Readings, Rated
The bitches are coming for NYTBR
Ever read the New York Times Book Review and wondered 1). Why does this critique read so personally? 2). Did they get a woman to write that scather just so I won’t think it’s misogyny? 3). Where are the raves? or 4). Are they actually afraid of women’s writing?…then check out this essay over at Bitch magazine, in which Sarah Seltzer examines the phenomenon of women writer’s ludicrously low coverage in NYTBR, and the sexist skewering that happens once they do make it in, often at the hand of their own gender. Here’s my fav quote: “If the Times wants to remain the paper of record, it should stop seeking out hostile reviewers whose main critical thrust is one of self-aggrandizement (“Don’t worry, boys—I’m not strident like her!”) and intergenerational antagonism. ”