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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..

Vick Mickunas reviews books for the Dayton Daily News.

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Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2009 > November > 01

Sunday, November 1, 2009

How to talk about books you haven’t read…

By Vick Mickunas | Sunday, November 1, 2009, 06:58 PM

When I hosted a book show on WYSO I interviewed authors about their work. Hour long interviews. There was no faking it. You read the books. Hard to have an hour long conversation by faking it. What did I know?

I hadn’t yet read “How to Talk About Books You Haven’t Read” (Bloomsbury) by Pierre Bayard. You have to read this book to understand how to talk about books you have not read. Confused? Join the club.

The author explains our failing to actually read books should not impede our ability to talk intelligently about books we have not read.

He actually suggests that having read the book could be a liability. What do I know? Apparently, not very much. I read the books…wishing I had not read this one.

Vick Mickunas

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