Quote:
Originally Posted by jerryk_1939
I have read what you all think about OW being so self important that she can now be a book critic. I think the bigger question is why do we read what read.
I for one read what genre I am interested in or what I think I may learn from or if I believe there is a plot that is something to sink your teeth into.
For me a book has to have all of these ingredients and then some. I love historical fiction, I love great mysteries, I love action adventures, I love stories that provoke a sense of emotion, good or bad. In short a good book to me or better yet a good writer for me is one that wants me to keep the story going for another 500 pages.
I have been told by friends to read a certain book only to be disappointed and then I been told to read a book that I wanted more.
I believe we read in some case to escape or to pass the time of day.
During the time I traveled for business, many overseas flights I always packed 2 or 3 books, how I wish the e readers were around then. I digress.
Another question I ask, what is the definition of great literature, is it something that stands the test of time, or wins the Nobel Prize? I have read some of the Nobel winning books and to me they are mediocre at best, perhaps I am not as sophisticated as the Nobel judges. I have read Vargas Llosa in English and Spanish and find his work to be ????????. I have read Hemingway I find his work to be interesting and boring at the same time.
So my new friends I ask again Why do we read what we read and who is OW to become the new make or break of a young up and coming author?
Excuse my rant, but the topic is fun to discuss.
jerryk_1939  |
Anyone who reads a book and states an opinion about that book is a "book critic." They may not be a professional book critic, but they are a book critic nonetheless.
Oprah Winfrey is entitled to her opinion of a book, and if a boat load of people worship her every word and read every book she recommends, that is not my problem. The reason she can "make or break" a writer is that many people make decisions about what book they are going to read (or at least buy and say they read), or what outfit to buy, or diet to try, .... and blah de blah blah ... based on what their latest media darling reads, wears, eats ... and so on. It is not because she is "self important" ... it's because there are a lot of people out there who consider her to be important.
Most of the questions you pose honestly don't have answers, or perhaps they have 6,000,000,000 answers and counting. Everyone reads for different reasons. Everyone has different ideas about what constitutes "literature." Sophistication is entirely subjective since it is culturally based. Reading is all about what entertains you, or what makes you think, whether you relate to the characters, and a few other thousand details. Sometimes it's got more to do with where you happen to be in your life at the time you pick up the book.
Hell, I started "Atlas Shrugged" at least five times before I got past the first 50 pages. Then, the sixth time, I could not put it down. I'm pretty certain the book didn't change ... so it must have been me. Now, it's one of my favorite books.
Well, hey ..... you can rant, and so can I.