how to do a book review without reading the book

How to Write a Book Report Without Reading the Book: Tips and Tricks

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Writing a book report can be a daunting task, especially when the reader has not read the book. However, there are ways to write a book report without actually reading the book. This article will provide a guide on how to write a book report without reading the book while still ensuring that the report is accurate and informative.

Firstly, it is important to note that writing a book report without reading the book is not encouraged. However, circumstances may arise where the reader does not have the time or ability to read the book. In such cases, the reader can still write an informative report by researching the book and gathering information from reliable sources.

To write a book report without reading the book, the reader should start by researching the author and the book’s synopsis. This will provide a general understanding of the book’s plot, themes, and characters. The reader can then search for reviews and critical analysis of the book to gain a deeper understanding of the book’s content.

Understanding Book Reports

Definition and Purpose

A book report is a written summary of a book’s content, structure, and themes. It is a way for readers to demonstrate their understanding of the book without having to read it in its entirety. The purpose of a book report is to provide a concise overview of the book’s main ideas and to evaluate the author’s writing style, tone, and use of language.

Differences Between Book Reports and Reviews

Book reports and book reviews are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A book review is a critical analysis of a book that includes an opinion on the book’s quality, style, and content. In contrast, a book report is a factual summary of a book’s content that does not include an opinion.

While both book reports and book reviews require reading comprehension, a book report is typically more focused on summarizing the book’s content, while a book review is more focused on critical analysis. Book reports are often assigned in schools as a way for students to demonstrate their understanding of a book, while book reviews are more commonly found in literary publications or online book review websites.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between book reports and book reviews is important for anyone looking to write a book report without reading the book. By focusing on summarizing the book’s content and avoiding personal opinions, writers can create a concise and informative book report.

Preparation Strategies

When it comes to writing a book report without reading the book, preparation is key. There are several strategies that can help you gather information and organize your thoughts before you start writing.

Gathering Information

The first step to writing a book report without reading the book is to gather as much information as possible about the book. This can include reading the book summary on the back cover or on a website, such as SparkNotes. You can also search for plot summaries, character descriptions, and theme analyses online or in research papers.

Once you have gathered this information, it is important to take notes. This will help you remember important details and organize your thoughts for the report. You can use pen and paper or a computer to take notes, but it is important to keep them organized and easy to read.

Note-Taking Techniques

When taking notes for a book report without reading the book, it is important to focus on the key elements of the story, such as the plot, characters, and theme. You can use bullet points, tables, or lists to organize your notes and make them easier to read.

It is also helpful to use bold or italic text to highlight important information. This can include quotes from the book or key plot points. By using these formatting techniques, you can make your notes more visually appealing and easier to understand.

Overall, by using these preparation strategies, you can gather the necessary information and organize your thoughts before writing a book report without reading the book. This will help you create a clear and concise report that accurately summarizes the book’s key elements.

Structuring Your Book Report

When it comes to writing a book report without reading the book, structuring your report is crucial. This section will cover two important subsections that will help you structure your book report: Creating an Outline and Writing the Introduction.

Creating an Outline

Before starting to write your book report, it is essential to create an outline. An outline is a framework that will guide you throughout the writing process . It will help you organize your thoughts and ideas, making it easier to write your book report without reading the book.

Your book report outline should include the following:

• Thesis Statement: A clear and concise statement that summarizes the main point of your book report.
• Main Characters: A list of the main characters in the book and a brief description of each.
• Plot Summary: A brief summary of the book’s plot, including the main events and conflicts.
• Body Paragraphs: A list of the main points you will cover in your book report, organized into paragraphs.
• Conclusion: A summary of your book report and your final thoughts on the book.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction is the first section of your book report, and it is essential to hook your reader’s attention. The introduction should include the following:

• Hook: A sentence or two that grabs your reader’s attention and makes them want to read more.
• Thesis: A clear and concise statement that summarizes the main point of your book report.
• Author and Title: The author’s name and the book’s title.

By following these guidelines, you can structure your book report effectively and write a compelling introduction that will make your reader want to continue reading.

Crafting the Content

When it comes to writing a book report without reading the book, crafting the content can be a tricky task. However, with the right approach, it is possible to create a report that appears well-informed and insightful. In this section, we will explore the two main steps to crafting the content of a book report: summarizing the plot and discussing key elements.

Summarizing the Plot

The first step to crafting the content of a book report is to summarize the plot. This involves providing a brief overview of the major events that occur in the book. To do this, one can use online resources such as book summaries or plot summaries. These resources provide a concise overview of the book’s plot, allowing the writer to craft a summary that appears well-informed.

When summarizing the plot, it is important to focus on the major plot points and events. This includes identifying the main characters, setting, and conflict. By providing a brief summary of the major plot points, the writer can create the illusion of having read the book.

Discussing Key Elements

Once the plot has been summarized, the next step is to discuss key elements of the book. This includes analyzing the characters, themes, and symbolism. To do this, one can use online resources such as literary analysis websites or SparkNotes. These resources provide a detailed analysis of the book’s key elements, allowing the writer to craft a discussion that appears well-informed.

