I find that the Amazon comments often are exceptionally shrewd and insightful, so I'm not going to diss them. But you don't really have any guarantees that what you're reading wasn't written out of friendship or spite.

Michael Dirda’s quote reflects his appreciation for the Amazon comments on books, acknowledging that many reviews can be exceptionally shrewd and insightful. He expresses respect for the intelligence and thoughtfulness that some reviewers bring to the platform. However, he also points out the uncertainty that comes with online reviews, highlighting that readers cannot always be sure whether a review is motivated by genuine criticism, friendship, or spite.

The quote sheds light on the subjectivity of online feedback, where personal emotions or relationships might color the review. Dirda suggests that while reviews can provide valuable insights, there is an inherent lack of guarantees in the authenticity or objectivity of a review. This uncertainty is a reminder to approach reviews with a degree of skepticism and to consider the context behind the words.

Dirda’s comments are grounded in his experience as a literary critic and author, where he is familiar with the nuances of both formal and informal literary critiques. His perspective suggests a cautious approach when evaluating public opinions, whether they come from online forums or traditional publications. In this way, Dirda advocates for a more discerning approach to public reviews and how they might influence perceptions of a book or author.

The origin of the quote likely comes from Dirda’s experience engaging with both professional and amateur critics in the world of literature. It speaks to the changing landscape of how books are discussed and reviewed in the digital age, where anyone can voice their opinion online, but the quality and motivation behind those opinions can vary widely.