Writing the New Ethnography

Bud Goodall's book is probably the most important work that I have read the entire time I have been in school. Why? Bud writes in a clear, yet soothing voice, clarifying concepts, not in dictionary-like language, but through his ease of story-telling, narrative and analysis. He covers the whole range of concepts regarding not 'how to do ethnography,' but 'how to be an ethnographer.' He takes on the hard topics. He talks plainly about the being reflexive and studying yourself as you go out to the site, watching for your own biases and preconditioned sensemaking. He discusses the hard aspect of leaving the site - when you have come to know the folks you've been watching and learning from. He discusses perhaps the hardest part of all - the writing of the ethnography, the development of one's own voice - the necessity of writing, rewriting, editing - and then writing again.Bud's book is chockful of good concrete information, and yet when you are done reading, you realize the grandest part of all: He did it all with only a few bullet points, but with a great style of writing that makes you want to read it all over again.

I read this text from beginning to end in one day! That is how interesting this work is. Not only does the text provide valuable conceptual clarity, but also exercises for students to help them along the road (God help them!) from research to writing the ethnographic report. Also of great value is the attention the author gives to writing as method: both in terms of writing up fieldnotes and the final report. Students need to grasp the importance of writing within ethnographic research. Dr. Goodall (I think they call him Dr. Bud) provides! I plan to use this text in an undergraduate class on the sociology of everyday life. Certainly great for graduate students as well.

Whether one is a beginning ethnographer or one is an advanced ethnographer wanting to learn more, Goodall's book is extremely helpful. His writing style is accessible, but does not shy away from the difficult questions. His insights on living an ethnographic life will make an ethnographer of anyone.