Introduction

Begin with an interesting lead that

grabs readers attention. Consider using
a quote from the book as a lead. You
might also give a brief summary
sentence to explain the basic plot of the
book.
How do I write a thesis?
Example
!usaks The Book Thief mesmeri"ed me with its
haunting tale and unique style.
5
Body
#se one paragraph for each point you
want to make about the book.
Begin each paragraph with a topic
sentence.
Explain your ideas thoroughly$ and
include specific examples from the
book to support each point you make.
#se transition words%phrases to glue
together your ideas throughout the
review.
What can I say about a book?
Explain a theme of the book. &hat lesson does the book
illustrate'
(alk about the authors style. &hat do you like or dislike
about the book)s writing style' *oes it give you a sense of
the place it)s set' &hat is the author)s%narrator)s +voice+
like' ,s it unique or unusual from other books youve read'
(alk about the characters. *oes the writer make you
believe in them as people' &hy or why not' (hink about
whether you like its discussion. -s you write$ use examples
of things they)ve said or claimed.
(alk about the setting. .ow does it compare or contrast to
the world you know' *oes the author make you feel like
you)re a part of the setting' Can you picture the book)s
setting if you close your eyes' -s you write$ try to pass on
to your reader the sense of the setting and place that the
author has provided.
/ake connections. Can you compare this book to another'
*oes this book relate to current events or issues' *oes this
book connect with you on a personal level' *oes it give
enough understanding of ,slamic history and civili"ation'
10
Conclusion:
End with your recommendation.
Evaluate the authors thesis
0how your comments%Crticisims
*o you recommend the work to others' &hy'
5
Mechanics
0pelling
1unctuation
Capitali"ation
5
Writing a Review ~ Checklist
A good review should express the
reviewer's opinion and persuade the
reader to share it, to read the book, or
to avoid reading it.
Rod Philbrook, professional writer


UNG Assign!ent
*oes the review begin with a compelling lead' Ye
s
No
*oes the review state the authors name and work2s3' Ye
s
No
*oes the review give a clear and powerful statement of the writers opinion of the
work 2i.e.$ a thesis3'
Ye
s
No
*oes the review summari"e the important points of the work' Ye
s
No
,s quoted and%or paraphrased material included to support the points and
reactions toward the work'
Ye
s
No
*oes the review include$ if appropriate$ background information on the author' Ye
s
No
*oes the review include$ if appropriate$ comparisons and connections with other
similar works.
Ye
s
No
,s factual information included' .ave facts been checked carefully for accuracy' Ye
s
No
*oes the review leave the reader with a sense of whether he%she will want to
read the work'
Ye
s
No
.as the review been carefully proofread' .ave all errors in spelling$ grammar$
and mechanics been corrected'
Ye
s
No