Unit 3: How to Write A Book Review
Book Review Overview:
Every author who writes a book whether it be fiction or non-fiction has a motive behind
composing the work. He or she may have uncovered an historical subject, or the life of an
important individual who no one has documented before. The discovery of new primary
sources, like diaries, personal papers, or government documents, also may offer a scholar
a new insight into a subject which has been explored previously. Also, over the last
several decades, the lives and experiences of women, African-Americans, and immigrants
have become accepted subjects for scholarly research and presented writers with new
angles with which to explore old topics. However, even with these changes, the most
feared and revered critique of one's work still comes from his or her peers. One bad
review can discourage the general public from purchasing a novel and prevent professors
from using the work in his or her classroom.
In this course you will be asked to write a book review. To give you a better idea of how to
construct your review, I have compiled a list of the usual elements of a critique. These
suggestions are meant to get you thinking analytically and interpretatively about the text and
the authors approach to his or her topic.
The following points should be included in your book review:
1. The author's main argument or thesis
2. The sources the author uses as evidence to prove his or her argument
3. A brief description of the event or person being documented
4. A summation ofthe book's content
5. Other books written on the same subject by other scholars and what contribution, if
any, your author makes to the historical knowledge 'on his or her subject matter
6. An opinion of whether the book would be useful for classroom use and what age group
it is appropriate for.
7. A determination of whether the author proved the argument he or she presented in their introduction.
Video: How to Write A Critical Book Review
Book Review Exercise: Read All Quiet on the Western Front. Fill in the provided outline and consult the rubric. Write a 3-5 page review.
Introduction: (World War One background, book title, publication date, etc.)
Author, sources, impact on book/content
Possible Themes:
Effect of war on soldiers
Nationalism and political power
Theme of Your Choice
Conclusion: Opinion/ Critique
Rubric: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/.../Rubric%20for%20..
Related Links:
Unit_1:_Tips_for_All_Writing_Assignments