In the following essay, Niemi provides a biographical overview of Banks's life and traces his literary development from his early short stories and poetry through Rule of the Bone.

In the following excerpt, Herron compares the portrayals of American society in Rule of the Bone and Witold Rybczynski's City Life, commenting that both novels function as “mirrors” of contemporary social mores.

In the following review, Mesic lauds Banks's vivid and believable characterizations in Rule of the Bone.

In the following review, Eder contrasts Rule of the Bone with Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, arguing that Banks's reimagining of Twain's novel is ultimately flawed.

In the following review, Baker notes the moralistic and sentimental subject matter in Rule of the Bone, deeming the novel “probably more commercial than [Banks's previous work.”]

In the following review, Morton places Rule of the Bone within the context of the American literary tradition.

In the following review, Peaco faults Rule of the Bone for stretching the believability of its characters and plot.