Book review: Here’s how the historian Jacques Barzun discussed the importance of the beginning of a book review:

The beginning, we know is important. The first [paragraph] should present an idea of interest to the readers . . . . If your first words are “This book . . .” they will not be able to distinguish your review from twenty others, and they will be entitled to conclude that you have not expended much thought on enlisting their attention. The opening statement takes the readers from where they presumably stand in point of knowledge and brings them to the book under review. The briefest possible description of its aim, scope, and place in the world therefore follows the baited opening sentence and completes the first paragraph. [Jacques Barzun, The Modern Researcher, 4th ed. (New York, 1985), 290.]

Students will choose the book they wish to review. Yes, you have the option of reviewing one of the assigned class texts, but any book about (or takes place in) New York City is acceptable. Keep in mind that n essential feature of a good book review is the reviewer’s ability to write concisely so that a comprehensive evaluation of the book can be obtained from a brief reading. So, do not write more, write more concisely — find creative ways to communicate your critical evaluation of the book in a short essay. A good model for your review would be the full-page book reviews published weekly in the Sunday New York Times Book Review.

Writing Guidelines: Your review should be 6-8 pages long, double-spaced and typed (standard essay format).