How to Write a Book Report
By Br. John Marie Vianney, M.I.C.M., Tert., Prefect
[The Prefect's email address is ToPrefect@Catholicism.org]
Book reports are important in the SAI course. The course of instruction is the same as that offered at SBC since 1942. The Circles of Study was an idea Brother Francis developed to continue Catholic erudition after formal schooling was over. He has often said, “the Circles are the engines of the Crusade.” There are Circles all over the country and it seems new ones are forming all the time. If you are not now in a Circle we urge you to join one, start one, or begin the study on your own if necessary. The goal is to teach Catholics how to save their souls and the souls of others by education in the One True Faith. The method includes study of Scripture, Catholic history, Catholic classics and the memorization of foundational things every Catholic should know, e.g., the Twelve Apostles, the Councils of the Church, the commonly used Latin prayers and the like. The SAI Syllabus covers the points of an organized course of study that aims at a Diploma in General Catholic Studies. There is no requirement that one complete the course of study in a specific time frame. Everyone goes at their own speed. We recommend you attend a group, however, we have had some very successful single students over the years.
There is a list of required books in the Syllabus. Part of the process involves book reports. Some have difficulty with the idea of doing a book report. What is required for a book report is nothing to be apprehensive about at all. The purpose of the report is to show you have read the book and have an understanding of it. We love to read the reports and we do not grade them! The purpose of the report is give minimal evidence you have read the book. Here are a few simple things to help you write your report.
Note the author and title of the book on Form B, the “BOOK REPORT” form.
- Start your report notes the day you start the book. Use whatever is easy for you. Brother Francis uses a large index card, others use a few sheets of paper. Keep the card or the papers in the book as you read. Brother jots down page numbers, or a few words, to remind him of something he especially liked or wished to comment on. With some notes in place, the report will go much more smoothly and the difficulty of getting started will be minimized.
- You are required to write only a page, front and back. Start with your favorite quotes on one side. On the other side, give a brief summary and your evaluation of the book.
- The report can be handwritten or typed. If you are in a Circle, you can share it with the Moderator or the members; however, there is no requirement to do so.
- Long book reports are neither necessary, nor desired.
All right, now you know the “how,” so let’s get to the “do” of those reports!
Send completed Book Reports to:
Brother John Marie Vianney, M.I.C.M., Tert.
Saint Benedict Center
Post Office Box 627
Richmond, NH 03470
or
ToPrefect@Catholicism.org via e-mail in Microsoft Word or Word Perfect format
or
your Moderator.
