HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REVIEW

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REVIEW:

Book Reviews

Each student will prepare a typed (double-spaced, with one-inch margins, and 12-point, Times

New Roman font), 3-4 page summary and review of each of the assigned readings. These papers will constitute a

significant part of your grade, so read the following description carefully.

Your papers should summarize the

main points that the author is trying to make, evaluate the effectiveness of his arguments, and analyze the sources

upon which he bases his arguments.

1. Paragraph*I. Explain the author’s thesis—the main point or points that he/she is trying to make in the book

(This is not a description or summary of the book; it is an explanation of the author’s purpose, the central idea or

ideas around which the book is organized). Also include a brief discussion of the

scope

of the book-the subject of

the book and the time or geographical that it covers (i.e. what the book is about). This should take no more than a

sentence or two.

2. Next 3-4 paragraphs:

Give a broad, general summary of the book.

You cannot in 3-4 paragraphs summarize

the entire book, but you can give an example of the author’s arguments that capture the flavor of the book.

3. Next paragraph.

Discuss the sources upon which the author bases his book.

What research materials did he

use?

4. Last paragraph.

Assess the book.

Do not tell me whether or not you liked it or found it interesting, but tell me

how successful the author was in achieving his objectives (thesis) and convincing you of f the validity of his

arguments; also cite the strengths and weaknesses of the book (if they exist).

A paragraph should be 1/2 to 3/4 pages in leng