Tayari's Blog: Book Reviewing Under Fire
Posted by TayariJones on April 24, 2007 12:25 PM
Filed under
The Writing Life
This is serious business. The Atlanta Journal Constitution is planning to do away with it's book section. Sadly, it's not just the AJC that is making such terrible decisions; this is a national trend. The National Book Critics Circle is launching a campaign by which readers, writers, and reader/writers can make our voices heard.
Like all writers, I have received the smack-down in print, and limped away howling. (Look up Kirkus Reviews's mean-spirited takes on both my novels.) However, my main quarrel with book reviewing in this country is that not enough books are reviewed. So many wonderful books are overlooked each year because the major papers could not find the space or the care to review them. Both my novels were ignored by the almighty New York Times-- and books that don't get reviewed by the NYT are seldom chosen for any major awards, etc. I was once interested in teaching in a summer workshop and the organizer told me, "Get reviewed in The Times, I can put you on. If you aren't....."
Well, I wasn't. Luckily the NYT isn't the only newspaper in the world. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reviewed each of my books, and reviewed them well. By "well" I am not saying this because the reviewer gave a favorable opinion, but because the book was assigned to a person knowledgeable about the subject matter of my book, and knowledgeable about the literary traditions in which I situate myself. Such care was given because the AJC had a book review section with a capable, thoughtful, and intelligent editor, Teresa Weaver-- whose position has just been abolished.
I know many people say they don't read book reviews, preferring to "make up their own minds." While I endorse independent thought, I think it's wrong to look at reviewers just as taste-makers. They are not the literary equivalent to the commentators who comment on red-carpet fashion. Rather, book reviewers are part of a dialogue between writers and readers. They ask the hard questions and air the issues contained within a work of literature-- be in fiction or non fiction.
Book reviewers also provide us with an look at literature that is not sponsored by the publishers. If book reviews are abolished, all we have to inform us about new books with be ads paid for big publishers. Is it not enough that the books at the front tables of the big chain book stores are those whose publishers have the cash to buy such prime placement? Theoretically, a book reviewer is a source unconnected to the deep pockets of the three of four corporations that control all of New York publishing.
I am not naive. I know that often the reviewing business is afflicted with the same sickness that corrupts the publishing industry in general. All too often women, minorities, authors who publish on small presses, are shut out of the book review sections, and thereby all but disqualified from participating in our literary and book culture. But the book review pages of newspapers often discover and champion writers whose books deserve to be read and would be read, if only readers were aware of them.
You can go here to sign a petition imploring the AJC to keep Teresa Weaver and the book section. Please click. We need your help.
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Comment #1, by minaj ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
I am so disturbed by the AJC's decision to eliminate the book review section and its wonderful editor, Teresa Weaver. This seems to me to be a very short-sighted decision. The Atlanta area is rich in educational institutions and has a very active book-reading public. Almost every woman I meet belongs to a book club. I feel that the AJC is missing out on an excellent marketing opportunity and just making what they consider an "easy" cut for the sake of the bottom line.
In my opinion, the book review section is one of the strongest parts of the AJC (let's face it - it certainly isn't great on the international front!) As for me, the book section is my first destination of choice in the paper every Sunday morning. Teresa Weaver has done an excellent job of balancing best-seller types of books with books like yours and those of many other young authors who are seeking a wider audience. The reviews don't just praise or pan a book - they give me insight which helps me decide for myself if this is an author I want to try. I was happy to see so many names on the petition - let's hope that they see the light!
April 25, 2007 10:40 AM