Different kinds of books (monographs, essay collections, document collections) should be reviewed somewhat differently, but here are some general rules to follow when writing any review:

• A review is not a summary.
• A review is an analysis of the material in a book. Your instructor's assignment will tell you what kind of analysis you should make.
• Some description may be necessary, but focus your review on analysis.
• If your instructor asks you to comment on the theme of a book, determine the author’s theme, and focus on that task.
• Note the kinds of evidence or explanation the author has provided to support the theme.
• Build your review around a clear and logical statement of the author's theme and the evidence for it.
• If you are asked to include your own opinion in the review, make certain that any opinion you give is related directly to the review essay you have written.

FOR EXAMPLE: Don’t say "I thought the book was boring" unless you can demonstrate in your review why such a reaction on your part is justified. Unsupported opinions, even ones your instructor agrees with, will not earn you a high grade.