how to write a book review uni

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

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Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
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Multiple Book Review Essay
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Acknowledgments

A book review is a thorough description, critical analysis, and/or evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, often written in relation to prior research on the topic. Reviews generally range from 500-2000 words, but may be longer or shorter depends on several factors: the length and complexity of the book being reviewed, the overall purpose of the review, and whether the review examines two or more books that focus on the same topic. Professors assign book reviews as practice in carefully analyzing complex scholarly texts and to assess your ability to effectively synthesize research so that you reach an informed perspective about the topic being covered.

There are two general approaches to reviewing a book:

Descriptive review: Presents the content and structure of a book as objectively as possible, describing essential information about a book's purpose and authority. This is done by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the study, often incorporating passages quoted from the text that highlight key elements of the work. Additionally, there may be some indication of the reading level and anticipated audience.
Critical review: Describes and evaluates the book in relation to accepted literary and historical standards and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text and, in most cases, in contrast to and in comparison with the research of others. It should include a statement about what the author has tried to do, evaluates how well you believe the author has succeeded in meeting the objectives of the study, and presents evidence to support this assessment. For most course assignments, your professor will want you to write this type of review.

Book Reviews. Writing Center. University of New Hampshire; Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review. Writing and Style Guides. Libraries. Dalhousie University; Kindle, Peter A. "Teaching Students to Write Book Reviews." Contemporary Rural Social Work 7 (2015): 135-141; Erwin, R. W. “Reviewing Books for Scholarly Journals.” In Writing and Publishing for Academic Authors . Joseph M. Moxley and Todd Taylor. 2 nd edition. (Lanham, MD: Rowan and Littlefield, 1997), pp. 83-90.

How to Approach Writing Your Review

NOTE: Since most course assignments require that you write a critical rather than descriptive book review, the following information about preparing to write and developing the structure and style of reviews focuses on this approach.

I. Common Features

While book reviews vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features. These include:

A review gives the reader a concise summary of the content . This includes a description of the research topic and scope of analysis as well as an overview of the book's overall perspective, argument, and purpose.
A review offers a critical assessment of the content in relation to other studies on the same topic . This involves documenting your reactions to the work under review--what strikes you as noteworthy or important, whether or not the arguments made by the author(s) were effective or persuasive, and how the work enhanced your understanding of the research problem under investigation.
In addition to analyzing a book's strengths and weaknesses, a scholarly review often recommends whether or not readers would value the work for its authenticity and overall quality . This measure of quality includes both the author's ideas and arguments and covers practical issues, such as, readability and language, organization and layout, indexing, and, if needed, the use of non-textual elements .

To maintain your focus, always keep in mind that most assignments ask you to discuss a book's treatment of its topic, not the topic itself . Your key sentences should say, "This book shows...,” "The study demonstrates...," or “The author argues...," rather than "This happened...” or “This is the case....”

II. Developing a Critical Assessment Strategy

There is no definitive methodological approach to writing a book review in the social sciences, although it is necessary that you think critically about the research problem under investigation before you begin to write. Therefore, writing a book review is a three-step process: 1) carefully taking notes as you read the text; 2) developing an argument about the value of the work under consideration; and, 3) clearly articulating that argument as you write an organized and well-supported assessment of the work.

A useful strategy in preparing to write a review is to list a set of questions that should be answered as you read the book [remember to note the page numbers so you can refer back to the text!]. The specific questions to ask yourself will depend upon the type of book you are reviewing. For example, a book that is presenting original research about a topic may require a different set of questions to ask yourself than a work where the author is offering a personal critique of an existing policy or issue.

Here are some sample questions that can help you think critically about the book:

Thesis or Argument . What is the central thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one main idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world that you know or have experienced? What has the book accomplished? Is the argument clearly stated and does the research support this?
Topic . What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Is it clearly articulated? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? Can you detect any biases? What type of approach has the author adopted to explore the research problem [e.g., topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive]?
Evidence . How does the author support their argument? What evidence does the author use to prove their point? Is the evidence based on an appropriate application of the method chosen to gather information? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author's information [or conclusions] conflict with other books you've read, courses you've taken, or just previous assumptions you had about the research problem?
Structure . How does the author structure their argument? Does it follow a logical order of analysis? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense to you? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
Take-aways . How has this book helped you understand the research problem? Would you recommend the book to others? Why or why not?

Beyond the content of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the general presentation of information. Question to ask may include:

The Author: Who is the author? The nationality, political persuasion, education, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the author is affiliated with a particular organization? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they wrote about? What other topics has the author written about? Does this work build on prior research or does it represent a new or unique area of research?
The Presentation: What is the book's genre? Out of what discipline does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or other contextual standard upon which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know this. Keep in mind, though, that declarative statements about being the “first,” the "best," or the "only" book of its kind can be a risky unless you're absolutely certain because your professor [presumably] has a much better understanding of the overall research literature.

NOTE: Most critical book reviews examine a topic in relation to prior research. A good strategy for identifying this prior research is to examine sources the author(s) cited in the chapters introducing the research problem and, of course, any review of the literature. However, you should not assume that the author's references to prior research is authoritative or complete. If any works related to the topic have been excluded, your assessment of the book should note this . Be sure to consult with a librarian to ensure that any additional studies are located beyond what has been cited by the author(s).

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Motta-Roth, D. “Discourse Analysis and Academic Book Reviews: A Study of Text and Disciplinary Cultures.” In Genre Studies in English for Academic Purposes . Fortanet Gómez, Inmaculada et al., editors. (Castellò de la Plana: Publicacions de la Universitat Jaume I, 1998), pp. 29-45. Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Suárez, Lorena and Ana I. Moreno. “The Rhetorical Structure of Academic Journal Book Reviews: A Cross-linguistic and Cross-disciplinary Approach .” In Asociación Europea de Lenguas para Fines Específicos, María del Carmen Pérez Llantada Auría, Ramón Plo Alastrué, and Claus Peter Neumann. Actas del V Congreso Internacional AELFE/Proceedings of the 5th International AELFE Conference . Zaragoza: Universidad de Zaragoza, 2006.

Structure and Writing Style

I. Bibliographic Information

Bibliographic information refers to the essential elements of a work if you were to cite it in a paper [i.e., author, title, date of publication, etc.]. Provide the essential information about the book using the writing style [e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago] preferred by your professor or used by the discipline of your major . Depending on how your professor wants you to organize your review, the bibliographic information represents the heading of your review. In general, it would look like this:

[Complete title of book. Author or authors. Place of publication. Publisher. Date of publication. Number of pages before first chapter, often in Roman numerals. Total number of pages]. The Whites of Their Eyes: The Tea Party's Revolution and the Battle over American History . By Jill Lepore. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2010. xii, 207 pp.)

Reviewed by [your full name].

II. Scope/Purpose/Content

Begin your review by telling the reader not only the overarching concern of the book in its entirety [the subject area] but also what the author's particular point of view is on that subject [the thesis statement]. If you cannot find an adequate statement in the author's own words or if you find that the thesis statement is not well-developed, then you will have to compose your own introductory thesis statement that does cover all the material. This statement should be no more than one paragraph and must be succinctly stated, accurate, and unbiased.

If you find it difficult to discern the overall aims and objectives of the book [and, be sure to point this out in your review if you determine that this is a deficiency], you may arrive at an understanding of the book's overall purpose by assessing the following:

Scan the table of contents because it can help you understand how the book was organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they were developed [e.g., chronologically, topically, historically, etc.].
Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?
From what point of view is the work written?
Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, or to convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?
What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? If necessary, review related literature from other books and journal articles to familiarize yourself with the field.
Who is the intended audience?
What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? You can evaluate the quality of the writing style by noting some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, accurate use of technical words, conciseness, fullness of development, and fluidity [i.e., quality of the narrative flow].
How did the book affect you? Were there any prior assumptions you had about the subject that were changed, abandoned, or reinforced after reading the book? How is the book related to your own personal beliefs or assumptions? What personal experiences have you had related to the subject that affirm or challenge underlying assumptions?
How well has the book achieved the goal(s) set forth in the preface, introduction, and/or foreword?
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

III. Note the Method

Support your remarks with specific references to text and quotations that help to illustrate the literary method used to state the research problem, describe the research design, and analyze the findings. In general, authors tend to use the following literary methods, exclusively or in combination.

Description : The author depicts scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the reader’s imagination. The description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many details as possible, the way persons, places, and things are situated within the phenomenon being described.
Narration : The author tells the story of a series of events, usually thematically or in chronological order. In general, the emphasis in scholarly books is on narration of the events. Narration tells what has happened and, in some cases, using this method to forecast what could happen in the future. Its primary purpose is to draw the reader into a story and create a contextual framework for understanding the research problem.
Exposition : The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue clearly and as impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to describe and explain, to document for the historical record an event or phenomenon.
Argument : The author uses techniques of persuasion to establish understanding of a particular truth, often in the form of addressing a research question, or to convince the reader of its falsity. The overall aim is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue and aims to convince the reader that the author's position is valid, logical, and/or reasonable.

IV. Critically Evaluate the Contents

Critical comments should form the bulk of your book review . State whether or not you feel the author's treatment of the subject matter is appropriate for the intended audience. Ask yourself:

Has the purpose of the book been achieved?
What contributions does the book make to the field?
Is the treatment of the subject matter objective or at least balanced in describing all sides of a debate?
Are there facts and evidence that have been omitted?
What kinds of data, if any, are used to support the author's thesis statement?
Can the same data be interpreted to explain alternate outcomes?
Is the writing style clear and effective?
Does the book raise important or provocative issues or topics for discussion?
Does the book bring attention to the need for further research?
What has been left out?

Support your evaluation with evidence from the text and, when possible, state the book's quality in relation to other scholarly sources. If relevant, note of the book's format, such as, layout, binding, typography, etc. Are there tables, charts, maps, illustrations, text boxes, photographs, or other non-textual elements? Do they aid in understanding the text? Describing this is particularly important in books that contain a lot of non-textual elements.

NOTE: It is important to carefully distinguish your views from those of the author so as not to confuse your reader. Be clear when you are describing an author's point of view versus expressing your own.

V. Examine the Front Matter and Back Matter

Front matter refers to any content before the first chapter of the book. Back matter refers to any information included after the final chapter of the book . Front matter is most often numbered separately from the rest of the text in lower case Roman numerals [i.e. i - xi ]. Critical commentary about front or back matter is generally only necessary if you believe there is something that diminishes the overall quality of the work [e.g., the indexing is poor] or there is something that is particularly helpful in understanding the book's contents [e.g., foreword places the book in an important context].

