Comments on: The Lack of Culture in Book Reviews

By: Genny O'Herron

Genny O'Herron — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:04:39 +0000

Silence (in this case absence) speaks volumes. I’m sure there are numerous reasons why cultural comments are avoided (why literary criteria and authenticity are seen as being in opposition to one another), but the bigger question for me is how can/how is this being reversed. I’m grateful for you insight and commitment in this endeavor Kathy. It has expanded my thinking considerably and attuned me to the ways in which book reviews may be minimizing and negating the very benefits and treasures of multicultural and global literature.

By: Joanna Montoya

Joanna Montoya — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:57:18 +0000

I find it difficult to comment on culture when it is a culture I lack knowledge of. As far as not mentioning culture in book reviews, I believe it might be because the reviewer lacks knowledge on culture presented in the book or for cultural sensitivity reasons.

By: Celina Lopez

Celina Lopez — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:56:13 +0000

I think there are many reasons for reviews not discussing culture that are in the books they are reviewing. I also agree with the blogs so far on how it could be a combination of many issues. As an educator, I think it’s seriously problematic not to be able to find books that are raising questions and stimulating multiculturalism. It would be great if mainstream reviews actually wrote about useful things that could help teachers and students find what they are looking for in the literacy world.

By: Carilyn

Carilyn — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:07:33 +0000

I think that for the book reviews to absolutely mean anything, the publishers need to pick readers that come from the culture that the book is trying address. This way the book reviews will actually have some meaning behind them. I could write a review on a book thinking that it is an absolutely great story, but not knowing the culture, maybe in reality it is a horrible story!

By: tabitha kline

tabitha kline — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:12:33 +0000

I agree with you all. Publishers want to sell books and reviewers are safe if they don’t address authenticity. It would be helpful though if the authenticity were researched and the publisher has the power to make it happen!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:09:53 +0000

I agree with all of you! Once a person puts their cultural thought down on paper they may be viewed differently by others. I also think that it could be they do not know much about certain cultures and do not feel confident in writing their thoughts.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:41:51 +0000

By: Rae Etta Zuniga

Rae Etta Zuniga — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:39:01 +0000

I think it all comes down to money. Publishers cannot sell books that recieve a controversial review so they get reviews who don’t bring out the controversial points. If they discuss the stereotypes or cultural inaccuracies of a book, they put themselves in a position to not receive work. Everyone seems to be avoiding those uncomfortable, sticky topics of race and prejudice. Things aren’t really going to change until we start having that conersation.

By: Alicia M. Fagan

Alicia M. Fagan — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:45:06 +0000

You have all made good points. We do live in a consumer driven society. What sells is what matters and I could see where focusing on a great story line, rather than cultural authenticity may be what is believed that average consumer is looking for. I also think that people are afraid of being offensive, especially when looking at things that are outside of their culture.

By: Annette Fiedler

Annette Fiedler — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:48:05 +0000

Celina, Theresa, and Salina, I agree and have the same curiosities about why culture is not present in many children’s literature. I agree that it is “safer” not include the cultural aspect instead of including material that in not authentic. I respect this. As a teacher researcher, I would not feel comfortable about writing (for publication purposes) outside my own culture, therefore this may be the mindset about their inlcusions of different cultures. This is where research comes into play! Kathygshort, I have read a book that you speak of, “Yoo Kyung Sung has found this in books about Korean American experiences,” and I find it interesting and understand that “cultural authenticity” lies within many different genres of literature.