Rewriting: How To Do Things With Texts Paperback – Illustrated, July 15, 2006

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!

I had to read this as a summer assignment, but that shouldn’t be the focus. Instead, this book has helped me prepare for my senior year by teaching me methods of rewriting and interacting with readers, and it taught me the real objectives and focus of writing so I know what to do when summer ends.

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.

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.

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.

Useful guide to learning how to annotate, cite, and rewrite another's work into your essays and papers.

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.

Thoughtful text on writing and interesting metaphors and clarity of ways to consider "entering the conversation" with a text through writing.

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.