or DNF it at a certain point. But yes, it would be wonderfully helpful if we could find a way to advise triggers without turning them into spoilers. Thanks for conversational inspiration, Tracey. Good luck!
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I appreciate everyone’s input on the topic. There is so much to think about. and be aware of when writing a review.
I like the fact that we can look up movies and/or TV shows rated TVMA and other ratings to get the scoop. Why is it TV MA? It spells out why it’s got that rating. You can also go deeper, and they will tell you the exact scenes and situations that are in the movie and/or made-for-TV show.
Is there something like that for books? Is there a place to go to get the scoop and know exactly what’s inside. I would find that helpful. It would make choosing books to be discussed at book club easier.
nora finding hope
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Those this is what happened with the KU suspense book. The series is the Shining Knight Protector series by Madison Love. I had bought the first book in the series and enjoyed it enough to keep going. KU had the boxed set of 6 so I borrowed the set, mainly because when you get a set you don’t have to read all the next book blurbs that can be 20 pages per book. The third book, Worthy is the first book with a trigger warning. I didn’t see it until that chapter because it doesn’t mention it in the boxed set, one book flows into the next. I went back and looked, and it does mention it if I had bought the book individually. So interesting twist, but I don’t believe it was intentionally left out.
Here’s what it said. “TRIGGER WARNING: There is one chapter in this book where there is a discussion of childhood neglect and emotional abuse, but also the power of forgiveness.”
And that’s exactly correct. It was a perfect warning and accurate without giving too much away. I’ve checked the rest of the ones in this series, but none have warnings. By the 3rd book, I trusted her writing enough to keep going. I’ve read a romcom of hers that also has a warning that told the main character is recovering from cancer and was alerting readers in case that was a trigger for them. I thought that was very thoughtful.
Btw: I don’t think I’ve ever alluded to specifics in any of my reviews. I have however gotten 2 books from NetGalley that I had to inform the publisher I could not review, one for kidnapping/gang rape (yes-CF!) and the other extreme violence, murders and rapes, yes again, CF!
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I also meant to say I do recommend this series. “The Shining Knight Protector Series is a recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award“
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Ooohhh, thanks for that recommendations. Just added Valiant to my wishlist. I’m always up for a new romantic suspense author. And bonus that she’s an indie author! Thanks, Tracey. And, as far as trigger warnings go, that’s a pretty subtle one. I mean, it’s specific as far as the abuse aspect goes but it doesn’t indicate whether it’s the hero or heroine or even a secondary character who experienced it. I’m kinda gobsmacked over that CF content. I…have no words.
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I have to be careful with some publishers when I am choosing on NetGalley. I have done the WILL NOT BE REVIEWING THIS BOOK a couple of times. Harper Muse is most often who I decline. Last one had a psychic. Most I stopped because of swear words.
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Harper Muse is tricky because some of our Christian Fiction authors moved over to them so we all just assumed those books would lack faith content but still be closed door, no language etc. but that’s not the case. Good to know you can actually refuse to review a Net Galley book if the content isn’t what you expect. I didn’t know that until today. I tend to be very careful with what I pick from them and when it’s a general market book like a cozy mystery I always read some reviews on Good Reads to get a feel for the story and see if there are any content warnings about language etc.
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And it’s good to know that if you decline to give feedback on a title it does not count against your percentage.
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Interesting topic! I tend to do trigger warnings on a book I didn’t care for & that was just way over the top . . . even for me! And I’m a pretty tough reader. Warnings of language, overt sexuality, overly graphic, etc. I recently finished a book in less than 24 hrs! It was so good & has almost all 5 star reviews on Amazon. But there were scenes that almost did me in. I knew that if I posted a review about how great & beautifully written this book was, I would be remiss if I also didn’t say that the book was for those with a tough hide. Although there were a lot of spiritual nuggets, the book was so gritty and raw that I know many people couldn’t read it.
I try to do trigger warnings without giving away spoilers. I don’t blatantly say the main character was raped or had a miscarriage, etc. In other words, I won’t tell what happened to whom, just trigger warnings: rape, miscarriage, etc. Many times it will be included in the blurb (subtly perhaps), but enough to let readers know what they’re getting into. Thanks for the thought provoking subject, Kav, & it’s something to think about the next time I write a review.
dianalflowers at aol dot com
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I don’t mind content warnings like you mentioned – language, graphic violence — definitely information I want to know before I spend my money (and time) on a book! That 24 hour read sounds amazing, Diane! Gritty, even deep emotional layers are fine, it’s when things get too graphic that ends up triggering me. Mind you, as I say that I remember Lulu’s Cafe by T. I. Lowe which has some very graphic domestic abuse scenes in it and yet was such an incredible, emotional and ultimately uplifting read. Gah…it makes me wonder if I’m limiting myself by not reading certain books.
