While I certainly wouldn't enjoy taking it silently, I don't think I would respond in print to negative reviews of my book. While I might be seething and crying my pride would probably require me to take it in relative silence.

Although watch me totally pull a Liz Phair and write a metaphorical response to the New York Times.

However, in this era of blogs and Amazon reviews and comments sections, it is becoming easier for authors to interact directly with their readers, complimentary and otherwise. If you're not sure how to handle negative publicity and think you might prefer to have your two cents heard, Tom Ciesielka from TC Public Relations has some advice for you over at the Society of Midland Authors newsletter.