From: Nancy Werlin <nwerlin>
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001 08:49:26 -0400

we should be neutral and hold back the emotion. Better? Big Grandma<<

Well, maybe a tad. But I have to add -- sorry for flogging a dead horse -that in fact it always disappoints me that many reviews are so measured and well, careful. I fling down the ol' NYTimes BR and yell: Hello? Did you like the book or didn't you?

Children's book reviews can be even worse -- perhaps, I will admit, due to limitations of space. But beyond that, there is a perception that the good reviewer should pretend not to have an emotional reaction. And deep in my heart, I know that's got to be a lie. Even you say, Ruth, "hold back" the emotion. But why? Why hold back your most valid reaction to the book? Don't you owe that honest reaction to the readers of your reviews? Sure, it's not ALL a review should be... but doesn't it have a real place?

One of the pleasures of Cormier is that you almost *can't* have an unemotional reaction.

-Nancy
___________ Nancy Werlin Email: nwerlin at world.std.com Web site: www.nancywerlin.com
Received on Sat 01 Sep 2001 07:49:26 AM CDT