1. CSE3PE: Professional Environment Book Reviewing

2. What is the purpose of a book review? Professional Environment2

3. 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. 3Professional Environment

4. 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 Environment4

5. 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 Environment5

6. 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 Environment6

7. 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 Environment7

8. Characteristics of the Review Should be lively and readable Like it or don’t like it – distance, balance, fairness Professional Environment8

9. Reference Kamerman, Sylvia (Ed.) (1978) Book Reviewing, Boston: The Writer Inc. 808.066028 BOOK Professional Environment9