The book is structured in a way to facilitate the understanding and application of grounded theory (G.T.) methodology to academic research and to make it easy for the reader to review any particular aspect of G.T. by jumping to the relevant chapter. Chapter 1 deals with the essentials of G.T., in particular, the fundamental G.

T. methods that are the backbone of this methodology. The subsequent chapters then develop each method in more detail. The authors make it a point in this book to expose the reader to the divergent ideas of the pioneers of G.T., such as Glaser, Strauss and Corbin, and Charmanz. Birks and Mills, however, are careful in their analyses not to intrude upon the readers choice of alignment. Often, they maintain a neutral stance, although they also tend to give their own interpretations of principles and ideas, or at least, make it clear from which seminal author they derived a particular notion.

Of great help and inspiration are the boxes that detail experiences of G.T. researchers in dealing with particular aspects of G.T., such a Carolyn Eyles use of data from multiple sources (p.66) or Nicholas Ralphs experience on the role of theoretical coding in G.T. (p.

120). These experiential extracts help students to understand the use of particular concepts in G.T. through their application in authentic research situations. In addition, Birks and Mills also include useful chapters on how to plan a G.T. study, how to present the findings, and how to ensure and judge the quality of a G.T.

study. The philosophical position of the researcher and hence his/her stance with regards to how data is collected or generated is discussed without prejudicing the readers preference for one world view over others. The final chapter discusses G.T. in relation to the wider picture of academic research debate, and this helps the prospective grounded theorist to understand how his/her study would be placed, viewed, and sometimes judged, depending on the paradigm that the judges adhere to. In conclusion, Grounded Theory - A Practical Guide is a very useful starting point for any academic student intent on pursuing a G.T. research study.

It provides a very comprehensive overview of the methodology without overwhelming the reader. The book is the a good springboard for exploring in more detail the major seminal-text authors that have shaped and given different slants to this research methodology.