Book Review Here is a general format for preparing a book review (taken from A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science, 3rd ed., by Lee Cuban). Introductory Paragraph This paragraph should identify the book and the author, present the thesis or theme of the book, and give some indication of the author’s success in achieving the stated purpose of the book. The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and introduce the book quickly. Summary Paragraph The second paragraph should summarize the work, giving the main ideas, themes, or a short plot summary. This paragraph should also relate the book to others in the same field, genre, or covering the same subject matter. If applicable, you may want to relate the book to others by the same author. Strengths Paragraph Next, you should have a paragraph discussing the books strengths. If you do not feel the book has much strength, try to find some aspects of the book that you can talk about in a positive manner, even if these aspects may seem weak at first. For example, if you find a work of fiction to be simple and unchallenging, you might say that the book is a good summer or vacation read. Weakness Paragraph This is the paragraph in which you will discuss the weaknesses of the book. Point to any flaws and problems you found. Make sure you explain the weaknesses clearly and specifically (i.e., avoid saying the book was poor, and instead say that it starts slow and is difficult to get past the first 20 pages because not much action happens). Concluding Paragraph Your conclusion paragraph should tell the reader whether or not you recommend the book by conveying how the strengths and weaknesses balance. You can refer back to previous parts of your essay, saying for example, “Even though Title of Book started slowly, it picks up after the third chapter and is definitely worth reading.” You are telling the reader whether you think the book succeeds. Other Tips: 1. Avoid covering everything in the book. 2. Support your argument with evidence from the book. You can put direct quotes in if you like. 3. Be objective.
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