– The focus is on the book itself. You are assessing its value to a reader. That means you take into account its strengths and weaknesses from your perspective.
– Your perspective includes the knowledge you bring to the book, given what you have learned this semester. So, include some specific information or ideas from the class to provide the context that shows that you are an informed reviewer. Your perspective might also include personal experience with the issue, which you may use briefly to help inform your reader about where your perspective comes from.
– To assess the book in a way that is useful to a reader, start with describing the book in an overall sense. Who wrote it? What is the purpose of the book? Does it fulfill its own purpose? That is, does it do what it says it is going to do? What is the perspective of the book? To whom is it written? From what point of view? Who is left out of the address? Is that purposeful or seemingly unconscious? Is that OK, given the purpose of the book, or does it lead to limitations in the book?
– Remember that every book has strengths and weaknesses. Look for both of those things, but don’t feel the need to dwell on weaknesses just to prove you are a critical reader. If there is a problem with the book that you want to write about, be sure you have specific examples or reasons. And remember that to do a good job on this review, you do not have to find anything wrong with the book.
– Remember to follow the basic rules of good writing. That includes a clear thesis, well- developed and organized paragraphs that support your thesis, attention to word choice, grammar, and other mechanics. Italicize titles of books, cite whatever sources you use from the class
