book review auf englisch

Teste dein Wissen zum Thema Review schreiben Englisch!

Review schreiben englisch.

Bei einer Review analysierst und bewertest du Texte. In diesem Beitrag und im Video  erfährst du, wie du eine perfekte Review in Englisch schreiben kannst.

Was ist eine Review in Englisch? — einfach erklärt

Review schreiben englisch — so gehst du vor, review schreiben englisch — aufbau, review schreiben englisch — häufigste fragen, linking words.

Eine Review  ist eine schriftliche Bewertung eines Werkes — oft hast du in Englisch die Aufgabe, eine solche Review schreiben. Du beurteilst und kritisierst dabei ein Buch (Book Review) bzw. einen Film (Movie Review) anhand des Inhalts , der Sprache , des Stils und der Qualität . Am Schluss gibst du eine Empfehlung an den Leser ab.

Aber wie schreibst du eigentlich eine Review in Englisch ? Und worauf musst du bei der Vorbereitung besonders achten? Das zeigen wir dir jetzt   Schritt für Schritt .

Bevor es an das Schreiben deiner englischen Review geht, solltest du dich gründlich mit dem Werk befassen. Denn mit einer guten Vorbereitung fällt dir das Schreiben der Review leichter. Am besten gehst du dabei so vor:

• Lies dir den Text einmal gründlich durch bzw. schau dir den Film aufmerksam an. Mache dir jetzt schon Notizen zu den Auffälligkeiten (z. B. überraschende Wendungen oder Zeitsprünge) und Hauptaussagen des Werkes .  
• Bei einer Book Review liest du dir als Nächstes den Text nochmal durch. Markiere dabei im Text die wichtigsten Schlüsselwörter und -phrasen . Das sind Wörter oder Sätze, die besonders wichtig für den Text sind.   Tipp: Im Englischunterricht musst du meistens Gesamtwerke beurteilen, z. B. komplette Bücher . Oft sind diese Bücher aber sehr lang — dann kann ein mehrfaches Lesen sehr lange dauern. Konzentriere dich in dem Fall eher auf einzelne Kapitel , an denen du besonders gut deine eigene Meinung verdeutlichen kannst.    Im Fall einer Movie Review reicht es, einzelne Passagen nochmal anzuschauen. Ähnlich wie auch schon vorher bei der Book Review, solltest du dir jetzt Notizen zu den auffälligsten Details und den wichtigsten Szenen machen.  
• Im  letzten Schritt geht es um das Wichtigste einer Review: deine eigene Meinung . Überlege dir also in diesem Schritt, wie der Text oder der Film auf dich wirkt. Versuche Aspekte zu finden, die der Autor bzw. Regisseur besonders gut umgesetzt hat — und welche eher schlecht. 

Nun beginnt das eigentliche Schreiben deiner Review in Englisch . Aber wie ist eine Review überhaupt aufgebaut? Gute Nachricht — sie ist immer gleich gegliedert:

• Einleitung (introduction)
• Hauptteil (main part ), bestehend aus Inhaltsangabe & Bewertung
• Schluss (conclusion)

Vorsicht: Da es sich hier um eine Review auf Englisch handelt, solltest du in deinem Text ausschließlich die englischen Begriffe nutzen.

Schauen wir uns nun die einzelnen Punkte etwas genauer an!

Review schreiben Englisch — Einleitung (introduction)

Die Einleitung ist der Türöffner zu deiner Bewertung und vermittelt grundlegende Informationen über den Beitrag. Für deinen Einleitungssatz auf Englisch fasst du folgende  Informationen zusammen:

• Titel (title)
• Autor (author)
• Erscheinungsjahr (publishing date)
• Hauptthema (main topic)
• Hauptcharaktere (main characters)

Beispiel: Published in 1842, Charles Dickens‘ „A Christmas Carol” is a classic novella in the genre of Victorian Christmas literature. The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted man, as he undergoes a magical journey, learning the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of kindness to others.

Eine gelungene Einleitung ist präzise formuliert und bietet den Lesern eine klare Orientierung . Gleichzeitig soll sie Neugierde wecken. Folgende Einleitungssätze können dir als Inspiration dienen:

Tipp: Bei einer Movie Review solltest du auch einen kurzen Einblick hinter die Kulissen geben: Wer ist der Regisseur ? Wer sind die Hauptdarsteller ? Außerdem solltest du kurz die Länge des Films ansprechen. Alle Informationen dazu findest du meist im Internet, z. B. in der Internet Movie Database (IMDb).

Review schreiben Englisch — Hauptteil (main part)

Nun folgt der Hauptteil. Das ist das Herzstück deiner Review. Am Anfang des main parts solltest du immer eine kurze Inhaltsangabe schreiben. Aber Achtung: Verrate hier nicht das Ende der Geschichte! Der Leser möchte das Buch eventuell noch selbst lesen.

Nach der Inhaltsangabe vertiefst du dich auf bestimmte Aspekte des Werkes. Du kannst dich dabei an diesen Punkten orientieren:

• Inhalt : Was waren die Hauptereignisse der Geschichte? Und an welcher Stelle erfolgten überraschende Wendungen?
• Charaktere : Wie haben sich die Charaktere im Verlauf der Geschichte entwickelt?
• Sprache : Wie würdest du den Schreibstil des Autors bewerten? Ist er flüssig, fesselnd oder doch eher eintönig? Wie ist der Filmdialog umgesetzt? Werden auffällige Stil- oder Sprachmittel (z. B. parallelism oder enumeratio ) genutzt?
• Themen und Botschaften: Welche Themen spricht der Autor des Werkes an? Wie wurden sie in den Verlauf der Geschichte eingebunden?
• Höhepunkte: Welche Stellen, Zitate oder Szenen haben dir besonders gefallen?
• Zielgruppe: An wen richtet sich die Botschaft des Textes oder des Filmes? Und für wen wurde das Werk geschrieben?

Du musst nicht zwingend alle Punkte aufnehmen. Je nach Inhalt und Art des Werkes solltest du eigene Schwerpunkte setzen. Die Punkte bilden die Grundlage für deine Review. Mit ihnen verdeutlichst du die Argumentation hinter deiner Meinung. Du musst übrigens nicht nur ausschließlich negative oder ausschließlich positive Wertungen in deiner Review schreiben. Stattdessen kannst du auch die Stärken oder Schwächen von einzelnen Punkten erwähnen.

Tipp:  Deine Review stellt deine eigene , subjektive Meinung dar. Du solltest sie aber unbedingt so aufbauen, dass auch Personen mit anderer Meinung deiner Review folgen können! Das machst du am besten, indem du entsprechende Textpassagen oder Filmzitate in deiner Review angibst.

Übliche Formulierungen im Hauptteil sind:

Allgemein kann die Länge deiner Review variieren. Das hängt vor allem damit zusammen, wie anspruchsvoll das zu bewertende Werk ist. Der Hauptteil nimmt aber immer den meisten Platz in Anspruch. Als Faustregel gilt, dass er mindestens so lange ist wie die Einleitung und der Schluss zusammen.

Review schreiben Englisch — Schluss (conclusion)

Deine Review schließt mit der conclusion . Hier fasst du deine abschließende Meinung in einem kurzen Abschnitt zusammen. Diese Checkliste erleichtert dir das Schreiben:

• Zusammenfassung: Fasse die wichtigsten Punkte deiner Review kurz zusammen. Dabei solltest du deine Reviewinhalte jedoch nicht wortwörtlich wiederholen.
• Persönlicher Eindruck:   Sag, was du insgesamt zu dem Thema denkst. War es gut, schlecht oder irgendwo dazwischen? Begründe deine Meinung.
• Empfehlung: Du gibst dem Leser eine konkrete Empfehlung auf Basis deiner Review. Lohnt es sich, das Buch zu lesen?

Beispiel: Summing up, „A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is a classic tale that teaches us the importance of generosity and compassion. It left a lasting impression on me because this heartwarming story brilliantly conveys the message of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas. I highly recommend this timeless story, which reminds us of the power of kindness during the holiday season. It’s a must-read for all ages.

Folgende Formulierungen helfen dir bei   deiner conclusion:

Tipp:  Der Schlussteil ist wichtig, weil er deine Meinung nochmal deutlich wiedergibt. Eine gute conclusion rundet deine Review ab und lässt sie insgesamt überzeugender wirken.

• Was ist eine Book Review? Eine Book Review ist die schriftliche Bewertung eines Buches. In einer Book Review fasst du die Handlung des Buches zusammen und bewertest den Inhalt. Du kannst dich an der Gliederung der klassischen Review — also Einleitung, Hauptteil, Schluss — orientieren.     
• Wie schreibe ich eine Book Review in Englisch? Eine Book Review schreibst du aus einer subjektiven Sichtweise, denn sie ist eine persönliche Beurteilung. Du darfst und sollst also deine persönliche Meinung einbringen. 

Beim Review schreiben in Englisch helfen dir auch Verbindungswörter, denn sie machen deinen Text schön flüssig. Die besten Linking Words  zeigen wir dir in diesem Beitrag.  

Beliebte Inhalte aus dem Bereich Textarten Englisch

• Report schreiben Englisch Dauer: 04:20
• Charakterisierung Englisch Dauer: 03:53
• Fictional text analysis Dauer: 05:15

Weitere Inhalte: Textarten Englisch

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Sicher hast Du in Deinem Leben schon einmal eine book review oder eine movie review  gelesen oder gesehen. Um selbst eine Review auf Englisch schreiben zu können, solltest Du jedoch erst einmal wissen, was darunter verstanden wird:

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Was sind wichtige Aspekte, die du beachten solltest, wenn du eine Review schreibst?

Welche dieser Informationen gehört nicht in die Einleitung deiner Review?

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Springe zu einem wichtigen Kapitel

Eine Review ist eine Form der Kritik, bei der ein Werk auf der Grundlage von Inhalt, Stil und Qualität analysiert wird. Ihre Länge kann von einem einzigen Absatz bis zu einem umfangreichen Aufsatz variieren.

Das Ziel einer Review ist es, etwas zu bewerten oder zu beurteilen. Der erste Tipp für Dich, um das zu erzielen, ist: strukturiere Deinen Text anhand eines sinnvollen Aufbaus.

