First of Many to Appear

Per Lydia's requirements, I have been assessing Donald Murray's The Craft of Revision. I must say that it is not a pleasure read. Many times I will find myself wondering why I even bother to read such a book, then I look at the syllabus and my question is answered. Although Murray illuminates the world of writing, he fails to follow his own advice time and time again. In chapter four, Murray attempts to devote his attention to focus as his chapter subject. However, he persistently digresses from his main point by demonstrating multitudes of examples for one idea that is not revealed until the end. This practice often leaves me to ask one question, "What is this man trying to say?" I find myself asking this question to be a complete irony, since he continues to preach the idea of simplicity, conciseness, and cohesiveness. I also find it interesting that he seems to be quite hypocritical of his main points. He will often use too many examples, lengthy sentences, and weak personal evidence to prove his theses. Unfortunately, I am required to continue reading this book and thus have come to a conclusion. Murray has some wonderful advice, yet he needs to revise his own book again.