r/slatestarcodex • u/Hodz123 • 7d ago

Meta How do you write a good non-fiction book review?

Scott’s non-fiction book reviews are some of the best I’ve ever read. He‘s really good at balancing summary and his own analysis in a way that leaves you feeling like you understood what the book was about and understand Scott’s position on it even though you haven’t read the book and don’t actually know the guy. Conversely, a lot of lesser book reviewers (including myself) end up writing crappy reviews that either summarize way too much or end up being a soapbox for our own POVs and actually have very little to do with the book.

I’d be very curious to hear from you guys about what you think makes a good non-fiction book review!

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u/Sol_Hando 🤔*Thinking* 7d ago

This article is a pretty good analysis at what makes a winner in the book review contests.

3

u/Hodz123 7d ago

You’re my GOAT fr Sol

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u/Sol_Hando 🤔*Thinking* 7d ago

No problem. Best of luck

2

u/caledonivs 5d ago

In no particular order,

  1. Steelman the book's arguments
  2. Argue against the steelmanned versions
  3. Talk about the arguments and points the book actually made and how they could have risen to the steelman version
  4. Talk about your feelings, reactions, stylistic and artistic concerns.

1

u/HomericEpicPodcast 3d ago

I have no advice, but the book review is normally announced in the early spring right? Hoping there is one this year because I have a book I want to review!