BBA III SEMESTER
BASIC ENGLISH
UNIT-I
TEXT AND MEDIA TEXT
3. BOOK REVIEW (ACTIVITY): BOOK REVIEW AS AN ART, SKILLS OF WRITING BOOK REVIEWS, BOOK
BOOK REVIEW (ACTIVITY): BOOK REVIEW AS AN ART,
SKILLS OF WRITING BOOK REVIEWS, BOOK
A
book review is more than just summarizing a story; it is an art. Writing a good
book review requires certain skills. A reviewer should understand the book,
analyze its main ideas, and express personal opinions clearly. A book review
should include a brief summary, the author’s purpose, main points, style,
strengths, weaknesses, and the overall impact. Reviews help readers decide
whether a book is worth reading and also reflect the reviewer’s perspective.
Ikigai:
The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is a non-fiction book written by
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. The book explores the Japanese concept of
“Ikigai,” which means “a reason for living” or “purpose in life.” The authors
study people from Okinawa, Japan, a place famous for having the largest number
of centenarians, or people who live over 100 years. The book is both
informative and inspiring because it combines real-life examples, scientific
research, and practical advice on how to live a long, happy, and meaningful
life.
The
authors begin by explaining the meaning of Ikigai. It is not just about money
or career, but about discovering what you love, what you are good at, what the
world needs, and what you can be paid for. Finding a balance among these
elements gives a person purpose, motivation, and joy. The book presents Ikigai
as a philosophy that helps people live fully, enjoy life, and stay healthy
physically, mentally, and emotionally.
One
of the key features of the book is its focus on Okinawan elders. The authors
share stories of centenarians who continue to be active, engaged, and happy
even in very old age. These stories are very inspiring because they show that
age is not a limitation when you have a purpose in life. The elders maintain a
positive attitude, practice mindfulness, enjoy simple pleasures, and stay
socially connected. They also follow light daily routines like walking,
gardening, cooking, and engaging in hobbies.
The
book emphasizes the importance of diet in longevity. Okinawan people eat a
plant-based diet with vegetables, tofu, sweet potatoes, and green tea. They
follow the principle of “Hara Hachi Bu,” which means eating until 80% full.
Overeating is avoided. This simple but effective approach contributes to their
physical health and energy. Along with healthy eating, daily physical activity
is highlighted. Light exercise, walking, and gardening are considered enough to
maintain good health and mobility.
Another
important theme is mindfulness and flow. The authors explain that living in the
present moment, focusing on one task at a time, and enjoying the process of
work or hobbies leads to happiness. Flow occurs when a person is fully immersed
in an activity they love. This reduces stress, improves concentration, and
strengthens purpose. By practicing flow, people can feel fulfilled and joyful
regardless of age or circumstances.
Social
connections are also a key factor in the Okinawan way of life. The book
introduces the concept of moai, a traditional social support group where
friends meet regularly to provide emotional, social, and sometimes financial
support. These strong social bonds reduce loneliness, create a sense of
belonging, and improve mental health. Being part of a community encourages
people to stay active, help others, and engage in meaningful activities.
The
book also teaches continuous improvement, known as Kaizen in Japanese culture.
Small, consistent efforts to improve skills, habits, and daily routines
gradually lead to a better and more meaningful life. Kaizen encourages lifelong
learning and personal growth. Alongside this, the authors emphasize the
importance of positivity. Optimism, gratitude, and focusing on small joys are
vital for maintaining mental and physical health. People who maintain a
positive attitude tend to have lower stress levels and live longer.
One
of the strengths of this book is its easy-to-read style. The authors combine
research findings, anecdotes, and practical advice in simple language. They
provide real examples from Okinawa and link them with universal principles,
making the ideas accessible to readers all over the world. The chapters are
well-organized, each focusing on a specific aspect of Ikigai, such as purpose,
diet, flow, community, or stress reduction.
Another
notable point is that the book is highly practical. It does not just explain a
concept theoretically but shows how it can be applied in daily life. Readers
are encouraged to find their own Ikigai, engage in activities they love,
maintain healthy habits, build social connections, and practice mindfulness.
The book inspires reflection and encourages readers to think deeply about their
own life and purpose.
However,
some readers may feel that the book occasionally repeats ideas, especially
regarding purpose, diet, and flow. Also, while the examples from Okinawa are
inspiring, they may not always be fully applicable in very busy urban lives.
Still, the core lessons about purpose, positivity, and balance are universally
useful.
