The specimen format for the report. Below is an example how what it looks like:
Name: Josephine Student
Book Review Title:
Rules for Revolutionaries
Author: Guy Kawasaki
Course: MKTG 5703:
Marketing Management & Innovation
Date: 11/11/XX
Synopsis
Rules for
Revolutionaries is one of several books authored by Guy Kawasaki. Kawasaki is perhaps best
known for his work with Apple Computers, specifically for his work on the
launch of Apple’s Macintosh line.
In his book Kawasaki
explains how the reader can (and should) create “world-changing revolution”
within his or her company. The book’s three main points are 1)Create like a
God, 2)Command like a King, and 3)Work like a slave. Kawasaki gives several examples under each
section from business history, examples from the marketplace at the time of the
book’s publication, and from his own experiences. Kawasaki’s favorite case studies and
suggested readings are listed at the end of each chapter and in a special
references section at the end of the book.
Commentary
This book is presented in a very straightforward fashion
which made it both an easy and entertaining read! I especially liked how the
book was structured into sections based on his key ideas. Kawasaki is not afraid to attack business
practices he considers a waste of time and the tone of his book suggests he is
very interested in contributing to the reader’s success and in inspiring the
reader to create “revolution” in the marketplace.
I appreciated Kawasaki’s
straightforward and at times “in your face” writing style, reminiscent of
another of my favorite authors, Tom Peters. I liked the fact that he wasn’t shy
about talking about mistakes he’d made along with the successes he had enjoyed.
I especially noted his inclusion of several different sources which tells me
that as an author he did his due diligence and that he wasn’t interested in
just telling a bunch of his own “war stories” or in simply touting his
opinions. The book’s layout and its having sources so visibly listed make the
book a great quick-reference tool.
One thing I had a little problem with was his example “Eat
like a bird, poop like an elephant.” While he goes on to explain what he means,
and even though this is a memorable visual, I found trying to explain it to
others either resulted in their inability to take it seriously or their outright
disdain. Added to which there are only a handful of people with whom I would
even feel comfortable trying to share this example! It works in terms of making
a memorable impression, but is problematic in its use as an example that can be
widely (and tastefully!) used.
All that aside, I have always enjoyed Kawasaki’s work and this one is a nice
addition to his series. I look forward to his next book.
Conclusion
This book is a worthwhile investment and I would recommend
it.
Instructor’s note: The
above example is shown to illustrate possible flow/content of your book review
using the outline presented below. It is purposely done in an abbreviated
fashion. Your report will most likely be 3-5 pages or so.
Synopsis
– Summary
of the Content
– Must
be objective (your opinions and comments are presented in the next segment)
– Essentially
paraphrase the book jacket!
Commentary
– Here
it’s your turn
– Your
perspectives and opinions on the book
– What
you liked, or didn’t, what you found useful or not, etc.
– Make
your commentary relevant to the course
– If
you didn’t like the book, don’t just say “I didn’t like this book,”, but share
exactly what you didn’t like
Conclusion
– Would
you recommend this book or not?
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|