Steps for writing a good book review

[Nollaig]

I'm not sure where you got the idea that we are saying reviews should be regimented. The original poster labelled it a 'rough guide', and proceeded herself to say she doesn't really follow any set structure for writing reviews. The entire point of her posting it, as is made obvious by the above, and by what everyone else who has commented in this thread chose to take from it - is to in fact aid people looking for a little help with structuring their reviews. Nobody is evaluating anybody's ability to write reviews, it was a simple offer of advice for people to take or leave as they wish - and according to the poll 43 people happily took something from it!

 

It is, as you say, a crutch for people wanting to work on the technical side of their review writing, IF they choose to use it; I don't know where you got the idea that it's anything more than that.

[Kell]

As Noll says, it was just a rough guide I found online and posted in response to people asking how to go about writing a review. Telling someone who's never written a review and doesn't know where to start just to "go with the flow" isn't exactly helpful. And there are some useful tips in there to remember even when going with the flow, as I've read countless reviews where the reviewer neglects yo mention the author's name even once (and if there are multiple books with the same or similar titles, that can be problematic), or in some cases, even the title of the book! If either of those things are missing and then they don't even bother to mention the themes and only include what they thought of it, then you're going ot struggle to find out what the book is!

 

Writing reviews gets easier with practice. As I mentioned very early on in the thread, at school we were given a rough template for our book reviews which most of the kids found very helpful and although I tend to go with the flow with my own reviews, I always ensire I include certain elements with the factual information (title, author's name, and even the ISBN of the copy I read) clearly at the beginning so everyone knows exaclty which book I'm reviewing. So you see, even when "going with the flow" we fall into a pattern of ease when we review in order to include all the useful general information as well as our personal thoughts on the book in question.

[Michelle]

I also think there are different types of reviews - most are to give a potential reader an idea about what to expect, so they can make an informed decision as to whether they will read it. If I go to amazon, for example, I'm really not interested in long rambling reviews, and I really don't care about the reviewers personality - I simply want to know what the book is about, it's style, any negatives to be aware of etc.

 

I don't see reviews as being there to spark discussion - a forum such as this is much better for that!

[SnackReader]

The guidelines are good one i will follow those for my next reviews posting

[abcdemerli]

Always toy with the idea of reviewing, this will definitely help! Thanks!

[The Book Wheel]

This is a great list. It's also important to find the redeeming qualities of a book you may not like. I've read and reviewed a lot of books that I didn't particularly care for but knew that other would appreciate it. Balance is key! 

[Signor Finzione]

I've very recently decided to venture into the world of blogging/reviewing and these suggestions are much appreciated.

 

I, for one, am glad they weren't torn up into shreds and burnt. Everyone has to start somewhere.

 

[littlemissbookworm]

Thanks for this guide. This will definitely help me when I am finally able to start a book-related blog.

[woolf woolf]

This guide helped in my latest review and allowed me to flourish from set points instead of writing a confusing cluster. Thank you for sharing, Kell; bookmarked in the browser.

[sky29]

Thanks for the guide and tips.

[theultimateredemption]

Thank you for that simple and easy to follow guide!

[hasan459]

really useful thanks for this threat

[agustd30]

On 10/21/2005 at 1:27 PM, Kell said:

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.

i struggle w writing reviews a lot, tbh. but this was pretty straightforward and helpful. loved it!