Writing a BookWriting a Book

A book review is a description, critical analysis, and an A book review is a description, critical analysis, and an evaluation on the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, evaluation on the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, not a retelling. It should focus on the book's purpose, content, not a retelling. It should focus on the book's purpose, content, and authority. A critical book review is not a book report or a and authority. A critical book review is not a book report or a

summary. It is a reaction paper in which strengths and summary. It is a reaction paper in which strengths and weaknesses of the material are analyzed. It should include a weaknesses of the material are analyzed. It should include a statement of what the author has tried to do, evaluates how statement of what the author has tried to do, evaluates how

well (in the opinion of the reviewer) the author has succeeded, well (in the opinion of the reviewer) the author has succeeded, and presents evidence to support this evaluation.and presents evidence to support this evaluation.

  There is no right way to write a book review. Book reviews are There is no right way to write a book review. Book reviews are

highly personal and reflect the opinions of the reviewer. A highly personal and reflect the opinions of the reviewer. A review can be as short as 50-100 words, or as long as 1500 review can be as short as 50-100 words, or as long as 1500

words, depending on the purpose of the review.words, depending on the purpose of the review.  

The following are standard procedures for writing book The following are standard procedures for writing book reviews; they are suggestions, not formulae that must be reviews; they are suggestions, not formulae that must be

used.used.

1. Write a statement giving essential information 1. Write a statement giving essential information about the book: title, author, first copyright date, about the book: title, author, first copyright date,

type of book, general subject matter, special type of book, general subject matter, special features (maps, color plates, etc.), price and ISBN.features (maps, color plates, etc.), price and ISBN.

2. State the author’s purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors state 2. State the author’s purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors state their purpose in the preface or the first chapter. When they do not, you may their purpose in the preface or the first chapter. When they do not, you may arrive at an understanding of the book’s purpose by asking yourself these arrive at an understanding of the book’s purpose by asking yourself these

questions:questions:a. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?a. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?

b. From what point of view is the work written?b. From what point of view is the work written?c. Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, to c. Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, to

convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?d. What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? (Use d. What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? (Use

outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field, if necessary.) Knowledge outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field, if necessary.) Knowledge of the genre means understanding the art form. and how it functions.of the genre means understanding the art form. and how it functions.

e. Who is the intended audience?e. Who is the intended audience?f. What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? Evaluate the quality of f. What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? Evaluate the quality of

the writing style by using some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, the writing style by using some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, correct use of technical words, conciseness, fullness originality, forcefulness, correct use of technical words, conciseness, fullness

of development, fluidity. Does it suit the intended audience?of development, fluidity. Does it suit the intended audience?g. Scan the Table of Contents, it can help understand how the book is g. Scan the Table of Contents, it can help understand how the book is

organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they are developed - chronologically, topically, etc.are developed - chronologically, topically, etc.

g. How did the book affect you? Were any previous ideas you had on the g. How did the book affect you? Were any previous ideas you had on the subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced due to this book? How is the book subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced due to this book? How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda? What personal experiences related to your own course or personal agenda? What personal experiences

you've had relate to the subject?you've had relate to the subject?h. How well has the book achieved its goal?h. How well has the book achieved its goal?

i. Would you recommend this book or article to others? Why?i. Would you recommend this book or article to others? Why?

3. State the theme and the thesis of the book.3. State the theme and the thesis of the book.a. a. ThemeTheme: The theme is the subject or topic. It is not necessarily the : The theme is the subject or topic. It is not necessarily the

title, and it is usually not expressed in a complete sentence. It title, and it is usually not expressed in a complete sentence. It expresses a specific phase of the general subject matter.expresses a specific phase of the general subject matter.

b. b. ThesisThesis: The thesis is an author’s generalization about the theme, : The thesis is an author’s generalization about the theme, the author’s beliefs about something important, the book’s the author’s beliefs about something important, the book’s

philosophical conclusion, or the proposition the author means to philosophical conclusion, or the proposition the author means to prove. Express it without metaphor or other figurative language, in prove. Express it without metaphor or other figurative language, in

one declarative sentence.one declarative sentence.ExampleExample

TitleTitle: We Had it Made: We Had it MadeGeneral Subject Matter:General Subject Matter: Religious Intolerance Religious Intolerance

ThemeTheme: The effects of religious intolerance on a small town: The effects of religious intolerance on a small townThesisThesis: Religious intolerance, a sickness of individuals, contaminates : Religious intolerance, a sickness of individuals, contaminates

an entire social groupan entire social group

4. Explain the method of development-the way the author supports 4. Explain the method of development-the way the author supports the thesis. Illustrate your remarks with specific references and the thesis. Illustrate your remarks with specific references and

quotations. In general, authors tend to use the following methods, quotations. In general, authors tend to use the following methods, exclusively or in combination.exclusively or in combination.

