Overview
Book review assignment instructions
The book selected should be about political bias in the media. Utilize a professional tone instead of a casual one.
Book reviews are a critical analysis about a book. Book reviews are different from book reports. Book reports offer a summary of the work, while book reviews emphasize critique. You should use the suggested format from the handout providing the basic structure of a critical analysis essay. Your book review should include the following elements:
- A thesis statement that states specifically why you would recommend this book or not. (Example: Smith’s work is at odds with other studies on congressional voting behavior, but his work provides a fresh perspective that is methodologically rigorous.)
- Provide a brief summary in one to two paragraphs. The summary should explain the main argument found in the book.
- Provide a clear description of problems with the book. These may be critiques of the evidence, methods, or theoretical claims.
- If appropriate compare the book to other well-known works in the field. Does it disagree with major theories? Is it similar to the work of other authors?
- Assess what is worthwhile. What does the author do well? What arguments or theories do you find particularly compelling, interesting, or important?
- Provide an overall assessment. On balance, do you recommend others to read this book? For who? When would this book be useful for the reader?