Front matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

Table of contents -- is it clear? Is it detailed or general? Does it reflect the true contents of the book? Does it help in understanding a logical sequence of content?
Author biography -- also found as back matter, the biography of author(s) can be useful in determining the authority of the writer and whether the book builds on prior research or represents new research. In scholarly reviews, noting the author's affiliation and prior publications can be a factor in helping the reader determine the overall validity of the work [i.e., are they associated with a research center devoted to studying the problem under investigation].
Foreword -- the purpose of a foreword is to introduce the reader to the author and the content of the book, and to help establish credibility for both. A foreword may not contribute any additional information about the book's subject matter, but rather, serves as a means of validating the book's existence. In these cases, the foreword is often written by a leading scholar or expert who endorses the book's contributions to advancing research about the topic. Later editions of a book sometimes have a new foreword prepended [appearing before an older foreword, if there was one], which may be included to explain how the latest edition differs from previous editions. These are most often written by the author.
Acknowledgements -- scholarly studies in the social sciences often take many years to write, so authors frequently acknowledge the help and support of others in getting their research published. This can be as innocuous as acknowledging the author's family or the publisher. However, an author may acknowledge prominent scholars or subject experts, staff at key research centers, people who curate important archival collections, or organizations that funded the research. In these particular cases, it may be worth noting these sources of support in your review, particularly if the funding organization is biased or its mission is to promote a particular agenda.
Preface -- generally describes the genesis, purpose, limitations, and scope of the book and may include acknowledgments of indebtedness to people who have helped the author complete the study. Is the preface helpful in understanding the study? Does it provide an effective framework for understanding what's to follow?
Chronology -- also may be found as back matter, a chronology is generally included to highlight key events related to the subject of the book. Do the entries contribute to the overall work? Is it detailed or very general?
List of non-textual elements -- a book that contains numerous charts, photographs, maps, tables, etc. will often list these items after the table of contents in the order that they appear in the text. Is this useful?

Back matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

Afterword -- this is a short, reflective piece written by the author that takes the form of a concluding section, final commentary, or closing statement. It is worth mentioning in a review if it contributes information about the purpose of the book, gives a call to action, summarizes key recommendations or next steps, or asks the reader to consider key points made in the book.
Appendix -- is the supplementary material in the appendix or appendices well organized? Do they relate to the contents or appear superfluous? Does it contain any essential information that would have been more appropriately integrated into the text?
Index -- are there separate indexes for names and subjects or one integrated index. Is the indexing thorough and accurate? Are elements used, such as, bold or italic fonts to help identify specific places in the book? Does the index include "see also" references to direct you to related topics?
Glossary of Terms -- are the definitions clearly written? Is the glossary comprehensive or are there key terms missing? Are any terms or concepts mentioned in the text not included that should have been?
Endnotes -- examine any endnotes as you read from chapter to chapter. Do they provide important additional information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the body of the text? Should any notes have been better integrated into the text rather than separated? Do the same if the author uses footnotes.
Bibliography/References/Further Readings -- review any bibliography, list of references to sources, and/or further readings the author may have included. What kinds of sources appear [e.g., primary or secondary, recent or old, scholarly or popular, etc.]? How does the author make use of them? Be sure to note important omissions of sources that you believe should have been utilized, including important digital resources or archival collections.

VI. Summarize and Comment

State your general conclusions briefly and succinctly. Pay particular attention to the author's concluding chapter and/or afterword. Is the summary convincing? List the principal topics, and briefly summarize the author’s ideas about these topics, main points, and conclusions. If appropriate and to help clarify your overall evaluation, use specific references to text and quotations to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new information in the conclusion. If you've compared the book to any other works or used other sources in writing the review, be sure to cite them at the end of your book review in the same writing style as your bibliographic heading of the book.

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Gastel, Barbara. "Special Books Section: A Strategy for Reviewing Books for Journals." BioScience 41 (October 1991): 635-637; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Lee, Alexander D., Bart N. Green, Claire D. Johnson, and Julie Nyquist. "How to Write a Scholarly Book Review for Publication in a Peer-reviewed Journal: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Chiropractic Education 24 (2010): 57-69; Nicolaisen, Jeppe. "The Scholarliness of Published Peer Reviews: A Bibliometric Study of Book Reviews in Selected Social Science Fields." Research Evaluation 11 (2002): 129-140;.Procter, Margaret. The Book Review or Article Critique. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Reading a Book to Review It. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Scarnecchia, David L. "Writing Book Reviews for the Journal Of Range Management and Rangelands." Rangeland Ecology and Management 57 (2004): 418-421; Simon, Linda. "The Pleasures of Book Reviewing." Journal of Scholarly Publishing 27 (1996): 240-241; Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University.

Writing Tip

Always Read the Foreword and/or the Preface

If they are included in the front matter, a good place for understanding a book's overall purpose, organization, contributions to further understanding of the research problem, and relationship to other studies is to read the preface and the foreword. The foreword may be written by someone other than the author or editor and can be a person who is famous or who has name recognition within the discipline. A foreword is often included to add credibility to the work.

The preface is usually an introductory essay written by the author or editor. It is intended to describe the book's overall purpose, arrangement, scope, and overall contributions to the literature. When reviewing the book, it can be useful to critically evaluate whether the goals set forth in the foreword and/or preface were actually achieved. At the very least, they can establish a foundation for understanding a study's scope and purpose as well as its significance in contributing new knowledge.

Distinguishing between a Foreword, a Preface, and an Introduction . Book Creation Learning Center. Greenleaf Book Group, 2019.

Locating Book Reviews

There are several databases the USC Libraries subscribes to that include the full-text or citations to book reviews. Short, descriptive reviews can also be found at book-related online sites such as Amazon , although it's not always obvious who has written them and may actually be created by the publisher. The following databases provide comprehensive access to scholarly, full-text book reviews:

ProQuest [1983-present]
Book Review Digest Retrospective [1905-1982]

Some Language for Evaluating Texts

It can be challenging to find the proper vocabulary from which to discuss and evaluate a book. Here is a list of some active verbs for referring to texts and ideas that you might find useful:

account for
demonstrate
distinguish
investigate

Examples of usage

"The evidence indicates that..."
"This work assesses the effect of..."
"The author identifies three key reasons for..."
"This book questions the view that..."
"This work challenges assumptions about...."

Paquot, Magali. Academic Keyword List. Centre for English Corpus Linguistics. Université Catholique de Louvain.

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You might be asked to write a book review as a way to help you read actively and form an opinion on the author's views and the context in which the book was written. Book reviews are common ways for academics to evaluate each others' contributions to the field of research, especially in the arts and social sciences where publishing in books is more usual than publishing in journals.

A good review is more than just a summary of the contents. It should include your view on what the purpose of the book is and who it is intended for, and it should address the context (time and place) in which the book has been written, an evaluation of the author's arguments for strengths and weaknesses, and your identification of any bias in their perspective on the topic. Your lecturer will probably give you some guidance on what they expect, and it is likely to involve you asking yourself some or all of the following questions:

Who is the author? What is their disciplinary background? What have they published before? Is this building on their previous research or entering a new field?
When was the book written? How might that affect the perspective taken? Is there, for example, a political, social or economic context that would impact on the writing?
What is the book about? What is the main topic area and scope? How does it fit with other books that have been published in this area?
What is the main argument in the book? Is it well argued? Are the author's assumptions valid? Is there any obvious bias in the source of evidence they use?
Is the writing style appropriate? Is the book well structured and does it flow comfortably?
What is your view on the book's strengths and weaknesses? Do you think it's a valuable contribution to the literature in the discipline?

All of this should be supported by reference to particular passages or chapters that provide evidence to support your views.

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Managing reading and writing a literature review
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A book review describes, analyzes, and evaluates a book by examining its purpose and its contribution.

A book review should address the following:

What are the authors trying to accomplish? What is their argument?
Who is the author trying to convince?
What strategies and evidence did you see in the book?
To what extent are you convinced by the book? To whom (if anyone) would you recommend this book?

Your professor may specify additional instructions or objectives for their book review assignment. Therefore, be sure to read the assignment instructions carefully.

In many ways, your book review can be structured like a typical essay, using an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Like other introductions, the book review introduction should move from broad (the topic of the book) to narrow (your specific argument or purpose statement).

Your reader will expect you to do the following in your introduction:

Introduce the topic of the book (what is the issue at hand, and why should we care?)
Introduce the title and author of the book
State the purpose of the book (including the author’s thesis or major findings)
State your thesis (or the purpose of your review)

The thesis of your book review may vary depending on the assignment.

If you are given a specific task (e.g., to relate the book to course themes), that task will likely form the basis of your review.
If you are asked to evaluate the book’s contribution to a specific field, that evaluation will be the backbone of your thesis.

Example thesis relating the book to course themes:

George Orwell’s 1984 provides insight into three course themes: critical thinking as a form of resistance, the role of misinformation in totalitarian societies, and the connection between privacy and personal freedom. The review that follows argues that the novel’s engagement with these themes can deepen our understanding of these themes in the course context by illustrating their interconnections.

Example thesis evaluating the book’s contribution to the field:

Sara Jaquette Ray’s The Ecological Other: Environmental Exclusion in American Culture is an important contribution to environmental justice scholarship because it offers a nuanced account of how environmental discourse has positioned people with disabilities, immigrants, and Native Americans as environmental outsiders. At the same time, it suggests how environmental activists can frame their arguments with greater inclusivity and care.

In your body paragraphs, you will describe, analyze, and evaluate the book. Your reader will expect you to do the following in the body of your review:

Summarize the major points of the author’s argument
Discuss the author’s engagement with larger themes
Identify key strengths and weaknesses
Evaluate the author’s contribution to the field
Support your claims with evidence from the text
Suggest how the book extends, complicates, or overturns arguments from other sources

Paragraph Order

In the body of your book review, you will support your thesis with reference to specific examples from the text. Although you may organize this material in a number of different ways, three common patterns of organization are thematic, chronological, and evaluative.

If you are tasked with relating a book to course themes, use these themes to structure your review.
You can devote each section of the body to one theme.
Use topic sentences and transitions to show your reader when you are moving from one theme to the next.
This structure can help you discuss the author’s engagement with a set of issues.

Chronological

The structure of your review can mirror the structure of the book itself.
You can discuss topics in the same order as the author, providing an evaluation that moves from chapter to chapter or section to section.
This structure can help you emphasize the thoroughness of your review.
Many published academic reviews begin by highlighting the strengths of the book under discussion and then move toward a critique of the weaknesses.
This structure can help you assert your own critical voice as a scholar.

Rather than summarizing the book or restating your thesis, use the conclusion to provide your final thoughts. Consider the following questions:

What have you learned from reviewing the book?
What is your overall assessment of the book’s importance?
Who might benefit most from reading it?
How can future researchers build on this book?
Does the book make space for new kinds of research within its field?

The conclusion is your last chance to add analysis to your book review, so be sure to address the book’s overall significance.

Try using signal words like ‘ultimately’ or ‘overall’ instead of ‘in conclusion’ to help you frame your conclusion through an analytical lens while also telling the reader that they should pay special attention to what follows.

The assignment’s instructions may also provide clues for material that you could include in the conclusion.

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Additional Resources

Concordia Libraries: How to Write a Book Report and a Book Review Laurentian University: How to Review a Book Purdue University: Writing a Book Review

For further writing assistance , consult Writing a Critical Review , published by Student Academic Success Services at Queen's. To learn more about book reviews, look at examples of ones in The New York Times Book Review , the New York Review of Books , and the Times Literary Supplement to see how professional writers review books.

Department of History

Guide to writing book reviews.

For our purposes, an ideal book review should:

start with full bibliographic details of the book discussed in the heading;
summarise the structure, method and main points of the work, which may include some direct quotes (identified by inverted commas and the relevant page no following in round brackets);
discuss how the author's arguments fit into other writing on the subject;
comment on the range of sources used and how they contribute to the argument;
explain the strengths and weaknesses of the book from your point of view;
assess whether / how the work will advance relevant debates;
acknowledge other sources of information in footnotes and a bibliography.

