What is the author’s main goal in writing this book? (Convince you of his position on a
controversy? Explain the background of an event? Raise awareness of a particular issue?)
What audience would find this book most useful (Lay people? Students? Experts in
the area?). Think about reading level as well as content.
What are the author’s main points?
What kind of evidence does the author provide to make his or her points? (scientific, popular media, personal
experience, etc.) How convincing is this evidence? Is the evidence timely/out-dated?
Is the book well written? (Easily understandable? Good style?)
Your book review will have the following components:
1) Introduction (one or two paragraphs, no less than five sentences per paragraph)

• Citation in APA format
• Brief overview of the thesis and purpose of the book including intended audience and
• A summary of your evaluation (your thesis statement)
  2) Summary of the content (three to five paragraphs)
• Brief summary of the key points of each chapter or group of chapters
• Paraphrase the information, but use a short quote when appropriate
  3) Evaluation and conclusion (four to six paragraphs)
• Give your opinion about the book.
  • Is the book easy to read or confusing?
  • Is the book interesting, entertaining, instructive?
  • Does the author support his arguments well?
  • Is the perspective biased in some way? (political, economic,environmental, etc.)
  • What are the book’s greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • Who would you recommend the book to?