Re: RARA-AVIS: Critics again....

Jeanheller@aol.com
Sun, 4 Apr 1999 15:33:36 EDT In a message dated 4/4/99 12:43:51 PM, billha@ionet.net writes:

<< Jean points out something worth noting about reviewers: with so many books
being published, reviewers are in the position, often, of being able to
choose what they review, particularly if they work any of the "category
fiction" areas.
>>

Bill,

I'm not sure this is at all unusual. Most reviewers I have met pick their own
stuff. Every thriller that comes through the office of the book editor of the
St. Petersburg Times comes to me. I take a hard look at all of them and try
to read six a month to choose the three that will be in my monthly column. I
don't read anybody else's reviews before I make up my own mind. Now if there
is buzz about a book, I'm likely to hear some of it. And if there is a
reason, I will do a separate, stand-alone review. But it's my choice, so long
as the book editor agrees. Hence, my stand-alone review of GOD IS A BULLET.
The size of the advance, the controversial nature of the book, plus the fact
that it is, ostensibly, a work of first fiction, made it worthy of our note.

Best,
Jean Heller
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