Abstract: Appraisal theory takes projection as one of the important engaging resources which modulate the dialogic space between the author and the putative readers. By examining the uses of the engaging resources of projection in the English book reviews of the two disciplines of linguistics and finance, the author finds that in respect of the construction of dialogic space, the two types of book reviews not only show common tendencies as a result of generic similarity, but also manifest discipline-specific features. While one tends to construct more contractive dialogic space, the other tends to construct more expansive dialogic space. In light of these findings, this article suggests that apart from emphasizing the analyses of cohesion, coherence, and generic structure, the teaching of academic writing should also value the configuration of engaging strategies and the construction of appropriate dialogic space.