Review schreiben Englisch – Aufbau

Wie Du in der Einleitung lesen konntest, spielt der Aufbau beim Review schreiben auf Englisch eine wichtige Rolle. Dabei folgt eine Review dem Muster der meisten englischen und auch deutschen Texte:

• Einleitung ( introduction )
• Hauptteil ( main part)
• Schluss ( conclusion )

Review Englisch – Beispiel einer Einleitung

Sieh Dir für die Einleitung einer Review auf Englisch erst einmal dieses Beispiel an:

The book "Holes", written by Louis Sacher and published in 1998 deals with the story of a 14-year-old boy named Stanley who is serving time at a prison camp in the dessert. In my opinion it is a great book since it showcases not only one but three stories in one book without loosing focus.

Dieses Beispiel zeigt Dir, was alles in einer Einleitung vorkommen muss:

• Art des Mediums ( the book )
• Titel ("Holes")
• Autor*in (Louis Sacher)
• Datum der Veröffentlichung (1998)
• erste Zusammenfassung ( the story of a 14-year-old boy )

Hast Du diese Informationen in Deiner Einleitung abgedeckt, kannst Du noch das Genre , den Verlag oder bei einem Film die Hauptdarsteller*innen nennen. In Deinem zweiten Einleitungssatz gehst Du schließlich das erste Mal auf Deine Meinung ein und schilderst Deine ersten Eindrücke zu dem Titel, den Du rezensierst.

Behalte außerdem im Hinterkopf, dass Du mit Deiner Einleitung Neugierde bei Lesenden wecken und sie zum Weiterlesen motivieren möchtest.

Review schreiben Englisch – Beispiele für Vokabeln in der Einleitung

Damit Du in der Einleitung Deine Meinung zum Ausdruck bringen kannst, findest Du in der folgenden Tabelle einige Beispiele für englische Formulierungen:

Review Englisch – Hauptteil

Der Hauptteil einer Review auf Englisch befasst sich mit den wichtigsten Fakten über Dein Thema, zum Beispiel:

• kurze Inhaltsangabe ohne Spoiler
• Wem empfiehlst Du das Werk?
• Warum empfiehlst Du das Werk?

Lege Deine Kriterien fest, also die Maßstäbe, nach denen Du das Buch, die Sendung oder den Film beurteilen wirst, sie helfen den Lesenden dabei, Deine Meinung nachzuvollziehen. Die Kriterien, die Du frei bestimmen kannst, könnten zum Beispiel sein:

• Länge des Buchs
• Ist die Handlung nachvollziehbar?
• Sind die Hauptpersonen interessant?
• Ist das Werk kompliziert oder einfach zu verstehen?

Erkläre anschließend Deine Meinung zu dem Werk, das Du bewertest. Deine Review kann negativ, positiv oder gemischt ausfallen. Deine Aufgabe ist es, diese Meinung mit Details und Beweisen zu untermauern. Auch wenn die Leser*innen anderer Meinung sind als Du, müssen sie erkennen können, wie Du zu Deinen Schlussfolgerungen gekommen bist.

Erläutere Deine Einschätzungen mit Zitaten oder Beschreibungen von Szenen aus dem Werk. Auch Reviews, die von anderen Personen geschrieben wurden, könntest Du in Betracht ziehen, in dem Du verschiedene Meinungen anderer Quellen zitierst und direkt bewertest.

Review Englisch – Beispiele für Vokabeln im Hauptteil

Wenn Du Dir unsicher bist, wie Du auf Englisch etwas beurteilst, kannst Du die folgende Tabelle nutzen! Dort findest Du einige Beispiele, wie Du Deine Sätze in einer Review auf Englisch beginnen kannst.

Review Englisch – Beispiel eines Schlussteils

Der Schlussteil einer Review fasst Deine Meinung zusammen und bringt Deine Aussagen auf den Punkt , wie Du in diesem Beispiel sehen kannst.

In conclusion, I recommend to read this book, because it is captivating, moving and the characters can function as role models for younger generations, as I have mentioned earlier.

Mit diesem Satz kannst Du eine Review abrunden und beenden. Du schreibst also ein kurzes Fazit.

Auch viele andere Texte, die Dir im Unterricht oder in einer Prüfungssituation begegnen können, folgen demselben Aufbau wie eine Review. Schaue in die Erklärung " Englische Texte schreiben ", um mehr über verschiedene Textarten zu erfahren.

Review Englisch – Tipps

Jetzt, wo Du den grundlegenden Aufbau einer Review kennst, folgen noch ein paar Tipps, die Dir beim Schreiben helfen können:

• Verschaffe Dir einen Gesamtüberblick .
• Schreibe Deinen ersten Eindruck auf.
• Prüfe Deinen ersten Eindruck .
• Scheue Dich nicht davor, Deine Meinung zu ändern .
• Wie viel Hintergrundinformation wird zum Beispiel benötigt?
• Nutze Vergleiche, um Deine Argumente zu unterstützen.

Während des Schreibens Deiner Review kannst Du Dich außerdem an diese Tipps halten:

• Mache Notizen.
• Lies Deine Review am Ende noch einmal durch.

Du bist Dir nicht sicher, wie Du Deine Notizen am besten sortieren und gestalten kannst? Dann schau in die Erklärung " Notizen Englisch ", um Dich vorzubereiten.

Book Review Englisch

Da Du in der Schule häufig eine Book Review, also eine Rezension über ein Buch, schreiben musst, siehst Du hier die wichtigsten Punkte, die Du beim Schreiben beachten solltest:

• wesentliche Informationen zum Buch
• grundlegende Zusammenfassung des Plots (deutsch: "Handlung")
• Lob und Kritik

Book Review – Wesentliche Informationen

Gib wie bei einer anderen Rezension bei einer Book Review zuerst alle allgemeinen Informationen an, die für die Lesenden wichtig sind:

• Jahr der Veröffentlichung

Erwähne, ob das Buch Teil einer Reihe ist und ob es notwendig ist, die anderen Bücher der Reihe vor diesem Buch gelesen zu haben.

Book Review – Grundlegende Zusammenfassung der Handlung

Gib im nächsten Teil Deiner Book Review einen groben Überblick über die Handlung . Somit wissen Deine Lesenden, worum es in der Geschichte geht. Am besten lässt Du den Höhepunkt oder das Ende des Buches aus und vermeidest Spoiler. Damit wirst Du Deinen Leser*innen die Geschichte nicht ruinieren, falls sie sich das Buch selbst durchlesen wollen.

Dies gilt natürlich auch für Filme und Serien! Wenn Du noch wissen möchtest, wie Du einen englischen Film analysierst, kannst Du Dir gerne die Erklärung " Film Analyse Englisch " anschauen!

Book Review – Lob und Kritik

Der Abschnitt mit Lob und Kritik ist der wichtigste Teil Deiner Book Review und sollte auch der längste sein. Jeder kann eine Handlung zusammenfassen, aber was ist Deine eigene Meinung von diesem Buch? Einfach nur zu sagen, dass ein Buch "gut" oder "schlecht" ist oder dass es Dir gefallen oder nicht gefallen hat, ist nicht ausreichend.

Lass Deine Leser*innen wissen, warum Du das Buch gut oder vielleicht enttäuschend fandest. Wenn Du Details und Zitate verwendest, können sich Deine Zuhörer selbst ein Bild davon machen, ob sie das Buch gerne lesen würden. Ein Beispiel für das Formulieren einer Meinung in einer Book Review siehst Du hier:

The descriptive writing pulled me into the story right away, but there were a few big narrative gaps that didn't make sense.

Book Review – Empfehlung

Nachdem Du Dein Lob und Deine Kritik geäußert hast, erklärst Du in einer Book Review Deine Schlussfolgerungen . Würdest Du Deinen Lesern*innen dieses Buch empfehlen? Wenn ja, wem würde dieses Buch Deiner Meinung nach gefallen? Und warum?

Review schreiben Englisch – Satzanfänge & Vokabeln

Hier findest Du noch ein paar wichtige Redewendungen, die Dir das Schreiben einer Review vereinfachen können. Sätze kannst Du zum Beispiel mit diesen Formulierungen beginnen:

Da das bewerten eines Werkes ein wichtiger Teil einer ( Book ) Review ist, solltest Du auch einige Vokabeln für Adjektive beherrschen. Die folgenden Vokabeln können Dir helfen Werke zu beurteilen:

Möchtest Du mehr über die verschiedenen Adjektive erfahren? Dann schau Dir die Erklärung " Adjektive Englisch " an!

Statt good oder bad kannst Du auch die Vokabeln aus der folgenden Tabelle verwenden:

Review Englisch - Das Wichtigste

• Review Englisch – Definition : Eine Review ist eine Form der Kritik, bei der ein Werk auf der Grundlage von Inhalt, Stil und Qualität analysiert wird.
• Einleitung: allgemeine Informationen zum Werk, zum Beispiel Titel und Autor*in
• Hauptteil: Inhaltsangabe, Deine Kriterien, Deine Beurteilung anhand von Beweisen
• Schlussteil: Fazit, abschließende Meinung zum Werk
• Verschaffe Dir einen Gesamtüberblick
• Mache Notizen
• Lies Deinen Text am Ende noch einmal durch.
• Zusammenfassung ohne Spoiler
• Lob und Kritik anhand von Beweisen
• Fazit: Empfehlung oder nicht?
• Satzanfänge : Personally , In my opinion , All in all , etc.
• Vokabeln : fantastic , simple , boring , disappointing , moving , etc.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen zum Thema Review Englisch

Wie schreibt man eine Review auf Englisch?

Eine Review schreibt man mit folgendem Aufbau: 

• Einleitung 
• Hauptteil 

Wie schreibt man eine Book Review auf Englisch?

Eine Book Review auf Englisch schreibt man, indem man mit einem einleitenden Satz beginnt, der die wichtigen Informationen wiedergibt (Titel, Autor*in, Erscheinungsjahr) und dann mit einer genauen Erläuterung fortfährt, warum man dieses Buch empfiehlt oder nicht.

Wie schreibt man eine Film Review auf Englisch?

Eine Film Review auf Englisch schreibt man, indem man mit einem einleitenden Satz beginnt, der die wichtigen Informationen wiedergibt (Titel, Reggiseur*in, Genre Erscheinungsjahr) und dann mit einer genauen Erläuterung fortfährt, warum man diesen Film empfiehlt oder nicht.

Wie ist eine Review auf Englisch aufgebaut?

