Critical Mass has posted a selection from the introduction to John Updike's Picked Up Pieces which lays out his six rules for writing book reviews.  These rules seem seem fair and intelligent, applicable not only to the reviewing of books but also to creating a proper mindset for reading them.  If they seem obvious at times, I think it's only because they're probably the right way to do things.

I've enjoyed Updike's reviews ever since I started reading The New Yorker, and his following his own rules is obviously a big reason why.  Head over to Critical Mass to read more.