This journal is not actively publishing. However, the back issues have been archived and content will continue to be made openly accessible.
Guidelines for Book Reviews
GUIDELINES FOR BOOK REVIEW AUTHORS
Step 1: Read the book in its entirety
- Including the following: foreword, preface, acknowledgements, references, index, etc.
- Take notes in your own
- Paying specific attention to the following:
- What is the central question or issue that book addresses?
- What is the main argument or thesis of the book?
- How does the book examine and support the thesis?
- How are the book chapters ordered? Chronologically or thematically?
- Paying specific attention to the following:
Step 2: Evaluate the Book
- Conduct a critical evaluation of the book. The following prompts may aid in your critical evaluation of the book content
- How and what does this work help us to understand the issue of interest?
- What types of evidence does the author draw on to support their argument?
- Does the book do what the author claims it will do? How so?
- Are there other types of evidence that the author fails to acknowledge or ignores? o What theoretical perspective does the author work from? What are some strengths and limitations of utilizing that specific theoretical perspective to address the issue of interest?
- How is the book similar or different from other books on the topic? Why are they similar or different?
- Are you convinced by the book? Why or why not?
Step 3: Write the Review
Introduction
Open with a general description of the topic/problem addressed in the work.
Background
- Identify the book and author under review with any background
- Time period, region? Question or topic addressed?
- About the author(s)
- Basic biographical info about editors of the book
- Who are the authors? What are they known for? What are their qualifications and expertise in the subject?
Thesis
- Write a succinct, clear evaluation of the book, which is the thesis of your book review
- What is the main argument of the book?
- Evaluation of the book including its strengths, contributions, and shortcomings
Summary of Primary Arguments
- Identify the key arguments and briefly summarize them
- What evidence is provided to support the presented arguments?
- if applicable, what research methods were utilized to gather evidence for the arguments?
Evaluation/Analysis
- This section should be the bulk of the book review
- Explanation and develop the evaluation made in your thesis for the book review
- Use examples, quotations, and specific evidence from the book to support your assessment of the book
- Give examples of areas where the book did well and areas where it could be improved
Conclusion
- Concluding section summarizing the review of the book
- Explicitly identify a range of audiences that may appreciate or benefit from the book
- How does the work contribute to the filed?
- Avenues for future research
- Implications for practice
Things to Avoid in a Book Review
- Do not simply summarize the work.
- Avoid writing a research paper rather than a book review. Remember the goal is to review how the author(s)/editor(s) of a book interpreted an event/topic rather than presenting a research report on the topic yourself.
- Make sure to thoroughly read the book before writing your review. If you have not, it will come across in your writing.
- Lack of organization; like any academic paper, make sure your book review is logically structured and easy for the reader to follow.
- Rather than relying on personal opinions, use reasoned judgements to inform your arguments.
