A critical book review is a description, analysis, and evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book. It is not a book report or a summary. It should deal with the book’s purpose and content, and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the material. It should state what the author tried to do, evaluate how well (in the opinion of the reviewer) he/she succeeded, and present evidence to support this evaluation. Though a review is highly personal, the following standard procedures will serve as guidelines: 1. Give essential information about the book: title, author, publication date, type of book, general subject matter, special features (diagrams, illustrations). Include brief biographical details that are relevant to the book or establish the author’s authority. 2. State the author’s purpose in writing the book - see the preface, or ask yourself these questions: a. Why did the author write on this subject? Was he trying to give information, explain something, or convince the reader of the validity of a particular theory? b. From what point of view is the work written? c. What is the general field, and how does the book fit into it? (Use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field, if necessary.) d. Who was the intended audience? 3. State the theme and the thesis of the book a. Theme: the subject or topic, not necessarily the title b. Thesis: the 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 in one sentence. Example Title: We Had it Made General Subject Matter: Religious Intolerance Theme: The effects of religious intolerance on a small town Thesis: Religious intolerance, a defect of individuals, contaminates an entire social group 4. Explain how the author supports the thesis – this may be by describing places or objects, by telling stories, by explanation or analysis, or by arguments to persuade the reader. Use specific references or quotations. 5. Describe the book in terms of the following: a. What is the author''s style? Formal or informal? Evaluate the quality of the writing style in terms of standards such as: coherence, clarity, forcefulness, conciseness. Did it suit the intended audience? (Consider the period in which it was written). b. How is the book organized? (Check the Table of Contents: see the key ideas and how they are developed (chronologically, topically, etc.) c. How did the book affect you? Were any ideas you had on the subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced? d. How well do you think the book achieved its goal? e. Do you consider it an important contribution to design theory? Why? 6. Evaluate the book for interest, objectivity, thoroughness, and usefulness to its intended audience. Respond to the author''s opinions. What do you agree or disagree with? Why? What issues does the book raise? What points are not convincing? To what larger issues does the book relate? 7. Summarize (briefly) the book’s content: the principal topic, the author’s main points and conclusions. Then give your own general conclusion, which should follow naturally from your analysis and evaluation.