You should also explicitly identify a range of audiences whom you think would appre reeding or otherwise benefit from the book.
In Review: A Few General ConsIdernilons:
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- Review the book in front of you, not the book you wish the author bed written. You can and should point out shortcomings or failures, but don’t criticize the book for not being something it was never intended to be.
- With any luck, the author of the book worked hard to find the right words to express his/her ideas. You should attempt to do the same. Precise language allows you to control the tone of your review.
- Never hesitate to challenge an assumption, approach, or argument. Be sure, however, to cite specific examples to back up your assertions carefully.
- Try to present a balanced argument about the value of the book for its audience. You’re entitled—and sometimes obligated—to voice strong agreement or disagreement. But keep in mind that a bad book takes as long to write as a good one, and every author deserves fair …lent. Harsh judgments are difficult to prove and can give readers the sense that yon were unfair in your assessment.
Writing good academic book reviews gem easier with experience, just like any skill. And provided you meet your due dates and are amenable to any changes your professor may wish you to implement, your opportunities to make contributions in this genre and to the collective pursuits of a community committed to the advancement of knowledge will only increase with time. All you need to do is take that first step.