When discussing key elements, it is important to focus on the major themes and symbols. This includes identifying the major conflicts and analyzing how they are resolved. By providing a detailed discussion of the book’s key elements, the writer can create the illusion of having read the book.

In conclusion, crafting the content of a book report without reading the book requires a strategic approach. By summarizing the plot and discussing key elements, the writer can create a report that appears well-informed and insightful. While this approach may not be ideal, it can be a useful tool for those short on time or struggling to complete a book report.

Analyzing Literary Aspects

When it comes to writing a book report without reading the book, analyzing the literary aspects is a crucial step. This section will explore two key literary aspects : character analysis and exploring themes and motifs.

Character Analysis

One way to analyze a book without actually reading it is to focus on the characters. Start by identifying the main characters and their roles in the story. Look for any evidence of character development or change throughout the book. Consider the impact of the characters on the plot and the overall message of the book.

For example, in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the main character, Scout, learns about prejudice and the importance of standing up for what is right. By analyzing Scout’s character arc, you can gain insight into the book’s themes and moral message.

Exploring Themes and Motifs

Another way to analyze a book without reading it is to explore its themes and motifs. Look for any recurring symbols, patterns, or ideas throughout the book. These can give you clues about the book’s overall message and impact.

For example, in “The Great Gatsby,” the motif of the green light symbolizes Gatsby’s longing for his lost love, Daisy. By analyzing this motif and other themes in the book, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story’s style and tone.

Overall, by analyzing literary aspects such as character analysis and exploring themes and motifs, you can write a compelling book report without actually reading the book. Just remember to back up your opinions with evidence from the text.

Finalizing the Report

After completing the main body of the book report without reading the book, the final step is to write the conclusion, then revise and proofread the report to ensure it is error-free and meets the required guidelines.

Writing the Conclusion

In the conclusion, the writer should summarize the main points of the report and provide their opinion on the book’s content. The writer should also recommend the book to the target audience and provide reasons for their recommendation.

It is important to note that the conclusion should not introduce any new information that was not discussed in the main body of the report. The conclusion should be concise and to the point, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Revising and Proofreading

After writing the conclusion, the writer should revise and proofread the report to ensure it is free of errors and meets the formatting guidelines. The writer should check for proper citations, page numbers, and formatting of quotations.

The writer should also ensure that the report is well-organized with appropriate headings and subheadings. The report should be easy to read and understand, with a clear and concise summary of the book’s content.

In conclusion, writing a book report without reading the book requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the guidelines outlined above, the writer can produce a well-written and informative report that meets the required standards.

Supplementary Information

Citing sources.

When writing a book report without actually reading the book, it is important to properly cite your sources. This helps to ensure that you are giving credit where credit is due, and also adds credibility to your report. One way to do this is by including a bibliography or works cited page at the end of your report. This should include all of the sources that you used to write your report, including any websites or articles that you may have referenced.

Another important aspect of citing sources is to properly format any quotes or paraphrases that you include in your report. This can be done by using quotation marks for direct quotes and by properly citing the source in the body of your report for paraphrased information.

Book Report Examples

If you are unsure of how to start a book report or what format to use, there are many examples available online. Purdue Owl is a great resource for information on how to write a book report, including information on how to properly format your report and cite your sources.

When looking for examples, it is important to choose ones that are relevant to the type of book you are reporting on. For example, if you are writing a report on a non-fiction book, you may want to look for examples that focus on this type of book. Similarly, if you are writing a report on a children’s book, you may want to look for examples that are geared towards this audience.

Overall, while writing a book report without reading the book may seem daunting, there are many resources available to help you succeed. By properly citing your sources and using relevant examples, you can create a report that is both informative and credible.

Additional Resources and Tips

Utilizing academic services.

For those who are struggling to write a book report without reading the book, utilizing academic services can be a helpful resource. Many colleges and universities offer writing centers that provide writing assistance to students. These centers can help students with brainstorming ideas, organizing their thoughts, and proofreading their work.

Another helpful resource is professional writing services. These services can provide students with high-quality book reports that are written by professional writers. However, it is important to note that using these services can be expensive and can sometimes be considered academic dishonesty.

Engaging with Peers and Teachers

Engaging with peers and teachers can also be a helpful resource when trying to write a book report without reading the book. Peers can provide insights and opinions on the book that can help the writer understand the plot and themes. Teachers can also provide guidance and feedback on the book report.

It is important to note that engaging with peers and teachers should not be a substitute for reading the book. While it may be helpful to get insights and opinions from others, it is still important to have a basic understanding of the book in order to write an effective book report.

In conclusion, writing a book report without reading the book can be a difficult task. However, by utilizing academic services and engaging with peers and teachers, students can still write a high-quality book report. It is important to remember that these resources should not be a substitute for reading the book and that critical thinking skills are still necessary to write an effective book report.

