An inside look at the politics of book reviewing, from the assignment
and writing of reviews to why critics think we should listen to what
they have to say
Taking readers behind the scenes in the world of fiction reviewing,
Inside the Critics' Circle explores the ways critics evaluate books
despite the inherent subjectivity involved and the uncertainties of
reviewing when seemingly anyone can be a reviewer. Drawing on interviews
with critics from such venues as the New York Times, Los Angeles
Times, and Washington Post, Phillipa Chong delves into the
complexities of the review-writing process, including the
considerations, values, and cultural and personal anxieties that shape
what critics do.
Chong explores how critics are paired with review assignments, why they
accept these time-consuming projects, how they view their own
qualifications for reviewing certain books, and the criteria they employ
when making literary judgments. She discovers that while their readers
are of concern to reviewers, they are especially worried about authors
on the receiving end of reviews. As these are most likely peers who will
be returning similar favors in the future, critics' fears and
frustrations factor into their willingness or reluctance to write
negative reviews.
At a time when traditional review opportunities are dwindling while
other forms of reviewing thrive, book reviewing as a professional
practice is being brought into question. Inside the Critics' Circle
offers readers a revealing look into critics' responses to these massive
transitions and how, through their efforts, literary values get made.
