Wriging

As a passionate reader of literature, I don't read any lit. blogs at all. Not a single one. The only people I trust for book reviews are critics.

Your NYT link doesn't work, by the way.

Critics? Aren't litbloggers critics themselves? Check out this comment:

I find it interesting that a review of a book in the Sunday NY Times is often much more positive than a review of the same book in the Times week day arts section. Many reviews today sound like marketing instruments and you get the feeling, at least with respect to books from well-known authors, with well-connected publicists, that the reviewers are "bought off" or at least have bought into the hype. As a result, I am more likely to pay attention to a review of a book by an obscure author than of a Cormac McCarthy, a Jonathan Safran Froer etc.

PS: Oh sorry. The NYT link's here.

Rich: Why critics? To me reviewing a book shouldn't be based on studied knowledge but on feelings and impressions. Find the reviewer who has the same sensitivity as yours (regarding books) and you'll have found the only reviewer you need.
I designed a book review blog (but don't write on it) where the reviewers are writers and readers. Guests can give their opinions and reviews are structured as to give you a good idea of the content of the book and finally a personal impression.
Try it:
'ReadersWithoutBorders'

It's not a case of trusting either one more or less, for me. Before bloggers, I read critics and I've just maintained that habit. And I've never had a critic do me wrong - it's hard not to trust a dude that knows what he's talking about over some guy that made a blog.

Aside from that, I've never really found a lit. blog I actually enjoyed much. My taste in literature is quite tightly defined and I've yet to come across a blog with more than the occasional post that interests me.

I understand your point. Do you write reviews yourself?
In which case you should enrich the collection of the blog I mentioned above.
I personally am a French speaker reading exclusively in English and have always trusted people from varied environments which made me discover books that I greatly enjoyed but never would have picked n my own.

I'd never really thought about writing reviews myself for a community. Maybe something I could consider. I don't really read much in the way of modern literature though - i.e. newly released books that haven't already been reviewed every which way from Sunday. So I doubt any review I wrote would have much value.

Well. Perhaps starting on your own personal blog, Rich? It'll be a good platform to vent, especially if you read old, 'tightly defined' books.

It cannot only be for the betterment of readers everywhere: I usually discover books through reviews or mentions, be it from newspapers or blogs or magazines.

I am an avid Literature reader. I read reviews from critics in the New York Times, the L.A. Times, and other major publications. I also read reviews from 4-5 blogs.

I make up my own mind as to whether I will buy a book, by reading the inside of the jacket, and by choosing particular authors whose works I enjoy reading. I frequent book stores a minimum of two times a week, and usually buy a book that catches my eye, and not one that I have read a review on.

For instance, I was in a book store Tuesday night, and saw the new biography: Einstein, by Walter Isaacson. I read his biography on Benjamin Franklin, and thought it was fantastic. Einstein's life has always fascinated me, and, therefore, I bought the book.

I read historical fiction, all genres of non-fiction, and read the classic authors beginning with the 18th Century.

Hehe Lorrim, that doesn't work for me. I'm still a student, so every book I buy must be good - since cash is short, and I only visit the bookstore once a month (sometimes once in half a year, but returning with 13 books or so).

Bad books are saved for visits to the library. So to me, reviews - no matter in which medium, is very important.

I take care I don't read spoilers, though. ;P

shadowsun7: To each their own, and if it works for you, great. But, buying according to reviews doesn't work for me, although I do read reviews. I can understand your reasoning, though.

I don't buy bad books. The books I buy are well-received. I just make up my own mind, and don't purchase a book according to the reviews. I read anywhere from 2-4 books a week, and am well read...in both the classics, modern works, and non-fiction.

LOL, I don't read spoilers, either. :D

Whoah. You read 2-4 books a week?! That's a dream for me. But there was one time during hols that I traipsed over to a nearby library and ... finished a grand total of 5 books a day?

It was heaven. Heaven.

shadowsun7: Yes, and sometimes I read more, depending on time, length of book, and all the other variables.

I bet it was Heaven! I love to read, and I also collect first editions, from the classics to modern editions.

Unless the bastards (critics) have the courage to give you unqualified praise, I say ignore them. John Steinbeck

I love book reviews, but only in audio/podcast form. I love hearing someone reading a bit of a book to me and telling me about why that book is or is not compelling.

For a quick sample, check out what Alan Cheuse has to say about Cormac McCarthy's The Road:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6449817

Apparently Oprah Winfrey has recommended The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.

When I see that she has recommended a book, I do not rush out to buy it. In fact, most of the books she has recommended, I read when they first appeared in publication, which is usually several months, if not years, before she has recommended it.

Whoah. So you actually pre-empt Oprah's bookclub? You must be a very avid reader to come across such a high quantity of books.

Tell me now - what's her next one? =)

PS: I was wondering if Oprah reads the books she recommends, or she asks critics to pick them for her to read.

PPS: Some criticism is neccesary, is it not? Steinbeck probably had a friend or a wife or a sister to whom he sough advice from. I'm not too sure about asking for advice myself ... who do I look to?

shadowsun7: LOLOL Well, she had recommended Night, by Elie Wiesel, last year. I read it in 2000. Several of the books she recommends have been out for more than one or two years. LOL. Since I read anywhere from 2-4 (or more) books a week, I have read some of what she recommends, before she added them to her book club. They are not all new releases.

I think her book club is a good thing for those fans of hers who normally might not read a book. She probably inspires some to read, which is a positive thing. I am not a fan of hers, though.

I wondered the same thing. She probably reads some of them, I would think, and maybe skims through others. I don't know.

I don't think I've ever paid attention to her Oprah's book club. I assume she reads very few of them although I may be wrong. I remember reading the Wiesel book in high school so she was a little late on that. That having been said I pick up a lot of books at book sales or second hand book shops - in good condition but older and end up reading them. It's not possible for me to read things as they come out and if a book is mainly reflective of the time I don't necessarily want to read it, if it's still relevant later on then I consider it a good book.

nowickedwitch: I don't pay attention to Oprah. Sometimes I will be watching a show on TV, and there will be a commercial for her show, and a particular book she is promoting.

I buy books both used and new, and frequent used book stores all of the time. I collect first editions, and buy new books, depending on the author. I read both used books and new books.

shadowsun7: I am quite a bit older than you, have grandchildren, and my age is one reason I have read so many books (high quantity), aside from the fact I am an avid reader and collector.

I have a wide range of classics in my collection, from Emma, by Jane Austen, to books by the Bronte Sisters, such as Jane Eyre, to a first edition book of poetry by Longfellow, and by Tennyson.

shadowsun7, yes you need someone to read your work, but you have to choose someone who can be objective (quite difficult); someone who doesn't mind telling you that parts, sometimes whole swathes, of your novel doesn't work.

Lorrim, that sounds like a great life. I can already imagine myself at your age in a hammock, nose buried in some contemporary novel. =) It'll be bliss!

John - aish. And till date I only have friends that tell me whatever I write is good. How do you get criticism you can trust for your novels?