Rediscovering Grounded Theory is an easy-to-read textbook which focuses on the most recent version of the approach, constructivist grounded theory, which was developed by Charmaz. The book offers an integrated overview of the three main approaches to grounded theory (developed, respectively, by Glaser, Corbin and Strauss, and Charmaz) which is useful for those new to grounded theory and experienced grounded theorists alike. Moreover, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the approach by giving examples from previous research and demonstrates the practical contributions of grounded theory. The second chapter is particularly valuable as it includes the essential tenets of grounded theory and specifically how constructivism can be applied both in everyday life and as a research methodology in social science.
As far as the structure of the book is concerned, the boxes of learning outcomes for each chapter are an indispensible guide as they include the key points which should be borne in mind. Additionally, the critical reflection boxes and the questions can lead the reader to consider grounded theory further. In addition to such theoretical support, practical guidance is included as well. For instance, real-life examples are given in relation to the crucial and complicated procedure of coding. These examples accelerate the understanding of data collection in grounded theory and encourage the reader to gain second-hand experience. Hence, the book can be a useful guide for beginner grounded theorists as it is analytical, easy to read and it effectively compares the main approaches to grounded theory, albeit with a focus constructivism. Therefore, I do believe that readers will gain an up to date and holistic view of grounded theory.
In addition, a confusing element of grounded theory is memo-writing, which in the book is analysed in detail (Chapter 10). As there are no direct definitions for how grounded theorists should write a memo; the particular textbook includes specific examples of when and how to write memos. Moreover, the reader will be informed of the latest software programmes for doing a qualitative analysis, which is the following procedure after completing the coding and memo writing.
However, I would have expected to see more insights from already conducted research via examples from previous infield codings to allow newcomers to understand the process and to enable experienced grounded theorists to consider other ways of coding (as in Chapter 9). That is the reason why I would suggest examples to be included also in the coding chapter (Chapter 5).
It is worth noting also that the book highlights in Chapter 13 the value of grounded theory for several interest groups. Specifically, directions are given to PhD students and to journalists as well to write their thesis or articles, respectively, via the lens of grounded theory. A list of common mistakes and advice of good practice is provided to help them do so. Tips and a step-by-step guidance are included to support the reader to use the grounded theory in the most proper way.
To conclude, it is an ideal book for scholars who have just started their research pursuit via grounded theory and for the already experienced grounded theorists as well. The textbook manages to simplify a complicated theory in a modern, gradual and smooth way by giving simultaneously practical and up-to-date insights. Most importantly, the book enables the readers to think critically and gain new insights about grounding theory, even if they are already aware of the theory.
