How to say ‘no way’ in four words or fewer

Reactions to writers, publishers and the work that they produce are wide and varied. Pick up a copy of the New York Times Book Review and you’re bound to find long, detailed and sometimes — ok, maybe often — boring reviews of books that you’re likely never to read.

Boring isn’t a word that I would ever apply to Jessa Crispin , editor in chief and leading contributor to the book-review site www.bookslut.com. Overall, the site offers features, reviews (fiction, nonfiction, poetry) and columns, all of which are as direct about the world of books as they are intelligently written. Here is the site’s self-description: “Bookslut is a monthly webzine dedicated to those who love to read. We offer insightful reviews, commentary on trends, updated news, and a lot of silliness.”

Well stated. Not, of course, that the site is for everyone. Those with a particular aversion to four-letter words should stay away. But as Crispin in particular proves with her blog , sometimes four-letter words are the best way to communicate with purpose and power (something that Daphne de Marneffe now knows). Just as with other book review compilations, you may never want to read some of the works that are critiqued on www.bookslut.com. But here, at least, you’re likely to know why before the end of the first sentence.