Eine Review auf Englisch ist wie folgt aufgebaut:

• Einleitung (wichtige Informationen zu Titel, Autor*in etc)
• Inhaltsangabe oder Spoiler
• Erläuterung der Kriterien und wie diese im Werk umgesetzt werden
• Schluss: abschließende Meinung zum Werk

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Mar 29

17 book review examples to help you write the perfect review.

It’s an exciting time to be a book reviewer. Once confined to print newspapers and journals, reviews now dot many corridors of the Internet — forever helping others discover their next great read. That said, every book reviewer will face a familiar panic: how can you do justice to a great book in just a thousand words?

As you know, the best way to learn how to do something is by immersing yourself in it. Luckily, the Internet (i.e. Goodreads and other review sites , in particular) has made book reviews more accessible than ever — which means that there are a lot of book reviews examples out there for you to view!

In this post, we compiled 17 prototypical book review examples in multiple genres to help you figure out how to write the perfect review . If you want to jump straight to the examples, you can skip the next section. Otherwise, let’s first check out what makes up a good review.

Are you interested in becoming a book reviewer? We recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can earn money for writing reviews — and are guaranteed people will read your reviews! To register as a book reviewer, sign up here.

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

Should you become a book reviewer?

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What must a book review contain?

Like all works of art, no two book reviews will be identical. But fear not: there are a few guidelines for any aspiring book reviewer to follow. Most book reviews, for instance, are less than 1,500 words long, with the sweet spot hitting somewhere around the 1,000-word mark. (However, this may vary depending on the platform on which you’re writing, as we’ll see later.)

In addition, all reviews share some universal elements, as shown in our book review templates . These include:

• A review will offer a concise plot summary of the book. 
• A book review will offer an evaluation of the work. 
• A book review will offer a recommendation for the audience. 

If these are the basic ingredients that make up a book review, it’s the tone and style with which the book reviewer writes that brings the extra panache. This will differ from platform to platform, of course. A book review on Goodreads, for instance, will be much more informal and personal than a book review on Kirkus Reviews, as it is catering to a different audience. However, at the end of the day, the goal of all book reviews is to give the audience the tools to determine whether or not they’d like to read the book themselves.

Keeping that in mind, let’s proceed to some book review examples to put all of this in action.

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Book review examples for fiction books

Since story is king in the world of fiction, it probably won’t come as any surprise to learn that a book review for a novel will concentrate on how well the story was told .

That said, book reviews in all genres follow the same basic formula that we discussed earlier. In these examples, you’ll be able to see how book reviewers on different platforms expertly intertwine the plot summary and their personal opinions of the book to produce a clear, informative, and concise review.

Note: Some of the book review examples run very long. If a book review is truncated in this post, we’ve indicated by including a […] at the end, but you can always read the entire review if you click on the link provided.

Examples of literary fiction book reviews

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man :

An extremely powerful story of a young Southern Negro, from his late high school days through three years of college to his life in Harlem.

His early training prepared him for a life of humility before white men, but through injustices- large and small, he came to realize that he was an "invisible man". People saw in him only a reflection of their preconceived ideas of what he was, denied his individuality, and ultimately did not see him at all. This theme, which has implications far beyond the obvious racial parallel, is skillfully handled. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing. The boy's dismissal from college because of an innocent mistake, his shocked reaction to the anonymity of the North and to Harlem, his nightmare experiences on a one-day job in a paint factory and in the hospital, his lightning success as the Harlem leader of a communistic organization known as the Brotherhood, his involvement in black versus white and black versus black clashes and his disillusion and understanding of his invisibility- all climax naturally in scenes of violence and riot, followed by a retreat which is both literal and figurative. Parts of this experience may have been told before, but never with such freshness, intensity and power.

This is Ellison's first novel, but he has complete control of his story and his style. Watch it.

Lyndsey reviews George Orwell’s 1984 on Goodreads:

YOU. ARE. THE. DEAD. Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. Or in Newspeak "Double Plus Good." Let me preface this with an apology. If I sound stunningly inarticulate at times in this review, I can't help it. My mind is completely fried.

This book is like the dystopian Lord of the Rings, with its richly developed culture and economics, not to mention a fully developed language called Newspeak, or rather more of the anti-language, whose purpose is to limit speech and understanding instead of to enhance and expand it. The world-building is so fully fleshed out and spine-tinglingly terrifying that it's almost as if George travelled to such a place, escaped from it, and then just wrote it all down.

I read Fahrenheit 451 over ten years ago in my early teens. At the time, I remember really wanting to read 1984, although I never managed to get my hands on it. I'm almost glad I didn't. Though I would not have admitted it at the time, it would have gone over my head. Or at the very least, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate it fully. […]

The New York Times reviews Lisa Halliday’s Asymmetry :

Three-quarters of the way through Lisa Halliday’s debut novel, “Asymmetry,” a British foreign correspondent named Alistair is spending Christmas on a compound outside of Baghdad. His fellow revelers include cameramen, defense contractors, United Nations employees and aid workers. Someone’s mother has FedExed a HoneyBaked ham from Maine; people are smoking by the swimming pool. It is 2003, just days after Saddam Hussein’s capture, and though the mood is optimistic, Alistair is worrying aloud about the ethics of his chosen profession, wondering if reporting on violence doesn’t indirectly abet violence and questioning why he’d rather be in a combat zone than reading a picture book to his son. But every time he returns to London, he begins to “spin out.” He can’t go home. “You observe what people do with their freedom — what they don’t do — and it’s impossible not to judge them for it,” he says.

The line, embedded unceremoniously in the middle of a page-long paragraph, doubles, like so many others in “Asymmetry,” as literary criticism. Halliday’s novel is so strange and startlingly smart that its mere existence seems like commentary on the state of fiction. One finishes “Asymmetry” for the first or second (or like this reader, third) time and is left wondering what other writers are not doing with their freedom — and, like Alistair, judging them for it.

Despite its title, “Asymmetry” comprises two seemingly unrelated sections of equal length, appended by a slim and quietly shocking coda. Halliday’s prose is clean and lean, almost reportorial in the style of W. G. Sebald, and like the murmurings of a shy person at a cocktail party, often comic only in single clauses. It’s a first novel that reads like the work of an author who has published many books over many years. […]

Emily W. Thompson reviews Michael Doane's The Crossing on Reedsy Discovery :

In Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl.

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

The Narrator initially sticks to the highways, trying to make it to the West Coast as quickly as possible. But a hitchhiker named Duke convinces him to get off the beaten path and enjoy the ride. “There’s not a place that’s like any other,” [39] Dukes contends, and The Narrator realizes he’s right. Suddenly, the trip is about the journey, not just the destination. The Narrator ditches his truck and traverses the deserts and mountains on his bike. He destroys his phone, cutting off ties with his past and living only in the moment.

As he crosses the country, The Narrator connects with several unique personalities whose experiences and views deeply impact his own. Duke, the complicated cowboy and drifter, who opens The Narrator’s eyes to a larger world. Zooey, the waitress in Colorado who opens his heart and reminds him that love can be found in this big world. And Rosie, The Narrator’s sweet landlady in Portland, who helps piece him back together both physically and emotionally.

This supporting cast of characters is excellent. Duke, in particular, is wonderfully nuanced and complicated. He’s a throwback to another time, a man without a cell phone who reads Sartre and sleeps under the stars. Yet he’s also a grifter with a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” attitude that harms those around him. It’s fascinating to watch The Narrator wrestle with Duke’s behavior, trying to determine which to model and which to discard.

Doane creates a relatable protagonist in The Narrator, whose personal growth doesn’t erase his faults. His willingness to hit the road with few resources is admirable, and he’s prescient enough to recognize the jealousy of those who cannot or will not take the leap. His encounters with new foods, places, and people broaden his horizons. Yet his immaturity and selfishness persist. He tells Rosie she’s been a good mother to him but chooses to ignore the continuing concern from his own parents as he effectively disappears from his old life.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

The Book Smugglers review Anissa Gray’s The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls :

I am still dipping my toes into the literally fiction pool, finding what works for me and what doesn’t. Books like The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray are definitely my cup of tea.

Althea and Proctor Cochran had been pillars of their economically disadvantaged community for years – with their local restaurant/small market and their charity drives. Until they are found guilty of fraud for stealing and keeping most of the money they raised and sent to jail. Now disgraced, their entire family is suffering the consequences, specially their twin teenage daughters Baby Vi and Kim.  To complicate matters even more: Kim was actually the one to call the police on her parents after yet another fight with her mother. […]

Examples of children’s and YA fiction book reviews

The Book Hookup reviews Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give :

♥ Quick Thoughts and Rating: 5 stars! I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to tackle the voice of a movement like Black Lives Matter, but I do know that Thomas did it with a finesse only a talented author like herself possibly could. With an unapologetically realistic delivery packed with emotion, The Hate U Give is a crucially important portrayal of the difficulties minorities face in our country every single day. I have no doubt that this book will be met with resistance by some (possibly many) and slapped with a “controversial” label, but if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk in a POC’s shoes, then I feel like this is an unflinchingly honest place to start.

In Angie Thomas’s debut novel, Starr Carter bursts on to the YA scene with both heart-wrecking and heartwarming sincerity. This author is definitely one to watch.

♥ Review: The hype around this book has been unquestionable and, admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn’t love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing THUG was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) However, with the relevancy of its summary in regards to the unjust predicaments POC currently face in the US, I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. That said, I had an altogether more personal, ulterior motive for wanting to read this book. […]

The New York Times reviews Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood :

Alice Crewe (a last name she’s chosen for herself) is a fairy tale legacy: the granddaughter of Althea Proserpine, author of a collection of dark-as-night fairy tales called “Tales From the Hinterland.” The book has a cult following, and though Alice has never met her grandmother, she’s learned a little about her through internet research. She hasn’t read the stories, because her mother, Ella Proserpine, forbids it.

Alice and Ella have moved from place to place in an attempt to avoid the “bad luck” that seems to follow them. Weird things have happened. As a child, Alice was kidnapped by a man who took her on a road trip to find her grandmother; he was stopped by the police before they did so. When at 17 she sees that man again, unchanged despite the years, Alice panics. Then Ella goes missing, and Alice turns to Ellery Finch, a schoolmate who’s an Althea Proserpine superfan, for help in tracking down her mother. Not only has Finch read every fairy tale in the collection, but handily, he remembers them, sharing them with Alice as they journey to the mysterious Hazel Wood, the estate of her now-dead grandmother, where they hope to find Ella.