Being subtle about trigger warnings has to be a talent. I know some topics are even more…fragile…than others. I’m thinking of the number of times I’ve seen both author and multiple reviewers give infertility trigger warnings before they say anything else. That’s such an emotional fraught subject that so many women feel vulnerable about. Whereas you could get away with saying a more general ‘contains some graphic violence’ disclaimer which wouldn’t give away any spoilers in a thriller/suspense kind of read. It would just let the reader know those scenes are amped up a bit more.
And you’re right, hopefully most triggers will be gently hinted at in a synopsis though I hate when they become a play by play of plot points that give too much away! But that’s another topic for another day. 🙂 Good luck, Diane!
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Kav, the gritty read I mentioned was very raw & what happens to the MC for a period of time is described in detail, super graphic, violent, & not necessary IMO. I believe the descriptive violence was added for sensationalistic shock factor. The story (minus the horrifying part), was intriguing. I loved the characters, setting, & writing! This indie author is new to me.
I agree about lengthy blurbs that give the reader a play by play description & also reviews that tell you how a book ends. And I have read some of those too. lol
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Ugh, I really don’t like sensational scenes for shock value. Not my reading preference at all. I think you can tackle most any trigger subject without going that route. And then a reader has to decide to I keep reading because the plot is intriguing or do I call it quits because of this content? Too much thinking, not enough reading. 🙂
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The suspense plot was so intriguing & the gory details came later on, after I was already invested in the book. As I mentioned, it took me less than a day to finish a full-length book! 🙈
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I guess I don’t really read trigger warnings on most books. To be honest, I sometimes forget to read the back blurb of a book before I start reading it, let alone extra reviews online. I do tend to stick with mostly historical set books so most of those don’t seem to have the same type of triggers as a modern set book might, at least in the form of illnesses. 🤷🏻♀️
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Gasp!!!! Not read the back blurb? I can’t start a book without doing that. I need to know a little bit of what’s in store. Not too much though. Even with books I’ve bought based on the synopsis but have been on my TBR for a week or two. I pick one up, know the gist of the book blurb but I have to read it anyway or can’t settle into the story. Isn’t that weird? Bwahahaha! I’ll try not to judge you for not reading book blurbs. 🙂 Good luck, Bridget!
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Haha! No it’s not weird! On the books I forget to read the blurb before starting, it’s on books I’ve read the back of before and vaguely remember what it’s about. I just get so caught up in wanting to read the book that I plunge right in… but usually have to stop in the middle when I ask myself “what is this book about?” That I flip it over to read the blurb.
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That sounds so familiar………
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Ah, so you are a latent book blurb reader! I’m not sure if that’s worse. Bwahahahaha! Love the bookish enthusiasm that has you diving right into the book without knowing all the details! 🙂
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Talking about reviews in general…..I don’t specifically look for trigger warnings or spoiler alerts. Frankly, though, I have come across more than a few reviews that, in effect, carelessly ruin one’s potential read by writing about important or unexpected plot aspects. I used to do a number of reviews, including even more through NetGalley, but now I only occasionally do a review for something that I feel very surprisingly hard hitting, relevant, or exceptional. Some reviews seem to be just a rehash of the summary on the back of the book. When I actively reviewed, I divided my review into three very short paragraphs. The opening gave a quick impression of the overall book or storyline, the second a few deals about the main characters/story and why I thought it was well paced, believable or not, etc., and the third was a quick wrap up and notification if the book was a courtesy read.
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Ohhh, I like your no-nonsense approach to review writing. I don’t look for trigger warnings either (and definitely not spoilers) but, as you mentioned, some reviewers thoughtlessly include them for unsuspecting readers to stumble upon. I absolutely don’t want to know a plot twist before I even open the book! I often look at reviews on Good Reads when I’m checking out a new-to-me author or trying to decide about a new cozy mystery series or even if I’m waffling between a few books on my TBR and I can’t make up my mind on what to read first. I try to stick with trusted reviewers though, so I don’t stumble upon spoilers. On the flip side, if I’m not enjoying a read I’ll go in search of spoilery reviews just to see if it’s worth continuing on. As Stephanie mentioned, that Good Reads spoiler function is very helpful. You can read the review without seeing the spoiler or click on it to check it out. Good luck, CC!
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Oops – autocorrect! The second a few details, not deals!
