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20Feb/110

Book Reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground”

Well-known Russian author, Fyodor Dostoevsky, wrote his novel, “Notes from Underground”, in 1864.  The book is considered the world's first existentialist work and one of the most influential pieces of fiction in Western European history. Book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” describe this book and its major characters; examine its themes and literary significance.

Book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” should first introduce F. Dostoevsky, the author, and provide a brief synopsis of his life and career. The story somehow reflects the difficult time Dostoevsky was experiencing when he wrote it. Book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” should then present a short summary of the novel. It portrays one of the first anti-heroes in fiction, a protagonist completely lacking every trait of the hero and living out a useless life on the margins of society. Book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” should also describe the main characters in the book and their significance in the story. Themes found in the novel such as the myth of rationalism and utopianism, the corruption of Russian culture, and the paralysis of the conscious man in modern society should also be examined in book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground”. Lastly, book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” should examine the literary significance of the novel and criticism it received.

Before writing book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground”, consider reading examples of other book reviews such as “The Color of Water” book reviews, or “In Cold Blood” book reviews or “Kindred” book reviews to help you better understand how to write a book review. Reliable sources on “Notes from Underground” as well as examples of book reviews of “Notes from Underground” should also be read in order to obtain a more in-depth understanding of the book itself, which will then help you write better book reviews of F. Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground”.

11Feb/110

“Herland” Book Reviews

Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s novel, “Herland” was published in 1915 by The Forerunner (Gilman’s magazine). The novel is about a society of women using parthenogenesis or asexual reproduction. "Herland" book reviews discuss the events, characters, author's biography and writing style, and the criticism received by the book.

The life and career of Charlotte Perkins Gilman can serve as an interesting introduction for "Herland" book reviews. Herland" book reviews should then provide a brief summary of the novel mentioning the major conflict, which is the struggle between Van and his friends Jeff and Terry as they associate with the society of Herland. Next, "Herland" book reviews should describe the characters in the story such as Alima, Celis, Ellador, Vandyck Jennings, Jeff Margrace, Terry Nicholson, Moadine, Somel and Zava. The author’s writing style and chosen genre should then be examined in "Herland" book reviews”. Finally, the themes on gender, suppression of women, motherhood and denial of tradition, and the symbolism present in the forest and Herlandian clothes should also be examined in "Herland" book reviews.

Finding reliable sources on “Herland” and reading examples of "Herland" book reviews can help you find information on the story, which can then help you write your own "Herland" book reviews. Reading other book reviews such as "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews, book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller” , or “The Color of Water” book reviews can also help you by showing you examples of the important literary elements that should be discussed in a book review, which  you can then use toward writing "Herland" book reviews.

9Feb/112

“For Whom the Bell Tolls” Book Reviews

Ernest Hemingway’s novel, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, is about the life of a young American, Robert Jordan, and his struggles against death and destruction. The novel was written in 1939 and was published in 1940 by Scribner’s Publisher. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews discuss the context, characters, themes and writing style in the novel.

In order to write quality "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews, you should first locate and consult reliable sources on "For Whom the Bell Tolls" as well as read some examples of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews, which will help you better understand the novel. Reading examples of other book reviews such as “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews , “The Color of Water” book reviews or book reviews of “All the Pretty Horses”, can also help you become more familiar with the important literary elements to discuss in book reviews, which you can then apply to writing "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews.

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews should begin with a brief biography of Ernest Hemingway, a famous American author and journalist. A brief summary of the plot should then follow in "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews in order to provide the readers with a solid understanding of the major events in the novel. An analysis of the major characters in the story such as Robert Jordan, Pablo, Pilar, Maria, Anselmo, Agustin, Primitivo, Rafael and Andres should also be included in "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews. Next, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews should analyze the themes in the story, which include the themes about romantic love, death, the nature of racism and the significance of human life. Finally, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" book reviews should analyze the symbols used in the story such as absinthe as a representation of Robert Jordan’s appreciation for sensory pleasures, and tanks as a representation of a Fascist war.

8Feb/110

“Endgame” Book Reviews

Samuel Beckett's play,“Endgame”, is a one-act play about painful nostalgia, longing for a past that’s been lost, and the sense for life’s meaning in this world. The English title of the story is said to be taken from the last part of a chess game. “Endgame” book reviews discuss the play’s context, the characters, themes, and writing style found in the play.

In order to write quality “Endgame” book reviews, you should first locate and consult reliable sources on “Endgame” as well as read some examples of “Endgame” book reviews, which will help you better understand the play. Reading examples of other book reviews such as “The Color of Water” book reviews, book reviews of “The Chosen” or book reviews of Samuel Richardson’s “Pamela”, can also help you become more familiar with the important literary elements to discuss in “Endgame” book reviews.

