The author, Joe Queenan, is funny. He's realistic that not everyone sees the same book the same way, he's sometimes dismissful of what is considered classic books, and he acknowledges the overhype. So basically, he just gave me free reign to think "hmm... so he says this, but I don't care if I think that".
That is probably a reason why I try not to give bad reviews. I know that I'm not an expert at all topics, and I know not everyone thinks the same way as me. But I do value the opinions of those that I've found have similar views as me (some people's reviews are read because they are entertaining. And because they tell me enough about the book that I don't need to read it).
Of course, this is why I hardly read books that are very popular. I think I already know the story, so unless I'm convinced the writing is excellent, I have no need to read it.
A good portion of the book is dedicated to considering the limited time a bibliophile has to read and what books he should read. Maybe it's because I don't have um, as many years on me as he does, so I don't feel the urgency. But I'm sure it'll come in time. Check back in 20 years, if people still use blogs that is.
Bibliophiles (with a thick skin and don't mind if some of their favourite books is insulted), should definitely read the book. But if you think the world should be loving and hating the same books, stay clear (I do, however, think that Twilight was overhyped even though I've never read the book).
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
Hi Eustacia,
ReplyDeleteJoe Queenan sounds like a very astute and opinionated writer to me. I was checking him out after reading your excellent review and I came across this editorial he had written for The Wall Street Journal, just a few weeks ago.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444868204578064483923017090.html
I also happen to agree with the view that all reviews are subjective, as no two people will ever read the same book and view it from exactly the same perspective. I prefer to call such posts 'My Thoughts' rather than 'Review' and I loathe having to rate a book, which is a required criteria for many of the review sites to which most bloggers publish.
Most of the material for Fiction Books, comes directly from author requests, to which end, I have read some unique and alternative books, which I may not otherwise have ever come across, as well as giving a new author some of the coverage of which they are so deserving.
'One For The Books' is definitely something for my reading list and I thank you for bringing the book to the attention of the wider audience.
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
DeleteThanks for the lovely comment and the introduction to the editorial (it's so funny!).
You've written down my feelings! It took me a long time to be able to call my reflections reviews (and they still contain what may be an unseemly amount of information about my life at times) and I don't think I'll ever get the hang of ratings.
^_^