Comments on: Oppel v. Engel

By: Heather J.

Heather J. — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 20:49:16 +0000

For me, books reviews written by Daniel Handler that I’ve seen in the Sunday New York Times are models of the type of criticism I’d like to see more of. He’s fair, respectful, and discusses both what he thinks works and what doesn’t and why. Plus, he’s funny. Here’s an example: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/books/review/childrens-books-about-being-the-new-kid-by-daniel-handler.html?_r=0

By: fairrosa

fairrosa — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 11:35:22 +0000

I think part of the reason why we are so “nice” as reviewers is that the children’s book world is very very small — the reviewers, the authors, the publishing folks, and the librarians and teachers tend to know each other personally — and much of the time, we are all friendly (or even close friends.) I have even found myself rewording and reshaping my reactions to books on my non-professional critic’s (borrowing Roger’s definition) blog which isn’t widely read like an SLJ or Kirkus or Horn Book “professional” review is. The final musings can be a bit blend when you are worried about hurting a person’s feelings. I try to be honest and write about every book I read even when I did not like it. See if you agree that I don’t mask the flaws…

And, yes, authors need to practice and have thicker skins and hopefully can learn from honest and respectful criticism, but…. they should not have to bear certain criticism wrapped in clever wording just to show off the critic’s ability to make sharp analogies or withstand the too often holier-than-thou assumptions. (Plenty of critical/negative reviews come with one or two summary sentences that also do not shed light on exactly where/how the author failed.)

By: Rebecca Hachmyer

Rebecca Hachmyer — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:49:17 +0000

I don’t feel that “If you don’t say something nice…” has been the traditional flavor of BoB, but perhaps my memory is being influenced by commentator Jonathan Hunt’s beautifully smart and honest Heavy Medal. Things are certainly never boring over there! I have been surprised by these first two judges’ reluctance to compare the two books in their charge, but it looks as if Kathi Appelt is breaking that trend with Round 3.

Rachel, I too find that my critical reviews are softened…. our readers (and publishers, authors, illustrators etc) need honest feedback to work with!

By: Rachael

Rachael — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:44:00 +0000

This is so great, Roger. I can already tell that I’m going to enjoy the meta-BOB even more than the contest itself.

For some reason, as a blogger, I feel even more pressure to be nicey-nice about books than when I’m reviewing for a publication (though the publication I used to review for always toned down my critical reviews). Maybe it’s because I don’t have a masthead to hide behind. In any case, I’m trying to toughen up.

By: Roger Sutton

Roger Sutton — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:32:28 +0000

Heather, it’s certainly a problem that affects children’s book discussion and review generally. I’ve noticed that when Kirkus, for example, says something mildly disapproving about a children’s book, people are all “OMG they’re so MEAN!” when it’s simply a case of someone violating our “if you can’t say something nice . . .” general rule.

By: Heather J.

Heather J. — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:08:56 +0000

I am so glad that you are critiquing the BOB critiquers! Thank you! I’ve never understood the utility or appeal of reviews that follow the “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” adage. I think it takes more kindness and generosity to acknowledge, and parse out, what doesn’t work in addition to articulating what works and why. Good criticism does the book (and the author) the honor of paying attention. Attention equals time, one of our most precious resources. I fall in love with books, sometimes despite their flaws, maybe even sometimes because of their flaws. Sometimes I dump books instantly because their flaws are too numerous or too irritating. If we can’t, as readers, talk honestly about our perceptions of the beauties and failings of a book, then we’re like a family gathering in which everyone acts as if the drunk relative is just fine, thank you. And, if we can’t talk frankly about the strengths and weaknesses of a book, how can we recommend or write “the right book for the right child”?

By: Jonathan Hunt

Jonathan Hunt — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:33:16 +0000

Love the Batman and Robin graphic!