Weigh the evidence presented: To support his or her argument, the author will provide evidence from a number of sources, i.e., the Bible, ancient historians, archaeology, etc. Your task is to determine whether the author has argued his or her case in a logical and accurate manner. You, like a jury, are required to judge the validity of this argument as the book unfolds.Īnalyse the author’s argument: As the book evolves, the author will attempt to persuade the reader to accept his or her initial thesis statement. The thesis statement is like an opening argument in a criminal trial. To do an effective book review one should be aware of the author’s agenda and how s/he promotes that agenda.ĭetermine the author’s thesis: The author usually makes this apparent within the preface or introduction of the work. Read Critically: Be a vigilant reader, not a casual observer. Awareness of this fact will help the reviewer discern the author’s biases as well as evaluate his or her contribution. For instance, the author may represent one perspective within a particular area in theology and biblical studies. Knowledge of the discipline may give insight as to where the author stands on key debates within the area. The author’s intention is to make a significant contribution to a particular field of research. Study the table of contents for the author’s main ideas and how s/he presents them.įield or Genre: A knowledge of where this book fits into the “big picture” is essential. Preliminary Sections: What does the title suggest about the point that the author wants to make? Read the preface for clues to the author’s argument, theological biases and methodology. Ask professors and publications to provide clear guidelines for book reviews. Whatever the case may be, make sure that you know the expectations of your readers. One author has described a book review as “a really honest advertisement.” (Thornton in Theology 65 (October 1962), 397).Īudience: Is this review a class assignment or a submission to a publication? This will affect the aim of your review, the elements of the book that you highlight and the way you express your thoughts. Purpose: The aim of a book review is to summarize its contents and give a fair appraisal of its merit. Prepare to Read and Reviewīefore you begin to read the book, think about the following: This guide suggests some basic steps for writing book reviews. On a more practical level, Basic Degree students sometimes write book reviews as part of their course requirements and Advanced Degree students write them as their first step into the world of publishing. Writing book reviews can be a profitable pathway towards developing the skills of critical reading and expressing your ideas in a clear and succinct manner. It is essential to be able to critically analyse the argument of any given book. Having insight into a book is more than being able to summarize its contents. Whether your future vocation is in the academy or the church, it is important to become familiar with significant books in your field.
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