Pick either of our three textbooks (Delete, Virtual Self, SUper Sad True Love Story) and write a 750-word (plus/minus 75 words) analytical review. This assignment is a focused reflection on a specific theme or opinion expressed within the topic that shows your deep reading of the text. It’s designed to stretch your thinking and develop essay writing skills that can be extended into longer assignments. It will also help me to identify grammatical and stylistic errors at an early stage.

Be thoughtful, concise, original and opinionated. (Avoid reading online reviews of the same book to avoid plagiarism, accidental or otherwise.) Develop a thesis about one of the book’s ideas and then support your thesis with examples from outside research and personal experience. Write in a conversational tone that will draw a general (rather than academic) reader into your discussion.

A good review should include the following elements:

• Catchy title
• Intriguing opening sentence or two that makes a reader want to read
• A short summary of the book as a whole, including the key who, what, when, etc. details
• A focused thesis that expresses an opinion about a particular idea in the book illustrated with a short quote from the author
• A sustained argument / exploration of your opinion supported with a balance of outside examples, references, and personal observations and experiences.
• A concluding sentence or two that wraps up your discussion in a compelling and coherent manner.

DUE: Wednesday, January 30. Hand in a hardcopy, DOUBLE-SPACED, at the beginning of class (or before), and then post a copy online. Feel free to post a draft on your Blog before this deadline, for feedback and comments from your group and others. This Review is worth 10% of your Final Grade.