In
conclusion, Ikigai is more than just a book about Japanese culture; it is a
guide to a meaningful and happy life. It teaches readers how to find purpose,
stay healthy, reduce stress, enjoy daily activities, and build strong social
relationships. The combination of inspiring stories, practical advice, and
scientific explanations makes it a valuable read for anyone looking to improve
their life.
Writing
a review of this book is also an exercise in understanding the art of
reviewing. It requires summarizing the content clearly, analyzing key points,
and reflecting personal opinions. This review demonstrates the skills of
identifying the main ideas, highlighting strengths, acknowledging weaknesses,
and explaining the impact of the book on readers.
Overall,
Ikigai is highly recommended for students, professionals, and anyone seeking
guidance on how to live a long, happy, and purposeful life. The lessons are
simple yet profound: maintain a healthy body, engage in activities you love,
stay socially connected, practice positivity, and continuously improve
yourself. The book leaves readers inspired, motivated, and ready to discover
their own Ikigai.
Absolutely!
Here’s a structured “Book Review Writing Guide” using Ikigai
by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles as an example. It is easy to
follow, includes format, tips, sample sentences, and exercises,
perfect for students.
Book Review Writing Guide Using Ikigai
1. Format of a Book Review
A good book
review usually follows this structure:
i. Title &
Introduction
Mention the
book’s name, authors, and publication year.
State the genre
or type of book (self-help, biography, fiction, etc.).
Give a brief
overview of the book’s main idea.
ii. Summary of the Book
Explain the main
ideas or story in 4–6 sentences.
Introduce key
concepts (e.g., Ikigai’s four elements: what you love, what you are good at,
what the world needs, and what you can be paid for).
iii. Key Themes & Lessons
Discuss the main
themes, ideas, and messages.
Explain what the
author wants readers to learn or feel.
iv. Analysis & Opinion
Give your
thoughts on the book’s content, style, and readability.
Mention what you
liked and disliked.
Include examples
or ideas that impacted you the most.
v. Conclusion & Recommendation
Give your
overall opinion about the book.
Recommend who
should read it and why.
2. Tips for Writing a Good Book Review
Read Carefully: Understand the main ideas,
messages, and examples.
Be Honest: Share your true opinion, supported by
examples from the book.
Use Simple Language: Keep your
sentences clear and easy to read.
Focus on Key Concepts: Highlight the
most important ideas, not minor details.
Be Structured: Follow the review format for
easy reading.
Engage the Reader: Use interesting
phrases and examples to make your review appealing.
3. Sample Sentences & Phrases for Reviews
Introduction:
“Ikigai,
written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles in 2016, is a self-help book
that explores the Japanese concept of finding purpose and happiness in life.”
“This
book combines research, interviews, and practical tips to help readers discover
their Ikigai, or reason for being.”
Summary:
“The
authors explain how finding your Ikigai can lead to a longer, happier, and more
meaningful life.”
“The
book introduces concepts such as balance, passion, and resilience, along with
examples of people living with purpose.”
Themes & Lessons:
“The
key themes include purpose, happiness, longevity, balance, and mindfulness.”
“Readers
learn that small daily habits, pursuing passions, and maintaining good
relationships contribute to a fulfilling life.”
Analysis & Opinion:
“I
found the book easy to read and inspiring because it combines stories,
research, and practical advice.”
“The
chapters on daily routines, diet, and positive thinking were particularly
helpful.”
Conclusion &
Recommendation:
“Ikigai
is a motivating and thought-provoking book that encourages readers to reflect
on their purpose in life.”
“I
recommend it to students, young professionals, and anyone seeking happiness,
balance, and personal growth.”
4. Exercises for Students
Exercise 1: Summarize the Book
Write 5–6
sentences summarizing the main ideas of Ikigai.
Exercise 2: Identify Key Concepts
List 3–5 key
ideas or concepts from the book.
Explain each
concept in your own words.
Exercise 3: Personal Reflection
Write 50–100
words about how Ikigai inspired you or what changes you might make in
your life.
Exercise 4: Theme Analysis
Identify the
main themes of the book and give examples from the text.
Exercise 5: Write a Full Review
Using the format
above, write a 250–300 word book review of Ikigai. Include
introduction, summary, key lessons, opinion, and conclusion.
Benefits of This Guide
Helps students
understand how to write a structured book review.
Provides clear
format, tips, and examples for guidance.
Encourages
observation, reflection, and critical thinking.
Makes it easy to
write reviews for assignments, projects, or exams.
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