Book Talk

BOOK TALK:  HUMANITIES 8

Independent Reading, Term 2

The Task

A book talk is a short presentation about a book with the goal of convincing other people to read it (or not). A book talk is not a formal book report or review; it is meant to be persuasive. In a book talk, your goal is to engage your listener and to present an exciting, and even suspenseful, representation of your book. This approach will be different from our fall conversation where spoilers and plot summaries were acceptable.  Think of this as a trailer for a movie—you don’t want to spoil the ending! A book talk could highlight the plot, focus on a character, or recreate a book’s mood to ignite your listeners’ curiosity.

The Criteria

As you prepare your book talk, consider including the following:

• Backround: Why did you choose your book
• The Nitty Gritty: brief outline of plot, characters, themes.  Avoid spoilers—you want your listener to pick up the book.
• Recommendation: What kind of reader would like this book?  Would you recommend it?  Did you enjoy it?
• Mood: How will you set the mood for your book talk?  Costumes and minor props are allowed, but technology (powerpoints, prezi, music) is not.

 

The Length

Your book talk should be between two and three minutes long; the hook of death will emerge at the three minute mark.

BOOK TALKS WILL BE HELD ON Wednesday, March 4^th

^{RUBRIC TO FOLLOW}