It may be helpful to look at how other people have reviewed relevant books (such as those listed below) in scholarly journals (typically 1-3 years after the publication date), e.g:

Archiv für Reformationsgeschichte: Literaturbericht; Central European History; English Historical Review; German History; Historische Zeitschrift; History: The Journal of the Historical Association; Journal of Early Modern History; Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Geschichte; Sixteenth Century Journal; Zeitschrift für historische Forschung etc.
Hardcopies (and in many cases digital versions) of most of these periodicals are held by the UL (search for the respective journal title in the catalogue); an advanced search function for identifying reviews is available in JStor .

Many websites and discussion fora also offer reviews and related materials, see e.g.:

Guide to reviewers issued by the Humanities and Social Sciences internet platform H-Net (esp. passages on 'effectiveness', 'content', 'evaluation', 'professionalism')
' H-German ' (forum for historians of German-speaking Europe; in English)
' JStor ' (providing access to reviews in numerous journals)
' Reviews in History ' (compiled by the Institute of Historical Research in London)
' H-Soz-u-Kult ' (information platform for social and cultural historians; mostly in German)
Historische Rezensionen online : searchable database of online reviews offered by the German history platform "Clio"
' Sehepunkte ' (online review journal specializing in historical works; mostly in German)

Assessment and marking criteria - while similar to regular history essays, particular importance is placed on:

critical evaluation of source base, methodology, argumentation and conclusions of the book concerned;
ability to embed a work into the wider historiography of the field;
congenial structuring and lucid presentation of your review.

A first-class review will excel in all these aspects, an upper second will demonstrate good competence / clarity of expression, while lower marks will reflect limited critique, historiographical coverage and lucidity of argument.

The following is not a definitive list but merely suggestive of books you might like to review. If you have other ideas please discuss them with your seminar tutor:

P. Blickle, The Communal Reformation (1992)

Th. A.Brady Jr, The Politics of the Reformation in Germany (1997)

O. Brunner, Land and Lordship (1995)

Close, C. W., The Negotiated Reformation: Imperial Cities and the Politics of Urban Reform 1525-1550 (2009)

C. Scott Dixon, The Reformation and Rural Society (1994)

H.-J. Goertz, The Anabaptists (1996)

K. Hill, Baptism, Baptism, Brotherhood and Belief in Reformation Germany (2015)

H. A. Oberman, Luther: Man between God and Devil (1990)

R. K. Rittgers, The Reformation of the Keys: Confession in 16thC Germany (2004)

L. Roper, The Holy Household. Women and Morals in Reformation Augsburg (1989)

U. Rublack, Reformation Europe (2005)

R. W. Scribner, Popular Culture and Popular Movements in Reformation Germany (1987)

G. Strauss, Luther's House of Learning (1979)

P. H. Wilson, The Holy Roman Empire, 1495-1806 (2nd edn, 2011)

The Fuggerei almshouses founded by Jacob Fugger at Augsburg in 1516 [ Picture source ]

NPS Dudley Knox Library
Research Guides

Book Reviews

How to Write a Book Review
Sources for Book Reviews
Importance of Book Reviews

Writing Book Reviews

Resources about how to write a book review.

Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines James Hartley. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. Jul 2006. Vol. 57, No. 9; p. 1194-1207.
Writing Book Reviews Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services PDF
Write Your Own Book Review University of Waterloo Library Guides
<< Previous: Importance of Book Reviews
Last Updated: Aug 24, 2023 2:07 PM
URL: https://libguides.nps.edu/bookreviews

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How to Write a Successful Book Review for University Courses, Academic and Newspaper Publications

Thank you to Dr. Joshua Sinai , Professor of Practice, Intelligence and Security Studies, for composing yet another excellent guide for college students and industry professionals on how to write a book review for academic assignments or journalistic publication. If you have not read Dr. Sinai's previous guide, How to Write a University Research Paper , we highly recommend that article as well as it is a valuable template to help with writing college research papers.

I’ve been writing book reviews of various categories, types and lengths throughout my academic career and am often asked, “are there any formulas for writing a successful book review?” The answer is yes. Like writing any type of article, it involves a beginning, a middle, and a conclusion, but unlike an article, a book review is intended to describe, discuss and evaluate a published book in as concise and engaging a manner as possible for the reader, with the focus on the reviewed book, not the reviewer.

Why Write a Book Review?

There are several reasons for writing a book review. The first reason is to share one’s thoughts with readers about a newly published book that might meet, exceed, or fall short of one’s expectations. Other reasons range from completing a required class assignment for a university course (where less recent books might be assigned for review), to getting a publishing “credit” by writing a book review of a newly-published book for an academic journal or newspaper (whether in print or online). Publishing a review in a journal or newspaper will also entitle the reviewer to a free copy of the book from the publisher. Nowadays, one can either get a free print copy or an e-book copy [I prefer a print copy whenever possible, but will settle for an e-book if it’s the only alternative provided by the publisher].

Categories of Book Reviews

As mentioned earlier, there are three categories of book reviews. These are: a class assignment, an academic journal, or a newspaper. Each of these categories has its own set of requirements and writing styles. For example, a class assignment will address the requirements of the course’s teacher in terms of guidelines in covering the book’s topic and the review’s length. An academic journal will expect the review to be written at a high academic level in accordance with the publication’s writing guidelines. Finally, a review in a newspaper is expected to be written in an interesting manner for a general readership, for instance, free of any academic jargon.

Types and Lengths of Book Reviews

Regardless of the categories of book reviews, there are three types and lengths of reviews. Reviews that cover single books are generally 800 to 1,000 words in length. Capsule book reviews, in which several books are covered in a single review column, will generally each be 300 to 400 words in length. In capsule book reviews, the reviewed books generally cover a similar overall subject, such as national security, but can focus on different sub-topics within it. A capsule book review column does not require a concluding paragraph or sentence. In review essays, which generally are published in academic journals (or in university courses), several books will be reviewed, with the overall essay beginning with an introductory overview of the books’ subject, with each review intended to cover an aspect of the overall subject, and with a concluding paragraph that presents a finding about the reviewed books’ contribution to the academic discipline.

Writing the Book Review

Once the category, type and length of a book review is selected, the same formula can be applied to writing the review. This consists of six components:

Essential book information

Introductory “hook”

Summary of book’s content

Evaluation of book’s content

Recommendation

Concluding paragraph or sentence

1.Essential Book Information

The beginning of a review will include the book’s publication details. This will generally consist of the author, the book’s title, the publisher’s city and state, the name of the publisher, the year the book was published (including whether it is a revised edition), the book’s page length, the book’s price, whether the book is a hardcover, paperback or e-book, and the book’s ISBN number (the acronym for International Standard Book Number, which identifies a specific book or an edition of a book). Note that not all of these details need to be included in a book’s publication details, depending on the category of the book review and the publishing guidelines of the publication where the review is published. For university courses, the APA 7th Edition citation style guide may be selected.

Jack Devine, Spymaster’s Prism: The Fight Against Russian Aggression (Lincoln, NE: Potomac Books/An Imprint of the University of Nebraska Press, 2021), 304 pp., $34.95 [Hardcover], ISBN: 978-1-6401-2378-6.

2. Introductory “Hook”

A review’s introductory sentence should serve as a “hook” to interest the reader in noticing and reading the review. It can be a compelling or provocative statement in general about the book’s topic or about the book itself. After the initial sentence, the reviewer might mention the author’s professional affiliation to validate his/her expertise on the book’s topic.

“How can we define terrorism with so many definitions being proposed for it? This important book proposes a new definition that will provide the solution. The author is ideally qualified to discuss these issues, as he/she is a professor of ___________ at the University of ____________, and has published books and articles on this topic.”

3.Summary of Book’s Content

This section provides a brief synopsis of what is the book is about. The book’s main points are the summary’s focus. To accompany the synopsis, if possible, the reviewer should provide quotations from the book, including their page numbers. This is important as it ‘brings the book’s text to life’ and also demonstrates that the reviewer has actually read through the text (or at least read enough to write a review). Do not include the author’s conclusion(s) until the end of the review.

4.Evaluation of Book’s Content

Evaluating a book’s content is the review’s most important and longest section. It differs from the previous summary as it provides the reviewer’s evaluation of the book’s content. This will enable the readers to know whether and how they would benefit from reading the book.

“The book’s coverage of the Second World War revealed new details, based on newly uncovered documents, about the effectiveness of the Allied military campaigns. These details included…..”

5.Recommendation

After evaluating the book’s content, provide the reader with your recommendation of the book’s worthiness in 1-3 sentences (or longer, if necessary). Also, who do you think would benefit from reading this book, such as university students, faculty, practitioners in the field, the general reader, etc.

“The book contributes to advancing the state of the academic discipline on these because….”

6.Concluding Sentence

The concluding sentence can be the same as the recommendation sentences or a final comment about the book.

“In conclusion, this important book is an invaluable resource for those working on this topic, as its findings provide new insights for understanding these issues.”

Conclusion

I hope that this template for writing a book review will help you write it for one of these various categories, types and lengths. Remember that the most important aspect of writing a review is to be as interesting and concise as necessary, since gaining the reader's interest in the book is the primary reason for writing a book review.

About the author: Dr. Joshua Sinai is a Professor of Practice, Intelligence and Security Studies, at Capitol Technology University. Over the years, he has published dozens of full book reviews and about 1,000 capsule reviews in academic journals, magazines and newspapers on national security subjects, including terrorism and counterterrorism. He started writing capsule book reviews, in particular, as one of his responsibilities while working as a Senior Intelligence Analyst at the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress (FRD/LOC), and after leaving it turned book reviewing as a “side business” as a way to obtain free review copies of books for his personal professional research library.

How to write a book review (for librarians): Home

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~, know your topic.

Choose a subject area that:

you have a background in
you have an interest in
is closely aligned with your work

If you are lucky they will be all three at once!

Scan the Literature

Note the subject headings of the book you are reviewing
Search these headings in your catalog
Search for additional works by the author/editor
Borrow these related books if needed, and scan them briefly, comparing them to the review book
If you have time, read some reviews of the related books
Note differences and/or updates in the new book

Know your Review Source

ARBA see sample reviews
Booklist interested reviewers, see link
Choice information for reviewers
H-Net Reviews (open access) information and guidelines
Library Journal see guidelines

Find Book Reviews (via EBSCOhost)

Enter the search strategy below (exactly as shown) into EBSCOhost's search bar:

DE "BOOKS -- Reviews"

For best results, use Advanced Search option. Combine this term with a subject term and refine further.

A Librarian's Official Guide to Reviewing Books

See ALA/RUSA's (2005) Elements for Basic Reviews (opens link to a 45-page PDF file).

Read the book (and others)

1. Allow enough lead time to fully absorb the book over time.

When you first open the book, jot down some initial thoughts. This is important. You won't see the book the same way again as you did when you first cracked it open. Set the book aside and come back to it later to make additional assessments.

Read a little per day. Reading (or scanning) the book in one sitting is not recommended.

2. Keep your eyes open for similar books during this period.

Scan your library catalog for books of the same subject heading, published within the last few years, and even reaching back over the last decade. Consider older books only if they appear to be landmark books or were reviewed in the same review source. You may want to familiarize yourself with them in case you need to refer to them as benchmarks (or they may have newer editions on the horizon). Allow enough time to obtain books from other libraries to assist in your review, if necessary.