“Endgame” book reviews should begin with a brief account of Samuel Beckett’s life experiences and the influence they had on his writing. A brief summary of the plot should then follow in “Endgame” book reviews in order to provide the reader with a solid understanding of the major events in the play. An analysis of the characters in the story such as Hamm, Clov, Nagg, and Nell should also be included in “Endgame” book reviews. Next, “Endgame” book reviews should analyze the style of “minimalism”, a movement brought about by Beckett, where he uses minimal words but gets maximum significance of that short dialogue. Finally, “Endgame” book reviews should examine the themes in the story about the cyclical, repetitive nature of beginnings and endings, emptiness and loneliness, and the Theatre of the Absurd or the belief that life was absurd or meaningless, as well as the symbols such as light and darkness, and the two young boys mentioned in the play.

8Feb/110

Book Reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller”

Henry James' novella, “Daisy Miller” is one of the first international novels as well as one of James' most popular works.  Book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller” discuss the plot, characters and themes found in the story.

Reading examples of other book reviews such as  “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews, “The Color of Water” book reviews, or “Babylon Revisited” book reviews before you begin writing your own book review can help you by providing examples of the important elements of a book that should be discussed in a book review. Locating and using reliable sources on Henry James’ “Daisy Miller” as well as reading examples of book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller” can also help you write better quality book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller”, as you can enhance your understanding of the novel with sufficient research.

A brief account of the author’s background, life and experiences can serve as a good introduction for book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller”.  It should be noted that James' trips to Europe when he was young as well as an interesting piece of gossip he heard from a friend were the source of James' inspiration for the story. Book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller” should then discuss the plot of the story, explaining that it is about an American girl in Europe and her experiences in this social environment that was very different than her own. An analysis of the story’s major characters such as Daisy Miller, Winterbourne, Randolph Miller, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Costello and Mr. Giovanelli should then follow in book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller”. Lastly, book reviews of Henry James’ “Daisy Miller” should discuss the themes of diversity, prejudice and innocence that are found in the story.

4Feb/110

“The Book of Margery Kempe” Book Reviews

“The Book of Margery Kempe” is believed to have been written in the 1430 and is the first known autobiography written in English.  The autobiography is Margery's narrative to an unidentified priest and reveals her spiritual life and her mystical connection with Jesus. “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews discuss the history of this narrative, its writing style and its historical significance.

Some background information on Margery Kempe before she began her spiritual journey can serve as an interesting introduction to “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews. In particular, Kempe's middleclass family background, her role as a mother of 14 kids, and a wife who chose to live a celibate life should be discussed in “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews. “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews should then explain that the book focuses mainly on Margery’s pilgrimages to holy sites in Europe and Asia as well as her visions and conversations with Jesus. Some of the names and people mentioned in the book and their significance should also be noted in “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews. Margery Kempe, John Kempe, Master Aleyn, and Margery’s son and daughter-in-law are some of the important characters to discuss. To finish, “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews should discuss the themes of suffering, sensuality, devotion and spirituality.

Finding and reviewing reliable sources on “The Book of Margery Kempe” as well as reading examples of “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews can help you uncover important background information about the book and its author, which can assist you in writing “The Book of Margery Kempe” book reviews. You can also learn about the process of writing book reviews by reading examples of other book reviews such as “The Color of Water” book reviews, book reviews of “Black Boy” or book reviews of “The Chosen” .

3Feb/110

“The Color of Water” Book Reviews

“The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother” is a highly commended book written by James McBride in 1996. It is an autobiography of the author and written in remembrance of his Polish-born, Southern-raised Jewish mother. “The Color of Water” book reviews discuss the book’s content, characters and themes.

In order to write quality “The Color of Water” book reviews, you should first locate and consult reliable sources on “The Color of Water” as well as read some examples of “The Color of Water” book reviews, which will help you better understand the book. Reading examples of other book reviews such as “The Overcoat” Book Reviews, book reviews of Toni Morrison’s “Sula” or book reviews of “Passage to India”, can also help you become more familiar with the important literary elements to discuss in a book review, which can then help you write better  “The Color of Water” book reviews.

“The Color of Water” book reviews should begin with  brief account of James McBride’s life and experiences. Next, “The Color of Water” book reviews should then explain the significance of the title to James’ struggle in finding his identity as well as with regards to questions of race and religion. A brief summary of the novel should then follow in “The Color of Water” book reviews in order to provide the reader with a solid understanding of the major events and conflicts in the story. An analysis of the major characters in the story such as Ruth McBride, James McBride, and Andrew Dennis McBride, should also be included in “The Color of Water” book reviews. Finally, “The Color of Water” book reviews should then examine the themes in the story about the past vs.present, self-motivation and self-reliance, exclusion as a result of racial or religious difference, the burden of secrets.  Te symbols found in the story, such as Ruth’s bicycle, Mameh's Love of Birds, and black power, should be analyzed as well.