“The Hazel Wood” starts out strange and gets stranger, in the best way possible. (The fairy stories Finch relays, which Albert includes as their own chapters, are as creepy and evocative as you’d hope.) Albert seamlessly combines contemporary realism with fantasy, blurring the edges in a way that highlights that place where stories and real life convene, where magic contains truth and the world as it appears is false, where just about anything can happen, particularly in the pages of a very good book. It’s a captivating debut. […]

James reviews Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight, Moon on Goodreads:

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is one of the books that followers of my blog voted as a must-read for our Children's Book August 2018 Readathon. Come check it out and join the next few weeks!

This picture book was such a delight. I hadn't remembered reading it when I was a child, but it might have been read to me... either way, it was like a whole new experience! It's always so difficult to convince a child to fall asleep at night. I don't have kids, but I do have a 5-month-old puppy who whines for 5 minutes every night when he goes in his cage/crate (hopefully he'll be fully housebroken soon so he can roam around when he wants). I can only imagine! I babysat a lot as a teenager and I have tons of younger cousins, nieces, and nephews, so I've been through it before, too. This was a believable experience, and it really helps show kids how to relax and just let go when it's time to sleep.

The bunny's are adorable. The rhymes are exquisite. I found it pretty fun, but possibly a little dated given many of those things aren't normal routines anymore. But the lessons to take from it are still powerful. Loved it! I want to sample some more books by this fine author and her illustrators.

Publishers Weekly reviews Elizabeth Lilly’s Geraldine :

This funny, thoroughly accomplished debut opens with two words: “I’m moving.” They’re spoken by the title character while she swoons across her family’s ottoman, and because Geraldine is a giraffe, her full-on melancholy mode is quite a spectacle. But while Geraldine may be a drama queen (even her mother says so), it won’t take readers long to warm up to her. The move takes Geraldine from Giraffe City, where everyone is like her, to a new school, where everyone else is human. Suddenly, the former extrovert becomes “That Giraffe Girl,” and all she wants to do is hide, which is pretty much impossible. “Even my voice tries to hide,” she says, in the book’s most poignant moment. “It’s gotten quiet and whispery.” Then she meets Cassie, who, though human, is also an outlier (“I’m that girl who wears glasses and likes MATH and always organizes her food”), and things begin to look up.

Lilly’s watercolor-and-ink drawings are as vividly comic and emotionally astute as her writing; just when readers think there are no more ways for Geraldine to contort her long neck, this highly promising talent comes up with something new.

Examples of genre fiction book reviews

Karlyn P reviews Nora Roberts’ Dark Witch , a paranormal romance novel , on Goodreads:

4 stars. Great world-building, weak romance, but still worth the read.

I hesitate to describe this book as a 'romance' novel simply because the book spent little time actually exploring the romance between Iona and Boyle. Sure, there IS a romance in this novel. Sprinkled throughout the book are a few scenes where Iona and Boyle meet, chat, wink at each, flirt some more, sleep together, have a misunderstanding, make up, and then profess their undying love. Very formulaic stuff, and all woven around the more important parts of this book.

The meat of this book is far more focused on the story of the Dark witch and her magically-gifted descendants living in Ireland. Despite being weak on the romance, I really enjoyed it. I think the book is probably better for it, because the romance itself was pretty lackluster stuff.

I absolutely plan to stick with this series as I enjoyed the world building, loved the Ireland setting, and was intrigued by all of the secondary characters. However, If you read Nora Roberts strictly for the romance scenes, this one might disappoint. But if you enjoy a solid background story with some dark magic and prophesies, you might enjoy it as much as I did.

I listened to this one on audio, and felt the narration was excellent.

Emily May reviews R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy Wars , an epic fantasy novel , on Goodreads:

“But I warn you, little warrior. The price of power is pain.”

Holy hell, what did I just read??

➽ A fantasy military school

➽ A rich world based on modern Chinese history

➽ Shamans and gods

➽ Detailed characterization leading to unforgettable characters

➽ Adorable, opium-smoking mentors

That's a basic list, but this book is all of that and SO MUCH MORE. I know 100% that The Poppy War will be one of my best reads of 2018.

Isn't it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat for every horrific, nail-biting moment of it? This is one of those books for me. And I must issue a serious content warning: this book explores some very dark themes. Proceed with caution (or not at all) if you are particularly sensitive to scenes of war, drug use and addiction, genocide, racism, sexism, ableism, self-harm, torture, and rape (off-page but extremely horrific).

Because, despite the fairly innocuous first 200 pages, the title speaks the truth: this is a book about war. All of its horrors and atrocities. It is not sugar-coated, and it is often graphic. The "poppy" aspect refers to opium, which is a big part of this book. It is a fantasy, but the book draws inspiration from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking.

Crime Fiction Lover reviews Jessica Barry’s Freefall , a crime novel:

In some crime novels, the wrongdoing hits you between the eyes from page one. With others it’s a more subtle process, and that’s OK too. So where does Freefall fit into the sliding scale?

In truth, it’s not clear. This is a novel with a thrilling concept at its core. A woman survives plane crash, then runs for her life. However, it is the subtleties at play that will draw you in like a spider beckoning to an unwitting fly.

Like the heroine in Sharon Bolton’s Dead Woman Walking, Allison is lucky to be alive. She was the only passenger in a private plane, belonging to her fiancé, Ben, who was piloting the expensive aircraft, when it came down in woodlands in the Colorado Rockies. Ally is also the only survivor, but rather than sitting back and waiting for rescue, she is soon pulling together items that may help her survive a little longer – first aid kit, energy bars, warm clothes, trainers – before fleeing the scene. If you’re hearing the faint sound of alarm bells ringing, get used to it. There’s much, much more to learn about Ally before this tale is over.

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One , a science-fiction novel :

Video-game players embrace the quest of a lifetime in a virtual world; screenwriter Cline’s first novel is old wine in new bottles.

The real world, in 2045, is the usual dystopian horror story. So who can blame Wade, our narrator, if he spends most of his time in a virtual world? The 18-year-old, orphaned at 11, has no friends in his vertical trailer park in Oklahoma City, while the OASIS has captivating bells and whistles, and it’s free. Its creator, the legendary billionaire James Halliday, left a curious will. He had devised an elaborate online game, a hunt for a hidden Easter egg. The finder would inherit his estate. Old-fashioned riddles lead to three keys and three gates. Wade, or rather his avatar Parzival, is the first gunter (egg-hunter) to win the Copper Key, first of three.

Halliday was obsessed with the pop culture of the 1980s, primarily the arcade games, so the novel is as much retro as futurist. Parzival’s great strength is that he has absorbed all Halliday’s obsessions; he knows by heart three essential movies, crossing the line from geek to freak. His most formidable competitors are the Sixers, contract gunters working for the evil conglomerate IOI, whose goal is to acquire the OASIS. Cline’s narrative is straightforward but loaded with exposition. It takes a while to reach a scene that crackles with excitement: the meeting between Parzival (now world famous as the lead contender) and Sorrento, the head of IOI. The latter tries to recruit Parzival; when he fails, he issues and executes a death threat. Wade’s trailer is demolished, his relatives killed; luckily Wade was not at home. Too bad this is the dramatic high point. Parzival threads his way between more ’80s games and movies to gain the other keys; it’s clever but not exciting. Even a romance with another avatar and the ultimate “epic throwdown” fail to stir the blood.

Too much puzzle-solving, not enough suspense.

Book review examples for non-fiction books

Nonfiction books are generally written to inform readers about a certain topic. As such, the focus of a nonfiction book review will be on the clarity and effectiveness of this communication . In carrying this out, a book review may analyze the author’s source materials and assess the thesis in order to determine whether or not the book meets expectations.

Again, we’ve included abbreviated versions of long reviews here, so feel free to click on the link to read the entire piece!

The Washington Post reviews David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon :

The arc of David Grann’s career reminds one of a software whiz-kid or a latest-thing talk-show host — certainly not an investigative reporter, even if he is one of the best in the business. The newly released movie of his first book, “The Lost City of Z,” is generating all kinds of Oscar talk, and now comes the release of his second book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” the film rights to which have already been sold for $5 million in what one industry journal called the “biggest and wildest book rights auction in memory.”

Grann deserves the attention. He’s canny about the stories he chases, he’s willing to go anywhere to chase them, and he’s a maestro in his ability to parcel out information at just the right clip: a hint here, a shading of meaning there, a smartly paced buildup of multiple possibilities followed by an inevitable reversal of readerly expectations or, in some cases, by a thrilling and dislocating pull of the entire narrative rug.

All of these strengths are on display in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Around the turn of the 20th century, oil was discovered underneath Osage lands in the Oklahoma Territory, lands that were soon to become part of the state of Oklahoma. Through foresight and legal maneuvering, the Osage found a way to permanently attach that oil to themselves and shield it from the prying hands of white interlopers; this mechanism was known as “headrights,” which forbade the outright sale of oil rights and granted each full member of the tribe — and, supposedly, no one else — a share in the proceeds from any lease arrangement. For a while, the fail-safes did their job, and the Osage got rich — diamond-ring and chauffeured-car and imported-French-fashion rich — following which quite a large group of white men started to work like devils to separate the Osage from their money. And soon enough, and predictably enough, this work involved murder. Here in Jazz Age America’s most isolated of locales, dozens or even hundreds of Osage in possession of great fortunes — and of the potential for even greater fortunes in the future — were dispatched by poison, by gunshot and by dynamite. […]

Stacked Books reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers :

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Malcolm Gladwell’s writing. Friends and co-workers tell me that his subjects are interesting and his writing style is easy to follow without talking down to the reader. I wasn’t disappointed with Outliers. In it, Gladwell tackles the subject of success – how people obtain it and what contributes to extraordinary success as opposed to everyday success.

The thesis – that our success depends much more on circumstances out of our control than any effort we put forth – isn’t exactly revolutionary. Most of us know it to be true. However, I don’t think I’m lying when I say that most of us also believe that we if we just try that much harder and develop our talent that much further, it will be enough to become wildly successful, despite bad or just mediocre beginnings. Not so, says Gladwell.

