Book Critics

[liowkc]

What do you think is the role played by book reviewers and critics on the success and failure of a book,? Does influential books reviews from say New York Times really matter?

[Ck]

I rarely read book reviews although when I buy a book, I read the back cover for the outline of the story to see if it grabs my interest. They often print critics views, just a line or so, and of course they only print the good stuff - I take little notice of that.

[liowkc]

Perhaps your approach is the best - ignore the critics and just read whatever you want. Too many critics, too few good books

[anancientrace]

Book critics? They came to mind the other day when Katie (Jordan) Price was nominated for a literary award for a childrens book.



It was just I understood from the news coverage Jordan had not actually written said book. Did I get that wrong? My point is Naomi Campbell years back put her name on a book and that had not been written by her either - allegedly. "Swan". Again - I hope I remember correctly. But at my age.....

I understand about franchises - a series of books where several writers write under non de plumes - but just having your name attached - after proffering ideas for book's subject matter and perhaps occasionally perusing the tome and offering personal suggestions - is not writing a book and Ms Price was nominated for an award?

I am thinking of having someone write a book called "The Mute Swan". I will attach my name to it only when I am sure it is utterly harmless and contains none of my own views. No jeering can be involved and my life experiences will not be the template - even though the bad experiences are still on a daily basis.

On the day that award winning book is published I will dine in a restaurant with Gordon Ramsay's name above the door in the full knowledge the man himself wasn't in the kitchen on that particular day. But the chef will get all the praise no matter what the food tastes like.

Subject: Rail fares shake up starts next month
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Wouldn't it be nice just to be told your working hours again - in plain BBC received pronounciation English terms.

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June now? Which year exactly?

Why are they all lying to me still?

[bouncehouse]

I find that critics tend to be those who have not found success of their own in the industry they are trying to review. Because of this, their opinion is often skewed. On top of that, who is to say I have the same taste as the reviewer? Whether they are an "expert" or not, there's a big chance we simply don't like the same things. So I take all reviews with a grain of salt.

[sanju123]

Originally Posted by liowkc

What do you think is the role played by book reviewers and critics on the success and failure of a book,? Does influential books reviews from say New York Times really matter?

Yes it does matter and to a large extent.In fact there are some excellent critics who are so good and influential that books just sell because of them.These critics in fact are an authority in their field and are a true measure of a good book.