More than half a century has passed since Flannery O’Connor’s first novel, Wise Blood (1952), intrigued readers and baffled most critics. O’Connor, in her brief life (1925-1964), went on to publish another novel (The Violent Bear It Away, 1960) and a collection of short stories (A Good Man is Hard to Find, 1955).

The always helpful Frank Wilson at Books, Inq. provides a link to the interesting video from National Book Critics Circle’s panel discussion (March 20, 1996) that focuses on the differences between book reviews and criticism:

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/73470-1

Note that Wilson makes a very important observation in response to the video, which is worth quoting (repeating) here: “I always thought the difference between reviewing and criticism was that the critic can presume that his reader is familiar with the text or texts he is writing about, whereas the reviewer must presume the opposite.”

I very much agree with Wilson’s assertion, but I would add another distinction between reviewing and criticism: Much of what is published as literary criticism is often inaccessible to the average reader because it tends to be written often by academics for academics, and thus it is written in a special language (jargon) common to academics but unfamiliar to the general reader; on the other hand, book reviewing—when it is done properly—is written clearly in accessible prose by careful and observant readers solely for the use of other readers who wish to be similarly careful and observant in their reading choices and habits.

Mediabistro.com (a division of WebMediaBrands Inc.) announced the launch of GalleyCat Reviews, an online book review site featuring literary criticism by established and emerging writers. Relationships with other publications will enrich original mediabistro.com editorial content.

GalleyCat Reviews (www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/galleycat_reviews) will include a variety of daily book review content: 300-500 word original book reviews, excerpted book reviews from partners, and curated posts linking to the best book reviews on the web.

“GalleyCat Reviews fills a need in the publishing industry for timely, authoritative book reviews,” stated Alan M.

The Temptation of the Impossible:

Victor Hugo and Les Misérables

Mario Vargas Llosa

John King, translator

Princeton University Press

232 pages

Hardcover $24.95

978-0-691-13111-5

Here, in this compelling book, readers can enjoy the fascinating encounter between two literary giants: Mario Vargas Llosa and Victor Hugo.