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Odds & Ends On the Web: October 6th Edition

10/6/2012

8 Comments

 
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Last week we reported on the great literature-destroying powers of bloggers and amateur reviewers (according to Peter Stothard, lead judge for the Man Booker Prize).  There were a couple of interesting responses to that article this week:  Vikki Wakefield, an Aussie author we covered in a post last week, argues very reasonably that “Literary reviewers and book bloggers can co-exist” without the world coming to an end, and Robert McCrum argues that “professional” reviews are, in fact, better over at The Guardian.

Interestingly, both of these writers acknowledge that the world of professional reviewing has excluded a large portion of literature.  I guess the proponents of these professional reviews are happy to let 90% of published works (the 90% most widely read by the public, I might add) be ignored by critics?  Are critics supposed to be “above” reviewing these books?  I guess we here at The Readventurer will have to comfort ourselves with the piles of young adult, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery novels they’ve left behind.  Darn.

And speaking of young adult books that have been largely ignored by critics but praised by book-loving readers, fans of Tammara Webber’s Easy can rejoice that the self-published novel has been picked up by two of Penguin’s imprints and will be published for both adults and young adults.

Last week, we also linked to a story about book festivals and how awkward it can be sometimes for authors.  But does it get any more awkward than this story, shared last week by Seanan McGuire?

“Last night, I was asked—in so many words—when either Toby or one of the Price girls was finally going to be raped.”

Seriously, awkward doesn’t even cover that.  I think “disturbing” or “hideously offensive” might be better words.  Seanan McGuire’s post, titled “Things I Will Not Do to My Characters. Ever” is fantastic and really worth reading (linked twice because it’s so awesome).

One of my co-bloggers alerted me to this article, which just about made me choke: “Fascinating Photos of Famous Literary Characters in Real Life.”  Seriously – open the page, scroll down to the “inspiration” for Anne Shirley and just take that in for a second.  It’s probably better if you’re not eating crackers at the time.

And lastly – the U.S. cover for Quintana of Charyn was revealed this week.  Here are the two covers side by side:

Quintana of Charyn Australian cover
Quintana of Charyn U.S. cover
Which do you like better?  I’m personally very happy that I will have the Australian versions of these books – with Froi’s sexy shoulders and Quintana’s much more fierce-looking face – at my house.
8 Comments
Kay link
10/6/2012 02:06:58 am

Thank you SO MUCH for highlighting Seanan's post. It was a rather horrifying read, but I was really glad to see how she answered that asshole's question... awkward really doesn't even begin to cover it.

Reply
Leanne link
10/7/2012 01:13:33 am

I am definitely partial to the Aussie cover for Quintana of Charyn. It just perfectly conveys her fierceness, and in Marchetta's own words, her savagery. I'm just in love, haha.

*chokes on cracker* THAT is who inspired the character of Anne Shirley? Pardon me, but where are the carrot- red locks? The stubborn, defiant expression and her slightly unkempt appearance? Well, go figure...

I'm really glad you brought Seanan McGuire's post to light. I despise seeing rape being used as a plot device in fiction (especially YA) to exploit, or even to descend into that ugly place of twisted tragedy porn, with the pathetically victimized female heroine, male saviour and the whole bit included.
I just... can't begin to comprend how accepted it is in novels that someone can even BEGIN to think about that.

So anyhow, great post and recap, ladies! Thanks for sharing. :)

Reply
Tatiana (The Readventurer)w link
10/7/2012 03:23:11 am

Who knew Anne Shirley looked like a... lady of the night, right?:)

Reply
Emily link
10/7/2012 12:03:42 pm

Seanan McGuire's blog post about rape and the way some people seem to expect it in books with strong female characters is so sad and horrifying. Thanks for the link and I'm really glad she's spoken out about this issue.

As for the Quintana covers, I love them both. The aussie cover has a model who I think better suits the idea I have of the Quintana we know and love. But... I have this little problem where I need to own hardback copies of my favourite books (just cos) so I'll probably be buying the US one.

Reply
Heidi link
10/8/2012 08:49:31 am

Yeah...pretty sure the Aussie covers for the entire MM series are at least 10x better than the US ones. Still, this one's better than the US Finnikin cover.

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Alyssa @ Books Take You Places link
10/8/2012 10:18:18 am

My mouth just hit the floor. I can't even believe the post by Seanan Mcguire, are you kidding me?!? I can't fathom that level of ignorance, it's frightening that there are people out there who think that way! The use of "when" and "finally" in that sentence really just makes me want to sock someone.

I LOVED the post of fascinating photos of famous literary characters and died a little at the last addition. Seriously?!

I LOVE Odds & Ends On the Web, you guys rock!

Reply
VeganYANerds link
10/8/2012 05:55:22 pm

Go Vikki, what a great response. And I really dislike the US cover of Quintana, what were they thinking with that spearhead being where her nose should be?

Reply
Rachel link
10/9/2012 12:47:29 am

I think I may be in the minority, but I like the US cover for Quintana better than the Aussie version. I like the Aussie versions of all the others in this series though. Nice to hear that about Easy. I loved it, although it may not be your cup of tea. :)

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