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4 Ways to Write a Book Report Without Reading the Book

If you have an unwelcome book report and no time to read the book, don't lose your head! Outstandingly, there are at least four dependable ways to create a book report - without ever sitting down to read! Here are the top ways to write book reports without reading - ways that teachers don't want you to know!

• Use a summary website. There are dozens of websites and resources that offer complete summaries and critiques on major texts. If you're in public school or college, odds are that the book you're writing a report on has been assigned before (the school system hasn't updated its texts in years). Whether through SparkNotes, Wikipedia, book summary sites or other sources, you're bound to find some site - rather easily - that describes the book in depth. These descriptions are far more brief than reading the book itself, and will even let you know key details like the point of view, types of narrative and the author's literary techniques.
• Stay general, then use a few specific details. Once you've figured out, generally, what the book is about, you can sneakily edge your way around it using general information and terms. After all, your book report isn't about repeating the entire, exact events of the story. You're supposed to summarize the general narrative in order to come to a critical conclusion about the text. Stay general about the book (summary and informative sites can help you do this). Then, when he time is right, find a key detail somewhere in the text and insert it to support your critical analysis. This will make it appear as though you've read the book and remembered salient points, even when you haven't.
• Use a writing service. This is perhaps the easiest way to get English essay writing help . Luckily, it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Students that don't want to read a book, and don't feel prepared to 'fake' their way through a report, can simply hire a professional to do it for them. Professional writing services have always offered book report writing to desperate students, and with pretty fair prices, it may be your best option.
• Skim and question. If you're in a large class where the book report was assigned, odds are, your peers are writing similar book reports. Though it may seem dishonest to some, you can actually find success by pooling off of other's work. Question your peers about their book reports ideas. You can even probe them for information regarding the text itself. Once you've gathered a general idea of the book's purpose, events and themes, skim through the text. Just seeing a brief overview of the book, added to what you've learned from friends, will provide an excellent backbone for a report.

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How To Write A Book Review Without Reading The Whole Book

When it comes to the world of literature, book reviews play a crucial role in shaping opinions and informing potential readers about the content and quality of a book. A book review can be defined as an evaluation or critical analysis of a book, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact. However, writing a book review goes beyond simply summarizing the plot or sharing personal opinions. It requires a deep understanding of the author’s intentions, writing style, and themes explored in the book.

Book reviews serve as a valuable resource for both authors and readers. For authors, positive reviews can boost their reputation, increase sales, and attract a wider audience. On the other hand, negative reviews can offer constructive feedback for improvement and help authors understand their target audience better. For readers, book reviews provide insight into the quality, relevance, and suitability of a book before making a purchase decision.

Thesis Statement: It is possible to write a book review without reading the whole book.

Contrary to popular belief, writing a book review doesn’t necessarily require reading the entire book. While it is ideal to read the entire book to provide a comprehensive review, time constraints or other commitments may make it challenging to do so. However, it is still possible to write an insightful and accurate book review by following a few key steps.

By following these steps, one can gain a solid understanding of the book’s premise, writing style, and major themes. It also allows the reviewer to provide valuable insights and opinion on the book’s overall impact and effectiveness.

Writing a book review without reading the entire book is not meant to replace the traditional approach but rather to provide an alternative when circumstances don’t allow for a complete read-through. However, it is essential to be transparent about the extent of familiarity with the book in the review to maintain credibility and integrity.

Understanding the Purpose of a Book Review

Book reviews play a crucial role in the literary world, serving multiple purposes that benefit both readers and authors. These reviews provide an evaluation of a book’s content, style, and overall quality, helping readers make informed decisions about what to read next. Additionally, book reviews serve as a platform for authors to gain exposure and establish their reputation within the industry. Let’s delve into the significance of book reviews and their impact on readers and authors alike.

Discussing the purpose of a book review:

Book reviews serve as a tool for literary criticism, helping readers navigate the vast array of available books. They provide an analysis of a book’s strengths and weaknesses, giving potential readers an idea of what to expect. Book reviews offer insights into the plot, character development, writing style, and overall reading experience. By providing an objective assessment, book reviews help readers decide whether a particular book aligns with their personal preferences and interests.

Explaining the role of a book review in providing valuable information to readers:

Book reviews act as a valuable resource for readers, offering a preview of a book’s content and enabling them to make informed choices. Reviews offer an overview of the book’s genre, themes, and narrative structure, allowing readers to gauge whether it resonates with their tastes. In addition, reviews often highlight specific aspects such as the quality of the writing, the depth of the characters, or the effectiveness of the storytelling techniques. By providing this information, book reviews help readers find books that align with their preferences and increase the likelihood of a satisfying reading experience.

Book reviews can significantly impact an author’s reputation and book sales. Positive reviews can generate buzz and increase the chances of a book becoming a bestseller. Conversely, negative reviews can discourage potential readers and hinder the success of a book. Reviews also play a role in establishing an author’s credibility, particularly for new or lesser-known writers. By garnering positive reviews, authors can build a reputation, gain a following, and attract the attention of publishers, literary agents, and other industry professionals.

