Book reviews provide information about a book's plot, style, and quality of writing.  Information about the author and comparisons to similar work is usually included as well. However, book reviews typically do not contain the kind of detailed analysis characteristic of literary criticism.

When looking for a book review, it's helpful to know:

• the author's full name
• the book's full title
• the book's publication year

Remember, literary criticism may be published in the years following the original publication of the book, and may also follow the printing of a new edition.