Be sure to include the following points in your review of the contemporary (published within the past 5 years)
“scholarly” book. Note that you first have an obligation to the author(s) to faithfully communicate what was
written in the book. Then, set the book in context and, finally, evaluate it. We strongly suggest that fully half
of the review should focus on your assessment, the other half on the content and context of the book combined.
Content:
basic information on the author, the publication and the intended audience
the subject matter of the reviewed piece, including its stated purpose/thesis, issues &
assumptions
the presentation, including its format and style
Context:
discussion of the professional and/or real-world backdrop to the material reviewed,
its relevance to and significance for the issues it addresses and
its political point of view, if any is apparent, and analytical approach
Assessment:
commentary on the strengths and weaknesses of the book’s evidence and argument,
the extent to which the article met its stated objectives and any omissions that
undermined it
the reviewer’s recommendation and qualification