Really interesting thoughts Josephine - it has reminded me that I used to review (back in the mists of time when I was a graduate student) and made me wonder if I almost have a duty to my fellow poets to say more when I post about books I'm enjoying. It is also the case that I don't always know if what I want to say is of enough value to share. I'm particularly loving Anthony Anaxagorou's Heritage Aesthetics at the moment and have wanted to share this online but keep starting and then giving up on trying to encapsulate the thoughts and feelings I have about the (mostly excellent) collection. Maybe I will try again.
One thing I love about Mastodon is the willingness to share many posts/ideas/thoughts/blogs. I think we police ourselves too much. Also, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy hearing that something they spent hours/years crafting has resonated with another person.
One thing you could never be is academically intimidated. I wish I could say the same but I know I have allowed myself to feel bullied by a flourish of capital letters after a name. I look forward to reading your reviews!
I firmly believe that the basic problem is in assuming that reviews have to be evaluative, and that the reviewer is therefore setting themself up as a 'judge' or an authority. If people simply think of themselves making a thoughtful and personal (and truthful) response to the book, then it all becomes perfectly possible. D A Prince said at a discussion in Aldeburgh that she never wrote anything in a review that she wouldn't feel able to say to the poet if she met them in person. Another excellent principle!
Yes, such good points. I hope I haven’t done this but now I am anxious that perhaps I have (been evaluative) although not intentionally. There must be room for authentic, readers’ responses - all readers, from all backgrounds and experiences. Sounds like a wonderful session at Aldeburgh.
Really interesting thoughts Josephine - it has reminded me that I used to review (back in the mists of time when I was a graduate student) and made me wonder if I almost have a duty to my fellow poets to say more when I post about books I'm enjoying. It is also the case that I don't always know if what I want to say is of enough value to share. I'm particularly loving Anthony Anaxagorou's Heritage Aesthetics at the moment and have wanted to share this online but keep starting and then giving up on trying to encapsulate the thoughts and feelings I have about the (mostly excellent) collection. Maybe I will try again.
Thanks for sharing :)
One thing I love about Mastodon is the willingness to share many posts/ideas/thoughts/blogs. I think we police ourselves too much. Also, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy hearing that something they spent hours/years crafting has resonated with another person.
Challenge accepted
One thing you could never be is academically intimidated. I wish I could say the same but I know I have allowed myself to feel bullied by a flourish of capital letters after a name. I look forward to reading your reviews!
I firmly believe that the basic problem is in assuming that reviews have to be evaluative, and that the reviewer is therefore setting themself up as a 'judge' or an authority. If people simply think of themselves making a thoughtful and personal (and truthful) response to the book, then it all becomes perfectly possible. D A Prince said at a discussion in Aldeburgh that she never wrote anything in a review that she wouldn't feel able to say to the poet if she met them in person. Another excellent principle!
Yes, such good points. I hope I haven’t done this but now I am anxious that perhaps I have (been evaluative) although not intentionally. There must be room for authentic, readers’ responses - all readers, from all backgrounds and experiences. Sounds like a wonderful session at Aldeburgh.