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As someone who doesn’t struggle with triggers, I tend to find the warnings more spoilery than helpful, though I realize some people benefit from them greatly (which, in fairness, probably should outweigh my mild irritation at them). So mostly it’s a matter of attitude management for me, and I try to skim past them. In Christian fiction, it’s terribly rare I come across content that I would want to be warned about, unless it’s that there’s not actually a happily ever after (that’s a terrible shock when it happens – Siri Mitchell’s book Love’s Pursuit felt like a betrayal! Though I should add that it was an engrossing, thought-provoking book – just that the ending was not what I would have chosen!).
Now in regards to secular fiction, I wish there were more content warnings, and I don’t mean for the things that are generally listed under a trigger warning! Sex, swearing–there are a number of things that I would rather not read about that crop up without warning in so many secular books these days.
rdalquist AT gmail DOT com
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The lack of a happily ever after?! Yikes, that’s one Siri Mitchell book I haven’t read. I so love my HEA! Especially when I go into a read thinking it’s a romance. We have to figure out a way to balance trigger warnings and spoilers to satisfy all kinds of readers. Totally agree with you on content warnings for secular fiction. Even cozy mysteries have books with tons of language and too many innuendos for my comfort. And don’t get me going on Young Adult novels. Thanks for the chat, Rachael. Good luck!
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Kav, You have chosen a multifaceted topic! I don’t post “trigger warnings” in my reviews. Striving to find the perfect balance between “triggers” and “spoilers” can possibly summed up as a note to sensitive readers to read at their own discretion.
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Yes, utilizing that spoiler function on Good Reads would be helpful. I haven’t thought to do that yet. Always something to learn. I’m like you, I don’t post trigger warnings either. Good luck, Caryl!
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Interesting conversation, Kav! I don’t pay a lot of attention to the trigger warnings and will seldom mention them in my reviews–usually only if it’s already mentioned in the book description or is unusually graphic. I can see where they would be helpful to those who have encountered difficult life experiences and would like to avoid reading stories about them. I do like to have content warnings if there is bad language or sex scenes. I usually read several reviews to decide whether to read the book, especially if I don’t know if it’s CF.
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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Yes, I try not to include anything that’s not in the book blurb too. I agree on content warnings too. I look at them as a public service not spoilers. 🙂 What would we do without Good Reads friends to guide our reading with their reviews? Good luck, Winnie!
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I’ve never needed trigger warnings myself, though I once warned in a review that the book may be difficult for sensitive readers. Other than that one time, I’ve only ever pointed out when a book is specifically meant for a mature audience, but never any more detail than that. 🤷♀️
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Oh, I like the ‘mature audience’ tag. That’s a subtle heads up and people could contact the reviewer for specific details if they have any concerns. Good luck, Elly!
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Hi Kav, I appreciate general trigger warnings that flag a book as tackling heavy topics. I’ve been burned by a contemporary romance that was advertised as a beach read and earlier books in the series were light and fun. I specifically chose the book because I’d recently lost a loved one and wanted to escape into a lighthearted and feel good story. For whatever reason, the author included scenes from a funeral for a side character that really threw me for a loop. The last thing I’d wanted to read about was a funeral and, if I’d known about those scenes, I would have put the book aside for later. In that situation the author broke my trust and I wish I’d seen a review flagging a character passing away as a trigger warning because it wasn’t a spoiler for the story. Some genres eg. suspense, thriller, we expect heavy stuff because people are in danger. If it’s out of left field for the genre eg romcom, that’s when I think trigger warnings are most helpful.
Also, as an aside, my last Fan Girling video didn’t upload the full author chat episode (totally my fault because I missed seeing the problem before it published). I’ve now uploaded the full episode and copied your original comment and my reply across. My apologies for the inconvenience.
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Wow, that must have been a brutal shock when you thought you were safely ensconced in a light beach read. I’ve found quite a difference in content…even mild language…in some multi-authored series which makes it frustrating if I want to read all the books. Especially with new-to-me authors in the mix. I can see why you and other readers appreciate trigger warnings. It would be great if we could have a standard for how to post them so that people who don’t want to read them for fear of spoilers can just skip that part of the review.
Oh, good to know about your Fan Girling video, Narelle. I thought maybe it was my computer. It jumped out of the video a couple of times while I was watching and I had to go back, load it up again and find the right spot to continue. I thought I had somehow hit my mouse pad since I was working on my reading journals while I was watching. I’ll go back and catch the last bit. Happy Reading!
