Book Review Guidelines
A book review should be no less than 4-6 pages double-spaced! It should be under 10 pages. A book review is not a book report there are fundamental differences. A book report is concerned with plot, i.e. making sure you read the book. A book review focuses on OBJECTIVE analysis, making sure you understand what you read and are conversant in the book itself as well as understanding the meaning of the book. This means that you should not ever, ever use the words “I” or “me”! There are basic rules to the format of the book review, most importantly; plot details should be kept to an absolute minimum. Keep in mind this book is a work of non-fiction, as such, it is not a novel. The number of sentences is fluid, while I’ve made recommendations, you will most likely find that you may have to exceed the amount or in rare cases come in with fewer. That’s fine. Also remember, any time you change ideas, you change paragraphs. Remember to use limited Quotes to back up your ideas (it’s better to paraphrase when possible)! Finally, do NOT label the sections, your writing should take care of that.
Remember any analysis you write must be backed up with specific examples from the book. Book titles are always underlined or italicized, never put in quotes. Please use Times New Roman 12 font, double spacing & no extra spaces between paragraphs.
- Section 1 is the introduction. It should not be longer than a single paragraph and the paragraph should be reasonably short, approx. 5-6 sentences. The introduction sets the tone of your paper. It should not contain any plot points, although you may want to incorporate a quote from the book (properly documented of course).
- Section 2 is a brief synopsis of the book. Do NOT go into great detail. You would mention what the book is about and who the main viewpoints are as seen through the eyes of whomever. You can say what years the book covers. Mention highlights, main points specific ideas. Once again do not go into too much detail. We all read the book we know what happens. This synopsis should not be more than 8-12 sentences.
- Section 3 is your analysis of the book. What’s the main theme? How is it written? Is the author biased? Is his writing style effective? Is his information accurate? You don’t have to answer all these questions but you should answer most. Most importantly you cannot simply make a statement like “The author is biased.” And leave it at that. You have to back up what you write. Where is the author biased i.e. we need examples. If you propose that the main theme is something you have to back it up FROM THE BOOK. Remember this is an analytical paper, not a plot paper. There should be no plot in this section. This is probably the longest section of a book review. It should take you through the rest of page one and onto page two, between 14 to 20 sentences. There is a lot of information here so use your space wisely. Do not make statements that cannot be supported. Keep in mind whenever you change the topic, you have to start a new paragraph! Remember to use examples from the book to back up your analysis.
- Section 4 is your reaction to the book. Did you like it? Why or why not. What was most interesting to you? What struck you the most when you read the book? Did you like the way the author wrote the book? Did you learn anything? This is an important section of the paper but remember at no time should the words “I”, “Me” or “My” occur in the paper. Find an interesting way to say you liked the book or a section of it, make it a general statement that can encompass all readers. If you’re critical of writing style, word usage or just the general tone, you have to back it up with quotes from the book. There should be no plot here either. This section should be 8 to 10 sentences long.
- Section 5 is the conclusion. Run through your main points again (briefly) and reiterate what you thought were the most important points of the book. Make a definitive statement about the book that is supported by the rest of your paper. Make sure all quotes are properly documented otherwise you’ve plagiarized. DO NOT USE THE PHRASE “In conclusion”! That is non-essential word usage, I know it’s the conclusion, it’s the last paragraph.