Writing a book review

identify the author's purpose for writing

identify the author's thesis
identify the arguments used in support of the thesis
evaluate the arguments with support
draw conclusions about the book's usefulness and impact
Reading strategy
budget your time
have a purpose and a strategy
read actively
read it three times:
inspectional reading
analytical reading
organizing reading
Focus on:
cover
table of contents
index
bibliography
preface and introduction
conclusions
figures and tables
section headings
special type of formating
Tips and tricks:
1) know the author
2) know the context
3) use your unconscious mind
4) have a dialogue with the author using mark-up and notes
Important questions:
I. what is the general subject matter?
II. what is the purpose of the book?
III. what is the main thesis of the book?
IV. what are the primary arguments of the thesis?
V. to whom is it addressed, or to what kind of public is it useful?
Organize:
write the purpose and the thesis
write an outline of the primary arguments of the book
collect pertinent quotations to illustrate the thesis and the arguments
compile a list of strong and weak portions of the author's argumentation
research supplemental areas, especially where you plan to critique, as necessary
Elements of the book review:
Bibliographic information including number of pages and price of the book
Opening sentence: try to capture the reader's attention. Often summarizing the
author's purpose and/or thesis or quoting a colorful or provocative statement will
accomplish this.
Introduction: introduce the author and the context of the book.
Purpose and thesis: in 1 5 sentences, state why the author wrote the book and the
thesis his arguing.
Summary: in 5 10 sentences, briefly summarize the contents of the book. This
should not occupy of your review.
Trace the arguments: in as many sentences as necessary, thoroughly describe how the
author argues and supports his thesis. This should occupy the greatest percentage of
your review. Cite concrete examples from the book, including page number in
parentheses.
Evaluation: identify parts of the author's argument that were particularly strong and
weak. Explain and support your opinion. Cite concrete examples.
Conclusion: in 2 3 sentences, briefly comment on why a book on this this topic is
important, timely, or otherwise of value. Conclude with a few comments about the
usability and format of the book.