Writing Your Book Review Theme Voice Editing Theme

Writing Your Book Review Theme, Voice & Editing

Theme The Task: Discuss theme. Was there one big “So What” in this collection or a lot of little ones? Discuss the point, emotion, message or idea you think the author might have been trying to convey with this collection. l

How the Heck Do I Find It? l Do they talk about anything a lot? Could be an object, person, place. If so, their emotions about this could be theme. l What do you feel while you read? Sad? Happy? Inspired? Triumphant? That might have something to do with what they are trying to convey?

Technique+Theme l These two things are connected. What you noticed in technique probably has a lot to do with theme. l Personal Impressions: This paragraph is an excellent place to do some reviewing. Did you relate to the message/emotions of the author? Did you feel a connection with them on any level? How did theme affect you personally?

Voice l The Task: there should be a clear voice present in your essay. You are writing about your experience as a reader, I should hear your voice in the writing. Your personality should come through and you should endeavor to connect with your audience. Use I, have an opinion, share your reading experience with your audience. l The point is to sound like you but the most intellectual, thoughtful, articulate version of yourself.

Remember our 2 Big Purposes? 1. )To discuss/analyze the author’s craft. 2. ) To tell other readers whether this collection is worth their time. Don’t forget to create a rating system and leave your reader with some sort of recommendation.

Warning l If you do not include any quotes in your book review, you will not be able to get an A. Quotes should be used throughout to show what you are talking about and not just tell it. You have been warned!

Your Craft l The Task: How is your craft? There’s no excuse for lazy editing, sloppy spelling, or other egregious writing errors. Craft your essay as if it were a poem. l Proofread, read it out loud, give it to two friends in AP English and ask them to read it, spell check, CARE about this. l Your writing style and clarity matter as much as what you are writing about. l If you are in a hurry, it’s going to be junk.