Writing a book review is a simple, effective way to promote books, literacy, and authors.
Writing a book review is the perfect way to share an opinion about a book with others. Reviewing a book provides the opportunity to tell others about good books, bad books, and favorite authors. Here are six easy steps to writing a book review.
- Choose a book to review. Find a book on the bookshelf, in the library, or in a bookstore. It can be an old favorite, a brand new book, or something in between. Read the book thoroughly and carefully. Pay attention to the details of the story, the characters, the point the book is making, and the writing.
- Identify what makes the book good. Jot down notes about memorable characters and settings. Pay attention to any emotional connection that arises and whether or not the feeling changes. Notice how the writing works. It may disappear creating only the feeling of the story. It may stand out as lyrical. The storyline should make sense and always move forward. Note if the story is heartwarming, intriguing, funny, educational, etc.
- Identify what is less enjoyable about the book. Sometimes a character’s role is unclear. The setting may feel uncertain. The storyline may have holes or not maintain a level of interest. The book may never make the point promised. The writing may not flow well. It may jar the reader out of the story. Pay attention to what about the book doesn’t work.
- Summarize the story line. Write a general summary of the book that provides enough information to explain why it’s worth reading but doesn’t give away the ending. Write it as if to tell a good friend or a stranger in a book store. For most books two to six sentences will provide a sufficient summary to let a potential reader determine interest.
- Decide where to publish the review. Reviews can be posted on many book sellers sites including Amazon, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. Personal websites are popular ways for people to invite others to read beloved books. Social networking sites and blogs are also great places to publish book reviews. Content sites such as Suite 101, Associated Content, and Today may also be alternatives for posting book reviews. It’s important to determine where to post a review before writing it because the word length, wording, and point of view requirements vary between different types of sites. For social networking sites, the review should feel like telling your best friends about the book. For content sites, the review should read more professionally. Book sellers allow reviews that combine the two techniques. Be sure to read and follow any submission guidelines posted before submitting the review.
- Write the review. The review will contain the enjoyable things as well as the bad things about the book. It will summarize the story. Express what potential readers need to know to decide whether or not read a book. Include a supported opinion of the book at both the beginning and the end of the review without being redundant.
Anyone who has ever recommended a book to a friend or a stranger has essentially reviewed a book. Reviews need to be fair and based on the work itself and not on outside components. Reviews are about the contents of the book; however, disagreeing with the idea presented in a book doesn’t make the book a bad book. In this instance write why the author didn’t change your opinion.
One way to support the importance of books as entertainment as well as an examination of society is to write reviews.
The copyright of the article Six Steps to Write a Book Review in Article Composition is owned by T. L. Cooper. Permission to republish Six Steps to Write a Book Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
