Description
OVERVIEW
In this Book Review Assignment, you will summarize one of the required reading texts from
our course and demonstrate both your understanding of the text and its application regarding
current counseling practices. You will also share your personal connections to the text along with
your opinion on the various topics covered within the book. This Book Review Assignment will
follow a specific format detailed in the instructions.
INSTRUCTIONS
The Book Review 4-MAT system is a way of responding to readings that requires the learner to
interact with new ideas on several levels. Use the following 4-MAT format in preparing a Book
Review Assignment of either Bringing Up Girls or Bringing Up Boys:
1. Summary: Summarize what you have read as if you were the author boiling down the
book into 200–250 words. Prove that you comprehend the readings by describing the
biblical worldview of the author and text and the central themes communicated in the
book.
2. Concrete responses: Get vulnerable! In 250–300 words, relate a personal life episode
that this book connected with in your own life experience. Relate your story in first
person describing action and quoting sentences you remember hearing or saying. This is a
do-it-yourself parable/case study/confession in the teaching style of Jesus. You will
remember almost nothing you have read unless you make this critical, personal
connection. What video memory began to roll? This is your chance to tell your story and
make new ideas found in the book connect to your own experiences.
3. Reflection: Consider the content of the reading assignment and include any further
questions the material brings to mind. Keep a rough note sheet at hand as you read. Begin
with questions like, “What would I like further information on?” Where do I not
agree/strongly agree with the author?” or “What bothers me/excites me about this
content?” This section must be at least 250–300 words.
4. Application: How does the information in the book influence how you are going to
continue your own personal growth process? What actions or changes are you going to
make in your life as a result of your learning? Your response here is a matter of
obedience first, questions later. Be precise in summarizing your action steps (limit these
comments to about 150–200 words).
You must use current APA format when writing your Book Review Assignment.
Be sure to review the Book Review Grading Rubric before beginning this Book Review
Assignment.
