Prompt: book Review: Due Sunday, December 20th midnight

What is a book review?

A review is a critical evaluation of a text. Reviews can consider books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and many other forms. This handout will focus on Wendy Adamsons Motherload, the book you must review for your 4th assignment.

Above all, a review makes an argument. The most important element of a review is that it is a commentary, not only a summary, though summary is important. It allows you to enter into dialogue and discussion with the works creator and with other audiences. You can offer agreement or disagreement and identify where you find the work exemplary or deficient in its knowledge, judgments, or organization. You should clearly state your opinion of the work in question, and that statement will probably resemble other types of academic writing, with a thesis statement, supporting body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Typically, reviews are brief. In newspapers and academic journals, they rarely exceed 1000 words, although you may encounter lengthier assignments and extended commentaries. In either case, reviews need to be succinct. While they vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features:

SUMMARY, ANALYSIS, EVALUATION:

    First, a review gives the reader a concise summary/argument of the content.This includes a relevant description of the topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose. Combine a SUMMARY with argumentthe book is effective because it s arranged this way….
    Second, and more importantly, a review offers a critical assessment of the content.This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand. This is your ANALYSIS.
    Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it. This is the EVALUATION of the work.

The paper [in three essential parts] is 3-4 pages and follows this structure: Summary, Analysis, Evaluation.

Use these ideas for the in-class writing exercise.