Most of the evidence Gladwell gives us is anecdotal, which is my favorite kind to read. I can’t really speak to how scientifically valid it is, but it sure makes for engrossing listening. For example, did you know that successful hockey players are almost all born in January, February, or March? Kids born during these months are older than the others kids when they start playing in the youth leagues, which means they’re already better at the game (because they’re bigger). Thus, they get more play time, which means their skill increases at a faster rate, and it compounds as time goes by. Within a few years, they’re much, much better than the kids born just a few months later in the year. Basically, these kids’ birthdates are a huge factor in their success as adults – and it’s nothing they can do anything about. If anyone could make hockey interesting to a Texan who only grudgingly admits the sport even exists, it’s Gladwell. […]

Quill and Quire reviews Rick Prashaw’s Soar, Adam, Soar :

Ten years ago, I read a book called Almost Perfect. The young-adult novel by Brian Katcher won some awards and was held up as a powerful, nuanced portrayal of a young trans person. But the reality did not live up to the book’s billing. Instead, it turned out to be a one-dimensional and highly fetishized portrait of a trans person’s life, one that was nevertheless repeatedly dubbed “realistic” and “affecting” by non-transgender readers possessing only a vague, mass-market understanding of trans experiences.

In the intervening decade, trans narratives have emerged further into the literary spotlight, but those authored by trans people ourselves – and by trans men in particular – have seemed to fall under the shadow of cisgender sensationalized imaginings. Two current Canadian releases – Soar, Adam, Soar and This One Looks Like a Boy – provide a pointed object lesson into why trans-authored work about transgender experiences remains critical.

To be fair, Soar, Adam, Soar isn’t just a story about a trans man. It’s also a story about epilepsy, the medical establishment, and coming of age as seen through a grieving father’s eyes. Adam, Prashaw’s trans son, died unexpectedly at age 22. Woven through the elder Prashaw’s narrative are excerpts from Adam’s social media posts, giving us glimpses into the young man’s interior life as he traverses his late teens and early 20s. […]

Book Geeks reviews Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love :

WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5

SUBJECT: 4/5

CANDIDNESS: 4.5/5

RELEVANCE: 3.5/5

ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5

“Eat Pray Love” is so popular that it is almost impossible to not read it. Having felt ashamed many times on my not having read this book, I quietly ordered the book (before I saw the movie) from amazon.in and sat down to read it. I don’t remember what I expected it to be – maybe more like a chick lit thing but it turned out quite different. The book is a real story and is a short journal from the time when its writer went travelling to three different countries in pursuit of three different things – Italy (Pleasure), India (Spirituality), Bali (Balance) and this is what corresponds to the book’s name – EAT (in Italy), PRAY (in India) and LOVE (in Bali, Indonesia). These are also the three Is – ITALY, INDIA, INDONESIA.

Though she had everything a middle-aged American woman can aspire for – MONEY, CAREER, FRIENDS, HUSBAND; Elizabeth was not happy in her life, she wasn’t happy in her marriage. Having suffered a terrible divorce and terrible breakup soon after, Elizabeth was shattered. She didn’t know where to go and what to do – all she knew was that she wanted to run away. So she set out on a weird adventure – she will go to three countries in a year and see if she can find out what she was looking for in life. This book is about that life changing journey that she takes for one whole year. […]

Emily May reviews Michelle Obama’s Becoming on Goodreads:

Look, I'm not a happy crier. I might cry at songs about leaving and missing someone; I might cry at books where things don't work out; I might cry at movies where someone dies. I've just never really understood why people get all choked up over happy, inspirational things. But Michelle Obama's kindness and empathy changed that. This book had me in tears for all the right reasons.

This is not really a book about politics, though political experiences obviously do come into it. It's a shame that some will dismiss this book because of a difference in political opinion, when it is really about a woman's life. About growing up poor and black on the South Side of Chicago; about getting married and struggling to maintain that marriage; about motherhood; about being thrown into an amazing and terrifying position.

I hate words like "inspirational" because they've become so overdone and cheesy, but I just have to say it-- Michelle Obama is an inspiration. I had the privilege of seeing her speak at The Forum in Inglewood, and she is one of the warmest, funniest, smartest, down-to-earth people I have ever seen in this world.

And yes, I know we present what we want the world to see, but I truly do think it's genuine. I think she is someone who really cares about people - especially kids - and wants to give them better lives and opportunities.

She's obviously intelligent, but she also doesn't gussy up her words. She talks straight, with an openness and honesty rarely seen. She's been one of the most powerful women in the world, she's been a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School, she's had her own successful career, and yet she has remained throughout that same girl - Michelle Robinson - from a working class family in Chicago.

I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.

Hopefully, this post has given you a better idea of how to write a book review. You might be wondering how to put all of this knowledge into action now! Many book reviewers start out by setting up a book blog. If you don’t have time to research the intricacies of HTML, check out Reedsy Discovery — where you can read indie books for free and review them without going through the hassle of creating a blog. To register as a book reviewer , go here .

And if you’d like to see even more book review examples, simply go to this directory of book review blogs and click on any one of them to see a wealth of good book reviews. Beyond that, it's up to you to pick up a book and pen — and start reviewing!

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How To Write a Book Review: A Practical Guide with Examples

Ever picked up a book based on a review, only to wonder if the reviewer read the same story you did?

Writing a book review is like having a conversation with fellow readers, but getting it right can be trickier than it seems. 

Whether you’re reviewing for your blog, Goodreads, or a literary journal, this guide will help you craft reviews that are both insightful and engaging.

By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need to write reviews that readers actually want to read.

What Is a Book Review?

Let’s clear something up right away: a book review isn’t just telling people whether you like a book or not.

Think of it as a thoughtful discussion that helps others decide if they should invest their time in reading it. 

A good review balances personal reaction with critical analysis – kind of like being both a passionate reader and a careful observer at the same time.

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I learned this the hard way when I first started reviewing books in college. My early attempts read more like book reports from high school, missing the depth that makes reviews valuable to other readers.

The secret? Bringing together your emotional response with careful analysis of the book’s craftsmanship.

A professional book review typically includes:

• An engaging hook that draws readers in
• Basic information about the book (title, author, genre, publication date)
• A brief plot overview without major spoilers
• Analysis of writing style, themes, and character development
• Discussion of the book’s strengths and weaknesses
• Specific examples to support your opinions
• A clear recommendation for potential readers

Let’s look at some examples that we wrote to understand different types of book reviews:

Example 1: Academic Review

“Haig’s metaphysical narrative explores the quantum mechanics of regret through the lens of magical realism, offering both philosophical depth and emotional resonance. While the premise isn’t entirely novel, the execution creates a compelling meditation on choice and satisfaction.”

Example 2: Consumer Review

“This book kept me up until 3 AM! The characters felt like old friends, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Fair warning: the middle section drags a bit, but the ending makes up for it.”

Example 3: Professional Review

“Smith crafts a narrative that defies easy categorization, blending elements of literary fiction with keen social commentary. The result is both timely and timeless, though occasional pacing issues in the third act slightly diminish its overall impact.”

Key Elements of a Book Review

A strong book review goes beyond simple praise or critique—it dives into the heart of the book.

To write a review that resonates, you’ll need to balance personal reactions with a critical analysis of themes, characters, writing style, and plot. 

Plot Summary vs. In-Depth Analysis

Here’s where many reviewers stumble – they spend too much time retelling the story and not enough time analyzing it.

Your plot summary should be like a movie trailer , giving readers just enough to understand the context without spoiling the experience.

Let’s write two example reviews for Pride and Prejudice and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo :

For a Classic: “Pride and Prejudice”

❌ Poor Summary: “Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Darcy. They don’t like each other at first. Then there’s stuff with her sisters. Lydia runs away. Eventually, Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love and get married.”

✅ Better Summary: “In Georgian-era England, the sharp-witted Elizabeth Bennet navigates social expectations and her own prejudices while encountering the proud Mr. Darcy. Their initial mutual disdain evolves into understanding as both characters confront their own flaws against a backdrop of class, reputation, and family obligation.”

For a Contemporary Novel: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”

❌ Poor Summary: “An old movie star tells her life story to a journalist. She talks about all her husbands and reveals secrets. There’s a surprise twist at the end.”

✅ Better Summary: “Aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo breaks decades of silence by choosing an unknown journalist for her definitive biography. As she recounts the story of her seven marriages, a more complex tale emerges—one of ambition, sexuality, and the prices paid for fame in twentieth-century America.”

Evaluating Characters, Themes, and Style

When analyzing characters, consider:

• Character development: How do they change throughout the story?
• Motivations: Are their actions believable and consistent?
• Relationships: How do they interact with other characters?
• Complexity: Are they three-dimensional or flat stereotypes?

For themes, ask yourself:

• What bigger questions does the book explore?
• How are these themes developed throughout the story?
• Does the author offer any unique perspectives on these themes?
• How do different elements (plot, characters, setting) contribute to these themes?

When examining writing style, look at:

• Prose quality: Is it flowery, sparse, technical, or conversational?
• Pacing: Does the story move at an appropriate speed?
• Dialogue: Does it sound natural and serve a purpose?
• Point of view: How effective is the chosen perspective?

How to Structure a Book Review

Organizing your thoughts is crucial to crafting a review that’s clear and engaging. From your opening hook to your final recommendation, each section has a role to play. 

Introduction

Your opening paragraph needs to accomplish several things:

• Hook the reader with an interesting observation or question
• Provide essential book information
• Set the tone for your review
• Give a sense of your overall impression

Here’s an example: 

“Some books grab you by the collar and don’t let go until the final page. Others slowly weave their spell, like a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. Sarah Waters’s ‘The Little Stranger’ belongs to the second category – a masterclass in slow-burning gothic tension that proves some haunted house stories are more about the people than the ghosts.”

Summary of the Book

A summary is a shortened version of a work .

When writing your summary, focus on the main plot points and avoid spoilers unless absolutely necessary (if you do spoil something, be sure to warn readers first!). 

Add relevant background information that enhances understanding, and aim to keep the summary concise, ideally within one to two paragraphs.

A good formula:

• Introduce the main character and their situation
• Describe the central conflict
• Hint at the stakes involved
• Leave the resolution unclear

Analysis and Personal Evaluation

This section should make up about 60% of your review. Structure it around key aspects:

Writing Style:

• How does the author’s prose serve the story?
• What makes their voice unique or problematic?
• Include specific passages as examples

Character Development:

• Which characters feel most authentic?
• How do they grow or change?
• What makes them memorable or forgettable?

Plot and Pacing:

• Does the story flow naturally?
• Are there any significant plot holes?
• How well are surprises or twists handled?
• What deeper messages emerge?
• How effectively are they explored?
• Do they feel forced or natural?