Overall, book reviews provide valuable information to readers, helping them make informed choices and discover new books. Simultaneously, reviews play a crucial role in shaping an author’s reputation and influencing the success of their work. For readers and authors alike, book reviews are an essential component of the literary ecosystem.

Gathering Information about the Book

Before diving into the process of ghostwriting a book, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible about the book’s background and the author’s credentials. This step is essential in order to fully understand the author’s perspective, style, and goals for the project. Here are some effective strategies to help you gather the necessary information:

Research the book’s background and author’s credentials

Start by conducting thorough research on the book’s background, including its genre, theme, and target audience. This will provide you with valuable insights into the overall tone and style of the book. Additionally, take the time to research the author’s credentials, such as their previous works, expertise in the subject matter, and any awards or accolades they may have received. This information will help you understand the author’s writing style and the expectations for the book.

Utilize book summaries, author interviews, and other secondary sources

Secondary sources such as book summaries, author interviews, and reviews can provide valuable information about the book’s content and themes. Book summaries offer a concise overview of the plot, while author interviews provide insights into the author’s thought process and motivations behind writing the book. Reviews from readers and critics can also provide useful perspectives and highlight key aspects of the book that you should focus on in your ghostwriting process.

To find book summaries and reviews, you can visit popular book review websites like Goodreads or Amazon. These platforms often have detailed summaries and reviews from a wide range of readers. Additionally, you can search for author interviews on podcasts, YouTube channels, or literary magazines. These interviews can offer unique insights into the author’s writing process and personal experiences that may influence the book.

Explore online platforms and book communities for additional insights

Online platforms and book communities can be a treasure trove of information and insights into the book you will be ghostwriting. Websites like Reddit, forums, and social media groups dedicated to specific genres or authors can provide valuable discussions and opinions about the book. Engaging with these communities can help you gain a deeper understanding of what readers are looking for and the expectations they have from the author and the book.

Remember to approach these online communities respectfully and ethically. Introduce yourself as a ghostwriter and seek permission from the community members to ask questions and gather insights. Be transparent about your role and purpose, and most people will be willing to help you with your research.

By following these strategies, you will be able to gather a wealth of information about the book’s background and the author’s credentials. This will lay a solid foundation for your ghostwriting process and ensure that you are aligned with the author’s vision and goals for the book.

Reading the Book’s Introduction and Conclusion

The introduction and conclusion of a book are often overlooked by readers, but they hold immense importance in understanding the content and message of the book. These sections serve as guideposts for readers, providing valuable insights into the author’s main arguments and intended message. By carefully reading and analyzing the introduction and conclusion, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the book and its key themes.

One of the main reasons why reading the introduction and conclusion is crucial is that they provide an overview of the book’s content and structure. The introduction usually sets the stage by giving background information, context, and an overview of the author’s intentions. It presents the main arguments or thesis statement, giving readers a roadmap for what to expect in the book. On the other hand, the conclusion wraps up the book by summarizing the main points and tying them together. It often offers insights and reflections on the book’s content, leaving readers with a lasting impression.

When analyzing the author’s main arguments and intended message, the introduction and conclusion can provide valuable clues. The author’s writing style, tone, and choice of words can be identified in these sections. By carefully studying these elements, readers can gain insights into the author’s perspective and purpose. Furthermore, the introduction and conclusion can help readers identify the author’s stance on specific issues and the overall message they intend to convey.

To fully grasp the key themes and central ideas of the book, reading the introduction and conclusion is essential. These sections often highlight the main topics and concepts that the author explores throughout the book. By identifying these themes, readers can better understand the book’s focus and purpose. Moreover, the introduction and conclusion can reveal any recurring motifs or symbols that add depth and meaning to the book. Taking note of these motifs can enhance the reader’s overall understanding and appreciation of the book.

Skimming the Book’s Chapters

Skimming a book’s chapters can be a valuable technique to quickly gather important information and get a sense of the story without reading every word. Whether you are a busy reader looking to save time or a book ghostwriter trying to familiarize yourself with the material, effective skimming techniques can be a game-changer. In this section, we will explore different techniques for effective skimming, how to identify important sections and chapters to focus on, and the significance of taking note of key events, character development, and plot twists.

Techniques for Effective Skimming

Skimming a book’s chapters involves quickly scanning through the pages to get a general overview of the content. Here are some techniques to make your skimming process more efficient:

• Read the chapter headings and subheadings: Chapter headings and subheadings often provide a concise summary of the content within. By focusing on these headings, you can quickly gather the main points discussed in each chapter.
• Scan the first and last paragraphs: The first and last paragraphs of each chapter often contain important information, such as the introduction of new characters, key plot developments, or foreshadowing of future events. By reading these paragraphs, you can get a sense of what the chapter entails.
• Pay attention to bolded or italicized text: Authors often use formatting techniques to highlight important ideas or phrases. By skimming for bolded or italicized text, you can identify key concepts or themes.

