Reviewing Reminders
posted in book review, children's literature |Basically, she argues in support of writing reviews that contribute to what former Los Angeles Times book review editor Steve Wasserman called “a cultural conversation of critical importance.” She writes:
I took it to mean that no book exists in a vacuum. It’s part of a genre or it breaks from it; it’s typical of the author’s work or it’s a departure; it’s of the moment or reminiscent of another era. It has its hyper-specific niche or is part of a movement. There’s always a larger something or other to say about it, and a reviewer’s job is to pin that something, as nebulous and slippery as a jellyfish, to the wall
She advises reviewers regarding Capsule Reviews, Daily Reviews, and the Long Form. Her article is worth reading for it includes sagacious reviewing advice such as the necessary reminders of what to do (have a theme and something to say) and what not to do (avoid excessive plot rehash and vacuous “I liked/disliked it” statements without placing them in any sort of context) in a review. Plus, it’s always enjoyable to read a well-written argument.