Use a Set of Criteria

Most review sources will ask you to make critical evaluations about the following aspects of a book you are reviewing:

Authority What are the credentials of the author or editor? Is he or she prominent in their field? What else have they published? How do they compare with competing authors in their field? Is the book put out by a leading publisher in the discipline?

Scope Does the book focus on a particular aspect of a topic? Or is it a broad survey book? Is it in a unique enough niche to consider worthwhile but not so narrow in scope that very few would find a need for this book? Has it all been written about before in a hundred different ways?

Currency Is this book representative of the latest news or research in the field? Is it up-to-date? Or has the moment for the topic passed? Is it just an update of a previous edition? What is the nature of the revision? Or is there barely a difference from the last revision?

Relevancy Is this book relevant to a particular type of library collection? Is it unique? Or is it just one of hundreds of books on this topic? Is it appropriate for academic/public/school libraries? How many other libraries own the book? Is it indispensible, a book every library should own? Or would it be considered an optional addition to the collection?

Audience Who is the expected audience? Is it written for highly specialized practitioners or for general audiences? Is the book written appropriately for the intended audience?

Quality & Value Is the book physically solid? Will it hold up in a library collection? Is it well designed? Is it visually appealing? Are the illustrations necessary and of effective quality for the subject matter? Is this book designed for the amount of use it is expected to get? Is it too expensive for most to consider purchasing? Is it overpriced? Are there alternative new books in the same subject category or covering the same topic that might be preferred because they are cheaper?

Writing the Review

Just jot notes at first, book in hand. Read the summary on the back to solidify the basic factual parameters of the work (e.g., number of annotations inside, exact number of decades spanned, number of artists interviewed, number of images, whatever the case may be...).

Read the introduction, preface, foreword. Get a feel for what the book is supposed to accomplish and where the author is coming from.

If a reference book, ask yourself some questions as if you are a researcher. Look up some hypothetical entries that matter to you. See if you can find your topic in the index (is an index provided?). How quickly can you locate what you are looking for? Does the layout make sense? Did you NOT find what you expected to be able to find?

If illustrated, what is the quality of the illustrations? Is color provided when necessary?

Nearly every book I have ever read has had at least one or two typos. How many typos do you see?

Write a first draft considering all these technical aspects and incorporating knowledge about existing books on the same topic. Be sure to indicate if any of these other books has been covered by the same review source and cite this. Be sure to also include a cursory introductory background about the topic in your review if allowed.

Let the review draft sit a few days and then re-read it. Revise it. Revise it again. Revise it until it is as succinct as possible. Cut out redundancies. Read it out loud so that that you can be sure the text flows well. Conclude your review with a recommendation on the book, offering alternatives when deemed necessary.

Work well within word limits. Restating bibliographic information in the text of a review is almost always a waste of valuable space, as is restating the basic chapter sequence, table of contents list, and so on. Limit your remarks to those that compare the authority and credentials of the book with other leading books in the field, stating the overall value and usefulness of the book in comparison with similar works and noting any deficiencies or extra features.

Scholarly Communications Librarian

Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023 2:21 PM
URL: https://libguides.utoledo.edu/write_a_review

How to Write a History Book Review

Writing a book review is one of the fundamental skills that every historian must learn. An undergraduate student’s book review should accomplish two main goals:

Lay out an author’s argument, and
Most importantly, critique the historical argument.

It is important to remember that a book review is not a book report. You need to do more than simply lay out the contents or plot-line of a book. You may briefly summarize the historical narrative or contents but must focus your review on the historical argument being made and how effectively the author has supported this argument with historical evidence. If you can, you may also fit that argument into the wider historiography about the subject.

The 'How to ... ' of Historical Book Reviews Writing a book review may seem very difficult, but in fact there are some simple rules you can follow to make the process much easier.

Before you read, find out about the author’s prior work What academic discipline was the author trained in? What other books, articles, or conference papers has s/he written? How does this book relate to or follow from the previous work of the author? Has the author or this book won any awards? This information helps you understand the author’s argument and critique the book.

As you read, write notes for each of the following topics.

Write a few sentences about the author’s approach or genre of history. Is the focus on gender? Class? Race? Politics? Culture? Labor? Law? Something else? A combination? If you can identify the type of history the historian has written, it will be easier to determine the historical argument the author is making.
Summarize the author’s subject and argument. In a few sentences, describe the time period, major events, geographical scope and group or groups of people who are being investigated in the book. Why has the author chosen the starting and ending dates of the book’s narrative? Next, discover the major thesis or theses of the book, the argument(s) that the author makes and attempts to support with evidence. These are usually, but not always, presented in a book’s introduction. It might help to look for the major question that the author is attempting to answer and then try to write his or her answer to that question in a sentence or two. Sometimes there is a broad argument supported by a series of supporting arguments. It is not always easy to discern the main argument but this is the most important part of your book review.
What is the structure of the book? Are the chapters organized chronologically, thematically, by group of historical actors, from general to specific, or in some other way? How does the structure of the work enhance or detract from the argument?
Look closely at the kinds of evidence the author has used to prove the argument. Is the argument based on data, narrative, or both? Are narrative anecdotes the basis of the argument or do they supplement other evidence? Are there other kinds of evidence that the author should have included? Is the evidence convincing? If so, find a particularly supportive example and explain how it supports the author’s thesis. If not, give an example and explain what part of the argument is not supported by evidence. You may find that some evidence works, while some does not. Explain both sides, give examples, and let your readers know what you think overall.
Closely related to the kinds of evidence are the kinds of sources the author uses. What different kinds of primary sources are used? What type of source is most important in the argument? Do these sources allow the author to adequately explore the subject? Are there important issues that the author cannot address based on these sources? How about the secondary sources? Are there one or more secondary books that the author seems to lean heavily on in support of the argument? Are there works that the author disagrees with in the text? This will tell the reader how the work fits into the historiography of the subject and whether it is presenting a major new interpretation.
Is the argument convincing as a whole? Is there a particular place where it breaks down? Why? Is there a particular element that works best? Why? Would you recommend this book to others, and if so, for whom is it appropriate? General readers? Undergraduates? Graduates and specialists in this historical subject? Why? Would you put any qualifications on that recommendation?

After having written up your analyses of each of these topics, you are ready to compose your review. There is no one way to format a book review but here is a common format that can be varied according to what you think needs to be highlighted and what length is required.

Introduce the author, the historical period and topic of the book. Tell the reader what genre of history this work belongs to or what approach the author has used. Set out the main argument.
Summarize the book’s organization and give a little more detail about the author’s sub-arguments. Here you would also work in your assessment of the evidence and sources used.
Strengths and weaknesses or flaws in the book are usually discussed next. It is up to you to decide in what order these should come, but if you assess the book positively overall, do not spend inordinate space on the book’s faults and vice versa.
In the conclusion, you may state your recommendations for readership unless that has been covered in your discussion of the book’s strengths and weaknesses. You might review how convincing the argument was, say something about the importance or uniqueness of the argument and topic, or describe how the author adds to our understanding of a particular historical question.

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Literature reviews

Critically reviewing books and articles.

The following guide has been created for you by the Student Learning Advisory Service . For more detailed guidance and to speak to one of our advisers, please book an appointment or join one of our workshops . Alternatively, have a look at our SkillBuilder skills videos.

The purpose of a review

Descriptive : to inform the reader about the contents of the text, including the scope and nature of the topics covered, its main conclusions, and the evidence, examples, theories and methodologies it used to support of them.

Critical : to pass judgement on the quality, meaning and significance of the book or article, including how well it has achieved its aims, and what it adds to our understanding of the topic.

A quality review will recognise both the strengths and weaknesses of a piece of writing, presenting your objective opinion of it in a confident, informative and balanced way. Finally, it will be written using phraseology and style appropriate to this particular form of writing (examples from published academic book reviews are presented throughout this guide for reference).

Choosing material to review

Normally, it is easier to write a critical review of a book or article that puts forward an argument, thereby offering a good opportunity to critically evaluate the reasoning and evidence used to support it. Edited volumes ((consisting of chapters or articles written by different authors) can present many different, even contradictory, evaluations of the same topic – presenting a more complicated challenge for the reviewer. Therefore, choose material that lends itself to your task.

The following checklist will help you ask the right questions as you read the text. It also provides an example of the kind of academic language you might use to introduce each aspect of your review.

Questions a critical book or article review should address

What is the main topic.

This should be obvious from the title and the introduction.

Who is the author?

What qualifications and experience does the author possess that allows them to write meaningfully about the topic?

‘Due to her role in… the author is in a unique position to describe…’

How is the text structured in relation to the topics, themes, issues and examples discussed?

For a book refer to the table of contents, chapter titles and chapter introductions. If analysing a chapter from an edited text, check the editor’s introduction. Think about how the separate sections build into the text as a whole.

‘The book consists of nine chapters each of which addresses…

‘This article deals with two key themes relating to…’

What is the stated purpose of the book or article?

Usually, this is stated on the back cover of a book (but beware of publisher hyperbole), or in the abstract/summary at the beginning of a journal article.

‘ The author’s aim is to examine…’

‘This is an original and accessible guide to…'

What is the main argument?

Sometimes this is clearly stated, and sometimes more difficult to identify; remember that not all texts are argumentative.

‘The author’s main argument is that…’

‘The author calls into question many of the basic assumptions about…’

What evidence is used to support the author’s claims and analysis?

Do they use statistical data, examples and case studies, expert opinion and official documentation, all academically sourced and cited? How valid and reliable is this evidence in supporting the author’s analysis?

‘Throughout the article, case studies are used to…’

‘Drawing on North American and British archives, this book…’

What theoretical approach has the author used?

This is not always obvious from the text itself. Often, it will be necessary to conduct some additional research into the author to identify their background, or particular methodological, political or philosophical approach to the topic.

‘The author examines the nature of… from the perspective of…’

What are the strengths of the book or article?

Having taken the time to understand the text, where do you think its strengths lie? For example, what key questions does it answer? Does it offer insights into complex problems, if so what? Does it open up new ways of understanding the topic, if so how? Does it present new evidence, or clarify concepts that were previously obscure? Is the written style particularly engaging?

‘Throughout the text, the author translates technical information into…’

‘The book is clearly written in a compelling, engaging style that…’

What are its limitations?

You should critique a piece of writing within its own terms of reference – that is, against what it claims to do. But, if you are sufficiently familiar with the topic, you can also assess its limitations against existing knowledge.

‘The narrow focus unfortunately leads the author to overlook…’

‘The author is very quick to dismiss opposing opinions, and assumes that…’

What do you judge the overall value of the text to be?

Having undertaken a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses, what is your overall judgement of its usefulness to those interested in the topic, and in comparison to other scholarly publications in the same area of study?

‘The authors have made a significant contribution to our understanding of how…’

‘Overall, the article is an interesting… It offers an excellent… and is relevant to…’

‘The book is generally disappointing… it offers very little new …’

Structure of a critical review

A simple structure for a short review of a book or journal article (c. 500-1000 words) would be as follows:

An introduction
A short summary of the text
The strengths of the text
The weaknesses of the text
A conclusion summarising your overall assessment of the text

In longer critical reviews – comprising over 1000 words – each section, or aspect of the topic discussed in the text, would be described sequentially, incorporating a discussion of its strengths and weakness.

