Here are some basic things you should know and consider in writing your book review essay. 1. Summarize the author’s argument.
2. Critique the argument.
3. Find out about the author’s prior work .
4. How does the author approach to the study of politics?
5. What is the structure of the book? 6. What kinds of evidence does the author use to prove his or her argument?
7. What types of primary sources are used?
8. What types of secondary sources are used? 9. Is the argument convincing? Here is how you might organize your book review: 1. Introduce the author; give an overview of the topic of the book; tell readers what subfield of politics this belongs to ; state clearly your position on the book . 2. Summarize the organization of the book; give more detail about the arguments in each chapter; bring in your assessment of the evidence used.
3. Discuss the strengths and weakness of the book; be sure your analysis reflects your overall disposition on the text.
4. State your recommendations about the book. Do you recommend that others read it? If so, who? What types of students should read it? Students of politics? People generally interested in politics? What’s at stake in the text? What does the argument contribute to our understanding of African American politics?