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I do try to mention trigger warnings in a subtle way that shouldn’t be a spoiler, but that is sometimes like walking a tight rope. This is mentioned AFTER the review but sometimes I don’t feel it’s necessary because the back cover blurb covers it. Trigger warnings for people really differ, though. For example, The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold was a surprising trigger for me. The family dynamics were just more than I could handle (my parents were really not a good fit and it was rough). I’m sure most would say that was a fantastic book, and I did finish it but didn’t really enjoy it. I also dislike child abuse and am reading (women’s fiction) Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate for book club and had to ask a book club friend if it gets any better. I’m about a third of the way through it and still not loving it.
So in general, I think that trigger warnings may or may not be helpful (or become spoilers) and back cover blurbs can be creatively subtle.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
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I like that phrase, ‘like walking a tight rope’ is a great way to describe this trigger controversy. Because, honestly, so many things can be triggers and even an author or a reviewer can’t anticipate what that might be. It’s helpful when the book blurb can give us a sense of what we might find in the story, but again, that’s not always a guarantee and a reader can be side blinded when they least expect it. And yes, Shelterwood was a difficult read. Profound and thought-provoking and important to remember history but a hard read. Good luck, Perrianne!
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I give trigger warnings in very general terms — like “some language”, “sexual situations”, etc. I like to know when such things are in a book so try to do the same when the book calls for it. I don’t like spoilers so steer away from those too.
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I appreciate those kind of content warnings. I don’t consider them full out triggers since they don’t actually spoil the plot by revealing an issue, if that makes sense. Those kinds of warnings help me decide whether to read the book or not. Good luck, Cheryl!
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Blunt honesty here…. pardon my rambling.
I am not a fan of triggers in almost every case. First, triggers are very subjective and the line keeps being moved. Secondly, it’s all become so out of hand in our society today that it can even be demeaning to real situations of hurt and pain. It brings out the self-victimization quicksand that is so prevalent. It often teaches avoidance rather than embracement and growth.
While I don’t mind a very BRIEF, non-invasive inclusion of difficult topics, that’s the maximum I want to see. And it canNOT spoil the book. Just a simple note of “sensitive content may not be suitable for all readers” is enough. Again, I’d ignore that and decide for myself.
Society, for the last number of years now, has been teaching avoidance, canceling, doxing, etc. whenever they deem something a “trigger.” Even that word makes me want to shake my head in exasperation. Our personal/private experiences should not dictate to others about whether they should read a book or not. Again, it is the subjectivity of it all.
The book blurb should be enough for a person to decide if they want to read it or not. When pain is fresh, I totally understand why someone may want to wait until some time has passed. If a person is surprised by content, they can stop reading or set it aside for another time. It’s a novel/fiction and not real life.
I believe that we can choose our reactions when responding to a difficult topic in a book. We can choose to let it dismantle us -OR- we can choose to embrace it, learn from the story, and experience some growth. We can also choose to wait for another time, as I said before.
The Bible also has tough passages and messages that we don’t always want to hear. While that is very different from a fictional book, that same parallel still applies in many ways. Do we want to learn and grow from those times we are stretched, or do we want to hide and avoid until it all comes to an unhealthy head?
There have been many times something has been tough for me to read. It has reminded me of things personal to me. For example, it took me a good year to read a certain book by a popular author because it was about relationship difficulties between a mother and her 2 daughters as well as between sisters. I still pushed myself to read it and it was fabulous. Was it difficult sometimes? Absolutely. Did I pray and push forward? Yes. And it was SO worth it. I could have missed out on a great read that I learned from.
Just like any lesson or difficulty in life, we need time to grieve or process it, BUT we also need to learn and move on with more knowledge, true empathy, and even tools to help others. Those times of being stretched are so valuable in our growth as humans and as Christians.
We also need to be respectful of authors. We don’t have to leave a bad review because of personal triggers, especially if the book wasn’t even completed. That’s our issue and not the author’s. Either read it all and evaluate it as a whole, set it aside, or just not continue it.
In the cases where CF includes content that is against Christian living, I want to know upfront because I expect CF to live up to striving for Christ-likeness. For example, I do not want to read about open door sex scenes, new age promotion, etc because then CF label is misleading. That is a whole other kettle of fish!
My heart goes out to all who have experienced immense pain and trauma. Like I said already, a brief notice of topics (without the word, trigger!) is almost always enough for us to decide as adults. Some of my favourite and most impactful reads have been those that challenged me. They enriched my life.
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You are so right about triggers being subjective. It really is impossible to anticipate every potential trigger. I’ve seen warnings lists so long that it seems impossible that all those topics could actually fit in one book and be dealt with effectively. So, sometimes I think reviewers go overboard in listing triggers out of a sense of caution, but that seems to defeat the purpose, for me anyway.