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Book Reviews: Write your own book review

Get started
Book review sources
Write your own book review
Topic specific
Outstanding book reviews

Read the book

Every book makes different demands on the reviewer. No single approach is right for all books. Consider as many points that seem pertinent, but remain responsive to the book under consideration.

When you read, your critical faculty should be alert, but that doesn't mean you are poised for attack. You can do your best if you read in a spirit that is at once critical and sympathetic.
Take notes as you read. The list that follows will give you an idea of what to watch for. Taking notes also helps you stay alert as you read, and gives you the opportunity to mark effective passages for quoting.

Questions to ask as you read

What are the author's subject and the broad field into which the work fits?
What approach does the author take to the subject? What is the central thesis? What are the author's assumptions? What methodology is used?
What are the author's primary sources? How comprehensive is the research?
For whom is the book written? Fellow scholars? Non-academics? Is the book appropriate to its audience?
How is the book structured? Is its development orderly and logical? Is it clear?
Is the author's prose readable? Exceptionally good? Does the author have an intrusive style?
Does the book have illustrations? An index? Bibliography? What other features does it have? Are they effective and useful?
How appropriate is the book's title? Does it promise essentially what the book delivers?
Are you aware of factual errors in the book? Oversights? Faulty assumptions?
Why was the book written? Has the author met these objectives?
What is your personal response to the book? Is it satisfying to read? Is it enjoyable? Convincing? Why? If it isn't, why not?

Write the review

Writing a book review is much like writing any other short essay. There is no universal formula, but following a few basic guidelines can simplify the task.

Review your notes and list the points you'd like to make.

Arrange those points in a logical order. Time spent now on organization not only produces a strong, clear structure, but also allows you to concentrate on phrasing during the writing of the first draft. One possible way of setting up the essay is like this:

A brief description of the subject, aim, and scope of the book
An outline of its thesis and its bias
A detailed assessment of the author's main contentions
An evaluation of the book's major strengths and weaknesses
A survey of topics not yet covered (sources, illustrations, indexes, etc.)
An assessment of the book's place in the literature of its subject

Write the first draft, not stopping to fine tune the phrasing, but aiming to get onto the paper all that you have to say.

After some time has elapsed, read the draft critically, noting where it is ambiguous, incomplete, overwritten, etc.

Read the second draft, checking for errors in grammar and punctuation, and making sure that you have said just what you meant.

Type the final draft.

Proofread the typed copy, and correct as necessary to ensure that it is free from errors.

Tip: Looking for some examples of book reviews? Browse H-Net Reviews , Nature Book Reviews , or other review sites.

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BOOK REVIEW WRITING GUIDE FOR STUDENTS

There are so many books written in the world! You can always find anything you need regardless whether you enjoy the history of aviation or international affairs, like reading romance novels, fairytales, history works on the Creole society or Central America, or want to follow the steps of the wise men around the globe. The choice is great! It would be easy for students to read whatever they want without being asked specific questions about this or that literary work. But, an average school curriculum always contains book review assignments. That is done because of several reasons:

To inspire students and interest them in reading
To provide learners with background knowledge
To assess and develop students' critical and analytical skills, etc.

Here, we are going to discuss how to compose a book review properly. After reading this article, you will know what the primary purpose of this assignment is. Also, we've prepared some tips on how the content of your review writing may vary depending on the type and genre of the literature.

Book Review: The Basics

In contrast to a book report, review implies not just information about the work itself, its author, or historical background but also a detailed analysis and examination of the text. Book review writing is more precise and thoughtful. Here, you have to:

Analyze the author's intent and express your point of view
Research all the symbolic elements in the literary work
Consider the main thematic elements and storylines
Express a reasonable evaluation of the book as one that is worth/isn't worth reading, etc.

A good review requires profound preparation and competence in the plot. Let's take a closer look at what are the main requirements and rules you should follow to come up with a refined assignment.

How to Write a Good Book Review

Firstly, set the main topic of your review. Write down the title of work and some general facts about it. Don't stop at the author's name - tell about the genre, date of publication, and any special features that are worth paying attention to. You can refer to the back matter, mention that this work is a magnum opus of the author (as it is with "The Scarlet Letter" for Nathaniel Hawthorne) or a winner of the British Book Awards 2018 ("Reservoir 13" by Jon McGregor). Smoothly transit to the description of the historical background. Be attentive on this stage since usually, this information affects the major theme and ideas of the work you are reviewing.

Then, knowing the plot and historical context, you can easily define the main intention of the author and the target audience. In what way is the author trying to influence the reader? Is it a story, a statement of facts, or a set of well-written pieces of advice? In this section, analyze the author's tone and features of their narration - what words are used? Are they precise enough? You can back your point by citing a book in APA format structure (if other isn't required).

Afterwards, proceed to the main topic and make your book review profound. Present the main idea of the literary piece and expound on what makes you think so. Describe the setting, main characters and their roles, analyze the major symbols and whether they are presented appropriately. Your task here is to emphasize the main elements and how they affect the reader's perception. If characters are representing different images or, for example, societies, write about whether they are developed well. Devote several sentences to the overall scenario. Do the described events go one by one, or there is just a set of different episodes? To make your ideas and assumptions reasonable, back them with quotations from the original text.

What differs a critical book review from the report is that here, you have to analyze the work from your own perspective. That means that after considering all the author's intentions and ideas, you, as a reader, can accept or challenge them. In the conclusion of your writing, avoid adding new information or turning your assignment into the movie review based on the screening of a certain literary piece. Mention your own impression from the work you studied and come up with a reasonable evaluation.

This is only a sample of a book review structure, and there is a lot of others available from the Web. To get your own paper that will be original or gain some inspiration, you can always surf the Internet. This way, you can use interesting ideas retrieved from the online articles in your own review.

Different Genres and Tips

Here are some tips for several genres: non-fiction, bibliography, and fiction.

Non-fiction

To write a good review of a work in such a genre, consider the following points:

Analyze if the author chose a research problem to build his narration around, or they went with some general area.
Tell whether the information provided is rather subjective or objective.
Prove if the author wasn't thoughtful enough or the information isn't accurate.

Bibliography

While working on a bibliography review, try to answer the following questions:

What are the main aspects of a person highlighted in work?
In what way is the book organized? Is it the plot chronological or throwing the reader off course?
What is the author's attitude to the person they're talking about?

If you deal with a fiction creation, turn your concentration to the next aspects:

Plot. How engaging is it? Are there any cliches?
Setting. How does the region affect the reader's mood? Is it easy to visualize?
Dialogue. What is the tone of narration in the book? Is the humor appropriate, if any?

Approach your book review writing thoroughly, and get the paper you need easily!

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How to Write a Book Review

Note: These modified guidelines were taken from: Jacques Barzun and Henry F. Graff, The Modern Researcher, 5th ed. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992.

This structure serves as a guideline and not a template.

Purpose is to link together the forthcoming paragraphs into a few captivating sentences
Should live up to the rest of the review
Do not begin with the phrase, “This book…”
Must include the following indicia: the author’s name and the book’s title
Understand the book’s purpose and scope and convey these findings to the reader
Situate the book’s place in the literature and beyond
Present book’s thesis, themes, and tendencies
Outline the book’s content
Provide readers with supporting reasons for your earlier classification of the book
Present additional or contrary points found in other books by the same author and with other authors in the same field
Limit your explanation to qualifications and/or amendments of the author’s points
Evaluate the book against a background of the author’s purported objectives (have they been achieved?)
Do not be petty, keep objections to the substantive nature of the book
Should include your knowledge on the subject and themes that the author may/not haveincluded, intentionally or unintentionally
Tell the readers how the book will change readers’ views of the subject/field
The last word belongs to the author and his/her book
Insofar as the Journal’s (limited) readership goes, the author’s fate is in your hands
Be fair in the balance of the book’s merits and faults
Respect the amount of work that has gone into writing the book

Some Useful Advice to Keep in Mind While Writing Your Book Review:

Note: Taken from: John E. Drewry. Writing Book Reviews . Boston: The Writer, Inc, 1966)

J. Donald Adams –Editor of the New York Times Book Review

“The reviewer should bring to the review ‘factual knowledge and capacity of sympathetic understanding.’”

Edward Weeks –Editor of The Atlantic Monthly, The Peripatetic Reviewer

“The Ten Commandments:

Don’t use loose words (i.e. “thrilling, “intriguing”) in describing the book.
Practice humility in stating your opinion of the book. Allow for the possibility that your judgment may not be infallible.
Don’t give away the contents or the plot of the book
Read the book, don’t skim it.
When you read, allow 60% of your thoughts to be swept into the main current of the story: keep the other 40% detached and observant on the river bank. Pause whenever a note seems worth taking.
Ask yourself what the author is trying to do.
Ask yourself how well he has done this.
Ask yourself, in your opinion, was it worth doing.
If possible, hold what you have written for 24 hours and show it to someone whose judgment you respect. Second thoughts will often modify the first flush of enthusiasm.
Avoid superlatives, i.e. calling the author “a Shakespeare.”

Richard Kluger – Editor of Book Week, the Sunday supplement of book reviews to many newspapers

“It gives the editors of Book Week no pleasure to run a sharply negative review of a book that, after all, consumed a great deal or a lot of people’s energy and time. It does give us pleasure…to run glowing notices of a deserving book…”
“Be sufficiently expository for the reader to get a clear idea of the contents of the book … The subjective review … misses its aim if the reader gets no clear idea of what the author has been trying to say. The opposite extreme is the colorless description …”

Orville Prescott –Co-editor of Books of the Times (New York Times)

“They forget that book reviews are not supposed to make up somebody else’s mind. They are supposed to help him make up his own mind as to whether a book is for him or not.”

Diana Trilling –Book Columnist

“…the first responsibility…is to the book…[not] reviewing which is primarily directed to the glorification of the reviewer at the expense of the object under examination.”

Elmo Ellis –General Manager of WSB Radio, Atlanta

“Don’t review books that you consider inferior works. Choose a worthy volume for review.”

Dr. Allan Nevins

“Criticism is implicit in any good summary or exposition…The very arrangement of your exposition, the way in which you emphasize some parts of a book and ignore other parts, is a form of criticism…”

Important Points to Remember

Include the book’s full bibliographic information in the review.
Avoid including biographical information on the author unless it is relevant to the review and enhances the reader’s understanding of the work under discussion.
Footnote referenced material properly.
Avoid quoting extensively from the book; and minimize the use of block quotes.
Avoid simply summarizing the book.
Don’t ignore the page or word limits specified by the journal (1800-2500 words for a book review).
Don’t assume your audience is a specialist in field.
Avoid criticizing the author for failing to write the book that the reviewer had in mind.
Avoid using the review as a pretext for showcasing the reviewer’s own theses and works.
Avoid hyperbole and excessive cheerleading for the book or author.

For further guides to writing book reviews, see:

Temple University, How to Write a Book Review .
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Writing a Literature Review

Steps for Conducting a Lit Review
Finding "The Literature"
Organizing/Writing
Peer Review
Citation/Style Guides

Reference & Instruction Librarian

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is not:

just a summary of the sources
a grouping of broad, unrelated sources
a compilation of everything that has been written on a particular topic
literature criticism (think English) or a book review.

So, what is it then?

