90 likes | 230 Views
CSE3PE: Professional Environment. Book Reviewing. Book Reviewing. What is the purpose of a book review?. What’s in a book review?. Vital Statistics Title, author, publisher, place, edition, ISBN, paperback/hardcover, length, price, translated, illustrated, software
E N D
CSE3PE: Professional Environment Book Reviewing
Book Reviewing • What is the purpose of a book review? Professional Environment
What’s in a book review? • Vital Statistics • Title, author, publisher, place, edition, ISBN, paperback/hardcover, length, price, translated, illustrated, software • Type: Fiction, non‑fiction etc. Professional Environment
What’s in a book review? • Contents of review: • Description of purpose and contents of book • Judgment of how well the author has achieved the aim • A statement of judgment about the book • Some “because” clause or clauses of explanation (supporting evidence) • The evaluation of a non-fiction book is often concerned with • Completeness of the coverage of its subject • Clarity of style Professional Environment
What’s in a book review? • Contents of review (cont.): • How is the author qualified to write the book? (include previous publications or professional status) • Comment on the writing style and quality • Comment on figures, tables, illustrations • Comment on physical qualities (binding, type and quality of illustration etc) Professional Environment
Preparing the Review • Read the book making notes as you go • Outline the points you wish to make in the review including the overall impression you have of how well the author has achieved what he/she has set out to do • Final paragraph a summary of usefulness (to whom and how) Professional Environment
Dos and Don’ts of Reviewing • Don’t display your own knowledge of the topic (the reader wants to know about the book) • Don’t describe how you would have written the book • Don’t be influenced by the popularity of a book • Do keep it short (750 ± 100 words) • Do accurately and concisely describe what the book is about Professional Environment
Characteristics of the Review • Should be lively and readable • Like it or don’t like it – distance, balance, fairness Professional Environment
Reference • Kamerman, Sylvia (Ed.) (1978) Book Reviewing, Boston: The Writer Inc. 808.066028 BOOK Professional Environment