America's first psychological novel, Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is a dark tale of love, crime, and revenge set in colonial New England. It revolves around a single, forbidden act of passion that forever alters the lives of three members of a small Puritan community: Hester Prynne, an ardent and fierce woman who bears the punishment of her sin in humble silence; the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, a respected public figure who is inwardly tormented by long-hidden guilt; and the malevolent Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband'a man who seethes with an Ahab-like lust for vengeance.
The landscape of this classic novel is uniquely American, but the themes it explores are universal'the nature of sin, guilt, and penitence, the clash between our private and public selves, and the spiritual and psychological cost of living outside society. Constructed with the elegance of a Greek tragedy, The Scarlet Letter brilliantly illuminates the truth that lies deep within the human heart.
This is a great list for selecting outside reading books. Some of these books though include themes that may be offensive and as such it may be a good idea to consult with your parents, librarians, counselors, and/or Mr. Williamson about your reading selection. This can help you choose the best book for you from among your many options.
How to Write An Effective Book Review
Introduce the subject, scope, and type of book
· Identify the book by author and title
· Specify the type of book (fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography, etc.)
· Mention the books theme
Briefly summarize the content
· For a nonfiction book, provide an overview, including paraphrases and quotations, of the book’s thesis and primary supporting points
· For a work of fiction, briefly review the story line for readers, being careful not to give away anything that would lessen the suspense for future readers.
Provide your reactions to the book
· Describe the book
o Is it interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive? Why?
· Respond to the author’s opinions
o What do you agree with? And why?
o What do you disagree with? And why?
· Explore issues the book raises
o What possibilities does the book suggest? Explain.
o What matters does the book leave out? Explain.
· Relate your argument to other books or authors
o Support your argument for or against the author’s opinions by bring in other authors you agree with.
· Relate the book to latger issues
o How did this book affect you?
o How have your opinions about the topic changed?
o How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda?
Conclude by synthesizing your ideas
· Close with a direct comment on the book
· Tie together issues raised in the review and create an interesting and new insight
· Offer advice for potential readers
Escales, Maria. "Literacy Education Online: Writing Book Reviews". St. Cloud State University. March 9, 2009
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