I love books. I always have. I have always had a great curiosity
about all things and books can satisfy that curiosity. I also love a good story
and once again books satisfy that need.
For many years now, in addition to writing news and features on crime, espionage, terrorism and the military, I've been a book reviewer. I
wrote book reviews for the Philadelphia Inquirer for a good number of years and
these days my book reviews appear in the Washington Times.
So I was interested in what former New York Times book editor had to say about the art and the journalism of the book review. Sam Tanenhaus was interviewed by Mary Gooderham at the University of Toronto.
So I was interested in what former New York Times book editor had to say about the art and the journalism of the book review. Sam Tanenhaus was interviewed by Mary Gooderham at the University of Toronto.
Your talk this week is on “The art of the book review.” What do you look
for in a good review?
It’s not
simply a matter of thumbs up or thumbs down, of stating your opinion and
letting people know whether you like a book. If it’s done well, it can be a really
superb form of journalism. Oscar Wilde once said criticism is the highest form
of autobiography, and I think really good reviewers are actually writing
miniature memoirs that invite readers in to share the experience of reading a
particular book or books.
You can
read the rest of the interview, which also covers Sam Tanenhaus’ views on journalism
in general, teaching and politics, via the below link:
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