September 16, 2002

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Mr. Sedivy's
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Highlands Ranch High School - Mr. Sedivy
Highlands Ranch, Colorado

- Helpful Information for Students -
Writing a Critical Book Review:
Assignment Directions, Requirements, and Tips

Critical Book Review Info

A critical book review is based on careful analysis and interpretation of a piece of literature. In the course of a book an author presents a variety of information and viewpoints, it is the critic's job to evaluate both the basic text and its information and the author's effectiveness as a writer. There are no simple answers as to what exactly should be the focus of the review. Understanding an author's literary work and purpose takes time and consideration. Only after a thorough reading of the piece and serious contemplation can a reader begin to analyze and interpret the more subtle facets of a literary work.

Deciding what to write about can be a very difficult proposition. If the work under review is a work of fiction, the critic should consider things like the setting of the story, the plot, and characters, as well as historical accuracy. A work of nonfiction should be considered for its general description of the period, people or events in question; the author's interpretation or explanation of the aforementioned items in regards to their importance in a broader historical sense; and, the author's ability to sway his reader to his particular historical interpretation.

Writing a critical book review takes time, applied skills and hard work. The critic must write to demonstrate the level of understanding he / she has achieved in regards to the particular book and author's purpose in writing. A critical review must be based on the critics proficiency in the areas of critical analysis and basic writing and organizational skills. Therefore, each critical review must have a clearly stated thesis to guide the reader. Development of the thesis can be based in one or more of the following literary devices; summary, comparison and contrast, evaluation, and explication.

Because it is the critics job to both relate the author's main ideas and overall effectiveness of the literary work, it is essential that the critical review be well organized, supported in its generalizations and interpretation of the piece with examples and/or quotations, and logically explain the critics final judgment about the general quality of the work being reviewed. This means the critic must develop a solid introduction of the thesis and course of the review, support it with sound and well developed textual paragraphs and provide a basic summary or concluding statement.

Limit the Critique
The most important step in writing a critical book review is to limit the critique to the most important aspects of the author's work. To do this, the critic must ask the correct questions about the book and then answer them by means of critical analysis and evaluation of the author's main point and literary effectiveness. The following are some suggestions that can help guide the critic in the work of developing a critical book review:

Fiction

The message of a novel is contained in its plot and characters and conveyed by artful manipulations of language. To critique a work of fiction, the critic must keep the following in mind.

1. The critic must immerse him/herself in the text. Allowing him / herself to be moved, to feel, to experience the story the author is telling. To judge the authors effectiveness, the critic must give the words a fair chance to work their magic.

2. Take brief notes as you read:
Develop brief character profiles of main characters as you read and become more familiar with them.
Write brief outlines of the plot highlighting episodes of particular significance, describing the development, climax and denouement of the story.
Identify words or passages that are particularly descriptive of main characters and/or settings that help convey the author's message. Likewise make note of poorly written passages.
Make note of responses to short passages or the general development of the story.
Write down all of your emotional and intellectual reactions to the text as soon as the reading has been completed.
Save all such notes as are accumulated until the final review has been completed.

Nonfiction

The critic of nonfiction must constantly challenge the author, asking questions to test what is and is not believable in the author's work.
Who is the author and what are his / her qualifications for writing the book? What things might bias or prejudice the author's attitude toward the subject of the book?
What sources did the author use in documenting his/her historical interpretation--primary or secondary materials, interviews or personal experience?
What audience did the author write for (high school students, college students, other historians, etc.)? What bias might the intended audience have toward the subject?

To help answer these questions, the critic should:

1. Take notes during the reading regarding the most important facts and whether he/she is fully convinced of their validity. Identify the major arguments the author advances for his / her interpretation and whether it is logical and adequately supported by documentation.

2. Write down all emotional and intellectual responses to the text as soon as reading has been completed.

3. Go back over all such notes and write down the major arguments of the text and how well they hold up after critical evaluation. Save all such notes until final completion of the critical review.

Note: A critical book review is not just a paraphrasing or recounting of the story or information presented by the author. It is a critical analysis of the author's work in regards to both the story or information presented and the effectiveness of that presentation.

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Assignment Requirements and Directions

To begin, read the book. Bluffing or faking is cheating, and will not only result in a zero, but is embarrassing to all concerned.

The review should be typed and double spaced using 12-point font.

1. The first portion of the critical review must have a title page with the title presented in correct bibliographical form. A few examples of the form to use follows:

Duffus, R.L. The Santa Fe Trail. New York: David McKay Co., Inc., 1975.

Frazer, Robert W. Forts Of The West. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1965.

Each title page must also provide the name of the student, course title, instructor's name and date of completion.

You will first submit a bibliography for Mr. Sedivy’s approval no later than two days following library selection day.

2. The second portion of the review is a brief summary of the contents of the book. This should be two pages in length. Often this enables the teacher to determine whether you read the book, for example one student submitted an excellent review... on the first seventeen pages of the book.

3. The third portion is the most important. This is your opinion regarding the book. Compare the book to other books or known facts and don't be afraid to be critical. Was the book easy to read and follow? What do you think the author was trying say? Was the author successful in his/her mission? Finally, would you recommend this book to a friend? Remember, back your opinions with facts or examples.

Study tip: Use spelling and grammar checks. This part should be two to three pages in length.

4. No critical review is to be shorter than three nor longer than five pages.

5. Each critical review will have a total point value of 500 points and will be graded on the basis general content and readability (general grammar, spelling, etc.).

6. Critical reviews will be due four weeks from the time the assignment is given to the class. In addition, all students are required to show evidence of their work any time during the four weeks.

If any questions or problems arise, immediately contact Mr. Sedivy!

Warning - NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED - EVEN IF YOUR ABSENCE IS EXCUSED! This is a long-term project and you have adequate time to prepare.

Critical Book Review Examples
at Mr. Sedivy's Site
| Bent | Summit | Diplomacy |
See the Site Contents Page for More Sample Critical Book Reviews

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