Writing the Book Report
A book report may best be defined by what it is not. It is not simply a restatement of the contents of the original work. A book report summarizes main ideas, but it also provides interpretation and evaluation based upon the context of the original work and its purpose and intended audience. Of course, book reports themselves have a purpose and audience; therefore the form and content of the book report will vary accordingly. The links below provide explanations and examples.
George Mason University, Department of History
Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services
James C. Bradley, on the University of South Dakota Web site
Steps for Writing a Good Book Review
St. Cloud State University, Literacy Education Online
University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center
How to Write a Book Report and a Book Review
Concordia University Libraries
How to Write a Book Review, Film Review, or Other Critique
Brittanny Harrison, in collaboration with Barbara Hardie, Western Carolina University Writing Center
All About Book Reviews: A Guide for Undergraduate Students
University of Saskatchewan. Includes an example review
Contact Us Writing Center Home
© 2004 The Writing Center, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus
Updated September 2004