Page 52 - ACADEMIC REDING

What is Academic Book Review?

An academic book review is a thorough description, critical assessment,
and/or evaluation of the quality, meaning and significance of a book; often in

relation to prior research on the topic. It generally ranges from 500-1000 words,
but it may be longer or shorter depending on the length and complexity of the

book being reviewed and the overall purpose of review. In brief, a book review
gives the reader a concise summary of the content, a critical assessment of the

content, and suggestion on whether or not the audience would appreciate it.
It is frequently written by publishers, editors, and journal reviewers as part

of the publicity process for a book after publication or republication. It might also
be written by experts, academics, journalists, organizations and students to

develop an understanding of the place of a particular book within a broader context
of its subject area and its genre.

How is Academic Book Review structured?

A book review is commonly written based on a specific arrangement.
Parts Contents

Bibliographic Full Title, Author, Place of Publication, Publisher,
Information Date of Publication, Edition, Number of Pages

Introduction Overall Impression,
Statement about the Author/Book Purpose/Work

Significance,
Review Summary of the Main Points,

Evaluation of Strengths, Weaknesses,
Contribution

Conclusion Brief summary of the book’s strengths and
weaknesses

Evaluation on the book’s overall usefulness to its
intended audience

Academic Book Review Sample
Taking Soaps Seriously: The World of Guiding Light. Bibliographic

Michael Intintoli. New York: Praeger, 1984. 248 pp. Information

48