Guideline for Book Reviews
1- Book Reviews
JIRPSS publishes book reviews evaluating “academic books” in the field of international relations and related topics that are published in the last 2-3 years. Book reviews can be in the range of 1000-1500 words, and should not exceed 1500 words. Book Reviews Include:
- The subject, purpose and scope of the book should be delivered to the reader, and the strengths and weaknesses of the book should be emphasized.
- The original version of the book should be used for the review. If it is subsequently translated into Turkish, information should be provided about the publisher, date and title of the Turkish version.
- Reviews should be written in accordance with the journal’s style A sample book review and spelling rules are given below.
2- For extended book reviews
JIRPSS also publishes longer reviews. These can take two forms.
- 3-5 books on similar subjects can be evaluated one after another and compared with each other. In this case, an evaluation of 300-500 words should be made for each book, and the total evaluation should not exceed 2500 words.
- The review essays cover the literature in a particular subject area and should be around 2500 and 4000 words in length.
- Reviews should be written in accordance with the journal’s style Here is a sample book review and spelling rules:
Book Review Writing Rules
Please provide the information below at the top of your submission in the format provided
TITLE OF THE BOOK REVIEWED
Author of the Book, Publisher, Place of Publication, Year, Number of Pages, ISBN Number
Name of the Reviewer
Title and Academic Affiliation
Email:
Components of the Book Review
Introduction: Please explain what the book is about, which period it covers, what is the main problem/question the book is trying to address.
Author(s): Who is the author? Some background would provide context for the readers.
Core arguments: What is the key message the author is trying to articulate? Even in edited volumes, there is a thematic coherence that all contributors converge around. Briefly explain that shared theme in all chapters.
Methods and Content: Explain the methods the author(s) employed. Describe critical cases they used, if possible. You can do a chapter by chapter summary, or bundle similar chapters together for a more thematic summary. Try to keep this section short, clear and concise.
Strengths & Weaknesses of the Book: In what ways does the book stand out? Provide examples. How does it complement the literature? In what ways does the book fall short of delivering what it intends to deliver? Use critical thinking skills, while being fair.
Conclusion: Summarize your overall opinion of the book. Mention what kind of an audience would the book appeal the most.
Book Review Examples:
1- Reclaiming migration- Voices from Europe’s ‘migrant crisis by Itır Aladag Gorentas
Sources for writing book reviews:
Inside Higher Education: https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2015/03/27/essay-writing-academic-book-reviews
From Oxford University Press: https://blog.oup.com/2015/08/how-write-book-review/