Historically, annotation has been "the act or process of furnishing critical commentary or explanatory notes" on something read. It could also be the "critical or explanatory note; a commentary {American Heritage Dictionary}. At the heart of annotation is a dialog between writer and reader so that the reader reacts to what is read by marginal comment, underlining and the like. Annotations are notes or comments added to the text. Thus, annotation provides insight into what was written, what the reader saw, and how she reacted. Ideally, in a world were books were not sold or shared, every book we read would be annotated. Sometimes, annotation is as simple as marking favorite passages. Other times, there might be quite a bit of talking back to the author.
The annotation seen below contains some of the aspects of the traditional annotation, but is also different. It is similar in that the annotation is evaluation to some degree. It is different in that a template is used and much contain is descriptive so there is a fill in the blank aspect.
Ultimately, annotations are used to identify appeal elements in
order to match a book with a prospective reader. The website which book
shows how appeal elements might be used for such a match. Note the
appeal elements found here. Should these be included in your
annotation? The reader's annotation must be persuasive and encourage
the patron to read the book. Obviously, the annotation should not "give
away" notable outcomes. According to Dorothy Broderick, the annotation
should include these central elements:
Saricks and Brown, Chapter 3: "Articulating a Book's Appeal"
{The teacher does not claim that this is an ideal or model annotation, but it may be a good discussion vehicle. He also tends to be long winded. This is longer than it should be}
Britain, Kristen
1998
504
Unknown but technology suggests a period rather like 9th Century Europe, but could be much earlier than that.
This is a first novel, and the work does not indicate a sequel. However, the structure of the novel suggests a likely next volume or more. It is also now unusual to issue a single, stand-alone heroic fantasy novel.
Karigan G'ladheon may be the daughter of the wealthiest merchant in Sacordia, but she has just been kicked out of the country's most prestigious school after defeating the son of a powerful noble in a practice sword fight. She has left the school with a few precious things and is making her way through the forest known as the Green Cloak when she is startled by a dying King's messenger, a Green Rider. Before he dies, Karigan promises to deliver his message to the King. She soon finds herself on his horse, but it may be more than a horse, fleeing for her life through the forest. Adventure follows adventure until Kari reaches the King and soon finds herself in a battle against an ancient evil and powerful human enemies of the King.
The plot is quickly revealed and action follows action as Kari reacts to one event after another. The novel is not densely written and sentences, paragraphs, and chapters are relatively short. Characters are stereotypical, but still quite enjoyable. While there are secondary characters, the focus is mostly on Karigan. The author has done a good job in building a solid, believable fantasy world. Although this first novel ends satisfactorily, there is considerable opportunity for more volumes involving Kari and the Green Riders.
Fantasy novels, Heroic fantasy novels, Female heroines, Coming of Age, Good versus Evil
Involving fantasy world, plucky heroine, action oriented, interesting descriptions, fast paced, not densely written, short sentences, paragraphs, and chapters, story satisfactorily ends in one volume, series potential
Lackey, Forsyth, Pierce
