Rewriting: How to Do Things with Texts, Second Edition

I'm using this book in a composition teaching class at the master's level, and so far I am very impressed with the quality of content and how the book was put together. I will likely require this text later when I teach English, because it is a very good look at how to use texts in academic settings without coming across as a style guide. The emphasis is on engaging ideas with respect and integrity to highlight or adjust your own writing accordingly, and I can see this being very useful as a tool to explain why proof-texting is so harmful.

In this book, Harris really spins things around to make you think. He shows you-- the writer-- how to integrate other people's texts into your work. He takes great care to explain what is needed, when it is needed, and every option imaginable as far as slants and takes on what to do. I recommend this book to anyone who is writing research, critiques, or even to anyone who grades student papers. It has given me insight far beyond what I had thought I needed, and because of that I have learned a great deal. It's an easy read; it is brief, to the point, organized, and thought-provoking.

for those of you who have read they say i say. this is going to be a great book for you because it further develops the ideas from that book. it explains how to make arguments more conversational and productive, unlike the counterproductive style used by politicians. i found it to be a very helpful book and think that anyone will enjoy it if they are looking for new insight to further language arts skills. or if they have a class that mandates the book..... its very helpful in those situations as well!

Harris does a phenomenal job! His explanations and instructions are elemental and expertise. Harris has helped shape my creative writings, and continues to direct my writing style and approach from abstract creativity to integrated, intellectual works. Professors can confidently include "Rewriting..." in their writing related curriculum, but my copy is not for sale.

This is an extremely helpful book on writing. Used it as a grad student. Helped me pinpoint some persistent issues in my writing and gave me some strategies to resolve those issues. Rewriting always helps, but it's also good to know HOW to do that--how to think objectively about one's own work.

The ebook was confusing to use. The page numbers are definitely irrelevant and just so weird. As for the content, that was good.

looks new! It is a good choice!! not expensive at all! BUT the information in the book is not worth to read.

Excellent advice. I learned a lot from this book about how to respond to student papers in a more thoughtful manner.

I had to read this book for a class on academic writing, however, it was a pleasure to read and had me genuinely rethinking how I think about my writing, not in terms of words and phrasing but of ideas and mapping. I am thinking more now on what my purpose for writing and citing other sources is, and how I can conceptualize this before, during, and after my first draft of work, so that my writing has a clear point and I am well organized through the process. The writing in this book is super clear and person, bringing in interesting examples. It is not a tough read, but does challenge the reader in great ways!

If you only buy one book on academic writing, this book should be it. The book has depth, breadth, and a rare focus on nuance and purpose. Harris writes beautifully, which makes reading his book a pleasure and understanding how to improve one's own writing something desirable and attainable.