1. Types of Reviews
a. Notice: Essential details of the book
b. Highlight: Highlighting the noticeable feature(s) of the book
c. Primary Review: Showcasing the content, theme & style of the book with evaluation
d. Comment Review: Critically commenting on certain or all aspects of the book
e. Reflective Review: Using the theme/concern/content of the book as an opportunity to reflect on larger associated issues or points of view
2. Principles Of Reviewing
a. Maintain a balance in structure
b. Stay connected with the subject
c. Avoid writing in excess
d. Restrict cross-referencing
e. Substantiate with examples to varying degrees
3. Writing The Primary Review
1. Rapid read the book
2. Bookmark sections that catch your interest or appear striking in any way
3. Dip in and read through the bookmarked sections and pencil highlight lines, phrases
4. Write a summary of the book and add brief notes on bookmarked sections and copy down key lines and phrases
5. What you have before you is the basic material of the book. Use this as a touchstone for your review
Randhir Khare is a writer, poet, folklorist and painter with numerous books to his credit. He has conducted creative writing courses at Symbiosis and Pune University.