Steps for writing a good book review

[Kell]

I found this rough "how to" guide online & thought you guys might find it of interest:

Steps for Writing a Good Book Review
* Introduce the subject, scope, and type of book
* Identify the book by author, title, and sometimes publishing information.
* Specify the type of book (for example, fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography). Help your readers to review with perspective.
* Mention the book's theme.
* Sometimes you will need to include background to enable reader(s) to place the book into a specific context. For example, you might want to describe the general problem the book addresses or earlier work the author or others have done.

Briefly summarize the content
* For a nonfiction book, provide an overview, including paraphrases and quotations, of the book's thesis and primary supporting points.
* For a work of fiction, briefly review the story line for readers, being careful not to give away anything that would lessen the suspense for readers.

Provide your reactions to the book
* Describe the book: Is it interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive? Why?
* Respond to the author's opinions: What do you agree with? And why? What do you disagree with? And why?
* Explore issues the book raises: What possibilities does the book suggest? Explain. What matters does the book leave out? Explain.
* Relate your argument to other books or authors: Support your argument for or against the author's opinions by bringing in other authors you agree with.
* Relate the book to larger issues: How did the book affect you? How have your opinions about the topic changed? How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda.

Conclude by summarizing your ideas
* Close with a direct comment on the book, and tie together issues raised in the review. Briefly restate your main points and your thesis statement if your teacher requires it. If you like, you can offer advice for potential readers.

[Loricat]

Great guide!

I just posted a review and I wish I had read this first. I'm cutting and pasting this for next time. :D

[Kell]

I have to admit, I don't really follow any set format myself, but when I first started writing reviews (way back in high school) for books, we had a prescribed format & I found it helped to get me started. Now, I tend to go with the flow - whatever comes out, comes out, but if you've never written a review before, it can be a daunting task to be faced with.

Glad you liked it - there are loads of various guides online, but I rather liked the simplicity of this one. :)

[Tinymoz]

I wish I'd read this before posting too :motz: that'll teach me!

[Blossom]

I'm useless at reviewing books, which is a shame, as there is often a lot I'd like to say about them...

[Michelle]

I think that as long as you can give a constructive opinion, and back up your feelings, it doesn't have to be too structured.

[Echo]

One thing I like about this guide is it gives you things to think about before writing your review. It directs your response to the book so that the review you write is more constructive and helpful to other people.

[supergran71]

I'm useless at reviewing books, which is a shame, as there is often a lot I'd like to say about them...
Just say it then Blossom, nobody minds;)

[Kell]

And anyone who doesn't feel comfortable writing a review can always post their comments and start a discussion on the book they've read in the general books discussion section - that's always more than welcome too. :)

[burghead lass]

Hi Kell

I will be printing the guidlenes of because when I write a review I find it difficult to find the words to describe. Many :thanx: for all the info Kell :D

Heather