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1、How to Write a Book ReviewA book review is a description, critical analysis, and an evaluation on the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, not a retelling. It should focus on the books purpose, content, and authority. A critical book review is not a book report or a summary. It is a reactio
2、n paper in which strengths and weaknesses of the material are analyzed. It should include a statement of what the author has tried to do, evaluate how well (in the opinion of the reviewer) the author has succeeded, and presents evidence to support this evaluation.There is no right way to write a boo
3、k review. Book reviews are highly personal and reflect the opinions of the reviewer. A review can be as short as 50-100 words, or as long as 1500 words, depending on the purpose of the review.The following are standard procedures for writing book reviews; they are suggestions, not formulae that must
4、 be used.1. Write a statement giving essential information about the book: title, author, first copyright date, type of book, general subject matter, special features (maps, color plates, etc.), price and ISBN.2. State the authors purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors state their purpose in
5、 the preface or the first chapter. When they do not, you may arrive at an understanding of the books purpose by asking yourself these questions:a. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?b. From what point of view is the work written?c. Was the author trying to giv
6、e information, to explain something technical, to convince the reader of a beliefs validity by dramatizing it in action?d. What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? (Use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field, if necessary.) Knowledge of the genre means u
7、nderstanding the art form. and how it functions.e. Who is the intended audience?f. What is the authors style? Is it formal or informal? Evaluate the quality of the writing style by using some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, correct use of technical words, c
8、onciseness, fullness of development, fluidity. Does it suit the intended audience?g. Scan the Table of Contents, it can help understand how the book is organized and will aid in determining the authors main ideas and how they are developed - chronologically, topically, etc.g. How did the book affect
9、 you? Were any previous ideas you had on the subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced due to this book? How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda? What personal experiences youve had relate to the subject?h. How well has the book achieved its goal?i. Would you recommend this boo
10、k or article to others? Why?3. State the theme and the thesis of the book.a. Theme: The theme is the subject or topic. It is not necessarily the title, and it is usually not expressed in a complete sentence. It expresses a specific phase of the general subject matter.b. Thesis: The thesis is an auth
11、ors generalization about the theme, the authors beliefs about something important, the books philosophical conclusion, or the proposition the author means to prove. Express it without metaphor or other figurative language, in one declarative sentence.ExampleTitle: We Had it MadeGeneral Subject Matte
12、r: Religious IntoleranceTheme: The effects of religious intolerance on a small townThesis: Religious intolerance, a sickness of individuals, contaminates an entire social group4. Explain the method of development-the way the author supports the thesis. Illustrate your remarks with specific reference
13、s and quotations. In general, authors tend to use the following methods, exclusively or in combination.a. Description: The author presents word-pictures of scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the readers imagination. Description presents background and
14、setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many sensuous details as possible, the way things (and people) are, in the episodes being described.b. Narration: The author tells the story of a series of events, usually presented in chronological order. In a novel however, chr
15、onological order may be violated for the sake of the plot. The emphasis in narration, in both fiction and non-fiction, is on the events. Narration tells what has happened. Its primary purpose is to tell a story.c. Exposition: The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarif
16、y an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue as clearly and impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to explain.d. Argument: The author uses the techniques of persuasion to establish the truth of a statement or to convince the reader of its falsity. The purpose is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue. Its prima
