Willkommen (Welcome)
Welcome to the Book Criticus blog. As the name implies, this blog is all about books. We will review books of current interest and worthwhile content. Most of the reviews will be done by the writer of this blog, although an occasional guest review will be included. You are probably already wondering why we need another blogger reviewing books.
Firstly, why do we need another book review blog? There are already more review blogs than readers. It seems that every newly published book by the major houses is hyped multiple times on the I-net. Yet, there are many worthwhile books published by small or private publishers that are never publicly reviewed. It is precisely this niche that we hope to fill. We probably will not be reviewing the widely reviewed releases from the major publishing houses; these reviews can be found elsewhere by others who have adequately done the job.
Secondly, book reviews and recommendations are made from the reviewer's point of view. Some books, which cut against the grain of modern political correctness, may get less than a fair shake in reviews. Rather than relegating these works to obscurity without being heard, we will often offer an alternative view. After all, hearing diverse ideas and viewpoints is part of learning and understanding. It is apparent that none of us are absolutely right and correct in all our ideas, beliefs, and understanding. Too often, we gravitate only toward the kind of reading that comforts and pleases instead of what challenges and stretches our thinking. All of us need meat and protein for growth and not just fluffy sweet delicacies that please the palate.
Thirdly, there are many good books that are out-of-print and have fallen from the public view. Many times, the failure to continue publication has been a matter of economics rather than the quality of the work. It's purely a market function when the demand has been fulfilled. A generation later, the demand would be replenished if the book was being reviewed and republished. There is no demand because the general reading public is unaware of the book's existence. We hope to reintroduce some of these worthwhile works by giving reviews.
Fourthly, many blogs cover only a limited range of subjects. What one selects or chooses not to select is as important as what is said. Viewpoints are affected by the data presented or the data withheld. Whereas our primary interests include works embracing a Christian viewpoint, we will cover a broad spectrum of works, both non-fiction and fiction. The totality of our reviews will provide a three-dimensional perspective from many vantage points.
Finally, a good part of motivation behind the writer's reviews and blogging is to test his own ideas, opinions, and viewpoints against the thinking of others. It is a personal exercise in thought to critique published ideas. By interaction with both the books and the responses of readers, the writer hopes of test and refine his own thinking.
We do hope that you will become an active participant on this blog by posting your thoughts, either pro or con, in response to the reviews. Come join us if you are interested in books, ideas, and thoughtful discussion.
