Carrie over at Tingle Alley has posted two great letters to Sam Tanenhaus, editor of the NYT Book Review, and Leon Wieseltier, literary editor of the New Republic. Mr. Wieseltier reviewed Nicholson Baker’s latest novel Checkpoint which arrives in stores on Tuesday. If you have not heard of this book, it is causing quite a stir, as Baker’s main characters is plotting the assassination of GW Bush.
Tanenhaus, new to the Book Review, maintains that they still review fiction and cites this review as an example. I don’t know about you, but this review certainly does not qualify as a true fiction review. The author obviously has politics on his mind. Nowhere does he mention Baker’s credentials or other books nor does he even say whether it is well-written or not. Read Tanenhaus’ response to TEV’s letter complaining about the review.

Update: Beatrice has posted an actual review of Checkpoint, one worth reading.