Reviewing Non-Fiction Books 

Book reviews are often assigned in college courses. Generally, your instructors will give you directions for the form and content and length of the book reviews required. The following outline is intended as a guide in case specific instructions are not given. Not all the questions below can be applied to every book.

Identify the Book

Identify the book giving the author, complete title, edition (if given), publisher, place, and date of publication. This information is almost always given on the title page.

• If relevant, identify the genre or form. Is it a textbook? A research paper? A dissertation? A diary? A travelogue?
• What are the author's credentials? Is he/she a scholar? What else has he or she written? Does the author write from first-hand experience? Check biographical information sources if no information on the author is given in the book.
• What is the author's purpose? This information is often given in the preface.
• For what audience was the book written? For scholars? For students? For a popular audience?

Define the Subject and Scope

• What is the subject of the book? Is it a general overview of a topic or does it cover only one aspect of it? If applicable, what chronological period does it cover? Use the author's state purpose and the table of contents to help you determine th e coverage of the book.
• What are the author's theses, interpretations, and conclusions?
• How well does the author develop and support his or her arguments with fact and information? Are facts distinguishable from opinion? If an argument is presented, is more than one side of the issue discussed?
• Is the author accurate? Relative to other books on the same subject, is the book an original and important contribution to its field of knowledge? Reviews of the book by scholars will help you answer these questions.

Comment on the Style

• Identify the author's style. Is it objective, subjective, satirical? How well does the style fit the subject? Is it written in the first, second, or third person?
• Is it easy or difficult to understand?

Consider the Format and Special Features

• Are there charts, graphs, or illustrations where appropriate? Are they clear and easy to understand? Are they located near the material they are to explain?
• Does the book include special appendices or a glossary of terms?
• Is there a good, detailed index?
• Is there a bibliography? Are there primary as well as secondary sources? Is there a variety of types of sources if appropriate (books, periodical articles, government documents, dissertations, etc.)? If appropriate, are the sources current and up-to-date or all from the same time category? (For instance, a book in medicine quoting sources from the 1940's and 50's would be highly suspect!)
• Are there footnotes? Does the author use notes to clarify, define, or expand any particular points made? Does he/she give credit to research done by others?