Further On Writing Book Reviews

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Further On Writing Book Reviews

A book review is a critical analysis of a secondary text, not a summary of the work's content. In a book review, you should evaluate the way in which the author handled the subject and the contribution of the book to your understanding of the issues discussed.

Ask yourself;

• What is the author's theme or thesis? What is the purpose in writing the book?

• What are the author's values and biases? From what point of view does the author write?

• Are the author's assumptions and assertions in agreement with those generally held in the field? If not, are deviations clearly identified, well motivated, and overtly justified?

• What impact does this work have in its field? Does it contribute something original? Will it have lasting value?

Methodology;

The author's method includes the rules employed in organising the evidence, the kinds of questions asked by the author, and the approach utilised in answering them.

• What are the sources of the author's data?

• Are these sources adequate?

• What are the limitations of the data, any inherent biases or problems that must be taken into consideration in its use?

• What kinds of questions does the author ask about the subject. Are there questions that remain unasked, or questions asked but unanswered?

Style;

The author's style has to do with the writing and organisation of the book.

• Is the book well written? Are there passages of eloquence or elegance?

• Is the book well argued? Does the author clearly articulate and answer questions raised in the book? How well does the author's point come across and does it convince you?

• Is the book accessible to an intelligent reader or only to a specialist?

Personal evaluation;

Think about your own approach to the subject, your own values, and your preferred method. Reading is not a passive experience, but an interaction between author and reader.

• What is your response to the author's point of view?

• What do you think to be the greatest strength of the work, and the greatest weakness?

• What does the book contribute to your understanding of the subject?

The form of a book review is an essay. You should begin with an introduction that both grabs the reader's attention and provides a statement of the points you intend to make (a thesis statement).

Finally, you will want to provide a conclusion for your essay that sums up your argument.

For more about writing book reviews, please see our page Writing Book Reviews

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