a timely book

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a timely book" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a book that is relevant or appropriate for the current time or situation. Example: "The author has released a timely book that addresses the pressing issues of our society today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"The Social Animal" is a timely book that needed to be written.

The New York Times - Books

De Bellaigue is careful not to make crass comparisons, but this is nonetheless a timely book.

The Guardian - Books

It's a timely book about an exciting and cutting edge technology and research program.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is a timely book, reminding us of the good things that the United States has achieved within living memory.

The New Yorker

This is a timely book, and one of the perils of timeliness is being overtaken by events.

The Guardian - Books

According to Hall, one of the inspirations for such a timely book was "the flooding in Carlisle, where I live".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"It seems like a really timely book," said Cindy Dell Clark, a historian at Penn State Delaware County and a consultant to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia.

The New York Times - Books

This means a book like J.D. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy, as Jerkins pointed out in TNR, can garner a big publicity bump, while a less timely book might wither.

HuffPost

It is hard to imagine a more timely book than Garry Wills's "Why I Am a Catholic" (Houghton Mifflin; $26).

The New Yorker

"It's a very timely book because it's about people in the midst of a depression," Hall said.

BBC

I found this a heartening and timely book, a proof against demoralisation, a warning against internecine splits.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a timely book" when you want to emphasize that a book is particularly relevant and important to read now, given current events or discussions. It adds a sense of urgency and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a timely book" simply because a book is new. Ensure it genuinely addresses current issues or fits into ongoing dialogues to justify the description. Otherwise, consider using more general terms like "new" or "recent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a timely book" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "book". It serves to qualify the book by indicating its relevance and pertinence to the current context or time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a timely book" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a book that is relevant and pertinent to the current moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s applicable across diverse contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase emphasizes the book's significance in light of current events or ongoing discussions. While alternatives like "a relevant book" or "an opportune book" exist, "a timely book" specifically highlights the importance of the book's timing. When using this phrase, ensure the book truly connects with present-day issues to maintain its descriptive accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a relevant book

Replaces "timely" with "relevant", focusing on the book's pertinence to a specific topic or situation.

an opportune book

Emphasizes the fortunate or advantageous timing of the book's release.

a topical book

Highlights the book's focus on current or popular subjects.

a prescient book

Suggests the book displays foresight or predicts future events.

a contemporary book

Indicates the book is up-to-date and reflective of modern times.

a well-timed book

Focuses on the favorable moment of the book's appearance.

a current book

Highlights the book's focus on present-day issues or events.

an up-to-date book

Emphasizes the book's inclusion of the latest information and developments.

a book for the times

Implies the book is specifically suited to address the needs and concerns of the present era.

a book of the moment

Stresses the book's immediate significance and relevance.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a book as "a timely book"?

Calling a book "a timely book" means it's particularly relevant or appropriate for the current moment. It suggests the book addresses issues, events, or discussions that are presently important or urgent.

What can I say instead of "a timely book"?

You can use alternatives like "a relevant book", "an opportune book", or "a topical book" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call a historical novel "a timely book"?

Yes, if the historical novel explores themes or events that resonate with contemporary issues or offer insights into current situations, it can be described as "a timely book". The relevance lies in its ability to illuminate the present.

How does "a timely book" differ from just a "good book"?

"A good book" is generally enjoyable or well-written, whereas "a timely book" has an added layer of relevance to current affairs or societal concerns. It speaks to the present moment in a significant way, more than only being enjoyable.