A literature review :

Surveys all of the scholarship that has been written about a particular topic (your research question).
Provides a description , summary , and evaluation of each scholarly work.
Synthesizes and organizes the previous research by comparing and contrasting the findings or methodology of those previous writings.

"A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. Occasionally, you will be asked to write one as a separate assignment, ..., but more often, it is part of the introduction to an essay, research report, or thesis. In writing the literature review, you aim to convey to your reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic and their strengths and weaknesses. As a piece of writing, the literature review must be defined by a guiding concept (e.g., your research objective, the problem or issue you are discussing, or your argumentative thesis). It is not just a descriptive list of the material available or a set of summaries."

A literature review is an integrated analysis-- not just a summary-- of scholarly writings that are related directly to your research question. That is, it represents the literature that provides background information on your topic and shows a correspondence between those writings and your research question.

A literature review may be a stand-alone work or the introduction to a more extensive research paper, depending on the assignment. Rely heavily on the guidelines your instructor has given you.

Why is it important?

A literature review is important because it:

Explains the background of research on a topic.
Demonstrates why a topic is significant to a subject area.
Discovers relationships between research studies/ideas.
Identifies major themes, concepts, and researchers on a topic.
Identifies critical gaps and points of disagreement.
Discusses further research questions that logically come out of the previous studies.

Where Can I Find a Lit Review?

The Literature Review portion of a scholarly article is usually close to the beginning. It often follows the introduction , or may be combined with the introduction. The writer may discuss his or her research question first, or may choose to explain it while surveying previous literature.

If you are lucky, there will be a section heading that includes " literature review ". If not, look for the section of the article with the most citations or footnotes .

Searching In Databases

Resources on the web.

Writing a Literature Review Brendan Rapple, Boston College Libraries
Next: Steps for Conducting a Lit Review >>
Last Updated: Jun 18, 2024 1:28 PM
URL: https://westlibrary.txwes.edu/writing_a_literature_review

Book Review

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Book reviews are an essential part of literature review and criticism, providing readers with an overview of a book’s content, style, text structure , and quality. They offer readers an insight into the author’s writing and provide an assessment of the book’s strengths and weaknesses . Book reviews are written by professional book reviewers, literary critics, and even readers who have read the book and want to share their opinion with others. Other readers, or the author, would also reply to the critic with an argument essay .

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, where the reviewer shares their analysis, opinions, and overall assessment of the book’s content, style, and merit. It includes a summary of the book’s key points, an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses, and a recommendation for potential readers. Book reviews help readers decide whether a book is worth reading.

Book Review Format

When writing a book review, it’s essential to follow a structured format that includes specific elements. Below is a detailed guide to help you create an engaging and comprehensive book review.

1. Introduction

Book Title and Author : Clearly state the title of the book and the author’s name.
Publication Details : Include the publisher, publication date, and edition if relevant.
Genre : Mention the genre of the book (e.g., fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy).
Brief Overview : Provide a brief overview or summary of the book’s premise without giving away any spoilers.

Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. in 1960, is a classic piece of American literature. This novel falls within the historical fiction genre and explores deep themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of young Scout Finch.

Main Plot : Summarize the main plot points of the book in a concise manner.
Setting : Describe the time and place where the story occurs.
Main Characters : Introduce the main characters and their roles in the story.

Example: Set in the racially segregated South during the 1930s, the novel follows Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, a principled lawyer. When Atticus defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, the family faces hostility from the community. The story is a poignant exploration of racial tensions and moral integrity.

3. Analysis

Themes : Discuss the main themes and messages of the book.
Character Development : Analyze the growth and complexity of the main characters.
Writing Style : Comment on the author’s writing style and how it contributes to the story.
Pacing and Structure : Evaluate the pacing of the plot and the structure of the book.

Example: Harper Lee masterfully addresses themes of racism, moral courage, and the innocence of childhood. Through Scout’s eyes, we witness her coming-of-age and grappling with the harsh realities of her society. Lee’s descriptive prose and authentic dialogue create an immersive and emotionally charged narrative.

4. Personal Reflection

Personal Connection : Share your personal connection to the book and how it impacted you.
Strengths and Weaknesses : Highlight the strengths and any weaknesses you perceived in the book.
Favorite Part : Mention any part or aspect of the book that stood out to you.

Example: Reading To Kill a Mockingbird was a profound experience. The book’s exploration of morality in the face of prejudice resonated deeply with me. While the pacing in some parts felt slow, the rich character development and powerful themes more than compensated for it. Atticus Finch’s unwavering integrity remains my favorite aspect of the book.

5. Conclusion

Overall Impression : Provide your overall impression of the book.
Recommendation : State whether you would recommend the book and to whom.
Rating : Optionally, include a rating out of 5 or 10.

Example: Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a beautifully crafted novel that offers valuable insights into human nature and social justice. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, particularly those interested in historical fiction and ethical dilemmas. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

6. Additional Information (Optional)

Author’s Background : Briefly discuss the author’s background and other notable works.
Comparison : Compare the book to other similar works or the author’s other books.
Discussion Questions : Provide a few questions for further discussion or book clubs.

Example: Harper Lee, born in 1926 in Alabama, is best known for To Kill a Mockingbird , her only novel until the release of Go Set a Watchman in 2015. Her portrayal of Southern life and deep moral questions sets her apart from other authors in the genre.

Example of Book Review

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee Introduction To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. in 1960, is a classic piece of American literature. This novel falls within the historical fiction genre and explores deep themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of young Scout Finch. Summary Set in the racially segregated South during the 1930s, the novel follows Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, a principled lawyer. When Atticus defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, the family faces hostility from the community. The story is a poignant exploration of racial tensions and moral integrity. Analysis Harper Lee masterfully addresses themes of racism, moral courage, and the innocence of childhood. Through Scout’s eyes, we witness her coming-of-age and grappling with the harsh realities of her society. Lee’s descriptive prose and authentic dialogue create an immersive and emotionally charged narrative. The character of Atticus Finch stands out as a paragon of virtue and empathy, serving as a moral guidepost for both Scout and the readers. The pacing of the book, though steady, allows for deep character development and a thorough exploration of its themes. Personal Reflection Reading To Kill a Mockingbird was a profound experience. The book’s exploration of morality in the face of prejudice resonated deeply with me. While the pacing in some parts felt slow, the rich character development and powerful themes more than compensated for it. Atticus Finch’s unwavering integrity remains my favorite aspect of the book. The trial scenes were particularly impactful, highlighting the deep-seated injustices of the time. Conclusion Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a beautifully crafted novel that offers valuable insights into human nature and social justice. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, particularly those interested in historical fiction and ethical dilemmas. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Additional Information Harper Lee, born in 1926 in Alabama, is best known for To Kill a Mockingbird , her only novel until the release of Go Set a Watchman in 2015. Her portrayal of Southern life and deep moral questions sets her apart from other authors in the genre. This book is often compared to other great American novels such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, both dealing with themes of race and morality.

Example of Book Review for Students

“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White Introduction Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, published by Harper & Brothers in 1952, is a classic children’s novel that tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. This book is a staple in children’s literature and has been cherished by generations of readers. Summary Wilbur, the runt of the litter, is saved from an untimely death by a girl named Fern. He is sent to live on her uncle’s farm, where he meets Charlotte, a wise and kind spider. When Wilbur’s life is again threatened, Charlotte writes messages in her web praising Wilbur, which amaze the humans and save his life. The story ends with the changing of seasons and Charlotte’s passing, leaving behind her legacy through her offspring. Analysis E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a heartwarming tale about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life. The author’s gentle prose and vivid descriptions bring the farm to life, making readers feel as if they are part of Wilbur and Charlotte’s world. Themes of sacrifice and the power of words are central to the story, teaching young readers about the impact of kindness and creativity. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities that add depth to the story. Personal Reflection Charlotte’s Web is a touching story that has stayed with me since childhood. The bond between Wilbur and Charlotte is beautifully depicted, and the lessons of friendship and selflessness are profound. The book’s ending, while bittersweet, is a poignant reminder of life’s natural progression. Charlotte’s cleverness and dedication to saving Wilbur are inspirational, showing the true meaning of friendship and love. Conclusion Charlotte’s Web is a timeless story that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. It’s a must-read for elementary and middle school students, offering valuable lessons in compassion and the importance of friendship. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars for its enduring charm and profound messages.

Example of Book Review for College Students

“1984” by George Orwell Introduction 1984 by George Orwell, published by Secker & Warburg in 1949, is a seminal work of dystopian fiction. The novel explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth in a society dominated by a tyrannical regime. Orwell’s chilling depiction of a future where individuality and freedom are systematically obliterated remains profoundly relevant today. Summary Set in a grim future where the Party, led by the enigmatic Big Brother, exerts absolute control over all aspects of life, 1984 follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to alter historical records to fit the Party’s ever-changing narratives. Disillusioned with the oppressive regime, Winston begins a covert rebellion by starting an illicit love affair with Julia and seeking the truth about the Party’s deceptions. As Winston delves deeper into his quest for truth, he encounters the brutal reality of the Party’s power and the futility of resistance. Analysis Orwell’s 1984 is a masterclass in dystopian literature, vividly illustrating the dangers of totalitarianism and the pervasive power of propaganda. The novel’s bleak setting and oppressive atmosphere effectively convey the sense of hopelessness that pervades Winston’s world. Themes of surveillance, control, and the malleability of truth resonate strongly, especially in the context of contemporary debates about privacy and government overreach. Orwell’s writing is both stark and evocative, immersing readers in the nightmarish reality of Oceania. The character of Winston Smith serves as a poignant representation of human vulnerability and the yearning for freedom. His tragic arc underscores the novel’s central message about the destructive potential of absolute power. Personal Reflection Reading 1984 as a college student, I found Orwell’s exploration of power dynamics and ideological control to be profoundly thought-provoking. The novel’s portrayal of a society stripped of individuality and truth resonated deeply, prompting reflection on the importance of critical thinking and resistance to authoritarianism. Winston’s futile struggle against the Party’s omnipotence was both heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the fragility of human rights. Conclusion 1984 is an essential read for college students, offering critical insights into the mechanisms of control and the importance of safeguarding democratic values. Orwell’s chilling vision of a dystopian future serves as a powerful warning against the perils of totalitarianism and the erosion of truth. I highly recommend this novel for its timeless relevance and profound impact. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

More Samples & Examples of Book Review in PDF

1. writing a book review.

2. Write a Critical Book Review

3. Book Review Assignment Example

4. Steps for Writing a Good Book Review

5. Writing a Book Review of a Nonfiction Book

6. Writing Book Reviews in Political Science

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Book Reviews

Writing a book review requires a careful balance of summarizing the content, providing analysis, and offering a critical assessment. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your book review is effective and insightful:

1. Spoilers

Mistake : Revealing too much of the plot, including twists, climaxes, and the ending.
Avoidance : Provide a brief summary without giving away key plot points. Maintain the element of surprise for readers who have not yet read the book.

2. Lack of Structure

Mistake : Writing a review without a clear structure, making it hard for readers to follow your thoughts.
Avoidance : Organize your review with clear sections: Introduction, Summary, Analysis, Critical Assessment, Conclusion, and (if applicable) Personal Reflection.

3. Overly Negative or Positive Bias

Mistake : Being overly harsh or excessively praising without providing balanced criticism.
Avoidance : Offer a fair assessment, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the book. Ensure your review is balanced and objective.

