Book Review

Writing a Book Review

This essay is meant to be more than a simple Gosh, Hamlet is, like, totally awesome sort of review.  A true review provides the reader with something in addition to a Consumer Reports-style thumbs up or thumbs down.  A good review uses the book to leap into larger questions of aesthetics, philosophy, etc.  Your review will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the book in questions but also of the author, comments of other critics, and connect it to something outside in the big, bad world.

Procedure

Check out some models

So what is a review essay, exactly?  I'm glad you asked, check it out Intro to Literary Criticism.doc.  So, no matter what "form" of media you choose to review, you are basically writing a literary analysis essay.  And, just because I love you, here are some tips:  WRITING LITERARY ANALYSIS.doc.  So now what?
How to write a book report and a book review · Library "How To Guides · Help & Instruction · Concordia Libraries #
Models: Movies and Books
Dark Visions. A review of Watchmen, written by Anthony Lane.
The Homer of the Ants. A review of Anthill, written by Margaret Atwood.

The Road, New York Times Book Review

Review of Syriana #

Scary Harry - A more sinister Potter. Prisoner Review, Order Review

What can you say about Harry?

Luck, Pluck, and Thuggery - 50 Cent rejects the tradition of the autobiopic. By Martin Edlund 

This does a good job of putting the 50 cent movie into the context of Autobiographical films.

Take Back the Prom - How, and why, one school called it all off—and you can, too. 

It's about Prom Night, but more than that it's about Prom.

The Story of God, Alternate View

Notice how well the author connects to the larger issues

If you want suggested book titles, LOOK HERE
The National Book Awards 

I know you couldn't wait...

 Conference with me

When we get together, we’ll agree on what aspects of the writing you will want to work on and I’ll most likely add a stipulation that the essay is grammatically perfect, that you focus on using specific and intriguing detail, and that a clear sense of you as a writer is present.

Do a draft

Get to work.  Always keep an eye on your writing goals as you write.

Get a student response

When you get to a good stopping point, give one of your fellow students 3 things to look for (for example, good spelling, detail about the anecdote, and the ending) and give you feedback. If necessary I can find someone to help and you and give guidance for peer editing.

Do another draft

Take your feedback and work towards a draft that you can show me that gets as close as you can to your goals.  Feel free to talk to me or a fellow student if you get stuck.

Conference with me

Publish

Very helpful...with links to other places for information