Outline

I like to summarise my thoughts after having read/dropped a book. I used to write impromptu, but soon noticed that all entries looked identical. It is for this reason I used the format and questions below to stimulate and assess my thoughts and feelings about the book in question.

Introductory Paragraph

• Identify the title, the author, and the publisher of the book.
• Summarize the main idea/theme of the book you are reviewing in one or two sentences.
• Write your thesis (what you think of the book). Example: I loved the book but I had some problems with it. Example: I thought the book has useful information for parents of deaf children.

Body Paragraph(s)

• Summarize the important points of the book (This can be one or several paragraphs.) Use quotes or paraphrases from the book to prove your points.

Evaluate (one or several paragraphs)

• Explain the writer’s purpose for writing the book.
• Give your opinion on whether the writer achieved her/his purpose in writing the book.

Criticize/praise the book

• Explain to your audience if you thought the book was entertaining or boring, has good characters or unrealistic characters, has thorough information or inadequate information.
• Use quotes or paraphrases from the book to prove your points.

Conclusion

• Review the main points of your argument.
• Remind the reader of your thesis (whether or not you thought the book was good).