Conclusion and Recommendation

Conclude with purpose by summarizing your main impressions, identifying who would most enjoy this book, and, if helpful, comparing it to similar works. Include a rating if your platform requires one.

Here’s an example

“Overall, this novel is an intriguing mystery with well-crafted suspense and engaging characters. Fans of thrillers and whodunits will enjoy the unpredictable twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. It’s a great pick for those who enjoyed Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train. I’d rate it a 4.5 out of 5 for its strong plot and memorable characters.”

How Long Should a Book Review Be?

Reviews generally range from 500-2000 words but may be longer or shorter depending on several factors, including the review’s purpose, audience, and publication platform.

Ideal Length for Different Platforms

Different venues demand different approaches:

• Focus on personal reaction
• Include a clear recommendation
• Highlight 2-3 main points
• More room for analysis
• Can include relevant quotes
• Space for personal anecdotes
• In-depth analysis required
• Literary merit discussion
• Broader context consideration
• Emphasis on newsworthiness
• Cultural relevance
• Clear, concise writing

Short vs. Detailed Reviews

For short reviews under 500 words, start with your strongest point and concentrate on one or two key aspects, using strong, specific examples to make each word count. 

For detailed reviews over 1,000 words, explore multiple angles, provide supporting evidence, dive into nuances, and add relevant context to give readers a comprehensive understanding.

Need help staying within word limits? Use our Word Counter to track your word count and optimize your writing effectively.

How AI Tools Can Help with Analysis and Structure

If ChatGPT can write you a book , it can certainly assist in crafting a comprehensive review.

AI tools have become invaluable in helping reviewers analyze, structure, and organize their thoughts more effectively, enhancing the clarity and depth of their critiques.

1. Analyzing Key Themes and Patterns

AI can rapidly sift through the text to identify recurring themes, character developments, or even subtle plot motifs that might otherwise require a reread to catch.

For example, ChatGPT can analyze specific passages or help summarize lengthy chapters, giving you a clearer picture of the book’s core themes. 

2. Structuring Your Review with a Framework

Once you’ve gathered your insights, AI can help create a clear, organized structure for your review .

By guiding you through standard review elements — from a concise plot summary to theme analysis and final recommendation — tools like ChatGPT streamline the process, making sure your review flows naturally and remains cohesive. 

3. Enhancing Language and Tone

AI tools like Humanizer AI by Undetectable AI can refine the tone of your review, making it sound more authentic and engaging.

While some AI tools can sometimes create responses that feel a bit too robotic, Humanizer AI adjusts language nuances to feel more personal and natural . 

You can try the AI Humanizer in the widget below and effortlessly make your book reviews more authentic and engaging!

Tips for Writing a Balanced Book Review

Here are some tips to follow to make sure you craft the most balanced book review possible:

1. Take Notes While Reading

Enjoy your reading time, but jotting down notes along the way can greatly enhance your review.

Mark passages that stand out or feel particularly memorable, note any emotional reactions as they arise, and keep track of questions that come up. 

Look for recurring patterns or themes, as these details will enrich your perspective and provide useful insights for your review.

2. Consider Multiple Perspectives

While reading, think about how different types of readers might interpret the book. Acknowledge the genre’s conventions and consider the author’s intentions behind specific choices.

It’s also essential to recognize your own biases and how they may shape your perspective. This approach adds depth to your review and helps create a balanced view of the book.

3. Highlight Strengths and Weaknesses

To give readers a well-rounded review, explore both what worked well in the book and what didn’t.

Identify successful elements and areas for improvement, and explain why you think they succeeded or fell short.

Reflecting on both strengths and weaknesses offers readers a complete picture of the reading experience.

4. Back Up Opinions with Examples

Avoid general statements and instead support your opinions with specific examples.

For instance, rather than saying, “The dialogue was bad,” explain why: “The characters’ conversations felt stilted, especially during emotional scenes.

For example, when Sarah confronts John about his betrayal, their exchange reads more like a business meeting than a heated argument.”

Concrete examples like these strengthen your points and make your critique more credible.

5. Use Specific Examples

Incorporate short quotes or descriptions of particular scenes to illustrate your points. Refer to notable character actions or key developments, and point out unique stylistic choices that stood out. 

Using specific examples throughout your review helps readers understand your perspective and adds detail that makes your review engaging and insightful.

Writing effective book reviews is a skill that develops with practice. Start with these guidelines, but don’t be afraid to find your own voice.

Remember that your goal is to help readers make informed decisions about their next book while contributing meaningfully to literary discourse.

Whether you’re reviewing for pleasure or profession, your thoughtful analysis can help guide readers to their next great read.

Keep practicing, keep reading, and most importantly, keep sharing your unique perspective with the reading community.

Remember: the best reviews come from a place of genuine engagement with the text. Your authentic response, combined with careful analysis, will help others find books that resonate with them, too.

And if you want to give your writing an extra polish, consider using Humanizer AI by Undetectable AI, a tool that makes AI-generated text even more natural and reader-friendly.

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How to Write a Review That Stands Out: A Guide for English Learners

Writing an online review is a powerful way to share your experiences and help others make informed decisions.

This guide will help you understand how to write clear and effective reviews that offer valuable insights and help potential customers make decisions.

Things to consider before writing a review

What are you trying to achieve.

Before you start writing, think about what you want to achieve with your review. Are you trying to share a positive or negative experience? Do you want to provide valuable insights to help others? Do you just want to express your feelings?

Your review can influence a business’s online reputation and guide other customers, so be clear about your goal to make sure your review is helpful and effective.

How to format your review

Formatting your review properly is important to make sure it’s clear and easy to read. Start with a brief introduction that summarises your experience. Then, provide specific details about what you liked or didn’t like.

Use paragraphs to separate different points and make sure to proofread your review for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A well-formatted review shows your attention to detail and makes a stronger impact.

Consider your audience

Think about who will be reading your review. Are you addressing the company to provide feedback, or are you writing for other customers to help them make informed decisions?

Shape your language and specific details to suit your audience. For example, if you’re writing a review for other customers to read, focus on how the product or service met your needs and why you would highly recommend it (or not).

If you’re addressing the company, be sure to provide constructive feedback that could lead to improvements.

Types of reviews and how to write them

How to write a book review.

When writing a book review, include specific details about the plot, characters, and writing style. Mention what you liked or disliked and why. Your insights can have a significant impact on other readers.

Book review example sentences:

• “The author’s descriptive writing made the scenes come alive.”
• “I didn’t enjoy the book because it was slow and uneventful.”
• “The plot was engaging and full of unexpected twists, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story.”

How to write a movie review

A good movie review should talk about the story, acting, and direction. Share your positive or negative thoughts and provide details. This helps others decide if they want to watch the movie.

Movie review example sentences:

• “The actors delivered outstanding performances.”
• “The direction was sloppy and uninspired, lacking any clear vision or creativity, which made the movie difficult to follow and unenjoyable to watch.”
• “The story was captivating from start to finish.”

How to write a product review

In a product review, describe how the product or service worked for you. Mention any customer service experiences. Be honest and include both pros and cons to give a balanced view. Good reviews are clear and helpful.

Product review example sentences:

• “The product worked perfectly and exceeded my expectations.”
• “I had a terrible experience with customer service, they were very unhelpful.”
• “I would not recommend this product to anyone; it broke after being used once.”

How to write a restaurant review

For a restaurant review, talk about the food, service, and atmosphere. Would you highly recommend the food? How was the customer service from the wait staff? Your review can help guide others looking for a great dining experience.

Restaurant review example sentences:

• “The food was delicious and beautifully presented.”
• “The service was slow and unprofessional.”
• “The atmosphere was noisy and uncomfortable; I would not eat here again.”

How to write a travel review

When writing a travel review, include specific details about the location, accommodation, and activities. Mention what you enjoyed and what could be improved. This helps others plan their trips better.

Travel review example sentences:

• “There were plenty of fun activities to do, and all within walking distance.”
• “I highly recommend this beautiful destination to other travellers.”
• “The hotel was hard to find, with poor signage and confusing directions, and once we finally arrived, it was not worth the effort due to its outdated facilities.”

How to write a customer service review

A customer service review should focus on the quality of service you received. Did the staff respond to your needs? Were they helpful? Customer reviews that highlight good or bad service can influence a company’s online reputation.

Customer service review example sentences:

• “The staff responded quickly and resolved my issue.”
• “Everyone was friendly and went above and beyond to make sure we had a good time.”
• “I’m very disappointed with the service. The staff were unresponsive, and my issue was not resolved despite multiple attempts to get help.”

Leave us a review in the comments section below!

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How to Write a Book Review (A Tutorial With Examples)

Finished a book? Great! Now, prepare to write a book review to persuade others to read that book. Reviews contribute to the reader’s decision to pick a new book about 50%. You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can lead fellow book lovers toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will help you excel at your assigned tasks, contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community, and turn your passion into a professional pursuit. Today,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

Table of Contents

What is a Book Review?

A book review critically evaluates a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book. Aside from regular reviews, you might have to write a book review as an assignment at your school because it benefits students in multiple ways. Such as:

• Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes,  writing style , and characters.
• Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism.
• Book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.
• Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information.

Sample And Example of A Book Review

We have shared a great example of a book review below for you to review the structure and the content.

The Kite Runner  -By Khalid Houssini

“For you a thousand times over.” I can’t even explain the emotions this line holds.

This is one of the books that will always be in your mind. It will make you cry, laugh, scared, and emotional, and take you to the true spirit of Afghanistan. This book shares the story of two little boys and two friends living under the same roof: Amir and Hassan. Khalid Hossini blends the beauty of Afghanistan with the serenity of childhood friendships to reveal the truth of reality.

It’s a story of betrayal and redemption with a touch of culture, history, politics, and war crimes in Afghanistan. It shows how once the richest of Afghanistan became the secondary citizens of the United States. This book will reveal the realities of life and give you hope that redemption can be teh way to make things right.

It shows the simplicity of humans, the cruelty of humans, the pain of exiling the country you were born into, the struggle to fit into a new country, the pain of broken hopes, and the constant lingering of the memories and warmth we once used to experience. If you are looking for a book to make you cry, this is the one. The dialogue, the emotions, the pain, and the beauty this book holds are a treasure to me. I recommend this book to everyone who wants a fine piece of literature.

Does Book Review Matters?

Yes, absolutely. To clarify the importance of book reviews, we are sharing a survey to determine what factors contribute to the reader’s decision to pick a book on a scale of 1 to 10. Let’s take a look at the responses.