Identifying I

When skimming a book’s chapters, it is essential to identify the sections and chapters that are most relevant to your purpose. Here are some tips to help you focus on the most important parts:

• Read the book’s synopsis and table of contents: The synopsis and table of contents provide an overview of the book’s content, helping you identify the chapters that are most relevant to your interests or research.
• Consider your specific goals: Determine what you are looking to gain from skimming the book. Are you interested in understanding the main plot points, character development, or thematic elements? By clarifying your goals, you can focus on the chapters that align with your objectives.
• Refer to reviews or summaries: Reviews or summaries of the book can give you an idea of which chapters are considered significant by other readers. This can be particularly helpful if you are short on time and want to prioritize specific sections.

Taking Note of Significant Events, Character Development, and Plot Twists

While skimming a book’s chapters, it is crucial to pay attention to significant events, character development, and plot twists. These elements contribute to the overall narrative and understanding of the story. By taking note of these key aspects, you can gain a deeper insight into the book. Here’s why it’s important:

• Understanding the story arc: Significant events, character development, and plot twists shape the overall story arc. By identifying and noting these elements, you can grasp the narrative structure and better understand the author’s intentions.
• Facilitating analysis and discussion: If you are a book ghostwriter or involved in literary analysis, highlighting significant events, character development, and plot twists can help you generate insightful discussions or develop compelling arguments.
• Building a comprehensive summary: When creating a summary or synopsis of the book, focusing on these key elements ensures that you capture the essence of the story and provide a comprehensive overview.

Analyzing Book Reviews and Critiques

When it comes to analyzing book reviews and critiques, it is important to gather information from multiple reputable sources. Reading reviews from different platforms and publications can give you a well-rounded understanding of how the book is perceived by readers and experts alike. By considering various perspectives, you can gain valuable insights that will help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book.

One way to approach this process is to search for reviews from reputable sources such as well-known literary magazines, reputable book blogs, or respected critics in the genre. These sources have a track record of providing insightful and unbiased reviews. By reading reviews from these platforms, you can ensure that you are considering the opinions of experts in the field.

As you read the reviews, pay attention to the reviewers’ perspectives and opinions. Each reviewer brings their own unique background, preferences, and biases to their analysis. By understanding their perspectives, you can gain a deeper understanding of how the book resonated with different readers. Additionally, consider the credibility and authority of the reviewers. Some reviewers may have more expertise or experience in the genre, which can influence the weight you give to their opinions.

After reading multiple reviews, you can begin to identify common themes and arguments raised by the reviewers. Look for recurring comments or criticisms that appear across different reviews. These common themes can provide valuable insights into the book’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, if multiple reviewers mention that the book has weak character development, it may indicate that this is an area that needs improvement. On the other hand, if reviewers consistently praise the book for its unique plot twists, it can highlight one of its notable strengths.

In conclusion, analyzing book reviews and critiques is an essential part of understanding how a book is received by its readers. By reading multiple reviews from reputable sources, considering the reviewers’ perspectives, and identifying common themes, you can gain valuable insights that will help you evaluate the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Remember to approach this process with an open mind and consider a range of perspectives to form a well-rounded assessment of the book.

Formulating an Opinion and Thesis

After gathering all the necessary information and forming personal impressions about the book, it is time to reflect on these findings and develop a clear thesis statement. This crucial step allows you to present your own interpretation and analysis of the book’s main ideas and arguments. By formulating a strong thesis, you provide a clear direction for your essay and establish a foundation for your argument.

Reflecting on the gathered information and personal impressions

Before diving into the process of formulating a thesis, take some time to reflect on the information you have gathered and your personal impressions of the book. Consider the key themes, characters, and events that stood out to you. Think about the author’s writing style, the effectiveness of their storytelling, and the impact the book had on you as a reader. These reflections will help you gain a deeper understanding of the book and prepare you for the next step.

Developing a clear thesis statement based on the available knowledge

Once you have reflected on the gathered information and personal impressions, it is time to develop a clear thesis statement. Your thesis should be a concise and focused statement that encapsulates your main argument or interpretation of the book. It should be based on the knowledge you have acquired through reading and analyzing the book. Consider the key messages and ideas you want to convey in your essay and craft a thesis that effectively communicates these points.

Ensuring the thesis aligns with the book’s main ideas and arguments

When formulating your thesis, it is crucial to ensure that it aligns with the book’s main ideas and arguments. Your thesis should not be a random opinion but rather a well-supported claim that reflects the book’s content and author’s intentions. Refer back to your notes and the book itself to ensure that your thesis accurately represents the book’s themes, characters, and overall message. This alignment will strengthen your argument and make your essay more cohesive and persuasive.

Structuring the Book Review

Writing a well-structured book review is crucial to effectively communicate your thoughts and provide valuable insights to potential readers. By following a clear structure, you can ensure that your review is organized and easy to follow. In this section, we will discuss the key components of structuring a book review: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Introduction: Hook, background information, and thesis statement

The introduction of your book review serves as the hook to grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief overview of the book. Start with a compelling opening sentence or anecdote that piques the reader’s curiosity. For example, you could begin with a thought-provoking quote from the book or highlight an interesting fact related to the author or genre.

