348 / Types of Writing
-^ The second paragraph elaborates on the best attributes of the novel. Detailed
references to scientific research support the reviewer’s opinion.
-^ The third paragraph, which begins positively, permits the reviewer to offer his
only disparaging comments about the book. While admitting that one incident
should not discredit an entire work, he indicates the pivotal importance of the
incident. At the same time, he shows how other aspects of the book work so
favorably that the criticism must be taken in their light.
-^ The final paragraph concludes favorably. Without directly saying so, the
reviewer implies we should dash out, pick up a copy, and immediately read it.
Because this is a review, we know that another reviewer might easily present a very
different opinion.
Review writing is an art. The more you read reviews, and the works treated by them,
the broader your own ideas will become as to what constitutes good practice. These
guidelines should get you off to a good start.