4. Inadequate Analysis

Mistake : Focusing too much on the plot summary and not enough on analysis and evaluation.
Avoidance : Analyze the book’s themes, characters, writing style, and overall impact. Provide thoughtful insights rather than just recounting the story.

5. Personal Bias

Mistake : Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective evaluation of the book’s merits and flaws.
Avoidance : While personal reflections are valuable, they should not dominate the review. Keep your assessment fair and objective, considering the book’s intended audience and genre.

6. Ignoring the Author’s Intent

Mistake : Criticizing the book for not being something it was never intended to be.
Avoidance : Understand the author’s goals and evaluate the book based on those criteria. Judge the book within the context of its genre and intended audience.

7. Inadequate Support for Opinions

Mistake : Making bold statements without supporting evidence from the book.
Avoidance : Back up your opinions with specific examples and quotations from the text. This strengthens your arguments and provides clarity to your critique.

8. Vague Language

Mistake : Using vague or generic terms that do not provide clear insights.
Avoidance : Use specific and descriptive language. Instead of saying “the book is interesting,” explain what makes it engaging or compelling.

9. Ignoring the Book’s Audience

Mistake : Failing to consider the book’s target audience in your review.
Avoidance : Assess how well the book meets the needs and expectations of its intended readers. A book aimed at children, for example, should be evaluated differently than one aimed at adults.

10. Overlooking the Book’s Context

Mistake : Not considering the historical, cultural, or literary context of the book.
Avoidance : Place the book within its broader context. Discuss its relevance, influences, and how it fits within the author’s body of work or its genre.

11. Inconsistent Tone and Style

Mistake : Switching between formal and informal tones or using inconsistent writing styles.
Avoidance : Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout the review. Ensure your language matches the seriousness or lightheartedness of the book.

12. Poor Proofreading

Mistake : Submitting a review with grammatical errors, typos, and poorly constructed sentences.
Avoidance : Proofread your review carefully before publishing. Consider having someone else read it to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

How to write a Book Review

Here are some steps to follow when writing a book review:

Step 1: Read the book

The first step in writing a book review is to read the book thoroughly. Take notes while reading to help you remember important plot points, themes, and characters.

Step 2: Start with a summary

Begin your review with a brief summary of the book’s plot, characters, and setting. This will give readers an idea of what the book is about.

Step 3: Analyze the book

After providing a summary, analyze the book by discussing its strengths and weaknesses. Consider elements such as the author’s writing style, character development, plot structure, and themes.

Step 4: Provide evidence

When making statements about the book, provide evidence to support your opinions. This could include quotes from the book or references to specific scenes or characters.

Step 5: Include your opinion

Share your personal opinion of the book, but be sure to back it up with evidence from the text. Be honest in your review and explain why you feel the way you do about the book.

Step 6: Provide recommendations

Conclude your review with recommendations for readers who may be interested in the book. This could include mentioning similar books or authors, or suggesting who the book may appeal to.

Step 7: Edit and revise

Once you have completed your review, edit and revise it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and free of errors.

How do I start a book review?

Begin with the book’s title, author, and a brief introduction. Include a thesis statement summarizing your overall impression.

What should be included in a book review?

Include a summary, analysis of characters, plot, themes, writing style, strengths, weaknesses, and a final recommendation.

How long should a book review be?

A book review typically ranges from 500 to 1,000 words, depending on the publication or audience requirements.

Can I include quotes from the book?

Yes, using quotes can support your analysis and provide readers with a sense of the book’s style and tone.

How much of the plot should I reveal?

Provide a brief summary without revealing major plot twists or the ending to avoid spoilers for future readers.

Is it okay to be critical in a book review?

Yes, providing balanced criticism is important. Highlight both strengths and weaknesses to give a fair assessment.

Should I compare the book to others?

Comparisons can be useful if they help illustrate the book’s place within its genre or its relation to the author’s other works.

How can I make my review engaging?

Use a clear structure, vivid descriptions, and personal reflections to make your review interesting and relatable.

Can I review a book if I didn’t like it?

Yes, negative reviews are valuable if they are constructive and explain why the book didn’t work for you.

Where can I publish my book review?

Publish on blogs, literary websites, social media, or submit to magazines and journals that accept book reviews.

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Introductions

What this handout is about.

This handout will explain the functions of introductions, offer strategies for creating effective introductions, and provide some examples of less effective introductions to avoid.

The role of introductions

Introductions and conclusions can be the most difficult parts of papers to write. Usually when you sit down to respond to an assignment, you have at least some sense of what you want to say in the body of your paper. You might have chosen a few examples you want to use or have an idea that will help you answer the main question of your assignment; these sections, therefore, may not be as hard to write. And it’s fine to write them first! But in your final draft, these middle parts of the paper can’t just come out of thin air; they need to be introduced and concluded in a way that makes sense to your reader.

Your introduction and conclusion act as bridges that transport your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis. If your readers pick up your paper about education in the autobiography of Frederick Douglass, for example, they need a transition to help them leave behind the world of Chapel Hill, television, e-mail, and The Daily Tar Heel and to help them temporarily enter the world of nineteenth-century American slavery. By providing an introduction that helps your readers make a transition between their own world and the issues you will be writing about, you give your readers the tools they need to get into your topic and care about what you are saying. Similarly, once you’ve hooked your readers with the introduction and offered evidence to prove your thesis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. (See our handout on conclusions .)

Note that what constitutes a good introduction may vary widely based on the kind of paper you are writing and the academic discipline in which you are writing it. If you are uncertain what kind of introduction is expected, ask your instructor.

Why bother writing a good introduction?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The opening paragraph of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work. A vague, disorganized, error-filled, off-the-wall, or boring introduction will probably create a negative impression. On the other hand, a concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will start your readers off thinking highly of you, your analytical skills, your writing, and your paper.

Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper. Your introduction conveys a lot of information to your readers. You can let them know what your topic is, why it is important, and how you plan to proceed with your discussion. In many academic disciplines, your introduction should contain a thesis that will assert your main argument. Your introduction should also give the reader a sense of the kinds of information you will use to make that argument and the general organization of the paragraphs and pages that will follow. After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper.

Ideally, your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper. The introduction should capture your readers’ interest, making them want to read the rest of your paper. Opening with a compelling story, an interesting question, or a vivid example can get your readers to see why your topic matters and serve as an invitation for them to join you for an engaging intellectual conversation (remember, though, that these strategies may not be suitable for all papers and disciplines).

Strategies for writing an effective introduction

Start by thinking about the question (or questions) you are trying to answer. Your entire essay will be a response to this question, and your introduction is the first step toward that end. Your direct answer to the assigned question will be your thesis, and your thesis will likely be included in your introduction, so it is a good idea to use the question as a jumping off point. Imagine that you are assigned the following question:

Drawing on the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass , discuss the relationship between education and slavery in 19th-century America. Consider the following: How did white control of education reinforce slavery? How did Douglass and other enslaved African Americans view education while they endured slavery? And what role did education play in the acquisition of freedom? Most importantly, consider the degree to which education was or was not a major force for social change with regard to slavery.

You will probably refer back to your assignment extensively as you prepare your complete essay, and the prompt itself can also give you some clues about how to approach the introduction. Notice that it starts with a broad statement and then narrows to focus on specific questions from the book. One strategy might be to use a similar model in your own introduction—start off with a big picture sentence or two and then focus in on the details of your argument about Douglass. Of course, a different approach could also be very successful, but looking at the way the professor set up the question can sometimes give you some ideas for how you might answer it. (See our handout on understanding assignments for additional information on the hidden clues in assignments.)

Decide how general or broad your opening should be. Keep in mind that even a “big picture” opening needs to be clearly related to your topic; an opening sentence that said “Human beings, more than any other creatures on earth, are capable of learning” would be too broad for our sample assignment about slavery and education. If you have ever used Google Maps or similar programs, that experience can provide a helpful way of thinking about how broad your opening should be. Imagine that you’re researching Chapel Hill. If what you want to find out is whether Chapel Hill is at roughly the same latitude as Rome, it might make sense to hit that little “minus” sign on the online map until it has zoomed all the way out and you can see the whole globe. If you’re trying to figure out how to get from Chapel Hill to Wrightsville Beach, it might make more sense to zoom in to the level where you can see most of North Carolina (but not the rest of the world, or even the rest of the United States). And if you are looking for the intersection of Ridge Road and Manning Drive so that you can find the Writing Center’s main office, you may need to zoom all the way in. The question you are asking determines how “broad” your view should be. In the sample assignment above, the questions are probably at the “state” or “city” level of generality. When writing, you need to place your ideas in context—but that context doesn’t generally have to be as big as the whole galaxy!

Try writing your introduction last. You may think that you have to write your introduction first, but that isn’t necessarily true, and it isn’t always the most effective way to craft a good introduction. You may find that you don’t know precisely what you are going to argue at the beginning of the writing process. It is perfectly fine to start out thinking that you want to argue a particular point but wind up arguing something slightly or even dramatically different by the time you’ve written most of the paper. The writing process can be an important way to organize your ideas, think through complicated issues, refine your thoughts, and develop a sophisticated argument. However, an introduction written at the beginning of that discovery process will not necessarily reflect what you wind up with at the end. You will need to revise your paper to make sure that the introduction, all of the evidence, and the conclusion reflect the argument you intend. Sometimes it’s easiest to just write up all of your evidence first and then write the introduction last—that way you can be sure that the introduction will match the body of the paper.

Don’t be afraid to write a tentative introduction first and then change it later. Some people find that they need to write some kind of introduction in order to get the writing process started. That’s fine, but if you are one of those people, be sure to return to your initial introduction later and rewrite if necessary.

Open with something that will draw readers in. Consider these options (remembering that they may not be suitable for all kinds of papers):

an intriguing example —for example, Douglass writes about a mistress who initially teaches him but then ceases her instruction as she learns more about slavery.
a provocative quotation that is closely related to your argument —for example, Douglass writes that “education and slavery were incompatible with each other.” (Quotes from famous people, inspirational quotes, etc. may not work well for an academic paper; in this example, the quote is from the author himself.)
a puzzling scenario —for example, Frederick Douglass says of slaves that “[N]othing has been left undone to cripple their intellects, darken their minds, debase their moral nature, obliterate all traces of their relationship to mankind; and yet how wonderfully they have sustained the mighty load of a most frightful bondage, under which they have been groaning for centuries!” Douglass clearly asserts that slave owners went to great lengths to destroy the mental capacities of slaves, yet his own life story proves that these efforts could be unsuccessful.
a vivid and perhaps unexpected anecdote —for example, “Learning about slavery in the American history course at Frederick Douglass High School, students studied the work slaves did, the impact of slavery on their families, and the rules that governed their lives. We didn’t discuss education, however, until one student, Mary, raised her hand and asked, ‘But when did they go to school?’ That modern high school students could not conceive of an American childhood devoid of formal education speaks volumes about the centrality of education to American youth today and also suggests the significance of the deprivation of education in past generations.”
a thought-provoking question —for example, given all of the freedoms that were denied enslaved individuals in the American South, why does Frederick Douglass focus his attentions so squarely on education and literacy?

Pay special attention to your first sentence. Start off on the right foot with your readers by making sure that the first sentence actually says something useful and that it does so in an interesting and polished way.

