A Book Review/ Short Story Review

A book review like a short story consists of summary and analysis.

Your review should start with an introduction, then a summary of the book/short story, then
your analysis and conclusion.

Students of grades 7, 8, 9 and 10 are required to read 10 books or short stories over the period
of eight weeks using the format below. Total Marks will be decided by your English Teacher
for Course Work.

Introduction

· State the name of the book/short story, author and date of publication- The Gift of
the Magi" is a short story by O. Henry first published in December 10, 1905

· Outline the main ideas of the book/short story.- The major premise of O. Henry's "The
Present of the Magi" is that the worth of a gift derives from giving from the heart, not from its
real cost. While the story's narrator refers to Jim and Della as "not smart," he goes on to
refer to them as "the most wise" before comparing them to the Magi, who "Being wise, their
presents were certainly wise one." The basic premise of "The Gift of the Magi" is that the
value of an item lies in the giver, not the gift itself. Jim and Della bought a present that forced
them to give up something valuable to them out of love for each other.

I really like this book/ short story because……..I love "The Gift of the Magi" because
I find it easy to identify with Jim and Della and their situation. They really
love each other and try to give each other the best possible christmas gif.t

I did not like this book / short story because …..

The book/short story is informative and practical…..this story is very simple

This book/short story is boring and inorganized…….

Summary

· Briefly outline the main elements of the book/short story

· Should involve WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHY

This book/short story is about…….James and Della Dillingham Young, a young

couple who, despite their poverty, individually resolve to give each other an
elegant gift on Christmas Eve.

The setting is ………The Gift of the Magi” takes place in a furnished flat in New
York City, the day before Christmas

The main character is…….. the major characters are Jim and Della

The theme is…….The main theme of The Gift of the Magi is love

Analysis

· Critically state what you liked or do not like about the book/short story

· Explain your answers with specific examples from the book/ short story.-

I love "The Gift of the Magi" because I find it easy to identify with Jim and
Della and their situation. They are deeply in love and desperately want to give
a Christmas gift that is representative of the width and depth and height of their
love, but there is no money for such an extravagant purchase.

Message of the book/short story Unrealistic Literary devices

Exciting Unusual

Boring Setting

This section may be more than one paragraph

Conclusion

· State why you should read this book/short story.

You must read this book/ short story because…….The thoughtful and creative
manner in which they each solve this problem, the willingness to
sacrifice in order to honor the other, the reaction each has when the
present is given - I find it a very touching portrayal of all...

Do not read this book/short story because…….

You will like this book/ short story if you like ………

The Cask of Amontillado - an Edgar Allan Poe Short Story by Edgar Allan Poe

Prepared by: Mrs. Stacy Carmichael (Literacy Specialist)