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Book Review Data Format  

Bibliographical Data:   (Author, Title, and Publication Data)

Background Information:

Who is the author?  (What is the nationality and origin?  When did the author write? Check standard reference books.)

• What other work has the author done?

• What is the author's reputation?

• Are there any important or enlightening circumstances connected with the composition of this work?

Subject Matter of the Book

• What kind of book is it?  (Is it fiction, history, popular psychology, textbook, technical?)

• What is the subject of the book?

• What material does it treat?

• What is the tenor of the book-the author's basic interpretation of the material?

Method of Organization

• Summarize in your own words the table of contents

• What are the tone and style of the book?  (What kind of audience is being addressed?  Does the author give interesting facts or analyses?)

• State four to ten main ideas of the book. (Use a separate sheet of paper or the back of this page.)

• Select and quote one short passage as an example of the author's insight. (Use a separate sheet of paper or the back of this page.)

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