how do you write a book review
Answers
A book review describes, analyzes and evaluates. The review conveys an opinion, supporting it with evidence from the book.
Do you know how to write a book review? I didn't. And even though I knew I didn't, that didn't stop me from firmly inserting my foot in my mouth by agreeing to conduct a book review writing workshop for my local Barnes & Noble. I blithely assured myself it would simply be a matter of picking up Book Reviews for Dummies, or something to that effect. Au contraire. It's easier to find information on bomb-making than book review writing.
So I did what any other resourceful writer on deadline would do; I panicked. Well, for a moment. Quickly composing myself I scrounged the library and internet for every conceivable source that even hinted at the term "book review." What follows is the result of my gleaning.
Before reading, consider:
*Title - What does it suggest?
*Preface or Introduction - Provides important information about the author's intentions or the scope of the book. Can you identify any limitations? Has the author ignored important aspects of the subject?
*Table of Contents - Shows how the book's organized -- main ideas, how they're developed (chronologically, topically, etc.)
Points to ponder as you read the entire book:
*What's the general field or genre? Does the book fit?
*From what point of view is the book written?
*Do you agree or disagree with the author's point of view?
*Make notes as you read, passages to quote in your review.
*Can you follow the author's thesis, "common thread"?
*What is the author's style? Formal? Informal? Suitable for the intended audience?
*Are concepts well defined? Is the language clear and convincing? Are the ideas developed? What areas are covered, not covered?How accurate is the information?
*Is the author's concluding chapter, the summary, convincing?
*If there are footnotes, do they provide important information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the text?
*If relevant, make note of the book's format - layout, binding, etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Are they helpful?
*Is the index accurate? What sources did the author use -- primary, secondary? Make note of important omissions.
*What did the book accomplish? Is more work needed? Compare the book to others by this author, or books in this field by other authors.
Writing the Review:
*Include title, author, place, publisher, publication date, edition, pages, special features (maps, etc.), price, ISBN.
*Hook the reader with your opening sentence. Set the tone of the review. Be familiar with the guidelines -- some editors want plot summaries; others don't. Some want you to say outright if you recommend a book, but not others.
*Review the book you read -- not the book you wish the author had written.
*If this is the best book you have ever read, say so -- and why. If it's merely another nice book, say so.
*Include information about the author-- reputation, qualifications, etc. -- anything relevant to the book and the author's authority.
*Think about the person reading your review. Is this a librarian buying books for a collection? A parent who wants a good read-aloud? Is the review for readers looking for information about a particular topic, or for readers searching for a good read?
*Your conclusion should summarize, perhaps include a final assessment. Do not introduce new material at this point.
*To gain perspective, allow time before revising.
Points to Ponder:
*What was the story about?
*Who were the main characters?
*Were the characters credible?
*What did the main characters do in the story?
*Did the main characters run into any problems? Adventures?
*Who was your favorite character? Why?
Your personal experiences
*Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?
*Have you ever done or felt some of the things, the characters did?
Your opinion
*Did you like the book?
* What was your favorite part of the book?
*Do you have a least favorite part of the book?
* If you could change something, what would it be? (If you wish you could change the ending, don't reveal it!)
Your recommendation
*Would you recommend this book to another person?
*What type of person would like this book?
Things to Bear in Mind:
Don't be intimidated by famous authors -- many have written mediocre books.
Don't review books by people you know, love, or hate.
Do you want to be a book reviewer? Start by doing. Write book reviews for local newspapers. If they don't have a book review section, start one.
If you have a specialty -- romance, mystery, dark fantasy -- cultivate it, become an expert.