Inside the Critics’ Circle: Book Reviewing in Uncertain Times (Princeton Studies in Cultural Sociology)

**An inside look at the politics of book reviewing, from the assignment and writing of reviews to why critics think we should listen to what they have to say** Taking readers behind the scenes in the world of fiction reviewing, __Inside the Critics’ Circle__ explores the ways that critics evaluate books despite the inherent subjectivity involved, and the uncertainties of reviewing when seemingly anyone can be a reviewer. Drawing on interviews with critics from such venues as the __New York Times__, __Los Angeles Times__, and __Washington Post__, Phillipa Chong delves into the complexities of the review-writing process, including the considerations, values, and cultural and personal anxieties that shape what critics do. Chong explores how critics are paired with review assignments, why they accept these time-consuming projects, how they view their own qualifications for reviewing certain books, and the criteria they employ when making literary judgments. She discovers that while their readers are of concern to reviewers, they are especially worried about authors on the receiving end of reviews. As these are most likely peers who will be returning similar favors in the future, critics’ fears and frustrations factor into their willingness or reluctance to write negative reviews. At a time when traditional review opportunities are dwindling while other forms of reviewing thrive, book reviewing as a professional practice is being brought into question. __Inside the Critics’ Circle__ offers readers a revealing look into critics’ responses to these massive transitions and how, through their efforts, literary values get made. Dedication Contents 1 Introduction Part 1: Epistemic Uncertainty 2 How Reviewing Works 3 Accounting for Taste Part 2: Social Uncertainty 4 Reviewing as Risky Business 5 Aim for the Stars: Punching Up, Never Down Part 3: Institutional Uncertainty 6 I Am Not a Critic 7 Do We Need Book Reviews? 8 Conclusion Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index