switterbug (Betsey)’s review of A Marker to Measure Drift > Likes and Comments

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message 1: by Veronica (new)

Veronica This isn't the first time Maksik has exploited a situation or someone's feelings (including the readers) for literary gain:

http://jezebel.com/5863188/how-a-teac...


switterbug (Betsey) Yeah, I know about that incident. But still...I really liked his first book. I read it before I knew about the incident of exploiting the student.


message 3: by Veronica (new)

Veronica A good book is still a good book. I'm curious though: if you had known about the real life student before you read the book, do you think you still would have a) read it or b) liked it? That report was largely ignored, for obvious reasons, but I wonder whether knowing the truth about that book would change anyone's opinion of it.


switterbug (Betsey) Not me. Some people I know deleted their review of the first book or lowered their stars. I loved the book and my 5 star review sticks. I review a book based on its merit. Otherwise what about James Joyce and Charles Dickens, both known child abusers? Not to mention all the anti-Semitic authors, such as Pulitzer Prize winner Edith Wharton.


message 5: by Ian (new)

Ian "Marvin" Graye I love how you work through your feelings about this author and this book. It leaves it up to the reader to decide whether they might react differently, instead of making personal comments about the author or inferring things about the book from the author's private (or not so private) life. A book can be like a child that deserves to be judged apart from its parent or author.


message 6: by CanadianReader (new)

CanadianReader couldn't agree with you more. I found the whole thing quite "precious".


message 7: by Kit (new)

Kit I have a feeling that I have enjoyed reading your review more than I would enjoy reading the book - well worded, intelligent and compelling (with no ham-handed moralistic pandering!). Thank you - most enjoyable :)


message 8: by Trish (new)

Trish Ouch! Your review startles me. I had a completely different reaction. I wonder, after pondering your response for days, what set you off initially. I did not think the ending inevitable. I did not expect him to reveal what he did. I expected we would learn what becomes of Jacqueline, and there was a propulsion in the writing to this end.

Anyway, I am pleased you intend to read more of his work. I thought this extraordinary fiction.


message 9: by Bill (new)

Bill hi Betsey, thanks for persuading me not to waste my time reading this book.


message 10: by Rodney (new)

Rodney I agree so much. I'm so glad to see other people felt the same way.


message 11: by Bob (new)

Bob Brinkmeyer Totally agree with you. This was so disappointing, a real letdown after You Deserve Nothing.


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