Guidelines for Writing your Book Reviews
This guide recaps the information concerning the book reviews. If you have any
questions regarding the content, please contact me. Also, refer to your class syllabus.
Format: Your review should be two pages, typed, and double-spaced on regular 8½ x
11” sheets of paper. Print out a copy to turn in. Electronic submissions will NOT be
accepted unless otherwise arranged with the Professor. Use the Times New Roman 12point font throughout the document. In the paper’s header, provide the following
information: your full name, and your class. Single space that information so that it fits
in the header. Center and single-space your paper title starting on the first line, then
double space all of your text. The title can be as simple as the author, book title and
publishing information, but creativity is encouraged.
Proof your paper for grammar and spelling errors. As noted in your syllabus, two of the
course objectives are to “improve skills of analysis and logical reasoning” and to
“improve the ability to write and comment effectively.” This writing assignment helps
you improve in both of these areas.
You do not need a cover sheet or title page, nor do you need to repeat the book
publishing information in the text; repeating that information again will only take up
valuable space for you that would be better served by providing your thoughts and ideas
on the book, which is precisely what I wish to see. For that same reason, avoid quoting
from the book unless absolutely necessary to make some specific point. Excessive
quoting will result in points being deducted from your overall score. If you have to use a
short quote, provide a quick page cite using the page number from which you drew the
quote in parentheses. For example, Nash contends that “South Carolinians hated each
other” (393). Be concise, but be clear in your writing.
Content: At a minimum, your paper should contain four basic elements. These are: the
book’s purpose, structure, central argument (or thesis), and how the book relates to this
class. A short description of each of these elements follows.
1. Provide, in your own words, what you believe the author’s purpose was for
writing this book. What is it about? Who is he/she trying to reach? Give an
example that supports your statement.
2. Describe the structure of the book. How is it put together? Does its structure
help or hinder the reader from following the author’s argument? Provide an
example to strengthen your case.
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3. What is the author’s central argument, or thesis? Exactly what point (or points)
is the author trying to make? Provide an example that helps to support your view.
4. Finally, provide a brief paragraph that relates exactly how the book fits within
the course structure. Why was this specific book assigned, and not some other
study? Was the assignment of this book a good one? Explain why or why not.
Grading: As noted in the syllabus, this assignment is worth a maximum of 50 points. It
will be graded using the guidelines listed above. Each of the four elements of the paper
are worth a maximum of 10 points apiece, with 10 points reserved for overall clarity of
writing style, originality of thought, grammar, format, and spelling. Papers submitted
late, without prior approval from me, will be penalized 5 points for each day late,
assessed after the paper has been graded.
Internet: Avoid using the internet for this assignment. Aside from the fact that the
quality of reviews found on the internet range drastically in quality and value, I want
YOUR individual ideas on the book. You do not need to look at the work of others to
tell me your opinion. And, all too often looking at the opinions of others only clouds
your view, making it even harder for you to clearly convey your own thoughts. Write the
review in your own words.
Academic Dishonesty/Integrity: The syllabus addresses this point clearly. “Academic
dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating on the exams or other assignments will
result in failure of those assignment and class and possibly grounds for suspension from
the University.” Do not plagiarize. As always, if you have any questions at all on the
contents of this guideline, please feel free to contact me.
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