Picture of a Perfect Book Review

First, kudos to LA Times Book Critic David Ulin (and to LA Times, period, for having a book section).  Second, damn. Ulin's review of Hilton Als's new compilation of essays, White Girls, has it all.

Beautiful language.
Context - about the book, the author, and how each fits into the literary landscape.
Enough background and synopsis - in just a few paragraphs - to allow prospective readers to discern whether they are likely to enjoy the book.

And that's it.

Reviewing books is like a lot of other things, folks. Professionals make it look deceptively easy, and yet they produce something completely useful.

Thank you, Mr. Ulin.

So, readers - will you pick up White Girls?

~Diane Stresing