Book Review
A book review is not simply a summary. In fact, the most important element of a review is a commentary. You can include a concise summary of the book content, and state what the author’s argument is, but what’s more important is that you provide a critical assessment of the content. This means you are focusing on the opinions rather than facts or details.
Before you read, examine who the author of the book is, and explore the genre of the book. As you read along, be a critical thinker--find the exact topic and the main argument or thesis of the book. Investigate how the author supports his/her argument. Think about how this book helped you understand the topic or the subject. If you are to recommend the book to the reader, who would be the good target audience?
The structure of the book review follows this structure: Introduction, Summary, Analysis/ Evaluation, and Conclusion.
A. Introduction
Introduce the book to the readers. Describe who the author is, the book title, and the main theme. What is your take-away on the book? What is your thesis about the book?
B. Summary
Briefly summarize the book content. You can include what each chapter was about. If you are writing a book review to submit to a journal publication, adjust the amount of summary so it meets the word counts requirements.
C. Analysis/ Evaluation of the Book
You can better structure your paragraphs based on the argument you wish to make by using themes, or other book aspects. Do not overuse quotes. If you have to use quotes, provide an accurate page number in parenthesis.
Ex: Although not specified by the editors, this edited volume offers a valuable resource for researchers, teacher training curriculum developers, teacher trainers, teachers, and graduate students in the field of Language Studies (Second/Foreign Language) and/or CALL. The ten chapters provide interesting research topics such as how to implement computer-based activities in class, practical course content for professional development curricula, and various teaching software tools. (from CALL for bridges between school and academia by Anna Turula and Maria Chojnacka-Jo, 2018)
D. Conclusion
Make a final assessment and restate your thesis.
Ex: As stated in the introduction of the book, while school and academia should be in constant communication and collaboration, this does not necessarily happen in reality – research is done without much consideration of the effectiveness of its outcomes, and schools are skeptical of the collaboration with academia. The editors emphasize the importance of narrowing the gap between academia and schools in secondary levels and above. CALL for Bridges between School and Academia makes a great contribution to the field of Language Studies/ CALL as the research studies presented in this volume show the possibilities of connecting research and practice for quality teaching. (from CALL for bridges between school and academia by Anna Turula and Maria Chojnacka-Jo, 2018)
Hie-Myung Jo, Ed.D.,
Associate Director of the Institute of American Language and Culture, Fordham University, NY
KOREAN