Timothy P. Scanlon

While I'm not a professional reviewer
OK, someone say, 'That's obvious.'), I
read voraciously. I also like the
opinions of those who have read something
that's made an impression on them.

For those others contemplating reviewing
texts, note that some of the more ideologically
inclined books (See 'Hating Whitey,' for example)
will have others inclined toward that
ideology reading the reviews. So don't
let it get you down when the vast majority
think your review was trash.

I see that some have reviewed movies. As
I'm a real movie buff (and recommend Amazon.com
as a source for some films hard to find elsewhere!)
I may have to get into film reviews.

Oh, and reviewing books is remarkably cathartic.

Thanks, Amazon.com!

One additional thought: I am a compulsive reader, do it constantly. But , while NO reading can be a real impediment, reading many a review in these pages convinces me that reading is not necessarily such a benefit. I see some people read the same sort of ideological nonsense, and cannot stand those who disagree with them despite their comical lack of evidence. I read to find more information, i.e., how what I 'know' to be true now may be less true then I assumed. I don't read just to confirm what I already believe despite evidence, etc. I see that, unfortunately, many don't read with that intent, and their reading may not only confirm what they believe but cause them to think that BECAUSE they read, they're better informed. And that ain't necessarily so.

Just a thought.