Literary Criticism - Themes

What kind of information would you find most valuable when you're looking for reviews about a book you might purchase?

Why do you think reviewers should explain their opinions, rather than just say that they like or dislike a book?

Why is the role of literary critic considered consumer advocacy?

Do you believe that a book can or should mean the same thing to every reader? Explain.

Identify a book that made you think about something in your own life that you might not have considered before. Explain.

How does a critic "clear up uncertainties" for the reader?

How can a literary critic express the negative aspects of his or her review without being ill-tempered or putting the writer down?

What other trends in our culture might affect the "truths" we find in the literature of our time?

In your opinion, what qualities make the difference between a brilliant and a flashy book?

Identify a book you've read, a movie you've seen, or song lyrics you've heard that are, or seem to be, influenced by another book, movie, or song.