SOME BRIEF NOTES ON WRITING A BOOK REVIEW

The invitation to write a book review for an academic or scientific journal is a recognition that the author of the review has some expertise in the subject, and therefore it is an honor and privilege to publish one. Writing such a review is also a professional responsibility, similar to being invited to evaluate manuscripts and grant proposals. The author of the review is responsible to the author of the book as well as to the journal editor and the readers to systematically, thoroughly, objectively, and fairly summarize and evaluate the volume. In the end, a good review helps the reader decide whether or not the entire book is worth reading. This is an important service to a prospective reader of a book, considering the considerable number and diversity of volumes available on any given subject. It is simply impossible to read everything that might be available. The choice of which books to read and which ones to forgo must be made from many possibilities, and a good book review is very helpful in that respect. Furthermore, book reviews can be very useful for students preparing for examinations or research projects.

From the outset be sure to read the book with the purpose of reviewing it kept constantly in mind. Take brief notes as you read, identifying three or four main points for each chapter, and also noting its contributions and limitations. Also record any special comments or criticisms which might be used later in writing the review.

Usually the author of the book indicates the scope and aims, principal themes, primary and secondary arguments, supporting materials, organization, any special features, and the like in a preface or introduction. Often the key points are summarized in a conclusion; thus, it may be helpful to read that before reading through the entire book from beginning to end.

Begin the review with an opening statement that attracts the reader=s attention to follow the entire review and that also encapsulates the main thrust of the book. Then summarize the book as a whole, rather than each individual chapter in succession. However, if space is available, then chapter summaries may be appropriate, especially for edited books. After the summary then turn next to your evaluation. Keep your own summary and evaluation clearly separate. However, ideally your summary should provide sufficient information to allow the reader to also arrive at their own evaluation. End the review with a concluding paragraph, preferably with direct comments on the book.

The reviewer=s evaluation should include both the contributions and the limitations of the book. Mention any important points that have been ignored or neglected in the book. Indicate anything that is especially significant or memorable. Be specific in identifying anything you disagree with and explain your reasons in sufficient detail. The reviewer may also use the opportunity to make some brief comments on the subject in general, including needs for future revisions or further research. Also it is useful to consider whether or not the book would be useful as a course text for certain subjects and at what levels.

As the word limit imposed by the journal allows, some brief quotations from the book may be useful to illustrate the style, approach, contents, and/or conclusions. It may also be feasible and useful to cite some related books or other publications on the subject for comparison and to set the book under review in a broader context. Some biographical and intellectual background on the author(s) may also be helpful to the reviewer. Although this may be found in the back of the book, on the back cover, or it may be necessary to search the internet, perhaps through the web site of the author=s institution. It may also be useful to mention any books previously published by the author.

Journals have different guidelines such as word limits for a review. Also be aware that the author of the book may be given an opportunity to reply in the journal to any negative points in the review. Before starting to do any review for a journal, check the guidelines and read some sample reviews.

Writing a good book review is an art that requires some cultivating through time and experience, but it is also an enjoyable and useful exercise. It is also one way to obtain a free book! Most of all, it is one kind of professional service as a referee and contributor to one=s discipline.