Reviewing Books 1priscilla

REVIEWING BOOKS

“NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER”

What is a book review? It is a critical evaluation of a book. It comments and evaluates.

TYPES OF BOOK REVIEWS 1.

DESCRIPTIVE 

 

Descriptive and expository in nature. Refers to aims and purposes. Has quotes of striking passages and texts.

1.

CRITICAL 



Describes and evaluates in literary and historical terms. Has passages from the text as evidence to support its evaluation.

Reading for Review Read the book with care. Note effective passages for quoting. Note your impressions as you read. Assimilate what you have read.

WRITING A REVIEW 

Keep in mind • • • • • •

Authors view point and purpose. Main points of the book. Evidence used by the author to prove his/her point. How does the book relate to other books of the same type? What is the most appropriate criteria to judge a book? Was the author successful in relating the content to the purpose of the book?

Format for writing a book review 1.

Heading a)

2.

Bibliographic information about the book.

Introduction a) b) c) d) e)

Author Title An overview of the contents of the book The purpose Your reaction and evaluation

1.

Background information a)

2.

Placing the book in context and discuss criteria for judging the book.

Summary a)

Write the main points of the book and key phrases from the author.

1.

Evaluation a) b) c) d) e) f) g)

How well the book has achieved its goal? What possibilities are suggested by the book? What are the points left out by the book? How can the book be compared to others on the subject? What personal experiences you have had that relate to the subject? What are the specific points which are not convincing? What are your personal experiences?

1.

Conclusion 

2.

It ties together issues talked about in the review and provides a concise comment on the book.

Presenting book reviews a) b) c)

Oral presentations Skits Role plays