Readers, not critics make lists

An editorial on why Canadian authors didn't fair well in a "favorite books" list:

"Well it almost certainly means only that Canadian readers have eclectic tastes, as varied and various as one might hope they would be. Some people read some books simply because they like them. This explains a great deal about best-seller lists. Some people read some books because they believe they are supposed to like them. This explains a lot about literary critics. And some people read books just because they like reading books. This explains how book stores stay in business and why libraries still matter."

"As for Can-Lit, despite its poor showing on this list -- on another list on another day different writers will shine -- it is in better shape than it has ever been, with Canadian writers enjoying the kind of acclaim at home and abroad that previous generations could only imagine."