Book and Article Reviews

I have been reviewing books and articles for ACM Computing Reviews since Jan 1985. Since that time, I have reviewed over 200 items. I engaged readily in this activity for several reasons. First, it provided an opportunity for me to get a steady stream of current books and articles so that I could keep up with this rapidly changing field. Second, I personally believe that the post publication review process provides some advantages that the peer review process lacks. I don't mean to bash the peer review process. But, referees are often swayed by papers they agree with and put off by papers with which they do not. Post publication reviewers often provide a more balanced review so the reader of the review can determine if the article (or book) is worth reading. Third, typically editors are the only ones who have access to competing referee opinions, although sometimes other referees will have access as well. However, the average consumer of publications will not typically have access to this information. With post publication reviews, not only does the average practitioner have access to the review, but, in some cases will have access to multiple reviews. Finally, post publication reviewers are more likely to identity an appropriate audience and comment on the readability of the article.

Post publication reviews are a benefit to the members of a field. But, they are also a benefit, I should say a great benefit, to the reviewer as well. To review an item (book, article or video) you must be able to:

  • Reduce the content to its essence

  • Evaluate the veracity and value of the essence

  • Understand the contribution of the item in the context of other related items

  • Assess the clarity of the writing

  • Determine the appropriate audience

All of these things help the reviewer to think more clearly and more critically

I should mention that I have published book reviews in other outlets and have refereed dozens of scholarly papers. But, I did not keep a record of that information. I don't really keep track of my reviews published in Computing Reviews. But, Computing Reviews does and I got my List of Reviews from their website. Sadly, you must sign up for the Computing Reviews website in order to see the full text of the reviews.