a. a. DescriptionDescription:: The author presents word-pictures of scenes and The author presents word-pictures of scenes and

events by giving specific detailsevents by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to that appeal to the five senses, or to

the reader’s imagination. Description presents background and the reader’s imagination. Description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many sensuous details as possible, the way things (and people) are, many sensuous details as possible, the way things (and people) are,

in the episodes being described.in the episodes being described.b. b. NarrationNarration: The author tells the story of a series of events, usually : The author tells the story of a series of events, usually presented in chronological order. In a novel however, chronological presented in chronological order. In a novel however, chronological

order may be violated for the sake of the plot. The emphasis in order may be violated for the sake of the plot. The emphasis in narration, in both fiction and non-fiction, is on the events. Narration narration, in both fiction and non-fiction, is on the events. Narration

tells what has happened. Its primary purpose is to tell a story.tells what has happened. Its primary purpose is to tell a story.c. c. ExpositionExposition: The author uses explanation and analysis to present a : The author uses explanation and analysis to present a

subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue as clearly and impartially as possible. Its primary subject or an issue as clearly and impartially as possible. Its primary

purpose is to explain.purpose is to explain.d. d. ArgumentArgument: The author uses the techniques of persuasion to : The author uses the techniques of persuasion to

establish the truth of a statement or to convince the reader of its establish the truth of a statement or to convince the reader of its falsity. The purpose is to persuade the reader to believe something falsity. The purpose is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue. and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue.

Its primary purpose is to convince.Its primary purpose is to convince.

5. Evaluate the book for interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance, 5. Evaluate the book for interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance, thoroughness, and usefulness to its intended audience. Show thoroughness, and usefulness to its intended audience. Show

whether the author's whether the author's mainmain arguments are true. Respond to the arguments are true. Respond to the author's opinions. What do you agree or disagree with? And why? author's opinions. What do you agree or disagree with? And why?

Illustrate whether or not any conclusions drawn are derived logically Illustrate whether or not any conclusions drawn are derived logically from the evidence. Explore issues the book raises. What possibilities from the evidence. Explore issues the book raises. What possibilities

does the book suggest? What has the author omitted or what does the book suggest? What has the author omitted or what problems were left unsolved? What specific points are not problems were left unsolved? What specific points are not

convincing? Compare it with other books on similar subjects or other convincing? Compare it with other books on similar subjects or other books by the same as well as different authors. Is it only a reworking books by the same as well as different authors. Is it only a reworking

of earlier books; a refutation of previous positions? Have newly of earlier books; a refutation of previous positions? Have newly uncovered sources justified a new approach by the author? Comment uncovered sources justified a new approach by the author? Comment on parts of particular interest, and point out anything that seems to on parts of particular interest, and point out anything that seems to

give the book literary merit. Relate the book to larger issues.give the book literary merit. Relate the book to larger issues.

6. Try to find further information about the author - reputation, 6. Try to find further information about the author - reputation, qualifications, influences, biographical, etc. - any information qualifications, influences, biographical, etc. - any information that is relevant to the book being reviewed and that would that is relevant to the book being reviewed and that would

help to establish the author's authority. Can you discern any help to establish the author's authority. Can you discern any connections between the author's philosophy, life experience connections between the author's philosophy, life experience

and the reviewed book?and the reviewed book?

7. If relevant, make note of the 7. If relevant, make note of the book's format - layout, binding, book's format - layout, binding,

typography, etc. Are there typography, etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Do they aid maps, illustrations? Do they aid

understanding?understanding?  

8. Check the back matter. Is the index accurate? 8. Check the back matter. Is the index accurate? Check any end notes or footnotes as you read from Check any end notes or footnotes as you read from

chapter to chapter. Do they provide important chapter to chapter. Do they provide important additional information? Do they clarify or extend additional information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the body of the text? Check any points made in the body of the text? Check any

bibliography the author may provide. What kinds of bibliography the author may provide. What kinds of sources, primary or secondary, appear in the sources, primary or secondary, appear in the

bibliography? How does the author make use of bibliography? How does the author make use of them? Make note of important omissions.them? Make note of important omissions.

