3 pages, mla style, 12 point font, double spaced
Initial Steps:
Read the book carefully, taking notes on material that you think may be relevant or quotable and on your impressions of the authors ideas and arguments.
Determine the authors principal argument, the chief ideas of the text, the kinds of evidence used, and the way in which the author uses them.
Organizing the Review
In no more than two paragraphs, introduce the book. Give your initial appraisal of the work, including your key observation on the text. This key observation will be your thesis. Try not to begin with a flat statement such as This book is interesting. Begin with an anecdote, a challenging quotation, or a key observation.
Follow with descriptive analysis and evaluation of the text.
clearly set out the authors purpose in writing the book, and whether or not you think the author has succeeded.
describe the authors arguments and the themes of the book, and give your appraisal of their validity and effectiveness.
describe the data and evidence the author uses to prove his case, and evaluate their appropriateness and sufficiency. What are the authors sources? Should the author have used more, or different, sources?
Comment on the authors organization and writing style.
Is the book well-organized? Are all parts of the book equally well reasoned and developed?
Is the book well written, or is it in some way repetitive, obscure, or confusing?
To whom would the book appeal? What audience did the author intend?
When was the work written? How relevant is it today?
Conclude. Here you may make more general remarks about the text and the ideas presented in it. If you have not already done so, indicate whether you feel the book is worthwhile, and for what audience. Is the book outstanding? Will it make a lasting contribution to its field, or is it less satisfactory?