The Problem With Some Literary Criticism

Have you ever heard someone mutter, “How could someone give _____ a book deal?” I know you have. Or they’ll question why anyone would read a book by ______. But those criticisms all miss the mark.

I have no issue with disagreeing with the views of someone. I have no issue with disagreeing with the content of a book. But once we get into this discussion as to who deserves to have their name on a book we delve into a discussion that really boils down to censorship.

Don’t like Bill O’Reilly? Don’t read his books. Don’t care for Bill Cosby? No one is forcing you to read his work. And this is the same in every case. Politicians, celebrities, whomever. If you feel so strongly about someone having a book, then speak out about it. Tell why you feel the way you do. Heck, write a book of your own. But we tend to criticize countries and governments and societies that censor their books, let’s not mistakenly aim to do the same because we have negative feelings toward someone.

3 thoughts on “The Problem With Some Literary Criticism

  1. Oh, I thought you were going to talk about those who have been published but have written stories so poorly. In that case I was going to respond, “Every time I read a poorly written, silly, undeveloped published book, I am reminded, if they can do it, then surely I, too, can get a book published! It can be a source of inspiration, in a backwards way!”

    Liked by 2 people

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