Write a Book Review
- Get to know the work
Carefully read the book and refer to the opinions of others. In getting to know the book, use all information within the book itself. Look at the title page: is there a sub-title? Note when the book was first published. Is there a table of contents? Are there chapter headings? If so, use these as an orientation to the organization and contents of the book. If there is a bibliography, give it careful scrutiny to determine what may have contributed to the author's conclusions. Always read the preface or introduction for statements about the author's intentions and/or the book's limitations. As you read, take notes and flag passages that you feel illustrate the purpose, theme, and style of the work. Note strengths as well as weaknesses.
- Establish the "thesis" of the review
Think about what the main point (or thesis) of your criticism will be. In establishing the main points of criticism, consider what the author's intention was in writing the book and whether this has been achieved.
- Make a preliminary outline
Consult notes made while reading the book. Assemble these notes around the main point to be made in the review. Decide on the best order of presenting the criticism for clarity and emphasis.
- Write the first draft
Double or triple space your draft, leaving wide margins to allow room for corrections and additions. Include statements about the author's previous works and background; cultural, scientific, religious, and political affiliations; and reputation. Also, state the author's purpose for writing the book, as stated or implied in the preface or text. Pay particular attention to your opening paragraph.
For the body of the review, follow your preliminary outline, assembling and, if necessary, rearranging arguments for the most logical presentation. Use quotation marks or indentations to set off any quoted material. In the conclusion, restate or sum up your thesis. If possible, leave some time before the next step.
- Revise the first draft
Read through and correct errors as they are found. Reading aloud helps you identify any awkward sentences. At this point, verify quotations for accuracy and make sure they are properly cited. Check again for logical presentation and, if necessary, rearrange statements and/or make major revisions. Your rough draft is finished when you are ready to make a final copy from it.
- Document sources accurately
Check spelling. Document the work being reviewed, either in a subtitle or footnote, giving the author, title, place of publication, publisher, and the date of publication. Passages quoted from the work, as well as passages referred to in the work, must be footnoted/cited. Ideas borrowed or quoted from other sources must also be properly acknowledged.
The above steps are presented as a suggested guide only.
This information was originally prepared by the Herbert T. Coutts Library at the University of Alberta. Minor revisions by the Red Deer College Learning Assistance Centre with the permission of Grant McEwan Community College. Further revisions have been made by the Red Deer College Library with the permission of the Red Deer College Learning Resources Centre.