Reviewing A Book - General Overview

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Reviewing A Book - General Overview

Below are some general guidelines on how to approach the task of writing are view of a book.

There are fundamental differences between a book report and a book review. A book review is most likely also a book report, but a book report is not necessarily a book review. In a book report, one reports objectively on its title, its author, its presentation, its price, and its place of publication. One may give a very brief and general summary of its content. A book review, on the other hand, is a subjective opinion on the writing itself.
It is the critical evaluation of the book through analysis and interpretation, which must take into consideration certain elements discussed below.

Clarifying editors/newspaper/magazine's instructions and expectations;

• Individual editors may have their own preferences on the preparation of a critical book review; thus, it is wise to consult them about the format.
• If no instructions have been given, you may prepare an outline following this guideline, and present that for a brief review and approval.
• Read the book first, and take notes of your impressions as you go along.Unless you have been instructed otherwise, resist the temptation to read other people's views on the book first.
• Remember that your impressions are just as valid, and may even ``shed light'' on new aspects, that no one else has thought of before. Secondary sources can be consulted after your preliminary draft.

Essential elements;

As you examine the book, keep in mind that in a critical review you are expected to provide ``The Newspaper'' with:

• An evaluative judgement on the quality.
• The meaning and the significance of the book.

Therefore, the essential elements that must be covered by a critical book review are:

• Content - what is said in the book.
  • What is it about?
  • Give a brief description of the content and
  • Include in your exposition your appraisal of the content.
  • To determine the content also consider: title, table of contents, annotations, illustrations, etc.

• Style - how this is said.
  • How does the style reveal itself?
  • Is it simple, formal, innovative, or is the style suited to the book's purpose? (If so, why?)

• Assessment- your comments on the relevance or irrelevance of what was said.
  • How is the book relevant and why?
  • What are the author's strengths or weaknesses?
  • Are the sources used reliable or not?
  • How is this book different from other books by the same author?
  • Does the book have significance in its field, when compared to the writing of others?
  • Is the writing biased, and, if so, how so?
  • Would you recommend the book? and if yes, why?

These are just a few essential points to consider when preparing to write a book review for ``The Newspaper''.

Remember to always substantiate your findings and/or opinions with examples from the text under examination.

For more about writing book reviews, please see our page Writing Book Reviews

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