Who Reviews the Reviews?

When reading book reviews, I always wonder: who reviews the reviews?

In other words - who decides that one review is better than another? Who is the best judge of the written word?

Is it the people who sell the books - highly unlikely - they're in it for the money right?

Is it stylists - the MLA and other sources who decide the book is written 'correctly'? Not likely either - that would probably lead to the scrapping of many novels we have all enjoyed due to incorrect use of the English language.

Is it the large pool of English teachers and professors - would they still know what makes a good read, even after analysing and at times shredding books apart in the name of knowledge?

Could it be that publishers really do write objective synopses and reviews - doubtful, since they are pushing 'their' author into the public eye.

Okay - so then there are the professional reviews like Library List, Book List, etc. They do a decent job, they are known for subjectivity and their reviewers generally write good synopsis. But do they know YOU? Do they know what peaks your interest, what gets you riled up, what makes you think days after you have put the book down?

I suggest, that despite the numerous options for those of us whishing to ponder reviews, we take a short walk/drive/bus ride to our local (independent) bookstore or library. Granted, even your local librarian and bookseller are under pressure to perform and drum up numbers for statistics.

There is something to be said, however, for the sense that these individuals have of their village or town. The knowledge they possess about the individuals that make up their community. The relationships that have been forged over months and years allows your local book-friend to give you a review that is thoughtful and personalised, because this person knows YOU! (or your friend, or your grandmother, or your old pre-school teacher..... You get the drift...)

When you find yourself looking for a new good read in the near future:

read the reviews in the magazines, the papers, and on your pod casts - then get yourself to your local book haven, be it library or independent bookstore, and treat yourself to a personalised book chat!