I see a review as a critique of a work. It contains the reviewer’s opinion about the book, but it goes beyond expressing an opinion: it explains how the reviewer arrived at his or her opinion, providing reasons from the book. I think of a review, even a short review, as an essay explaining a response to a book.
Do you keep the author's feelings in mind when you review?
I focus on the book when I’m reviewing, and I try to respond to the book. My job is to write about the book, after all, not the author. And I’m writing for readers, not the author. Still, I’m aware that the author does have feelings, and I don’t see the need for nastiness. I don’t think criticism should be personally hurtful.
In your book, Faint Praise: The Plight of Book Reviewing in America, you refer to book reviewing as a "troubled" trade. What has gone wrong with reviewing?
Reviewing in America has always been a troubled trade. Since reviews first appeared in this country, people — even reviewers — have been complaining about them. You should read the insults heaped on reviewing in the 19th century! And many of the complaints, which have remained remarkably similar over time, are justified. Too many good books are ignored, too many reviews are hype. But there are many reasons reviewing hasn’t been better, including the fact that the field has never received financial or cultural support. The reviewing community hasn’t resolved those underlying problems.
How has book reviewing changed during the last 10 years with the rise of so many online review sites?
The main change has been the increasing number of self-published reviews with no editorial oversight. We’ve always had many amateur reviewers—unpaid reviewers writing for newspapers or literary magazines, specialists reviewing in their field. But in the past there were review editors, whose job was to choose worthwhile books, match them with knowledgeable reviewers with no conflict of interest, and edit the reviews for coherence and clarity. I see this role, if it’s well done, as important, partly for the integrity of the review, and partly for quality. In my experience as a writer and editor, writers need editors.
You also state that bad reviewing happens despite good intentions and that many intelligent people who love books can sometimes say unintelligent things about them? Would you elaborate?
Article comments
1 - Kevin Eagan
Excellent interview, Gail and Mayra! Gail has a very intriguing perspective on book reviewing, and I definitely plan to check out her book.
2 - A. F. Stewart
Exceptional interview. As long as there are dedicated reviewers, I don't think good reviews will become an endangered species.
3 - c hoare
It is really beneficial to be able to read an interview with someone as long experienced in the field as Gail Pool. A coup, Mayra.
Chris H.
4 - Margay
Another great interview! I am sorry to see this series end because I have learned so much from reading it. Thank you, Gail,for all of your insights into the world of reviewing. And thank you, Mayra, for conducting this series. It's been a joy to read.