The Fiction Dictionary

Rating:
Summary: A useful book to help teachers of writing define concepts
Review: "The Fiction Dictionary" is more interested in teaching than simply defining words and concepts. The chief strength of Laurie Henry's book is that she uses choice examples from classic and contemporary fiction to explain everything from "abstract language" to "young-man-from-the-provinces novel." Each definition ends with references to related listings. "The Fiction Dictionary" claims to be a "Writing Reference," but I think its obvious utility is for the teacher of writing rather than the writer per se. Of course if you use it as a teacher you will want to try and come up with examples from works your students have actually read. It is ironic that if you can recognize most of the works referred to as examples in this volume, then you probably already understand the concepts being discussed. However, this book is definitely useful in helpin gyou to flesh out key literary concepts.

Rating:
Summary: Not a dictionary, more a MANUAL
Review: Henry's Fiction Dictionary really is a manual. While a dictionary is short, concise and without more than superficial influence on my possibilities, this MANUAL is a teacher who explains everything I need as a LEARNER of writing skills. I do like this book very much as I like Laurie Henry's Novelist's handbook.