I felt really bad when I wrote a review of THAT IS ALL and my twitter summary said "It wasn't quite what I was hoping for, but only because @hodgman's first book was PERFECT and who can reach perfection again?" and basically the whole deal was that while I love his writing, the first one really is one of my favorite books, and it's hard to duplicate that unless you exceed it, and so the new one just didn't measure up (that's the problem with super loving one of an author's book). Anyway, both the full review and tweet came out a lot more negative than my actual thoughts, because I focused too much on exactly what didn't work for me, and Hodgman saw it and apologised for my not liking it and then thanked me for reading anyway.

So I felt bad. I didn't want one of my favorite celebrities to think I hated his book, and that seemed to be what he thought! I actually really liked it and plan to reread it! </tmi>

But now? Now I don't feel so bad at all. One mild misunderstanding of intent (which is partly my own fault) is NOTHING compared to this crazy mess. And the review is still pretty good! I find myself interested in reading at least a chapter or so of the book, to see if it's something I'd like to read more of!

Also this line: But I know this type of person, one who doesn't have their own accomplishments so they have to dog on anyone and anything to make themselves feel bigger and better.

WOW. The writer was a book reviewer. I'm pretty sure they don't give negative reviews simply to bully authors and make themself feel powerful.