How to Write a Book Review- Step-by-Step

So, you see the example of a short book review above that tells all the book’s features without spoiling the story and what to include in a book review. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review. Check out these five straightforward steps for composing the best format of book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before reviewing the book, let’s step back and plan your approach. Knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

Many students ask how do I start a book review, so, first things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss Read great book review examples to have an idea how they compile ideas.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “How to write a book review,” we’re focusing on creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its title and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the  book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

For those asking how to write a thesis for a book review, now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review. Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review, making readers eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights.

Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a book section without revealing major plot twists or spoilers. You aim to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through a pattern of book review, including planning, introductions, and body paragraphs, with finesse. Now, it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “How to write a Book Review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. Follow the book review outline to stay on track. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example,  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve crafted your book review from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of rating the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate a Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair: Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up The Book Review

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

8 Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook them with an Intriguing Introduction.

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Are you feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples, or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you quickly navigate the world of book reviews.

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book review writing, and let it shine in its light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance and barricade how to write a good book report process.

In this section of “How to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake:  Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example:  “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid:  Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake:  Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example:  “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid:  Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake:  Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example:  “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid:  While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake:  Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example:  “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid:  Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake:  Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example:  “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid:  Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake:  Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example:  “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid:  Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake:  Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it leads to potential readers’ confusion.

Example:  “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid:  Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices. These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

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Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

Writing a Book Review

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Book reviews typically evaluate recently-written works. They offer a brief description of the text’s key points and often provide a short appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the work.

Readers sometimes confuse book reviews with book reports, but the two are not identical. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words. If you are looking to write a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Report.

By contrast, book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. They typically range from 500-750 words, but may be longer or shorter. A book review gives readers a sneak peek at what a book is like, whether or not the reviewer enjoyed it, and details on purchasing the book.

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider the elements you will need to included in your review. The following items may help:

• Author: Who is the author? What else has s/he written? Has this author won any awards? What is the author’s typical style?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, romance, poetry, youth fiction, etc.? Who is the intended audience for this work? What is the purpose of the work?
• Title: Where does the title fit in? How is it applied in the work? Does it adequately encapsulate the message of the text? Is it interesting? Uninteresting?
• Preface/Introduction/Table of Contents: Does the author provide any revealing information about the text in the preface/introduction? Does a “guest author” provide the introduction? What judgments or preconceptions do the author and/or “guest author” provide? How is the book arranged: sections, chapters?
• Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: Book jackets are like mini-reviews. Does the book jacket provide any interesting details or spark your interest in some way? Are there pictures, maps, or graphs? Do the binding, page cut, or typescript contribute or take away from the work?

As You Read

As you read, determine how you will structure the summary portion or background structure of your review. Be ready to take notes on the book’s key points, characters, and/or themes.

• Characters: Are there characters in the work? Who are the principal characters? How do they affect the story? Do you empathize with them?
• Themes/Motifs/Style: What themes or motifs stand out? How do they contribute to the work? Are they effective or not? How would you describe this author’s particular style? Is it accessible to all readers or just some?
• Argument: How is the work’s argument set up? What support does the author give for her/findings? Does the work fulfill its purpose/support its argument?
• Key Ideas: What is the main idea of the work? What makes it good, different, or groundbreaking?
• Quotes: What quotes stand out? How can you demonstrate the author’s talent or the feel of the book through a quote?

When You Are Ready to Write

Begin with a short summary or background of the work, but do not give too much away. Many reviews limit themselves only to the first couple of chapters or lead the reader up to the rising action of the work. Reviewers of nonfiction texts will provide the basic idea of the book’s argument without too much detailed.

The final portion of your review will detail your opinion of the work. When you are ready to begin your review, consider the following:

• Establish a Background, Remember your Audience: Remember that your audience has not read the work; with this in mind, be sure to introduce characters and principles carefully and deliberately. What kind of summary can you provide of the main points or main characters that will help your readers gauge their interest? Does the author’s text adequately reach the intended audience? Will some readers be lost or find the text too easy?
• Minor principles/characters: Deal only with the most pressing issues in the book. You will not be able to cover every character or idea. What principles/characters did you agree or disagree with? What other things might the author have researched or considered?
• Organize: The purpose of the review is to critically evaluate the text, not just inform the readers about it. Leave plenty room for your evaluation by ensuring that your summary is brief. Determine what kind of balance to strike between your summary information and your evaluation. If you are writing your review for a class, ask your instructor. Often the ratio is half and half.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Publisher/Price: Most book reviews include the publisher and price of the book at the end of the article. Some reviews also include the year published and ISBN.

When making the final touches to your review, carefully verify the following:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Try to read from the vantage point of your audience. Is there too much/enough summary? Does your argument about the text make sense?
• Should you include direct quotes from the reading? Do they help support your arguments? Double-check your quotes for accuracy.

Book review schreiben: Aufbau, Leitfragen und Übungen

• Was ist eine book review? 
• Wie schreibe ich eine book review?

Wenn du deine eigene Meinung zu einem Buch mitteilen sollst, tust du dies in Form einer Buchrezension , die auf Englisch book review   genannt wird. Wie du selbst eine  book review auf Englisch schreibst, kannst du hier lernen. 

Was ist eine book review ? 

Im Allgemeinen ist eine Rezension  ( review ) eine meist schriftlich veröffentlichte Kritik . Filme, Bücher, Kunstwerke, Konzerte oder Computerspiele können auf diese Weise beurteilt werden. Eine  book review  ist eine Art von Literaturkritik ( literary criticism ). 

Gut zu wissen

Eine Kritik ist eine Beurteilung , die sowohl positiv als auch negativ sein kann. Mit Kritik ist also nicht automatisch, wie im alltäglichen Sprachgebrauch, etwas Negatives gemeint. 

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Wie schreibe ich eine book review ?

Vorbereitung.

Deine book review kannst du schon während des Lesens vorbereiten, indem du dir wichtige Stellen markierst oder dir Notizen machst. Auf diese Weise hast du hinterher eine Orientierung, um den Inhalt wiederzugeben und das Thema des Buches zu beschreiben. 

Aufbau 

Insgesamt besteht deine book review aus drei Teilen : 

1. Inhaltswiedergabe - summary  

2. Beurteilung, deine eigene Meinung - evaluation, your own opinion 

3. Fazit - conclusion  

1. Inhaltswiedergabe -  summary  

Die Inhaltswiedergabe beginnst du mit einem Einleitungssatz , in dem du den Titel, Autor, die Gattung und das Erscheinungsjahr des Buches nennst. Danach erwähnst du die Hauptfiguren (Protagonisten) und gibst einen Überblick über die Handlung. Verrate bei einem Roman allerdings nicht das Ende , denn vielleicht möchte derjenige, der deine review liest, das Buch ebenfalls lesen. Achte darauf, dass du den Inhalt nicht zu detailliert wiedergibst. Wenn das Buch ein Teil einer Buchreihe ( book series ) ist, solltest du das ebenfalls erwähnen. Im nächsten Schritt nennst du das Thema des Buches. 

Das Thema ( topic ) ist nicht das Gleiche wie die Handlung ( plot ). Häufige Themen sind beispielsweise Liebe, Krieg oder Rache. Die Handlung hingegen ist die Abfolge bestimmter Ereignisse vom Beginn bis zum Ende des Buches, die insgesamt einem übergeordneten Thema (z. B. Freundschaft) zugeordnet werden können. 

2. Beurteilung - evaluation 

Die eigentliche Rezension findet im zweiten Teil statt. Hier reicht es allerdings nicht, wenn du nur kurz sagst, ob dir das Buch gefallen hat oder nicht. Du solltest deine Beurteilung begründen können und verschiedene Aspekte des Buches bewerten. Die folgenden Leitfragen können dir vielleicht helfen, deine eigene Meinung ausführlich zu beschreiben. 

What did you like?  What didn't you like? 

• Was the book gripping?
• Did you like the topic of the book? Was it interesting or rather boring?
• Did the book have an emotional effect on you? Did you laugh or cry while you were reading?
• Did you like any characters in particular and why?
• Was the plot logical and comprehensible? 

Sieh dir außerdem die deutsche Übersetzung der Fragen an:

Übersetzung - Was hat dir gefallen? Was mochtest du nicht? 

• War das Buch mitreißend?
• Mochtest du das Thema des Buches? War es interessant oder eher langweilig?
• Hatte dich das Buch emotional berührt? Hast du während des Lesens gelacht oder geweint?
• Mochtest du einen Charakter besonders und wieso?
• War die Handlung logisch und verständlich? 

Am Schluss deiner book review  solltest du deine Bewertung noch einmal kurz zusammenfassen und eventuell eine Empfehlung ( recommendation ) aussprechen. Du kannst dabei auch darauf eingehen, welcher Zielgruppe du das Buch empfehlen würdest oder vielleicht auch, wieso du es für eine andere Zielgruppe nicht empfehlen kannst. 

Wir haben dir hier noch einmal einen Überblick über die Struktur deiner book review erstellt:  

• Einleitungssatz
• Protagonisten
• Überblick über Handlung
• Thema 
• Beurteilung (Handlung, Stil, Gefühle und Gedanken während des Lesens)
• Fazit 

Du weißt jetzt, was du beim Schreiben einer book review beachten musst. Ob du alles verstanden hast, kannst du jetzt in den Übungsaufgaben testen. Viel Erfolg!

Teste dein Wissen!

Bitte die richtigen Aussagen auswählen.

Eine book review muss möglichst objektiv, also sachlich, geschrieben werden.

Eine book review ist eine persönliche Beurteilung und darf daher subjektiv geschrieben werden.

In der Inhaltswiedergabe sollten lediglich die wichtigsten Ereignisse beschrieben werden.

Die Inhaltswiedergabe sollte die Handlung möglichst detailliert wiedergeben.

In der Inhaltswiedergabe solltest du die Protagonisten nennen.

Worin liegt der Unterschied zwischen Thema ( theme ) und Handlung ( plot )?

Das Thema (theme) kann die Ereignisse der Handlung zusammenfassend und übergeordnet beschreiben.

Die Handlung (plot) beinhaltet alle Ereignisse vom Anfang bis zum Ende des Buches.

Die Begriffe Thema ( theme ) und Handlung (plot) können synonym verwendet werden. Sie unterscheiden sich in ihrer Bedeutung also nicht.

Es reicht aus, wenn du in deiner book review sagst, ob dir das Buch gut gefallen hat oder nicht.

