Lori
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Hi Chris, I'm seeing a lot of good reviews you've given in my home feed, so I have to ask- what do you think makes a bad book (before I write one!)? I admit, I read everything- all genres- but I only think one book in twenty is good.
Chris Bohjalian
Hi, Lori. When I don't enjoy a book, I simply don't post a review here on Goodreads. I only share the ones I liked or I thought were very good, even if they were not my cup of tea. What makes a bad book? John Gardner, that great teacher of writing (The Art of Fiction) and a terrific novelist and short story writer himself, said there were two ways to wake a reader from the fictional dream: clumsiness (bad writing) and inauthenticity (bad research). I can think of a few other reasons, but those two are the principal ones. Thanks for asking -- and good luck with your own writing!
More Answered Questions
Carol Boyer
asked
Chris Bohjalian:
Hi Chris, I so wanted to get to the event at R.J. Julia's Bookstore in Madison for your book The Guest Room. However I was unable to attend. I am really hoping that you might be there again? - possibly with your new book The Sleep Walker -which sounds like an unbelievable story! A friend of mine did get to meet you in Texas and keeps on talking about how nice and interesting you were! Lucky Susan.... Thanks, Carol
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Jan 22, 2024 01:27PM · flag