After the hook, provide some background information about the book. Include the title, author, publication date, and any relevant details about the author’s background or the book’s genre. This will give readers a context to better understand your review.

Finally, end your introduction with a strong thesis statement that clearly states your main argument or evaluation of the book. This will help guide your review and provide a preview of what readers can expect from your analysis. Be specific and concise in your thesis statement, ensuring that it reflects your overall opinion.

Body paragraphs: Supporting arguments and evidence

The body paragraphs of your book review should provide supporting arguments and evidence to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or aspect of the book, offering your analysis and critique. It’s important to provide examples, quotes, or specific scenes from the book to back up your claims.

To ensure coherence and clarity, consider organizing your body paragraphs chronologically, thematically, or by focusing on different elements of the book such as plot, characters, or writing style. This will help you maintain a logical progression of ideas throughout your review.

Remember to include a balance of positive and negative points in your analysis. While it’s important to highlight the strengths of the book, don’t shy away from discussing any weaknesses or areas for improvement. This will provide a well-rounded and honest evaluation for readers.

Conclusion: Summarize the main points and provide a final evaluation

In the conclusion of your book review, summarize the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs. Briefly restate your thesis statement and highlight the key arguments or insights you presented. This will help reinforce your main evaluation and remind readers of the key takeaways from your review.

Finally, provide a final evaluation of the book. Offer your overall opinion and recommendation, whether you believe the book is worth reading or not. Be sure to provide a balanced assessment, considering both the strengths and weaknesses you discussed in the body paragraphs. This will help readers make an informed decision about whether or not to read the book.

By structuring your book review with a strong introduction, well-supported body paragraphs, and a conclusive summary, you can ensure that your review is engaging, informative, and valuable to potential readers.

Writing the Book Review

Writing a book review is an excellent way to share your thoughts and opinions about a book you’ve read. It not only helps other readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book or not but also allows you to engage in critical thinking and analysis. To write an effective book review, it is crucial to focus on three main aspects: crafting an engaging introduction, presenting well-structured body paragraphs with strong arguments, and providing a thoughtful and concise conclusion.

Crafting an engaging and informative introduction

The introduction of your book review should immediately grab the reader’s attention and provide them with a brief overview of the book. Start with a captivating hook, such as an intriguing quote, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising fact related to the book. This will entice the reader to continue reading. Next, provide some background information about the author and their previous works, if applicable. Finally, clearly state your thesis or main argument about the book. This will serve as the foundation for your review and guide the reader throughout the rest of your analysis.

Presenting well-structured body paragraphs with strong arguments

The body paragraphs of your book review should examine different aspects of the book in a logical and organized manner. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or argument and provide evidence from the book to support your claims. Use quotes, examples, and specific scenes from the book to illustrate your points. Make sure to analyze the author’s writing style, character development, plot progression, and any other elements that are relevant to the book’s overall impact. Additionally, consider the book’s themes, social context, and any deeper meanings or messages it conveys. Use clear and concise language to convey your thoughts effectively.

Providing a thoughtful and concise conclusion

The conclusion of your book review should summarize your main arguments and offer a final evaluation of the book. Restate your thesis or main argument and briefly recap the points you made in the body paragraphs. Then, provide your overall opinion of the book and whether you would recommend it to others. Be honest and balanced in your assessment, highlighting both the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Avoid simply giving a thumbs-up or thumbs-down judgment; instead, explain why you hold your particular opinion. Lastly, leave the reader with a thought-provoking question or a final insight that will linger in their minds long after they finish reading your review.

By following these guidelines, you can write a compelling book review that will engage readers and provide valuable insights into the book you’ve read. Remember to always support your arguments with evidence and be thoughtful in your analysis. Happy reviewing!

Editing and Proofreading the Book Review

Once you have written your book review, it is important to edit and proofread it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and error-free. Editing and proofreading are essential steps in the writing process, as they help to improve the overall quality of your review. In this section, we will discuss the important aspects of editing and proofreading your book review.

Reviewing the content for coherence and logical flow

When editing your book review, it is important to review the content for coherence and logical flow. This means ensuring that your ideas are presented in a logical order and that there are smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections. You should also check that your review is focused and stays on topic. If you find any inconsistencies or gaps in your review, take the time to revise and reorganize your content.

One helpful technique for reviewing the coherence and logical flow of your book review is to create an outline or a mind map. This will allow you to visually see the structure of your review and identify any areas that may need improvement. Additionally, you can ask a friend or a peer to read your review and provide feedback on its coherence and logical flow. Their fresh perspective can often uncover issues that you may have missed.

Checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

Another crucial step in editing and proofreading your book review is checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. These errors can detract from the professionalism and credibility of your review, so it is important to eliminate them. Use a spell checker and grammar checker to catch any obvious mistakes, but also take the time to read your review carefully, as these tools may not pick up on all errors.

