A friend of mine linked me to this entry, and I really appreciate some of the points you're bringing to light.
It seems to me what the average person wants and expects from a Book Review is to know whether or not it's worth their time to read it. While English Majors might have different criteria for what defines a "worthy" book, most people just want to know a few simple things.
1: Is the story plausible, given the characters and setting? 2: Does the pacing and plot keep me interested? 3: Are the characters and their actions believable? 4: At the end of the story, do I feel satisfied with the resolution?
And personally, I'm willing to overlook 1 and 2 in favor of excellent, well-written, very believable characters, and a "happy" ending. A lot of casual readers aren't looking for the next "Book that Defines an Era," they just want to pass time in an enjoyable fashion. Fifty years down the line, it's incredibly unlikely that books currently popular in the Romance section are going to be studied in high school, but from my own bookstore stint, I clearly recall the ladies who'd buy one each of the monthly Harlequins and Silhouettes.
It doesn't matter much if people *enjoy* reading trashy drivel; at least they're reading something! It takes more imagination and attention and thought to read than it does to watch similar "trash" on TV. It also takes a lot more time, which is why good book reviews are so important.
There are so many books I would *never* have bought if I could have found a good, honest review ahead of time. It frustrates me that the series I'm reading now--which I love--is something I've known about for years, but the only review I'd seen was from an author who has lost my trust.
And I'm tired of seeing reviews for anything that are essentially: "Gripping!" "Compelling!" "Excellent!" "A masterpiece worthy of Tolkien!" "I couldn't put it down!" "It keeps you on the edge of your seat!" "A tense nail-biter" ... I mean, I see those quotes all the bleeping time attached to everything from horror movies to psychological thrillers to the latest John Grisham or Oprah Book. I like when the caption blurbs show a bit more original thought, but it's so rare to see non-gushing excerpts.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2008-02-29 03:03 pm (UTC)It seems to me what the average person wants and expects from a Book Review is to know whether or not it's worth their time to read it. While English Majors might have different criteria for what defines a "worthy" book, most people just want to know a few simple things.
1: Is the story plausible, given the characters and setting?
2: Does the pacing and plot keep me interested?
3: Are the characters and their actions believable?
4: At the end of the story, do I feel satisfied with the resolution?
And personally, I'm willing to overlook 1 and 2 in favor of excellent, well-written, very believable characters, and a "happy" ending. A lot of casual readers aren't looking for the next "Book that Defines an Era," they just want to pass time in an enjoyable fashion. Fifty years down the line, it's incredibly unlikely that books currently popular in the Romance section are going to be studied in high school, but from my own bookstore stint, I clearly recall the ladies who'd buy one each of the monthly Harlequins and Silhouettes.
It doesn't matter much if people *enjoy* reading trashy drivel; at least they're reading something! It takes more imagination and attention and thought to read than it does to watch similar "trash" on TV. It also takes a lot more time, which is why good book reviews are so important.
There are so many books I would *never* have bought if I could have found a good, honest review ahead of time. It frustrates me that the series I'm reading now--which I love--is something I've known about for years, but the only review I'd seen was from an author who has lost my trust.
And I'm tired of seeing reviews for anything that are essentially: "Gripping!" "Compelling!" "Excellent!" "A masterpiece worthy of Tolkien!" "I couldn't put it down!" "It keeps you on the edge of your seat!" "A tense nail-biter" ... I mean, I see those quotes all the bleeping time attached to everything from horror movies to psychological thrillers to the latest John Grisham or Oprah Book. I like when the caption blurbs show a bit more original thought, but it's so rare to see non-gushing excerpts.