9. Summarize (briefly), analyze, and comment on 9. Summarize (briefly), analyze, and comment on the book’s content. State your general conclusions. the book’s content. State your general conclusions. Pay particular attention to the author's concluding Pay particular attention to the author's concluding

chapter. Is the summary convincing? List the chapter. Is the summary convincing? List the principal topics, and briefly summarize the author’s principal topics, and briefly summarize the author’s

ideas about these topics, main points, and ideas about these topics, main points, and conclusions. Use specific references and quotations conclusions. Use specific references and quotations to support your statements. If your thesis has been to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new material at this your thesis. Do not introduce new material at this

point.point.

Some Considerations When Some Considerations When Reviewing specific genresReviewing specific genres::

FictionFiction (above all, do not give away the story) (above all, do not give away the story)CharacterCharacter

1.From what sources are the characters drawn?1.From what sources are the characters drawn?2.What is the author's attitude toward his 2.What is the author's attitude toward his

characters?characters?3.Are the characters flat or three-dimensional?3.Are the characters flat or three-dimensional?

4.Does character development occur?4.Does character development occur?5.Is character delineation direct or indirect?5.Is character delineation direct or indirect?

ThemeTheme1.What is/are the major theme(s)?1.What is/are the major theme(s)?

2.How are they revealed and developed?2.How are they revealed and developed?3.Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and 3.Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and

original?original?4.Is the theme didactic, psychological, social, 4.Is the theme didactic, psychological, social,

entertaining, escapist, etc. in purpose or intent?entertaining, escapist, etc. in purpose or intent?

PlotPlot1.How are the various elements of plot (eg, 1.How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion) introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion)

handled?handled?2.What is the relationship of plot to character 2.What is the relationship of plot to character

delineation?delineation?3.To what extent, and how, is accident employed as 3.To what extent, and how, is accident employed as

a complicating and/or resolving force?a complicating and/or resolving force?4.What are the elements of mystery and suspense?4.What are the elements of mystery and suspense?

5.What other devices of plot complication and 5.What other devices of plot complication and resolution are employed?resolution are employed?

6.Is there a sub-plot and how is it related to the 6.Is there a sub-plot and how is it related to the main plot?main plot?

7.Is the plot primary or secondary to some of the 7.Is the plot primary or secondary to some of the other essential elements of the story (character, other essential elements of the story (character,

setting, style, etc.)?setting, style, etc.)?

StyleStyle1.What are the "intellectual qualities" of the writing 1.What are the "intellectual qualities" of the writing

(e.g., simplicity, clarity)?(e.g., simplicity, clarity)?2.What are the "emotional qualities" of the writing 2.What are the "emotional qualities" of the writing

(e.g., humour, wit, satire)?(e.g., humour, wit, satire)?3..What are the "aesthetic qualities" of the writing 3..What are the "aesthetic qualities" of the writing

(e.g., harmony, rhythm)?(e.g., harmony, rhythm)?4.What stylistic devices are employed (e.g., 4.What stylistic devices are employed (e.g.,

symbolism, motifs, parody, allegory)?symbolism, motifs, parody, allegory)?5.How effective is dialogue?5.How effective is dialogue?

SettingSetting1.What is the setting and does it play a 1.What is the setting and does it play a

significant role in the work?significant role in the work?2.Is a sense of atmosphere evoked, and 2.Is a sense of atmosphere evoked, and

how?how?3.What scenic effects are used and how 3.What scenic effects are used and how

important and effective are they?important and effective are they?4.Does the setting influence or impinge on 4.Does the setting influence or impinge on

the characters and/or plot?the characters and/or plot?

BiographyBiography1.Does the book give a "full-length" picture of the subject?1.Does the book give a "full-length" picture of the subject?

2.What phases of the subject's life receive greatest treatment 2.What phases of the subject's life receive greatest treatment and is this treatment justified?and is this treatment justified?

3.What is the point of view of the author?3.What is the point of view of the author?4.How is the subject matter organized: chronologically, 4.How is the subject matter organized: chronologically,

retrospectively, etc.?retrospectively, etc.?5.Is the treatment superficial or does the author show 5.Is the treatment superficial or does the author show

extensive study into the subject's life?extensive study into the subject's life?6.What source materials were used in the preparation of the 6.What source materials were used in the preparation of the

biography?biography?7.Is the work documented?7.Is the work documented?

8.Does the author attempt to get at the subject's hidden 8.Does the author attempt to get at the subject's hidden motives?motives?

9.What important new facts about the subject's life are 9.What important new facts about the subject's life are revealed in the book?revealed in the book?

10.What is the relationship of the subject's career to 10.What is the relationship of the subject's career to contemporary history?contemporary history?

11.How does the biography compare with others about the 11.How does the biography compare with others about the same person?same person?

