Write an Effective Book Review
A Guide for the Professional, Student or Hobbyist
Why a book review is more than writing a summary. Covers how to write a fiction or nonfiction book review with extra tips!
If you've decided to review a book for school, work or fun there are several small ways to make sure it comes out top notch. Whether you’re reviewing fiction or nonfiction, there are a few basic components to the standard review, but if you want your reviews to stand out (or make the grade), stay tuned for some insider advice!
The Standard Book Review
In elementary school you probably gave a book report or two. The format reads: title, author than a summary of the work. Book reviews are similar but there are a few differences that allow you to delve deeper and give more information to any potential reader.
Fiction
There are four main elements to fiction:
- Plot - what's the story about, what's the conflict?
- Setting - time and place the story occurs in
- Character - gender, age, main or supporting, needs, quirks
- Dialogue - how the characters speak
When writing your book review, analyze how the writer approached each of these elements. Was there main character believable? How did the setting enhance the plot? Did you feel a slow, medium or fast pace to the progression of the story? What surprised you? What mad you keep reading?
Nonfiction
There are a variety of nonfiction categories. Some of the biggest include: spiritual, motivational, self-help and how-to. When writing your review of a nonfiction book, clearly define which category the book fits into. Provide info on the book such as: Did the chapters follow a logical order? Was there too much filler? Did the author stay on topic?
One of the best ways to writing an effective book review is by using a direct quote to show the author's voice. Choose one that really stands out and summarizes their message.
Key Tips
- Use the author's full name at the beginning then refer to the author by last name throughout the piece.
- Include the date when the book was published (or when it is due to hit shelves), the publishers name. As well as if it’s hardcover or softcover and the price.
- Don't be afraid to incorporate personal feelings, but make every effort to maintain a reasonable amount of objectivity.
- Remember that authors are people too and there is a good chance they may read your review!
- Read other reviews in the newspaper or online. Note what pieces of information were helpful and which weren't.
Finally, a book review can be basic but with the extra effort you can make it interesting and engaging. You want people to get a feel for the book you are discussing. The point isn’t to trash it or make it seem like the best thing since Harry Potter, instead you want to highlight the good parts as well as the not-so-good letting consumers know if its worth spending their money on!