Die Bewertung beinhaltet eine begründete Einschätzung zu einem Buch.

Es ist nicht erlaubt, ein Buch in deiner book review weiterzuempfehlen.

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Book Reviews

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write a book review, a report or essay that offers a critical perspective on a text. It offers a process and suggests some strategies for writing book reviews.

What is a review?

A review is a critical evaluation of a text, event, object, or phenomenon. Reviews can consider books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and many other forms. This handout will focus on book reviews. For a similar assignment, see our handout on literature reviews .

Above all, a review makes an argument. The most important element of a review is that it is a commentary, not merely a summary. It allows you to enter into dialogue and discussion with the work’s creator and with other audiences. You can offer agreement or disagreement and identify where you find the work exemplary or deficient in its knowledge, judgments, or organization. You should clearly state your opinion of the work in question, and that statement will probably resemble other types of academic writing, with a thesis statement, supporting body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Typically, reviews are brief. In newspapers and academic journals, they rarely exceed 1000 words, although you may encounter lengthier assignments and extended commentaries. In either case, reviews need to be succinct. While they vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features:

• First, a review gives the reader a concise summary of the content. This includes a relevant description of the topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose.
• Second, and more importantly, a review offers a critical assessment of the content. This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand.
• Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it.

Becoming an expert reviewer: three short examples

Reviewing can be a daunting task. Someone has asked for your opinion about something that you may feel unqualified to evaluate. Who are you to criticize Toni Morrison’s new book if you’ve never written a novel yourself, much less won a Nobel Prize? The point is that someone—a professor, a journal editor, peers in a study group—wants to know what you think about a particular work. You may not be (or feel like) an expert, but you need to pretend to be one for your particular audience. Nobody expects you to be the intellectual equal of the work’s creator, but your careful observations can provide you with the raw material to make reasoned judgments. Tactfully voicing agreement and disagreement, praise and criticism, is a valuable, challenging skill, and like many forms of writing, reviews require you to provide concrete evidence for your assertions.

Consider the following brief book review written for a history course on medieval Europe by a student who is fascinated with beer:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600, investigates how women used to brew and sell the majority of ale drunk in England. Historically, ale and beer (not milk, wine, or water) were important elements of the English diet. Ale brewing was low-skill and low status labor that was complimentary to women’s domestic responsibilities. In the early fifteenth century, brewers began to make ale with hops, and they called this new drink “beer.” This technique allowed brewers to produce their beverages at a lower cost and to sell it more easily, although women generally stopped brewing once the business became more profitable.

The student describes the subject of the book and provides an accurate summary of its contents. But the reader does not learn some key information expected from a review: the author’s argument, the student’s appraisal of the book and its argument, and whether or not the student would recommend the book. As a critical assessment, a book review should focus on opinions, not facts and details. Summary should be kept to a minimum, and specific details should serve to illustrate arguments.

Now consider a review of the same book written by a slightly more opinionated student:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 was a colossal disappointment. I wanted to know about the rituals surrounding drinking in medieval England: the songs, the games, the parties. Bennett provided none of that information. I liked how the book showed ale and beer brewing as an economic activity, but the reader gets lost in the details of prices and wages. I was more interested in the private lives of the women brewsters. The book was divided into eight long chapters, and I can’t imagine why anyone would ever want to read it.

There’s no shortage of judgments in this review! But the student does not display a working knowledge of the book’s argument. The reader has a sense of what the student expected of the book, but no sense of what the author herself set out to prove. Although the student gives several reasons for the negative review, those examples do not clearly relate to each other as part of an overall evaluation—in other words, in support of a specific thesis. This review is indeed an assessment, but not a critical one.

Here is one final review of the same book:

One of feminism’s paradoxes—one that challenges many of its optimistic histories—is how patriarchy remains persistent over time. While Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 recognizes medieval women as historical actors through their ale brewing, it also shows that female agency had its limits with the advent of beer. I had assumed that those limits were religious and political, but Bennett shows how a “patriarchal equilibrium” shut women out of economic life as well. Her analysis of women’s wages in ale and beer production proves that a change in women’s work does not equate to a change in working women’s status. Contemporary feminists and historians alike should read Bennett’s book and think twice when they crack open their next brewsky.

This student’s review avoids the problems of the previous two examples. It combines balanced opinion and concrete example, a critical assessment based on an explicitly stated rationale, and a recommendation to a potential audience. The reader gets a sense of what the book’s author intended to demonstrate. Moreover, the student refers to an argument about feminist history in general that places the book in a specific genre and that reaches out to a general audience. The example of analyzing wages illustrates an argument, the analysis engages significant intellectual debates, and the reasons for the overall positive review are plainly visible. The review offers criteria, opinions, and support with which the reader can agree or disagree.

Developing an assessment: before you write

There is no definitive method to writing a review, although some critical thinking about the work at hand is necessary before you actually begin writing. Thus, writing a review is a two-step process: developing an argument about the work under consideration, and making that argument as you write an organized and well-supported draft. See our handout on argument .

What follows is a series of questions to focus your thinking as you dig into the work at hand. While the questions specifically consider book reviews, you can easily transpose them to an analysis of performances, exhibitions, and other review subjects. Don’t feel obligated to address each of the questions; some will be more relevant than others to the book in question.

• What is the thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? What has the book accomplished?
• What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? What is the approach to the subject (topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive)?
• How does the author support their argument? What evidence do they use to prove their point? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author’s information (or conclusions) conflict with other books you’ve read, courses you’ve taken or just previous assumptions you had of the subject?
• How does the author structure their argument? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
• How has this book helped you understand the subject? Would you recommend the book to your reader?

Beyond the internal workings of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the circumstances of the text’s production:

• Who is the author? Nationality, political persuasion, training, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the biographer was the subject’s best friend? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they write about?
• What is the book’s genre? Out of what field does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or literary standard on which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know. Keep in mind, though, that naming “firsts”—alongside naming “bests” and “onlys”—can be a risky business unless you’re absolutely certain.

Writing the review

Once you have made your observations and assessments of the work under review, carefully survey your notes and attempt to unify your impressions into a statement that will describe the purpose or thesis of your review. Check out our handout on thesis statements . Then, outline the arguments that support your thesis.

Your arguments should develop the thesis in a logical manner. That logic, unlike more standard academic writing, may initially emphasize the author’s argument while you develop your own in the course of the review. The relative emphasis depends on the nature of the review: if readers may be more interested in the work itself, you may want to make the work and the author more prominent; if you want the review to be about your perspective and opinions, then you may structure the review to privilege your observations over (but never separate from) those of the work under review. What follows is just one of many ways to organize a review.

Introduction

Since most reviews are brief, many writers begin with a catchy quip or anecdote that succinctly delivers their argument. But you can introduce your review differently depending on the argument and audience. The Writing Center’s handout on introductions can help you find an approach that works. In general, you should include:

• The name of the author and the book title and the main theme.
• Relevant details about who the author is and where they stand in the genre or field of inquiry. You could also link the title to the subject to show how the title explains the subject matter.
• The context of the book and/or your review. Placing your review in a framework that makes sense to your audience alerts readers to your “take” on the book. Perhaps you want to situate a book about the Cuban revolution in the context of Cold War rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union. Another reviewer might want to consider the book in the framework of Latin American social movements. Your choice of context informs your argument.
• The thesis of the book. If you are reviewing fiction, this may be difficult since novels, plays, and short stories rarely have explicit arguments. But identifying the book’s particular novelty, angle, or originality allows you to show what specific contribution the piece is trying to make.
• Your thesis about the book.

Summary of content

This should be brief, as analysis takes priority. In the course of making your assessment, you’ll hopefully be backing up your assertions with concrete evidence from the book, so some summary will be dispersed throughout other parts of the review.

The necessary amount of summary also depends on your audience. Graduate students, beware! If you are writing book reviews for colleagues—to prepare for comprehensive exams, for example—you may want to devote more attention to summarizing the book’s contents. If, on the other hand, your audience has already read the book—such as a class assignment on the same work—you may have more liberty to explore more subtle points and to emphasize your own argument. See our handout on summary for more tips.

Analysis and evaluation of the book

Your analysis and evaluation should be organized into paragraphs that deal with single aspects of your argument. This arrangement can be challenging when your purpose is to consider the book as a whole, but it can help you differentiate elements of your criticism and pair assertions with evidence more clearly. You do not necessarily need to work chronologically through the book as you discuss it. Given the argument you want to make, you can organize your paragraphs more usefully by themes, methods, or other elements of the book. If you find it useful to include comparisons to other books, keep them brief so that the book under review remains in the spotlight. Avoid excessive quotation and give a specific page reference in parentheses when you do quote. Remember that you can state many of the author’s points in your own words.

Sum up or restate your thesis or make the final judgment regarding the book. You should not introduce new evidence for your argument in the conclusion. You can, however, introduce new ideas that go beyond the book if they extend the logic of your own thesis. This paragraph needs to balance the book’s strengths and weaknesses in order to unify your evaluation. Did the body of your review have three negative paragraphs and one favorable one? What do they all add up to? The Writing Center’s handout on conclusions can help you make a final assessment.

Finally, a few general considerations:

• Review the book in front of you, not the book you wish the author had written. You can and should point out shortcomings or failures, but don’t criticize the book for not being something it was never intended to be.
• With any luck, the author of the book worked hard to find the right words to express her ideas. You should attempt to do the same. Precise language allows you to control the tone of your review.
• Never hesitate to challenge an assumption, approach, or argument. Be sure, however, to cite specific examples to back up your assertions carefully.
• Try to present a balanced argument about the value of the book for its audience. You’re entitled—and sometimes obligated—to voice strong agreement or disagreement. But keep in mind that a bad book takes as long to write as a good one, and every author deserves fair treatment. Harsh judgments are difficult to prove and can give readers the sense that you were unfair in your assessment.
• A great place to learn about book reviews is to look at examples. The New York Times Sunday Book Review and The New York Review of Books can show you how professional writers review books.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Drewry, John. 1974. Writing Book Reviews. Boston: Greenwood Press.

Hoge, James. 1987. Literary Reviewing. Charlottesville: University Virginia of Press.

Sova, Dawn, and Harry Teitelbaum. 2002. How to Write Book Reports , 4th ed. Lawrenceville, NY: Thomson/Arco.

Walford, A.J. 1986. Reviews and Reviewing: A Guide. Phoenix: Oryx Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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