On Book Reviews

Book Reviews always intrigue me.  I’m fascinated to read a writer’s perspective on another writer’s work.  It also strikes me as humorous that one writer might spend a day ”summarizing” a bold new piece of historical research that took the author years to research.  I imagine it would be a bit disappointing (and humbling) to see all that work condensed into a few paragraphs printed on the back page 0f the Sunday paper.

There is an art to writing a good book review, just as there is to writing reviews of movies, music, theatrical performances, and culinary adventures.  The goal (if the book, movie, music, performance, or restaurant was a worthy investment) is to convince your reader that they, too, should have the experience you just described.  In today’s fast paced world where time is a precious commodity, people don’t want to waste their time on a lousy movie or unremarkable dinner on Friday evening.  If they are going to invest, they want to invest well.

One of the goals for Rhetorical Expressions is to allow you, my reader, join my academic pursuits without having to attend class, write papers, prepare for exams, or write a thesis.   Too bad you can’t earn an “experiential” degree in rhetorical studies.  But as you accompany me on this academic endevor, I hope to peak your interest and convince you to read along with me, if only just a weekly newspaper column or one book a semester.

And thus we embark on book reviews.  Take a peak at the “Books” tab at the top of the page.  These are books that are well worth your read.  But if you want to continue the “experiential” track and need some more convincing, I’ll oblige.  My goal is to write a review for each book listed, beginning with Counselor: A Life on the Edge of History by Ted Sorensen.  Instead of lengthy paragraphs, I’ll make it simple: 10 reasons why the book is worth your time.

Yes, we’re still in the “Learn from the Best” series, but this is a blog in progress.  Check back tomorrow for the inaugural book review and on Monday for the next “Learn from the Best” installment, “Read Others & Quote Them”.

Thanks for joining me in this adventure.