Why Do We Even Bother with Book Reviews? Book reviews are supposed to guide readers, but let's face it--most of them are just self-indulgent soapboxes. Take the review of Amena Brown's "Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl. " It's an essay collection that, according to the reviewer, is essential because some folks might cross lines.

What does that even mean? Is this supposed to be profound or merely sensationalist clickbait? The real issue here isn't just about the book itself--it's about how we use book reviews as a proxy for social commentary and cultural gatekeeping.

We're supposed to read books like these because they tell us something important, but at what cost? When every review feels like an urgent mission statement rather than a critique of literature, where's the room for anything else? Let's take another example: Brandon Taylor's review of Michael Cunningham's "Unsayable.

" The buzzword here is "life in writing," but what does that mean? It seems like it's just another way to say "this book isn't really about story; it's about self-expression. " We're supposed to care because the reviewer cares, but caring should be earned through substance, not just by being part of a certain literary circle. What's happening with these reviews is that they're becoming less about books and more about signaling.

It's hard to find reviews that actually dissect the book at hand without resorting to buzzwords or cultural grandstanding. Does anyone read them for insight anymore? Or are we all just nodding along because it feels important?

We need to ask ourselves why we keep indulging in this kind of pseudo-literary criticism. Is it really worth our time when so much else about book reviews feels like an echo chamber? It's fine to have books that challenge us or make us uncomfortable, but do the reviews themselves just amplify a certain kind of intellectualism without adding value?

So here's my challenge: Who's brave enough to say they read these reviews purely for literary analysis and not as cultural signifiers? And who's willing to admit that maybe, just maybe, we need more thoughtful criticism and less performative commentary?

Warmly,
Karen M. Whitmore
HOA Board | PTA Treasurer | ~Wine Mom~
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