What is a Book Review?
A book review is a thoughtful account of a book. It is not a book report or a summary of the work. The point of a review is to describe the book's content and to present discussion about the content, its presentation, and its effectiveness. A person who has not read the book should be able to decide, from what you have written, whether or not to read it.

Review your course syllabus for specific assignment directions, pertinent information, length requirements, etc.

Format of a Book Review

Title and Bibliographic information
Bibliographic information about the book, including author, title, publisher, date of publication, date of publication.
Specify the type of book (for example: fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography)

Introduction and Description
Describe the book.
Is it interesting, entertaining, instructive? Why?

Review
Discussion of author's main points
Why did the author write the book?
What do you agree with? Why?
What do you disagree with? Why?
What does the author conclude?

Critique
What would have made the work stronger/better?
What are really good aspects of the work?
How did the book affect you?
How have your opinions about the topic changed?
How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda?
Who would most benefit from reading the work?
What might it lead readers to do or think?

Conclusion
Close by tying together issues raised in your description and review.

Format
Your paper should be typed, double-spaced.
Number all pages except the first page.
Proofread your final copy. Be sure to correct errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

The Writing Center
Visit the Writing Center! The Writing Center is a valuable campus resource and can help you with many aspects of the writing process including your wording, ideas, and grammar.