12.How does it compare with other works by the same author?12.How does it compare with other works by the same author?

History and other NonfictionHistory and other Nonfiction1.With what particular subject or period does the book deal?1.With what particular subject or period does the book deal?

2.How thorough is the treatment?2.How thorough is the treatment?3.What were the sources used?3.What were the sources used?

4.Is the account given in broad outline or in detail?4.Is the account given in broad outline or in detail?5.Is the style that of reportorial writing, or is there an effort at 5.Is the style that of reportorial writing, or is there an effort at

interpretive writing?interpretive writing?6.What is the point of view or thesis of the author?6.What is the point of view or thesis of the author?

7.Is the treatment superficial or profound?7.Is the treatment superficial or profound?8.For what group is the book intended (textbook, popular, 8.For what group is the book intended (textbook, popular,

scholarly, etc.)?scholarly, etc.)?9.What part does biographical writing play in the book?9.What part does biographical writing play in the book?

10.Is social history or political history emphasized?10.Is social history or political history emphasized?11.Are dates used extensively, and if so, are they used 11.Are dates used extensively, and if so, are they used

intelligently?intelligently?12.Is the book a revision? How does it compare with earlier 12.Is the book a revision? How does it compare with earlier

editions?editions?13.Are maps, illustrations, charts, etc. used and how are these 13.Are maps, illustrations, charts, etc. used and how are these

to be evaluated?to be evaluated?

PoetryPoetry1.Is this a work of power, originality, individuality?1.Is this a work of power, originality, individuality?

2.What kind of poetry is under review (epic, lyrical, elegiac, 2.What kind of poetry is under review (epic, lyrical, elegiac, etc.)?etc.)?

3.What poetical devices have been used (rhyme, rhythm, 3.What poetical devices have been used (rhyme, rhythm, figures of speech, imagery, etc.), and to what effect?figures of speech, imagery, etc.), and to what effect?

4.What is the central concern of the poem and is it effectively 4.What is the central concern of the poem and is it effectively expressed?expressed?

How to Write a Book How to Write a Book Review Review

A book review describes, A book review describes, analyzes and evaluates. The analyzes and evaluates. The review conveys an opinion, review conveys an opinion, supporting it with evidence supporting it with evidence

from the bookfrom the book

Do you know how to write a book review? I didn't. And even Do you know how to write a book review? I didn't. And even though I knew I didn't, that didn't stop me from firmly though I knew I didn't, that didn't stop me from firmly

inserting my foot in my mouth by agreeing to conduct a book inserting my foot in my mouth by agreeing to conduct a book review writing workshop for my local Barnes & Noble. I blithely review writing workshop for my local Barnes & Noble. I blithely assured myself it would simply be a matter of picking up Book assured myself it would simply be a matter of picking up Book

Reviews for Dummies, or something to that effect. Au Reviews for Dummies, or something to that effect. Au contraire. It's easier to find information on bomb-making than contraire. It's easier to find information on bomb-making than

book review writing.book review writing.So I did what any other resourceful writer on deadline would So I did what any other resourceful writer on deadline would

do; I panicked. Well, for a moment. Quickly composing myself do; I panicked. Well, for a moment. Quickly composing myself I scrounged the library and internet for every conceivable I scrounged the library and internet for every conceivable source that even hinted at the term "book review." What source that even hinted at the term "book review." What

follows is the result of my gleaningfollows is the result of my gleaning

Before reading, consider:Before reading, consider:

Title - What does it suggest?Title - What does it suggest?Preface or Introduction - Provides important Preface or Introduction - Provides important

information about the author's intentions or the information about the author's intentions or the scope of the book. Can you identify any limitations? scope of the book. Can you identify any limitations?

Has the author ignored important aspects of the Has the author ignored important aspects of the subject?subject?

Table of Contents - Shows how the book's organized Table of Contents - Shows how the book's organized -- main ideas, how they're developed -- main ideas, how they're developed

(chronologically, topically, etc.)(chronologically, topically, etc.)

Points to ponder as you Points to ponder as you read theread the entire entire book: book:

What's the general field or genre? Does the book fit?What's the general field or genre? Does the book fit?From what point of view is the book written?From what point of view is the book written?

Do you agree or disagree with the author's point of view?Do you agree or disagree with the author's point of view?Make notes as you read, passages to quote in your review.Make notes as you read, passages to quote in your review.