Love your thoughtful response to this discussion. Especially: “The book blurb should be enough for a person to decide if they want to read it or not. When pain is fresh, I totally understand why someone may want to wait until some time has passed. If a person is surprised by content, they can stop reading or set it aside for another time. It’s a novel/fiction and not real life.”
That’s what I tend to do, if I go into a read not realizing that it contains a content that I find triggering. I do understand though, that there are lots of readers who can’t not finish a book or might feel a kind of betrayal since they have become invested in a story and characters without realizing where things were headed. Sometimes it’s therapeutic to stick with the story and allow it to help us work through an issue. BUT I also understand how some topics can be so triggering that stumbling upon them in a vulnerable state can be debilitating. That’s why it’s so hard to figure out how to post triggers for people who feel they need them without turning them into spoilers for other readers.
I like the idea of a story stretching me. That’s happened so many times and often when I’m wanting to resist. Stories have a way of speaking to my soul about things I might otherwise avoid.
Phew…so much to think about in your comment. I’ll be back. I have to get read for a medical appointment (ugh, busing in -24 weather is not going to be fun!) Best get to layering up or I’ll be late. Good luck, Tammy!
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Okay, back from a gruelling bus ride to the doctors. At one point I felt like I was in the middle of a suspense novel when the bus driver stopped for an unscheduled layover and police came onboard to arrest a guy! Whatttt???? Anyway,
So agree with you about being respectful to authors when it comes to reviewing books, especially if the book has been DNFed. One of my pet peeves is when reviewers give a CF book a one star review because of the Christian content, even though they loved every other aspect of the story. Gah! And yes to warnings for Christian Fiction that has general market type scenes. Important to know going in, or in case I would want to avoid the read altogether. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tammy. Good luck, again!
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Whoops, sorry to be late to the conversation! I don’t put triggers in my reviews, but I don’t mind when others do; especially if it’s just a note at the bottom. I have seen it overdone, and can spoil some of the book for me.
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These are ongoing conversations, we’re happy to have you drop by any time! Good luck, Sabrina!
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I never read reviews or the blurb before reading a new-to-me book. I will choose a book totally off recommendation, book cover, genre, and trope. For me reading the blurb, description, and reviews ruins the book. I like going in and being surprised. I would rather DNF a book if it happens to bother me than not try.
I am recovering from a 30-year relationship of emotional, spiritual, and verbal abuse. I have been out of the relationship for 4 years now and some of my healing has come from books that have dealt with these same issues. So for me, it has been healing. If I had known it ahead of time because of trigger warnings…I probably wouldn’t have read the book. For me, I have been helped.
I don’t give trigger warnings in my reviews. It’s so hard to know what is triggering for one and not another.
Thanks Kav…
angieadams306 at gmail dot com
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Whoa, Angie, the idea of not reading a book blurb before I crack open up the book gives me heart palpitations! 🙂 I agree with not knowing what might trigger a wide variety of readers.
So sorry for what you have endured but grateful that you are four years free and thrilled that books have helped in your healing process. What a powerful testimony for the authors who pour their heart and faith into their stories – knowing that their words can help readers in that kind of way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this prickly topic. Good luck, Angie!
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I agree that triggers can be tricky. For me, I have a very creative imagination, so l know there are topics that I need to avoid.
Reading a book blurb/synopsis, a simple note of “sensitive content may not be suitable for all readers”, or very general terms can be helpful to give readers a heads-up. I agree that too triggers or too detailed a review can actually be a deterrent and give too much of the story away. That’s what I love about your reviews, Kav. You give us just enough to paint a word picture of the story, but not too much to steal the show. You also make us aware in general terms of continent that might be an area of concern for some readers. Thanks for that! Great discussion topic!
Alison Boss
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
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Thanks for your kind words, Alison! 🙂 Those runaway imaginations that sometimes bring a story too much to life! I like your idea of posting a more vague sensitive content disclaimer than listing a slew of potential triggers. That way a cautious reader can do a bit more digging before committing to the read while plot points won’t be spoiled for other readers. Good luck, Alison!
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I don’t usually comment on triggers in my reviews but lately I’ve come across several. They may or may not cause me to take off points. They do cause me to rethink if I want to continue reading a certain author. But I try not to give spoilers.
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forgot my email. paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom
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Sometimes it’s easy to peg an author who writes stories with my personal triggers and then I proceed with caution but other times the trigger is unique to a certain story and isn’t repeated by an author. Sometimes I’ll DNF the book and if I do, then I don’t review or give it a star rating. It’s all so subjective, isn’t it? Good luck, Paula!
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