HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW/PRESENTATION

Each student will read and critically analyze a book that focuses on some aspect of minorities and the media. Books may be selected from a suggested reading list provided in the course packet or selected by the student and approved by the professor.

NOTE: A book review is not the same thing as a book report, which simply summarizes the content of a book. When writing a book review, you not only report on the content of the book but also assess its strengths and weaknesses. In writing a review you do not just relate whether or not you liked the book; you also tell your readers why you liked or disliked it. It is not enough to say, "This book is interesting"; you need to explain why it is interesting. Similarly, it is not enough to report that you disliked a book; you must explain your reaction. Did you find the book unconvincing because the author did not supply enough evidence to support his or her assertions? Or did you disagree with the book's underlying assumptions?
To understand your own reaction to the book, you need to read it carefully and critically. As a critical reader, you should ask questions of the book and note reactions as you read. Though there is no "correct" way to structure a review, the following is one possible approach.

• Summarize the book and relate the author's main point, or thesis. (Somewhere early in the paper, identify the author briefly.)
• Describe the author's viewpoint and purpose for writing; note any aspects of the author's background that are important for understanding the book. Note the most important evidence the author presents to support his or her thesis. 

• Evaluate the author's use of evidence, and describe how he or she deals with counter evidence. 

• Is the book's argument convincing? If so why, if not, why not. Cite examples from the text.

• Compare this book with other books or articles you have read on the same subject. 

• Conclude with a final evaluation of the book. You might discuss who would find this book useful and why.
• Include the full title, author's full name, publisher, place, and date of publication on the first page of your review or in a note.

• Avoid the use of "me," "I," "myself."  The subject of your review is the book, not its reader.
• Five (5) pages maximum.

 Students will present their findings to the class. Presentations should last no longer than 15 minutes. These must be posted on the Blackboard 24 hours before the presentation.