Can you follow the author's thesis, "common thread"?Can you follow the author's thesis, "common thread"?What is the author's style? Formal? Informal? Suitable for the What is the author's style? Formal? Informal? Suitable for the

intended audience?intended audience?Are concepts well defined? Is the language clear and Are concepts well defined? Is the language clear and convincing? Are the ideas developed? What areas are convincing? Are the ideas developed? What areas are

covered, not covered?How accurate is the information?covered, not covered?How accurate is the information?Is the author's concluding chapter, the summary, convincing?Is the author's concluding chapter, the summary, convincing?If there are footnotes, do they provide important information? If there are footnotes, do they provide important information?

Do they clarify or extend points made in the text?Do they clarify or extend points made in the text?If relevant, make note of the book's format - layout, binding, If relevant, make note of the book's format - layout, binding,

etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Are they helpful?etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Are they helpful?Is the index accurate? What sources did the author use -- Is the index accurate? What sources did the author use -- primary, secondary? Make note of important omissions.primary, secondary? Make note of important omissions.What did the book accomplish? Is more work needed? What did the book accomplish? Is more work needed?

Compare the book to others by this author, or books in this Compare the book to others by this author, or books in this field by other authors. (Use the books listed in the field by other authors. (Use the books listed in the

bibliography.) bibliography.)

Writing the Review:Writing the Review:

Include title, author, place, publisher, publication date, edition, Include title, author, place, publisher, publication date, edition, pages, special features (maps, etc.), price, ISBN.pages, special features (maps, etc.), price, ISBN.

Hook the reader with your opening sentence. Set the tone of Hook the reader with your opening sentence. Set the tone of the review. Be familiar with the guidelines -- some editors the review. Be familiar with the guidelines -- some editors want plot summaries; others don't. Some want you to say want plot summaries; others don't. Some want you to say

outright if you recommend a book, but not others.outright if you recommend a book, but not others.Review the book you read -- not the book you wish the author Review the book you read -- not the book you wish the author

had written.had written.If this is the best book you have ever read, say so -- and why. If this is the best book you have ever read, say so -- and why.

If it's merely another nice book, say so.If it's merely another nice book, say so.Include information about the author-- reputation, Include information about the author-- reputation,

qualifications, etc. -- anything relevant to the book and the qualifications, etc. -- anything relevant to the book and the author's authority.author's authority.

Think about the person reading your review. Is this a librarian Think about the person reading your review. Is this a librarian buying books for a collection? A parent who wants a good buying books for a collection? A parent who wants a good

read-aloud? Is the review for readers looking for information read-aloud? Is the review for readers looking for information about a particular topic, or for readers searching for a good about a particular topic, or for readers searching for a good

read?read?Your conclusion should summarize, perhaps include a final Your conclusion should summarize, perhaps include a final assessment. Doassessment. Do not not introduce new material at this point. introduce new material at this point.

To gain perspective, allow time before revising. To gain perspective, allow time before revising.

Writing a Fiction Book Writing a Fiction Book ReviewReview

Note: You don't have to answer Note: You don't have to answer every question -- they're every question -- they're

suggestions!suggestions!

Points to Ponder:Points to Ponder:

What was the story about?What was the story about?Who were the main Who were the main

characters?characters?Were the characters credible?Were the characters credible?What did the main characters What did the main characters

do in the story?do in the story?Did the main characters run Did the main characters run

into any problems? into any problems? Adventures?Adventures?

Who was your favorite Who was your favorite character? Why? character? Why?

Your personal Your personal experiencesexperiences

Could you relate to any of the Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?characters in the story?

Have you ever done or felt Have you ever done or felt some of the things, the some of the things, the

characters did?characters did?

Your opinionYour opinion

Did you like the book?Did you like the book?What was your favorite part of the book?What was your favorite part of the book?Do you have a least favorite part of the Do you have a least favorite part of the

book?book?If you could change something, what would If you could change something, what would

it be? (If you wish you could change the it be? (If you wish you could change the ending, don't reveal it!) ending, don't reveal it!)

Your recommendationYour recommendation

Would you recommend this Would you recommend this book to another person?book to another person?

What type of person would like What type of person would like this book? this book?

Things to Bear in Mind:Things to Bear in Mind:

Don't be intimidated by famous Don't be intimidated by famous authors -- many have written authors -- many have written

mediocre books.mediocre books.Don't review books by people Don't review books by people

you know, love, or hate.you know, love, or hate.Do you want to be a book Do you want to be a book

reviewer? Start by doing. Write reviewer? Start by doing. Write book reviews for local book reviews for local

newspapers. If they don't have newspapers. If they don't have a book review section, start a book review section, start

one.one.

Group 3 Group 3

Ahl Marchael BadoAhl Marchael Bado Jackson Vil LimJackson Vil Lim Edgiel BergoniaEdgiel Bergonia