The Current State of the Book Review
April 20, 2011
Nostalgia for analog
In the bulging digital mass of material referred to as the internet, there are heaps and heaps of content. Blogs that reblog and repost, link to, share, “like,” tweet—whatever—other content that supports, refutes, challenges (you know the deal) their own content. As a blogger that feels somewhat inferior but strangely satisfied about it, this overhaul of information generates more information, and so on, to a point where you have to wonder, When will we get the point? Two articles caught my attention in relation to this, each proposing an opposite position on the same topic.
The first, “Good Book Reviews Are No Longer Enough,” suggests that authors used to apprehensively await the review of their book in the Sunday New York Times, and take to heart the reviewers’ critique, because the reviewers where renowned for their knowledge and skills. It goes on to say that it has not been uncommon in recent years to turn to the book review section of your favorite newspaper only to learn the section had been cut altogether. After taking in this article, I wasn’t surprised in the least; I was a little bummed out, since reading a well-written, honest book review is a great way to learn about a new book. The second article was “The Los Angeles Review of Books Debuts a Preview Website.” The new review’s website is up and coming, not yet officially launched but operating via a Tumblr account for now. Reportedly, the site will contain book reviews, author interviews, book release information, and more. Sounds a bit like, erm, everything else—a switch to digital information as a more appropriate way of reaching both authors and readers.
Despite the battling perspectives regarding the book review, it remains true that authors can’t rely solely on book reviews and probably never have. As the industry makes its way in the digital realm, it is important to cite the similarities here: it is not necessarily about choosing one or the other, the paperback or the eBook, the newspaper or a website. It is much more about the increased opportunities authors now have when it comes to reaching their audience and making the most of the always increasing networking outlets, thanks to the internet.
