Reading with Purpose

Reading to Write: About Previewing
(Leora Freedman, University of Toronto Writing Centre)

Before delving into the book you have chosen to review, it is helpful to preview the text for subject matter and other clues. This introduction clearly explains the parts of a text to examine.

Critical Reading Towards Critical Writing
(Deborah Knott, University of Toronto Writing Centre)

A short but thorough introduction to developing skills related to close, critical reading and how they can used to write critical interpretations of texts.

Dealing with New Words
(Margaret Procter, University of Toronto Writing Centre)

As you are reading your chosen book, you may encounter unfamiliar terms, but pausing to consult a dictionary interrupts your reading. This helpful advice contains instruction on how to best guess the meaning of new words.

Writing a Book Review

Writing a Book Review
(Allen Brizee, Purdue University)

Outlines the steps involved in reading a book and writing a book review.

The Book Review or Article Critique
(Margaret Procter, University of Toronto Writing Centre)

Explains the nature and purpose of book reviews and outlines the types of critical questions about a book that should be included in its review.

Examples of Book Reviews

Nixon, Neil. “Review of Madness: A Very Short Introduction.” The British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 201, 2012, 165–166.

Piper, Jordan. “Review of Madness: A Very Short Introduction.” H-Net Reviews in the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2014.

Waddington, Keir. “Review of Madness: A Very Short Introduction.” History of Psychiatry, vol. 23, no. 3, 2012, 371–377.

Walke, Jennifer. “Review of Madness: A Very Short Introduction.” Social History of Medicine, vol. 25, no. 3, 2012, 735–737.