Book Review: Cowboys Are My Weakness

There is no right way to write a book review. Book reviews are highly personal and reflect the opinions of the reviewer. A review can be as short as 100 words, or as long as 1,500 words, depending on the purpose of the review.

The following are standard procedures for writing book reviews; they are only suggestions. Generally for magazines, the reviewer will have a biased slant due to audience. For example, a feminist magazine may take a feminist look at the work in question. Writing for a science fiction magazine about a romance novel might criticize the book with a bias. Be aware of this kind of bias when you read (and write) reviews. 

Generally, the process is as follows:

1. Write a statement giving essential information about the book: title, author, first copyright date, type of book, general subject matter, special features (maps, color plates, etc.), price and ISBN where appropriate. Since we are all using the same edition, don't worry too much about ISBN or price (it's out of date).

2. State the author’s purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors state their purpose in the preface or the first chapter. When they do not, you may arrive at an understanding of the book’s purpose by asking yourself these questions:

a. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?

b. From what point of view is the work written?

c. Was the author trying to give information, to explain something, to convince the reader, or to entertain?

d. What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? Knowledge of the genre means understanding the form and how it functions. Is this book a science fiction romance or a paranormal teen novel? For collections of short fiction like this consider the stories as a collection.

e. Who is the intended audience?

f. What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? Evaluate the quality of the writing style by using some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, correct use of technical words, conciseness, fullness of development, fluidity. Does it suit the intended audience and how might the author do that?

g. Scan the Table of Contents, it can help understand how the book is organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they are developed - chronologically, topically, etc.

g. How did the book affect you? Were any previous ideas you had on the subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced due to this book? How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda? What personal experiences you've had relate to the subject?

h. How well has the book achieved its goal?

i. Would you recommend this book or article to others? Why?

3. State the theme and the thesis of the book.

a. Theme: The theme is the subject or topic. It is not necessarily the title, and it is usually not expressed in a complete sentence. It expresses a specific phase of the general subject matter. In this collection why name the book after the specific story? (consider audience)

b. Thesis: The thesis is an author’s generalization about the theme, the author’s beliefs about something important, the book’s philosophical conclusion, or the proposition the author means to prove. Express it without metaphor or other figurative language, in one declarative sentence.

Example

Title: Alice's Misadventures Underground

General Subject Matter: Literary satire, parody, and humor

Theme: The corruption of youth

Thesis: Adults corrupt the young with their ideas and schemes.

4. Development. How does the author support her thesis?

a. Description: The author presents word-pictures of scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the reader’s imagination. Description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many sensuous details as possible, the way things (and people) are, in the episodes being described.

b. Narration: The author tells the story of a series of events, usually presented in chronological order. In a novel however, chronological order may be violated for the sake of the plot. The emphasis in narration, in both fiction and non-fiction, is on the events. Narration tells what has happened. Its primary purpose is to tell a story.

c. Exposition: The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue as clearly and impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to explain.

d. Argument: The author uses the techniques of persuasion to establish the truth of a statement or to convince the reader of its falsity. The purpose is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue. Its primary purpose is to convince.

5. Evaluate the book for interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance, thoroughness, and usefulness to its intended audience. Show whether the author's main arguments are true. Respond to the author's opinions. What do you agree or disagree with? And why? Explore issues the book raises. Compare it with other books on similar subjects or other books by the same as well as different authors. Comment on parts of particular interest, and point out anything that seems to give the book literary merit. Relate the book to larger issues.

6. Try to find further information about the author - reputation, qualifications, influences, biographical, etc. - any information that is relevant to the book being reviewed and that would help to establish the author's authority. Can you discern any connections between the author's philosophy, life experience and the reviewed book?

If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new material at this point.

What to examine when reading and writing a fiction review: 

Character

1. From what sources are the characters seemingly drawn?

2. What is the author's attitude toward her characters?

3. Are the characters flat and stereotypical or three-dimensional and dynamic?

Theme

1. What is/are the major theme(s)?

2. How are they revealed and developed?

3. Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and original?

4. Is the theme didactic, psychological, social, entertaining, escapist, etc. in purpose or intent?

Plot

1.How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion) handled? In a collection, consider the placement of stories in the collection.

Style

1. What are the "intellectual qualities" of the writing (e.g., simplicity, clarity)?

2. What are the "emotional qualities" of the writing (e.g., humour, wit, satire)?

3. What are the "aesthetic qualities" of the writing (e.g., harmony, rhythm)?

4. What stylistic devices are employed (e.g., symbolism, motifs, parody, allegory)?

5. How effective is dialogue?

Setting

1. What is the setting and does it play a significant role in the work?

2. Is a sense of atmosphere evoked, and how?

3. What scenic effects are used and how important and effective are they?

4. Does the setting influence or impinge on the characters and/or plot?

Further: Book Review advice

CLASS/HOMEWORK: Read the book. Consider these questions and tips when reading. Take notes on the stories you read.

Your book report will be longer and more involved depending on the kind of grade you want. If reviewing the whole book, the review should make it clear that the whole book was considered and examined closely in the review. If you opt for the lower grades, the length of your review will undoubtedly vary with complexity. See previous posts for details.