If there’s one thing we like, it’s public relations-speak. You know what we mean — that attempt to put positive spin on something, only to come off as if you’re trying too hard. Like, oh, pretending I Am Charlotte Simmons is doing much better than the numbers (apparently) indicate. We will admit this was one book we chose to avoid based solely on reviews. Also, the Bad Sex award didn’t help.
It’s possible it’s a fine book and well-told story. And we are the last to suggest that not meeting previous sales levels indicates dire consequences. Though, again, it does beg the question: are people buying, like, multiple copies of The DaVinci Code? How can it still be topping the charts? This should be investigated. Immediately. Normally, we’d offer, but we’re lazy and it’s naptime.
Tom Wolfe probably isn’t losing too much sleep here — he knows the paperback sales will leave the hardback in the dust.
