How to Review a Book
By JIRARA
© JIRARA, July 2020
Published by JIRARA
On matrubharti.com
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Disclaimer: This is the work of fiction as far as all the characters, their names and the names of all the events are concerned and all these are imaginary and hence any resemblance to the persons (and their lives) dead or alive, and any places are coincidental. Even if a few events might look realistic/’real’, these are fictionalised and the associated names are changed in order to maintain their privacy, honour, and security. No intention whatsoever is meant to hurt any feelings of whosoever, irrespective of their personal/cultural beliefs, social or political inclinations, religion-orientations/practicing/philosophy, life styles, and work/business. The ‘I’, ‘my’, ‘me’, and ‘mine’ (if any used) do not necessarily mean the author of this book, and these and other such pronouns: her, hers, his, he, she, him, you, your, yours, ours, theirs…; are used for effective personification and dramatization, and the readers should not take these on their ‘own persons’.
Please Note: The readers should take these stories/verses/thoughts with/in good spirit. The presented ideas and material are based, where feasible, on readings and (thought-) analyses of scientific/other open literature (which seemed most profound and trustworthy), with as much care as possibly taken. The readers are requested to verify these notions on their own, and use their own discretion. However, these stories/verses/thoughts/ideas (mostly original) are expressed here with an intention of increasing awareness of the readers with a hope that in an overall sense, their (and ours) consciousness would be heightened (in all and multiple directions), so that we all can live our lives on this planet with true happiness, ever-lasting peace and real joy (irrespective of our orientations). The author and the publisher will not be responsible for any negative effects/situations arising as a result of reading these stories/verses and/or following the suggestions if any. No discussions/dispute of any kind will be entertained at any time and in any way, manner, and/or forum. JIRARA.
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How to Review a Book
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I would like to suggest some guide lines on how to review a book of any kind. The idea of a review is to provide an unbiased and un-prejudiced account. It should not be cluttered with the personal sentiments of the reviewer.
First phase:
Just scan the book from beginning to the end; in the latter there might be appendixes, epilogues, afterward, glossary, notes, bibliography, references, and author’s biography. In the beginning there might be table of contents, preface, credits, foreword, and introduction.
This will give overview of the composition of the book. Then, read the material of the beginning and the end as enlisted above. This will reveal the deeper intent of the author’s plan, and layout of the structure of the story, and any grosser message the author wants to convey. Also, the characters of the story-drama will be revealed. So, the reviewer will now get almost a full picture of the story, yet, the details need to be read and analysed.
From this phase you can start building your opinion about the book.
Second Phase:
Now, you can start reading the story from the first page/chapter to the last page/chapter.
In general, a book will have a beginning, a middle, and an end part, and the entire story would have been spread over these three aspects of the book.
Capture the following from this phase:
1. The aim of the author/story.
2. The quality of the plan/structure of the story telling.
3. Usage of the language, is it lucid or complex?
4. Flow of the story.
5. Quality of expressions, style, etc.
6. Creativity of the subject of the story, author’s creativity.
7. The relevance of the story-subject to present times.
8. Any messages from the story.
Third Phase:
Now based on the two phases, you can form a final/conclusive opinion on the book.
a. Stars/Points: since the publisher has already accepted the book to publish, it is wise to give at least one star, and not the half star; if you do not want to give more. Based on the points 1 to 8 (of the second phase), you can decide to give the stars from 2 to 4 or even 5; this is to reflect your over all judgement of the book.
In giving these stars, your sentiments should not un-necessarily jeopardize the spirit of the book’s value.
b. Review comments: You can give brief comment on the book in words, highlighting the fulfilment of points 1-8. This must be more objective than subjective. Any subjective bias does not do any value addition to the author’s honest effort, and motivation. You can be even descriptive on the complying of the points 1-8 by the author in his/her story telling efforts.
Sometimes positive suggestions would help; rather than just derogatory remarks. Constructive criticism with operative mechanism would help the author to improve upon.
By giving a concise, clear, un-cluttered, and a just review, you yourself are also displaying your own maturity to understand the subject matter of the story and the creativity of the author.
***An end…***with a new beginning…***
