The late novelist and critic John Updike once noted that the trouble with writing book reviews is that it is almost impossible to…avoid the tone of being wonderfully right.
by Kathryn Schulz
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The late novelist and critic John Updike expressed a challenge faced by book reviewers, emphasizing that conveying a sense of assuredness often feels inherent to the process. This observation highlights the difficulty in providing honest critiques without coming across as overly authoritative or self-righteous. In the realm of literature, the subjective nature of personal interpretation can make it hard to express opinions without implying absolute correctness.

Kathryn Schulz, in her book "Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error," explores the theme of error and the human experience. She suggests that acknowledging our fallibility is challenging yet essential, encouraging readers to embrace their mistakes and learn from them. The interplay between Updike's observation and Schulz's insights illuminates the complexities of judgment and the importance of humility in the face of differing perspectives.

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April 11, 2025

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