Phillipa K. Chong Knihy

This book provides an insightful examination of the politics surrounding book reviewing, from the assignment and writing processes to the rationale behind critics' authority. It offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on fiction reviewing, highlighting how critics navigate the subjectivity and uncertainties of their role in an era where anyone can share their opinions. Through interviews with critics from prominent publications like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post, the author explores the intricacies of review writing, including the values, cultural anxieties, and personal considerations that influence critics' decisions. The book discusses how critics are assigned reviews, their motivations for taking on these demanding tasks, and their self-assessment of qualifications for reviewing specific works. It also reveals the criteria they use for literary judgments and their concerns about the impact of reviews on authors, who are often their peers. Critics' apprehensions about writing negative reviews stem from the potential repercussions in their professional relationships. As traditional review platforms decline and alternative reviewing methods gain traction, the professional practice of book reviewing faces scrutiny. This work sheds light on critics' reactions to these significant changes and how they contribute to the shaping of literary values.