In addition to using automated tools, it can be helpful to print out your book review and read it out loud. This will help you to identify any awkward phrasing or errors that may have gone unnoticed. You can also consider seeking the assistance of a professional editor or proofreader who can provide a fresh pair of eyes and ensure that your review is error-free.

Seeking feedback from peers or experts for further improvement

Once you have edited and proofread your book review, it is always a good idea to seek feedback from peers or experts in the field. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for further improvement. Consider joining a book club or a writing group where you can share your review and receive constructive criticism.

Remember, feedback is an essential part of the writing process and can help you to refine your book review and make it even better. Be open to suggestions and be willing to revise your review based on the feedback you receive. This will ensure that your review is well-rounded and polished before it is published or shared with others.

Writing a book review without reading the whole book may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. In this article, we have discussed the process of writing a book review without reading the entire book and highlighted the importance of thorough research and analysis. Now, let’s recap the key points and encourage readers to engage in writing book reviews to contribute to the literary community.

Firstly, when writing a book review without reading the whole book, it is essential to gather as much information as possible about the book. This can be done by reading summaries, reviews, and synopses online, watching interviews with the author, or even speaking with people who have read the book. By doing this, you can gain a good understanding of the book’s plot, characters, and themes.

Secondly, it is crucial to analyze the information you have gathered and form your own opinions and interpretations of the book. This involves critically examining the author’s writing style, the effectiveness of the storytelling, and the overall impact of the book on the reader. By conducting a thorough analysis, you can provide valuable insights and evaluations in your review.

Finally, writing book reviews is not just about expressing your personal opinions; it is also about contributing to the literary community. Book reviews help readers make informed decisions about what they want to read, and they can also spark discussions and debates among readers. By engaging in writing book reviews, you become part of a larger conversation and contribute to the promotion and appreciation of literature.

In conclusion, although reading the entire book is ideal for writing a comprehensive book review, it is possible to write a thoughtful and insightful review without doing so. By following the steps outlined in this article, conducting thorough research and analysis, and contributing to the literary community through book reviews, you can become a valuable voice in the world of literature. So, go ahead and start writing those book reviews, and remember, every contribution counts!

FAQ about How To Write A Book Review Without Reading The Whole Book

Is it really possible to write a book review without reading the whole book.

A: Yes, it is possible to write a book review without reading the whole book. By utilizing various research techniques and gathering information from credible sources, you can still provide valuable insights and opinions about the book.

How can I gather information about the book without reading it?

A: You can research the book’s background and author’s credentials, utilize book summaries and author interviews, explore online platforms and book communities, and read multiple book reviews from reputable sources.

What parts of the book should I read to write an informed review?

A: It is important to read the book’s introduction and conclusion to understand the main arguments and intended message. Additionally, you can skim through the chapters, focusing on important sections, significant events, character development, and plot twists.

How do I analyze book reviews and critiques to help with my review?

A: By reading multiple book reviews from reputable sources, you can analyze reviewers’ perspectives and opinions. Pay attention to common themes and arguments raised by reviewers, which can provide valuable insights and different perspectives on the book.

How do I develop a thesis statement for my book review?

A: Reflect on the gathered information and your personal impressions of the book. Develop a clear thesis statement that aligns with the book’s main ideas and arguments, ensuring it presents your unique perspective or evaluation.

What should be included in the structure of a book review?

A: The structure of a book review typically consists of an introduction (with a hook, background information, and thesis statement), body paragraphs (supporting arguments and evidence), and a conclusion (summarizing the main points and providing a final evaluation).

How can I ensure my book review is well-written and coherent?

A: Craft an engaging and informative introduction, present well-structured body paragraphs with strong arguments, and provide a thoughtful and concise conclusion. Edit and proofread your review for coherence, logical flow, and grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Can I seek feedback on my book review from others?

A: Yes, seeking feedback from peers or experts can help improve your book review. They can provide valuable suggestions for further improvement and ensure your review effectively communicates your thoughts and evaluations.

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How to Write a Book Review: The Ultimate Guide

WHAT IS A BOOK REVIEW?

Traditionally, book reviews are evaluations of a recently published book in any genre. Usually, around the 500 to 700-word mark, they briefly describe a text’s main elements while appraising the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Published book reviews can appear in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. They provide the reader with an overview of the book itself and indicate whether or not the reviewer would recommend the book to the reader.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW?

There was a time when book reviews were a regular appearance in every quality newspaper and many periodicals. They were essential elements in whether or not a book would sell well. A review from a heavyweight critic could often be the deciding factor in whether a book became a bestseller or a damp squib. In the last few decades, however, the book review’s influence has waned considerably, with many potential book buyers preferring to consult customer reviews on Amazon, or sites like Goodreads, before buying. As a result, book review’s appearance in newspapers, journals, and digital media has become less frequent.

WHY BOTHER TEACHING STUDENTS TO WRITE BOOK REVIEWS AT ALL?

