Directions: You are to write a book review for the book which you chose towards the beginning of the semester. If you don’t remember what book you chose, the list can be found on the course homepage. The review has to be at least two single-spaced pages long.

A review is a commentary, not merely a summary. Above all, a review makes an argument. You want to evaluate critically the author's arguments, thesis, and methods of analysis. Hence, the bulk of the body of your review essay should be an evaluation of how convincing the author's presentation of his/her thesis was, and a commentary on the book's contribution to your under- standing of important economic, social, or political issues.

The review should have three components.

1. A summary of the book (should be at most 3⁄4 of a page)

 Try to think how you might answer if someone saw you reading the book and asked what it was about. This is a good place to start.

 What is the main idea(s) the author wants the reader to take away?

 How is the book structured?

 Summarize in your own words—only use quotes if you absolutely have to.

2. Analysis and Evaluation of the Book

 This should constitute the bulk of your review.

 Think about the primary argument or thesis of the book. Are you convinced by

the author’s presentation? Does the evidence adequately support the conclusion?

Why or why not?

 If the author has suggested policy changes, are you convinced that those changes

would be good? Why or why not?

 How, if at all, has the book helped you to better understand its subject matter?

 The questions above do not have to be answered—they are just offered as guides

or helpful tools to get your mind going.

 To whatever extent possible, try to use concepts learned in class to describe and evaluate the arguments of the book.

3. Conclusion

 This should be relatively brief. No more than one paragraph, really.

 Simply sum up or restate your thesis, and make a final evaluation of the book.

An essential feature of a good book review is the reviewer's ability to write concisely. So, do not write more, write more concisely—find creative ways to communicate your critical evaluation of the book in a short essay.

The grading scale is as follows:

A-range: Compelling exposition of the book, clearly presented, together with criticisms or comments that are substantial, thought-provoking, and which clearly demonstrate knowledge of any related material from the course.

B-range: Satisfactory exposition of the book, clearly presented, together with some original and substantial comments/criticisms of one's own, which demonstrate knowledge of any related ma- terial from the course.

C-range: Visible effort, but with significant misunderstanding of the book, or unclear presenta- tion, with little evidence of original thought and minimal understanding of any related material from the course.

D-range: Visible lack of effort.

Formatting: Single-spaced, one-inch margins all around, 12-point type, Times New Roman font

The BOOK I was assigned was

After Occupy: Economic Democracy for the 21st Century

– Malleson