Peck vs. Moody

Here is a link to the complete critique of Rick Moody's book, The Black Veil, ranted and argued by Dale Peck. You know, the one that started, "Rick Moody is the worst writer of his generation."

Here's a very long, but worthwhile, response written in The Believer Magazine.....basically, it's all about 'SNARK'.

The flamewar started by that review made it into every literary circle. Even the New York Times Magazine weighed in on the issue.

All of this for us to think about. Basically, the debate is: What is the role of the critic? Everyone's got a different opinion. And everyone is right. And wrong. :)