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Book Review

California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Created: January 14, 2003
Latest update: January 14, 2003
E-MailCurran or Takata.

Book Review Explanation
Book Review Questions/Form

Book Review Explanation

Adapted from the International Migration Review.

We are constantly bombarded by information. We live in an Age of Information. Books, books, and more books, but never enough time to read them all (as verified by the books overflowing throughout my office and house). Just because the information is in a book, does not necessarily make it more "true" or more "factual." Because many of you like to read, you will undoubtedly find a number of interesting books relating to your coursework. A book review is one creative measure you can do. Evaluate the book by answering the questions below.

Book Review Form

Instructions:

Submit your book review in hard copy, (do NOT e-mail it to me). You are encouraged to submit your book review well before the "final absolute deadline" in order to allow some time to dialogue with me. This is a critical part of your book review. If you have any questions, refer to the above explanation or just ask me.

1. Was this book pre-approved?

2. The Heading

  • The heading should include: the title, author, city of publication, publisher, year and the number of pages.

    3. The Review

  • Write the review with two main goals in mind, namely (1) to report the basic information about the book, and (2) to evaluate the book.
  • Include: the book's purpose or main theme, and the way in which the author(s) seek(s) to achieve the purpose or develop the theme.
  • Summarize the book's main conclusions.
  • Place the book in perspective as it relates to the course.

    4. Interrelating Theory, Policy and Practice

  • How does this book relate to theory, policy, practice?
  • Which theory discussed in class best applies to this book? Why.
  • What policies are most relevant to this book? Why.
  • What actually goes on in practice? And, how does practice differ from theory and policy? Why.

    5. What is the most important "lesson" learned from this book? Why

  • What did you enjoy the most about this book? the least? Why.
  • Would you recommend this book to others? Why.

    Note: Your book review should be 2-3 pages double-spaced typed. Do not e-mail your book review to me.