Start by identifying the author's central thesis and then attempt to outline the key points of the author's main argument. Roughly ¾ of your essay should focus on summarizing the content of the book, whereas ¼ of it should be designated for presenting your own analysis and criticism. Your analysis and criticism may either address what you believe to be inadequate or underdeveloped in the author's discussion, or it may focus on a point that you believe has important implications for the class.