WHY I DON’T WRITE BOOK REVIEWS…
Living in a city where everyone likes to discuss and share everything they encounter, I now and then get sucked into conversations about what I’m reading or not reading for that matter. They can range from enjoyable intelligent discussions to some near fanatical pitches that make me wonder if this person is receiving a commission for each copy of the book that is sold. The worst is when you get cornered by a literary vigilante who proceeds to pompously (or pretentiously, take your pick) probably verbatim recite his or her college paper on why the novel being discussed is or is not a prime example of Deconstructionism or any other movement (postmodern or otherwise), leading you to believe they may only be talking to hear the sound of their own voice – thank goodness for drink refreshing, an acceptable escape.
Anyhow, I’ve been asked a few times why book reviews are not included on TRAffIK. Let me explain.
In my lifetime, I’ve read many books. I learned to read at a very early age and would make my parents buy me a new book every time we went anywhere that might sell them. If there weren’t books available, I was content with a magazine. I would spend hours at libraries and bookstores, and those are still some of my favorite places. Just like with music, I never really wanted the popular reads. I would always go for authors and books I’d never heard of. It might be safe to say that by the time I was 16 or 17, I had probably read more books than most people will probably read in a lifetime (the majority of the company I keep is not included in the phrase “most people,” as I am surrounded by a myriad of literary enthusiasts.)
I started off with a strong interest in crime novels and anything located in the mystery section, yet later developed a much more defined interest in historical non-fiction, autobiographies, and biographies. This is a preference that remains to this day. I have a natural inclination and desire to learn about how things work, the origins of certain movements, and the paths that led people to become who they are.
This isn’t to say I didn’t go through the whole Fear St., Sweet Valley High, Babysitter’s Club, and V.C. Andrews middle school phase as well and of course my peers at times influenced my reads as I vividly recall how we all took turns reading the James Patterson (in particular “Along Came a Spider”) and Stephen King novels, as well as the Agatha Christie Poirot and Ms. Marple series’ in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Perhaps I read too many of these books early on, leading me to not touch much of those genres now that I’m in my 20’s.
I’m not very vocal about my reads, unless they are something written by a peer or a friend and I’m trying to spread the word. I’ve also never been a good candidate for a book club. I like the idea of a book club, just like I like the idea of Super Bowl Parties. I’m a social person and I like the social aspect of such activities. (more…)