On "good" and "bad" books

Aug 07, 2012 17:56


Inspired by a rant that came over me while commenting in beth_bernobich's blog ( Read more... )

this wacky industry, books

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beth_bernobich August 9 2012, 13:28:51 UTC
Excellent post.

I think a book can be good in two different ways. The one you're talking about, and what most people seem to mean, is that a good book has well-crafted prose, plot, characterization, etc. Another definition of good is thiat it does a good job entertaining its readers.

One does not preclude the other, as you noted.

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barbarienne August 9 2012, 15:38:24 UTC
Yes, I think ultimately I object to people calling a book "good" or "bad" (or similar terms) without giving any context. I need their definition of "good."

This is why I hate reviews of the "This book is great/awful!" variety. I need to know what aspects of the book the reviewer thinks is awful, what frame of reference they're using.

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