Post: #1

I've noticed some of the men in the manosphere have gotten really good at reviewing books, and this is a skill and habit I'd like to develop. Roosh's reviews, for instance, have really stood out to me as an example of improved thinking over time.

My thoughts are that reviewing, or even paraphrasing the material I read, would:

- Eliminate the possibility of finishing a book with a vague understanding.
- Increase reader retention even after I've set down a book and moved on.
- Improve my ability to break down and explain concepts.
- Develop my critical thinking.
- Give me a ton of writing practice, thus improving my skills.

As an added plus, if you have a website, you can effectively turn these reviews into content and perhaps even affiliate commissions.

Anyone have thoughts on this? Do you already use book reviews to improve in any of these areas? Has this been discussed elsewhere?

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #2

Great idea.

I'm actually reading Rollo's Tomassi's new book.

I haven't put much though into writing book reviews, but now that you've mentioned it, I shall.

My plan
- id good book reviews
- highlight and draw out the parts that spoke to me
- separate the skill of the reviewer from the awesomeness of the source material

I've been reading a # of reviews of Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath, and i'm noticing that people are just using the book to
- talk about what Malcolm uncovers
- attack Malcolm's approach as being thin, if not dead wrong

Seems so roughshod to me.

I digress.

WIA

Post: #3

I tried doing some searching on Amazon to see if there was any material on review-writing out there. There is surprisingly little.

This is the best I came up with, but I don't think it's quite what I'm looking for: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing

Anyone come across good articles or books covering this subject?

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling