book review

RACTICAL BOOK REVIEW ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
A Practical Book Review (PBR) is a way of responding to readings that requires the learner to
interact with new ideas and techniques on several levels. Your Practical Book Review
Assignment can be accomplished by thinking of four action words: Summarize, Respond,
Reflect, and Act. Use the following headings and details to satisfactorily complete the review.
INSTRUCTIONS
 Your grade on this assignment depends on the manner in which you address each of the four
dimensions (see content on required assignment sections below) in graduate level fashion and
according to the appropriate research writing guidelines of this class.
 A Title Page should be constructed according to current APA standards or Turabian form.
 Do not include an Abstract, Introduction, or Conclusion. You must use the headings provided
as your main headings and any sub-headers deemed necessary. Develop the intended
discussions early on rather than at the end of the sections.
 The body of this paper should be at least 4 pages. Each section should include at least 1 full
page of content.
 Provide the book’s reference information on a References page or Bibliography page
according to current APA standards or Turabian form. This means you need to be aware of
how and when you use periods, spacing, italics, capitalization style, edition, and proper
source citations. Do not simply “copy and paste” the reference from an electronic source.
Always construct the required reference entry or you may lose points for repeated mistakes.
 Make sure to correctly format the file name of the doc./docx. document and avoid losing easy
points. For example, if Aner Odell Kruiser submits a Practical Book Review of the Petersen
text, she (not you) would save the .doc or .docx file as: PACO500_PBR_Petersen+AOK. Do
not use text, pages. or pdf. files.
 Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
REQUIRED PRACTICAL BOOK REVIEW ASSIGNMENT SECTIONS
SUMMARIZE!
In your own words, summarize what you have read by boiling down the book into a brief
summary (1–2 pages). Do not copy and paste from the text, a website, student sample, or from a
previous Practical Book Review – this is plagiarism! Prove that you comprehend the material by
writing a brief, comprehensive summary. SUMMARIZE! is not a commentary with reflection or
a rehearsing of the text’s Table of Contents; rather, it is a gut-level, insightful “précis” of the
longer, more highly crafted book. Bottom line?! Provide a clear overview of the material, and in
the closing transition, pitch a convincing “So What?!” to the reader. The “So-What?!” qualifier
introduces the central point with an appeal for application. Be clear and concise regarding a
central point that makes it a good-read. In short, use the “So-What?!” phrase as you point out to
the reader “Why s/he should care?!”enough to apply this point to his or her life.
Short quotations are acceptable, but they should not be more than 1–2 sentences. Direct
quotations, paraphrases, and core notes must be properly cited. Do not reference any other source
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in your summary. This summary is only about the assigned text. Do not use first or second
person; be a reporter and give clear, concise facts.
RESPOND!
What parts of this book are about your growth and development in the midst of relationships?
You will remember almost nothing you have read unless you make this critical, personal
connection. Relate at least 1 personal life episode that a specific part of the of the text triggered
in your memory (i.e., cite accordingly). What video memory began to roll? Relate your story in
first person, describing action; quote exact words you remember hearing or saying and/or the
non-verbals on display in the memory. What was going on with your internal conversation
during the story? This is your chance to tell your present story and make new ideas your own
through a practical learning activity designed for you! Be sure to connect your personal life
example to a specific thought or quote from the Petersen book.
In light of seeking to be and become more like Christ in a specific relational context, be attentive
to a word, phrase, or concept from the text that informs the description of the “Me I See NOW.”
Noticeably use the phrase – “Me I See NOW” and develop a research-based discussion early on
rather than at the end of the section. The RESPOND! section should be at least 1 full page. While
there is no need to reference any other source, it is important to include citations from Petersen.
If a Scripture verse is cited, a brief explanation should be included to inform the reader (i.e., brief
explanation: verse location and translation).
REFLECT!
Review notes made while reading the book. What new questions or “ah ha” moments popped up
after reading the book? What insight(s), technique(s), word pictures(s), and tool(s) are you seeing
for the first time?
More specifically, how do these fresh notions relate to the development of the “Me I Want to See
SOON”? Noticeably use the phrase “The Me I Want to See SOON” and develop a research-
based discussion early on rather than at the end of the section. The REFLECT! section should be
1 full page. Again, there is no need to reference any other source. If a verse is cited, then a brief
explanation should be included to inform the reader (i.e., brief explanation: verse location and
translation). However, this section should be meaningfully connected to Petersen content.
Discuss/analyze and use source citations!
ACT!
So what are you going to DO about it anyway? Consider the following:
 In light of your aspiration to be and become more like Christ, what insights, techniques,
and/or supporting relationships are needed to secure and support “Becoming the Me I Want
to Be”?
 More specifically, which particular insights, techniques, and/or supporting relational
activities will you apply immediately to begin growing in favor with God and others? Dig
deep and dig up significant contributions to inform the action plan. Integrate these
contributions as you concisely point out small, measurable, and repeatable steps to achieve
your goal (i.e., the Me I Want to See Soon). Explain why this strategy is needed now.
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Noticeably use the phrase “The Me I Want to BECOME” and develop a research-based
discussion early on rather than at the end of the section. The ACT! section should be at least
one full page. There is no need to reference any other source. However, you should connect
your action steps to Petersen content and use proper citations! If Scripture(s) is cited, make
sure to inform the reader regarding your use of a particular verse (i.e., brief explanation: