Evaluative writing, as diverse as other forms of documentation, can differ from platform to platform and from purpose to purpose. However, as these writings fall under one category: evaluation, it certain similarities can be anticipated. Both Courtney Jones and Tatiana (her last name is not provided) demonstrate the stylistic similarities and dissimilarities in tone, content, and usefulness across two diverse publishing platforms. Courtney Jones, a writer for Booklist—a part of the American Library Association, which is a publishing board that publishes reviews of books and audiovisual works—found in the Literature Resource Center in the Opposing Viewpoints database, takes a professional evaluation approach. Jones refrains from using personal …show more content…
Her tone is primarily conversational; her grammar errors and use of personal pronouns indicate that she is writing for recreational purposes. For example, she includes a joke near the end of her review, writing, “. Who knew pizza delivery business was such a dangerous occupation? I will absolutely never, under any circumstances, do it, knowing now that there are people who open their doors to delivery people with no pants on…” (Tatiana 2). Excluding her joke, Tatiana’s review encompasses a very brief description of the plot of the novel but quickly strays to a heavy discussion of the protagonist: Vera. She also relates heavily to other young adult novels, especially The Dust of 100 Dogs—another book written by A.S. King. To illustrate, Tatiana proclaims, “It [Please Ignore Vera Dietz] is not as quirky as The Dust of 100 Dogs, there are no pirates, magic dust or doggy lessons, but it is unique in its own way” (Tatiana 2). Her target audience, in this aspect, is avid readers of the young adult genre. Although her review is best served with prior knowledge of other young adult books, she provides a clear standard from which she is basing her review. Thus, I am able to clearly determine her standards and the basis for her five-star scale. Her …show more content…
For instance, both authors included a brief summary and addressed the emotional intricacies of the novel. They included their praise of the A.S. King’s accurate portrayal of grief. Jones recounts portions as “surprising, heartfelt, and tragic”, and, likewise, Tatiana chronicles Vera’s reactions as “palpable, but not expressed in hysterical fits and throwing herself around in despair, like it often is in teen lit” (Jones 1) (Tatiana 1). Conjointly, Jones and Tatiana also provide a recommendation at the end of their evaluation. They conclude that the novel is a satisfying young adult novel. For this reason, their critiques are useful in finding a new young adult novel to read. Overall, Courtney Jones and Tatiana’s writing styles exemplify the differences and similarities in tone, content, and usefulness in evaluation essays across two unlike