How to evaluate your introduction draft

Ask a friend to read your introduction and then tell you what they expect the paper will discuss, what kinds of evidence the paper will use, and what the tone of the paper will be. If your friend is able to predict the rest of your paper accurately, you probably have a good introduction.

Five kinds of less effective introductions

1. The placeholder introduction. When you don’t have much to say on a given topic, it is easy to create this kind of introduction. Essentially, this kind of weaker introduction contains several sentences that are vague and don’t really say much. They exist just to take up the “introduction space” in your paper. If you had something more effective to say, you would probably say it, but in the meantime this paragraph is just a place holder.

Example: Slavery was one of the greatest tragedies in American history. There were many different aspects of slavery. Each created different kinds of problems for enslaved people.

2. The restated question introduction. Restating the question can sometimes be an effective strategy, but it can be easy to stop at JUST restating the question instead of offering a more specific, interesting introduction to your paper. The professor or teaching assistant wrote your question and will be reading many essays in response to it—they do not need to read a whole paragraph that simply restates the question.

Example: The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass discusses the relationship between education and slavery in 19th century America, showing how white control of education reinforced slavery and how Douglass and other enslaved African Americans viewed education while they endured. Moreover, the book discusses the role that education played in the acquisition of freedom. Education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.

3. The Webster’s Dictionary introduction. This introduction begins by giving the dictionary definition of one or more of the words in the assigned question. Anyone can look a word up in the dictionary and copy down what Webster says. If you want to open with a discussion of an important term, it may be far more interesting for you (and your reader) if you develop your own definition of the term in the specific context of your class and assignment. You may also be able to use a definition from one of the sources you’ve been reading for class. Also recognize that the dictionary is also not a particularly authoritative work—it doesn’t take into account the context of your course and doesn’t offer particularly detailed information. If you feel that you must seek out an authority, try to find one that is very relevant and specific. Perhaps a quotation from a source reading might prove better? Dictionary introductions are also ineffective simply because they are so overused. Instructors may see a great many papers that begin in this way, greatly decreasing the dramatic impact that any one of those papers will have.

Example: Webster’s dictionary defines slavery as “the state of being a slave,” as “the practice of owning slaves,” and as “a condition of hard work and subjection.”

4. The “dawn of man” introduction. This kind of introduction generally makes broad, sweeping statements about the relevance of this topic since the beginning of time, throughout the world, etc. It is usually very general (similar to the placeholder introduction) and fails to connect to the thesis. It may employ cliches—the phrases “the dawn of man” and “throughout human history” are examples, and it’s hard to imagine a time when starting with one of these would work. Instructors often find them extremely annoying.

Example: Since the dawn of man, slavery has been a problem in human history.

5. The book report introduction. This introduction is what you had to do for your elementary school book reports. It gives the name and author of the book you are writing about, tells what the book is about, and offers other basic facts about the book. You might resort to this sort of introduction when you are trying to fill space because it’s a familiar, comfortable format. It is ineffective because it offers details that your reader probably already knows and that are irrelevant to the thesis.

Example: Frederick Douglass wrote his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave , in the 1840s. It was published in 1986 by Penguin Books. In it, he tells the story of his life.

And now for the conclusion…

Writing an effective introduction can be tough. Try playing around with several different options and choose the one that ends up sounding best to you!

Just as your introduction helps readers make the transition to your topic, your conclusion needs to help them return to their daily lives–but with a lasting sense of how what they have just read is useful or meaningful. Check out our handout on conclusions for tips on ending your paper as effectively as you began it!

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Douglass, Frederick. 1995. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself . New York: Dover.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Book Reviews
I liked how the book showed ale and beer brewing as an economic activity, but the reader gets lost in the details of prices and wages. I was more interested in the private lives of the women brewsters. The book was divided into eight long chapters, and I can't imagine why anyone would ever want to read it.
Academic Book Reviews
Structure the review like an essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion. A typical book review might look like this: Introduction—Possibly explain what attracted you to read the book, or discuss the problems or issues the book addresses and why it is a timely topic. Summary of the book's argument and main point—Be brief.
Writing Academic Book Reviews
Adhere to a particular citation style, such as Chicago, MLA, or APA. Put your name at the very end of the book review text. The basic purpose of a book review is to convey and evaluate the following: a. what the book is about; b. the expertise of the author(s); c. how well the book covers its topic(s) and whether it breaks new ground; d.
Writing a Book Review
NOTE: Since most course assignments require that you write a critical rather than descriptive book review, the following information about preparing to write and developing the structure and style of reviews focuses on this approach. I. Common Features. While book reviews vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features. These include:
PDF Academic Book Reviews
An academic book review provides the main ideas, and since published book reviews typically have a limited word count, the summary should remain brief. Analysis and Significance. Compare the book and its argument with the other literature on the topic. Discuss its contribution to past and current research and literature.
Book reviews
Book reviews are common ways for academics to evaluate each others' contributions to the field of research, especially in the arts and social sciences where publishing in books is more usual than publishing in journals. A good review is more than just a summary of the contents. It should include your view on what the purpose of the book is and ...
Start Here
Your reader will expect you to do the following in the body of your review: Summarize the major points of the author's argument. Discuss the author's engagement with larger themes. Identify key strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate the author's contribution to the field. Support your claims with evidence from the text.
PDF How to write a book review
Author, Title (Place of publication, year of publication). Number of pages. Your review should be typed or printed, double-spaced, stapled, and no more than 5 pages long. Pages should be numbered. If you quote passages from the book, give the page reference in parentheses at the end of the sentence, before the final period (no need to repeat ...
Writing a Book Review
Writing a Book Review. A book review is a description and a critical evaluation of a book. It gives a summary of the content and assesses the value of the book focusing on the book's purpose, contents, and authority. Check the guide, How to Write a Book Review (Dalhousie University) for a step by step approach to writing critical book reviews.
Book Reviews
Book reviews typically evaluate recently-written works. They offer a brief description of the text's key points and often provide a short appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the work. Readers sometimes confuse book reviews with book reports, but the two are not identical. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their ...
Guide to Writing Book Reviews
For our purposes, an ideal book review should: start with full bibliographic details of the book discussed in the heading; summarise the structure, method and main points of the work, which may include some direct quotes (identified by inverted commas and the relevant page no following in round brackets); discuss how the author's arguments fit ...
Research Guides: Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review
Selected sources for book reviews Sources for the how to create a book review from scratch. Naval Postgraduate School. Dudley Knox Library Ask a Librarian My Accounts. ... Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services PDF. Write Your Own Book Review. University of Waterloo Library Guides << Previous: Importance of Book Reviews;
How to Write a Successful Book Review for University Courses, Academic
Types and Lengths of Book Reviews Regardless of the categories of book reviews, there are three types and lengths of reviews. Reviews that cover single books are generally 800 to 1,000 words in length. Capsule book reviews, in which several books are covered in a single review column, will generally each be 300 to 400 words in length.
How to write a book review (for librarians): Home
Read the book (and others) 1. Allow enough lead time to fully absorb the book over time. When you first open the book, jot down some initial thoughts. This is important. You won't see the book the same way again as you did when you first cracked it open. Set the book aside and come back to it later to make additional assessments.
PDF BOOK REVIEWS: How to write a book review
BOOK REVIEWS: How to write a book review There are two approaches to book reviewing: Descriptive reviews give the essential information about a book. This is done with description and exposition, by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the author, and by quoting striking passages from the text.
How to Write a History Book Review
Writing a book review is one of the fundamental skills that every historian must learn. An undergraduate student's book review should accomplish two main goals: Lay out an author's argument, and Most importantly, critique the historical argument. It is important to remember that a book review is not a book report.
PDF Book Reviews
Reviews can consider books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and many other forms. This handout will focus on book reviews. Above all, a review makes an argument. The most important element of a review is that it is a commentary, not merely a summary.
Critically Reviewing Books and Articles
A simple structure for a short review of a book or journal article (c. 500-1000 words) would be as follows: An introduction. A short summary of the text. The strengths of the text. The weaknesses of the text. A conclusion summarising your overall assessment of the text. In longer critical reviews - comprising over 1000 words - each section ...
How to Write a Book Review
Write a Book Review From the University of North Carolina Writing Lab. A review is a critical evaluation of a text, event, object, or phenomenon. Reviews can consider books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and many other forms. ...
PDF Book Review
A definition of a book review and how to write one, from Simon Fraser University Library. Examples Any of the below publications will give you a good idea of what a book review for a general audience should look like. For academic audiences, research relevant journals in the field. The New Yorker The New York Review of Books The New York Times ...
Book Reviews: Write your own book review
Writing a book review is much like writing any other short essay. There is no universal formula, but following a few basic guidelines can simplify the task. Review your notes and list the points you'd like to make. Arrange those points in a logical order. Time spent now on organization not only produces a strong, clear structure, but also ...
How to Write a Book Review
Book review writing is more precise and thoughtful. Here, you have to: Analyze the author's intent and express your point of view. Research all the symbolic elements in the literary work. Consider the main thematic elements and storylines. Express a reasonable evaluation of the book as one that is worth/isn't worth reading, etc.
How to Write a Book Review
Avoid criticizing the author for failing to write the book that the reviewer had in mind. Avoid using the review as a pretext for showcasing the reviewer's own theses and works. Avoid hyperbole and excessive cheerleading for the book or author. For further guides to writing book reviews, see: Temple University, How to Write a Book Review.
Home
In writing the literature review, you aim to convey to your reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic and their strengths and weaknesses. As a piece of writing, the literature review must be defined by a guiding concept (e.g., your research objective, the problem or issue you are discussing, or your argumentative thesis ...
Book Review
Below is a detailed guide to help you create an engaging and comprehensive book review. 1. Introduction. Book Title and Author: Clearly state the title of the book and the author's name. Publication Details: Include the publisher, publication date, and edition if relevant.
Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab
The Online Writing Lab (the Purdue OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out ...
Introductions
1. The placeholder introduction. When you don't have much to say on a given topic, it is easy to create this kind of introduction. Essentially, this kind of weaker introduction contains several sentences that are vague and don't really say much. They exist just to take up the "introduction space" in your paper.
Our goal is for you to maximize your writing and APA skills
A general review that will guide your revision process. Instructions for Grammarly will be included. After this review, all students are expected to use Grammarly in their writing process. If you need more help at this level, please make an appointment with a Writing Peer Tutor. You will receive resources that you can use to:
Page thumbnails and bookmarks in PDFs, Adobe Acrobat
Open the Page Thumbnails side panel. Select a page thumbnail, and choose Page Properties from the Options menu . In the Page Properties dialog, select Tab Order, and then select the tab order. Use Row Order. Moves through rows from left to right, or right to left for pages with a right-to-left binding. Use Column Order.

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How to Write a Book Review

Some Useful Advice to Keep in Mind While Writing Your Book Review:

J. Donald Adams –Editor of the New York Times Book Review

Edward Weeks –Editor of The Atlantic Monthly, The Peripatetic Reviewer

Richard Kluger – Editor of Book Week, the Sunday supplement of book reviews to many newspapers

Orville Prescott –Co-editor of Books of the Times (New York Times)

Diana Trilling –Book Columnist

Elmo Ellis –General Manager of WSB Radio, Atlanta

Dr. Allan Nevins

Important Points to Remember