Into the Fire

Two opposite conditions of so many things. In this particular case I’ll discuss writing my opinions of novels.

As you might guess, writers are or can be the worst critics of others’ writing. If we’ve studied the craft at any length, we spot mistakes with the precision of laser beams. If we’re newer writers, we zero in on those and whine about them. If we’re seasoned writers, we decide in the blink of an eye whether or not they work and keep reading. If we happen to appreciate the boldness of the phantom error, we probably really like the writer’s style. If we can’t get past the writer’s choice, we probably don’t like their style. Truly, admitted by most or not, this writing gig is so subjective.

In a past post I explained how my “reviews” are nothing more than my opinions of the novels I read. I generally don’t dissect the writing itself unless it’s beautiful or ugly. Those are the extremes. If the writing is secondary to the story—in other words in the background—who even focuses on the style, voice, or methodology used to tell the tale?

You might wonder how the writing itself can be “in the background”. Good point. The thing is with some stories it just is. And this can be a positive. When we’re too engrossed in the characters and their plights to notice technique, the author has successfully achieved staying in the background while moving the story forward. I guess it’s like saying the writing is not ostentatious: it’s simply workmanlike.

Don’t get me wrong. If we notice the writing and it beguiles us with its beauty while it takes us down the road of the story, that’s a wonderful experience. Those novels tend to rate high with readers who prefer literary tales.

The down side is if we lurch and gawk at the writing while trying to force our way through a story, it is anything but a good experience, and chances are we won’t be reading this author’s work again. Not only did they disrupt the reading experience with their writing, the story falters at other levels.

That illusive perfect novel tends to use beautiful language to tell us an intriguing story, and many authors strive to do both. However, some of those authors create lovely language and leave us in the dust with nothing to admire but the words without a viable story.

“Reviews” of books tend to give way to the fewest comments. Those who haven’t read a novel will assess whether or not they care to read the review itself and if they do, they’ll decide if the book might interest them. Readers of the reviewed book will leave a comment if they were fans. If they weren’t, silence is their commentary.

I try not to reveal too much of the story because no one wants a plot spoiled. If there’s a necessary point to make which might reveal too much, I put up the **Spoiler** warning. I try to give a fair assessment of the novel and point out its value, whether or not it has a significant/important message, if it’s flat out exciting entertainment, or for women only. Some novels require more in explanations, some less. Anyway, I maintain when you read one of my reviews, you’re getting my opinion, but I hope some of these posts on contemporary CBA fiction have helped you decide what you might like to read. Or not.

Father, you pave the way for writers. You give them their talents and encourage them to obey the ordained steps you have for them. Some follow in your footsteps, some don’t And yet you love us all. Keep me obedient above all else. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.