Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Ever since I was in library school, Kirkus has been the big, bad wolf of the review world. I feel as if I was taught to take Kirkus' reviews with a grain of salt - because salt was easier to swallow than the sour, bitter reviews they were dishing out! I've seen many a rolled eye and knowing look after a less-than-glowing review was read, usually with a comment like 'well, that's Kirkus for ya!" For some time I joined in the fray, chuckling to myself whenever I came across a particularly scathing review. But over time, I really grew to appreciate the blunt honestly of the Kirkus reviewers. There have been times when I have come across a book for which I see so many gushing reviews that I seek out Kirkus to get the real story...and if KR confirmed the positive reviews, I knew the book was really something special. Now who will I turn to for the fair criticisms I have come to rely on?

As I said on twitter today, 'Kirkus was to reviewing as Simon is to American Idol. I will miss you, you mean old judge.'