New York Times Book Review
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New York Times Book Review Features
A book review is different from a book report in that the writer is not as interested in the sequential events of the book as he/she is in the readability of the book. Readability can cover many areas that have nothing to do with the events. As you read the provided New York Times Book Reviews, notice that the critic discusses those issues that go beyond the mere re-telling of the story. Notice how the critic addresses issues that speak to the readability of the book; i.e., the aesthetic qualities, the language usage (diction and syntax), background information, personal opinions about the book, and even attempts to access the prior knowledge of you, the reader. Some critics will use a picture of the book itself, a picture of the author, or some other picture that evokes a sense of the theme or setting, etc.
As you read through some of the reviews, be aware of those literary features used by professional literary critics, whose job is to give a review that informs potential readers about not only the story itself, but about the readability of the book. These are the same features that you will use to write your own New York Times Book Review style book review for the book you read for summer reading.
The following are some areas to look at when reviewing a book:
1. What stylistic features of the book does the critic find to be good/poor/indifferent Examples
2. How do these stylistic features affect the readability of the book? Examples
3. What information about the author does the critic include? How does this help understanding nor hinder understanding?
4. What specific information does the critic choose to include in his/her piece about the book? How does this make a difference to understanding?
5. What other techniques does the author use? Pictures Background Comparisons to other works Humor Etc. How does this help the reader better understand the work?
6. So, what is the effect on you, the reader as a result of all this information? Does it make you want to read the book? Why? Why not?