The Book Review

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The Book Review

A review is not just your opinion-- it is your educated opinion. 

1. Style: It is usually the same as the informal essay.

2. Subject matter: The reviewer must have some knowledge of the subject but this does not mean that you must have a great deal of previous knowledge.  The process of learning about something can be a valuable part of your review.  The subject matter should also be something that the audience might find interesting, although many reviews deal with seemingly irrelevant things -- they are made interesting because of the writing talent or the presentation. Avoid reviews of any off-color or blatantly distasteful subjects since these will just turn off your audience and probably earn great disdain (and a lousy mark).

3. Process of the review:
     3.1. Define your subject:  Let the reader know what distinguishes your subject from others or  
            makes it distinctive. If the subject requires technical knowledge, supply some.  For instance, a 
            car review is very general. Do a review of something much more specific such as sport utility 
            vehicles or your dad's car.

     3.2. Explain: Clearly explain what you will be comparing your "thing" to or what you will use as
            the benchmark.  If you review your girl/boyfriend, why not compare him/her to a highly 
            desirable T.V. character.

     3.3. Break your subject down into easily understandable, well-organized parts.  For instance, a 
            restaurant review will move from the first impression as you enter, through the courses in
            order, and then conclude.

     3.4.  Save the best for last: The best comes last, or if you are doing the five worst, then the worst 
             comes last.

4. Language: It is needless to say, you will employ a rhetorical question to stimulate interest, allusions, slang, colloquialisms, analogy and any other of the myriad of techniques to make your writing more interesting and entertaining.

5. References: Your good taste and impeccable knowledge are the best references.  Your review of French fries is accepted on your word alone because you are an acknowledged expert-- or at least said you were.  You do not need to do a massive amount of research unless you know nothing about the subject, in which case no one will accept your opinion anyway.     


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