[stylist] Reviewing Books

[Justin Oldham]

I was asked about the value of reviewing books, so I thought I would share 
my own opinion with the Writer's Division.

I don't review books for political reasons.  I've known too many writers, 
both sighted and blind, who get bogged down in feuds over book reviews.

Some writers use book reviews as a way of grabbing attention.  Trashing 
somebody else's work generates a form of 'buzz' that some people find 
appealing.

Writers need to have thick skins.  We should be capable of hearing and or 
reading the criticism of others without a spike in our blood pressure. 
There is, however, a terrible truth to be had here.  We don't all have thick 
hides.

Writers do critique each other's work, though it tends to be done behind 
closed doors.  It's a professional courtesy to limit remarks to private 
conversations without revealing them in a circulated book review.

Writers who do critique openly tend to say only good things about other 
writers that they like.  It's a form of mutual support.  Say good things 
about me and I wil say good things about you.  There is commercial value to 
this.  It does work.

The best form of critic, in my opinion, is a reader who says what they like 
and what they do not like.  It's a well known fact that book sales can rise 
or fall on the strength of book reviews.  I do like hearing from the people 
who read my books, even if they didn't like them.

I encourage readers to post reviews on whatever web sites they like.  Like 
what you like.  Pan what you don't like...but...be constructive.  Tell us 
why you didn't like it.

All published writers are at the mercy of our critics.  Good reviews drive 
sales.  Negative reviews restrict sales.  All I ask of any reader/consumer 
is that you use your power wisely.  Don't persecute.

Readers who review books can serve a good purpose.  They can expose the 
frauds and promote the experts.  Again, I say, use this power wisely.