Writing a Book Review
This is not a summary. This is an opinion piece, using details to recommend or not recommend a book to another reader.
Writing a book review is like telling a friend why they should or should not read the book. The review should entice the reader with a short plot summary and the main themes of the novel. Don’t reveal the good stuff or the ending but say enough to make it sound interesting. Explain the genre – describe if it is a mystery, historical fiction, nonfiction, or any other genre your reader will understand.
Here is a quick guide to the remainder of the review.
1. Start with a couple of sentences describing what the book is about without revealing the really cool stuff. Leave out the plot twists. Basically don’t reveal any details from just before the climax and through the falling action to the resolution. Be sure to mention if the book is part of a series.
2. Discuss what you particularly liked or did not like about the book. Think about the way the story is told. What author tools are used such as figurative language and descriptive details. Try answering these questions.
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Explain why you like a favorite character.
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Explain how the characters are made to feel real or relatable.
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Explain whether the story keeps you guessing or engaged in the action. Are you bored halfway through?
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Describe a favorite scene in the book, without giving too much away.
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Explain the emotions a reader may go through as they read the book – even if they are not happy emotions. Describe the excitement of a scene, but be sure not to give away too many details.
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Explain how the book either kept you wanting to read more or were you ready to bail after the first few chapters, but you kept going because you needed to get this assignment done
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3. Describe anything you disliked about the book.
It could be the simplistic writing style or the fact that you didn’t care about the characters. Talk about why you think it didn't work for you – too scary, too many cliff hangers or did it make the ultimate error “It was all a dream.”
4. Round up your review
Summarize your thoughts on the book by suggesting the type of reader you believe would enjoy this type of book. example: younger readers, older readers, fans of relationship drama/mystery stories/comedy. Are there other books that are similar to this book that would compare?