Tao Lin is a "Brooklyn-based" buzz-author who recently released the hit book Richard Yates. It seems like as an author, it is ur job to get ur book reviewed on 'huge websites' and in 'newspapers' that have a web browsing hyperlink to Amazon.com for readers to 'impulse buy' the book if the review is 'glowing' enough.

The New York Times 'reviewed' his book, and basically took a long log-form poop on it. Discouraged ppl from buying it, and Tao Lin's career is 'basically over.' Could see tons of 'returns' by people who purchased his novel, or maybe ppl selling it to Used Book Stores for cheap buyback dollars.

Seems like it was a real 'pan-fest.'

They pan the intro

The novel begins: “ ‘I’ve only had the opportunity to hold a hamster once,’ said Dakota Fanning on Gmail chat. ‘Its paws were so tiny. I think I cried a little.’ ” This opening will charm the innocent hearts of some readers; those less amused might find it cloying and gimmicky.

They pan his gimmicky voice / stylistic techniques

The novel’s voice is deliberately monotonous. Chats, e-mails, text messages, phone and in-person conversations — all are absorbed seamlessly into the body of Lin’s text, a smart way of portraying the world in which he’s come of age, where we’re connected all the time and, regardless of the device or medium, all forms of communication seem alike.

The reviewer bro seems to be an author named Charles Bock. Googled him 2 see what he was all about.

Wish he was just 'chill' with other writer bros, and helped their careers achieve 'mad sales.' Wish all media was positive, and every1 liked everything because everything was amazing. Can't believe he 'breathed so much fire' abt Tao Lin.

They say the book was a stupid idea and really boring.

This sense of a young writer finding his way makes it regrettable that “Richard Yates” is more interesting as a concept than as an actual narrative.

The reviewer bro closed the review by saying that the book made him feel like he wanted to kill himself.

In attempting to explore boredom, Lin recreates boredom. In attempting to write about obsession, he embraces narcissism. If this was his goal, mission accomplished. But the achievement is a low-hanging fruit, and its rewards are limited. By the time I reached the last 50 pages, each time the characters said they wanted to kill themselves, I knew exactly how they felt.

Is Richard Yates 'terrible'?
Did Tao Lin deserve to be on the cover of Time Magazine?
Was this reviewer bro 'mad unchill'?
Are yall on #TeamBock or #TeamLin?
Should Tao Lin 'commit suicide'?