Even in the heyday of the book review’s influence, few students who learned the craft of writing a book review became literary critics! The real value of crafting a well-written book review for a student does not lie in their ability to impact book sales. Understanding how to produce a well-written book review helps students to:

●     Engage critically with a text

●     Critically evaluate a text

●     Respond personally to a range of different writing genres

●     Improve their own reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Not to Be Confused with a Book Report!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOK REVIEW AND A BOOK REPORT?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are clear differences in both the purpose and the format of the two genres. Generally speaking, book reports aim to give a more detailed outline of what occurs in a book. A book report on a work of fiction will tend to give a comprehensive account of the characters, major plot lines, and themes in the book. Book reports are usually written around the K-12 age range, while book reviews tend not to be undertaken by those at the younger end of this age range due to the need for the higher-level critical skills required in writing them. At their highest expression, book reviews are written at the college level and by professional critics.

Learn how to write a book review step by step with our complete guide for students and teachers by familiarizing yourself with the structure and features.

BOOK REVIEW STRUCTURE

ANALYZE Evaluate the book with a critical mind.

THOROUGHNESS The whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. Review the book as a WHOLE.

COMPARE Where appropriate compare to similar texts and genres.

THUMBS UP OR DOWN? You are going to have to inevitably recommend or reject this book to potential readers.

BE CONSISTENT Take a stance and stick with it throughout your review.

FEATURES OF A BOOK REVIEW

PAST TENSE You are writing about a book you have already read.

EMOTIVE LANGUAGE Whatever your stance or opinion be passionate about it. Your audience will thank you for it.

VOICE Both active and passive voice are used in recounts.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF TEXTS

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ELEMENTS OF A BOOK REVIEW

As with any of the writing genres we teach our students, a book review can be helpfully explained in terms of criteria. While there is much to the ‘art’ of writing, there is also, thankfully, a lot of the nuts and bolts that can be listed too. Have students consider the following elements before writing:

●     Title: Often, the title of the book review will correspond to the title of the text itself, but there may also be some examination of the title’s relevance. How does it fit into the purpose of the work as a whole? Does it convey a message or reveal larger themes explored within the work?

●     Author: Within the book review, there may be some discussion of who the author is and what they have written before, especially if it relates to the current work being reviewed. There may be some mention of the author’s style and what they are best known for. If the author has received any awards or prizes, this may also be mentioned within the body of the review.

●     Genre: A book review will identify the genre that the book belongs to, whether fiction or nonfiction, poetry, romance, science-fiction, history etc. The genre will likely tie in, too with who the intended audience for the book is and what the overall purpose of the work is.

●     Book Jacket / Cover: Often, a book’s cover will contain artwork that is worthy of comment. It may contain interesting details related to the text that contribute to, or detract from, the work as a whole.

●     Structure: The book’s structure will often be heavily informed by its genre. Have students examine how the book is organized before writing their review. Does it contain a preface from a guest editor, for example? Is it written in sections or chapters? Does it have a table of contents, index, glossary etc.? While all these details may not make it into the review itself, looking at how the book is structured may reveal some interesting aspects.

●     Publisher and Price: A book review will usually contain details of who publishes the book and its cost. A review will often provide details of where the book is available too.

BOOK REVIEW KEY ELEMENTS

As students read and engage with the work they will review, they will develop a sense of the shape their review will take. This will begin with the summary. Encourage students to take notes during the reading of the work that will help them in writing the summary that will form an essential part of their review. Aspects of the book they may wish to take notes on in a work of fiction may include:

●     Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations? Are they convincingly drawn? Or are they empathetic characters?

●     Themes: What are the main themes of the work? Are there recurring motifs in the work? Is the exploration of the themes deep or surface only?

●     Style: What are the key aspects of the writer’s style? How does it fit into the wider literary world?

●     Plot: What is the story’s main catalyst? What happens in the rising action? What are the story’s subplots? 

A book review will generally begin with a short summary of the work itself. However, it is important not to give too much away, remind students – no spoilers, please! For nonfiction works, this may be a summary of the main arguments of the work, again, without giving too much detail away. In a work of fiction, a book review will often summarise up to the rising action of the piece without going beyond to reveal too much!

The summary should also provide some orientation for the reader. Given the nature of the purpose of a review, it is important that students’ consider their intended audience in the writing of their review. Readers will most likely not have read the book in question and will require some orientation. This is often achieved through introductions to the main characters, themes, primary arguments etc. This will help the reader to gauge whether or not the book is of interest to them.

Once your student has summarized the work, it is time to ‘review’ in earnest. At this point, the student should begin to detail their own opinion of the book. To do this well they should:

i. Make It Personal

Often when teaching essay writing we will talk to our students about the importance of climbing up and down the ladder of abstraction. Just as it is helpful to explore large, more abstract concepts in an essay by bringing it down to Earth, in a book review, it is important that students can relate the characters, themes, ideas etc to their own lives.

Book reviews are meant to be subjective. They are opinion pieces, and opinions grow out of our experiences of life. Encourage students to link the work they are writing about to their own personal life within the body of the review. By making this personal connection to the work, students contextualize their opinions for the readers and help them to understand whether the book will be of interest to them or not in the process.

ii. Make It Universal

Just as it is important to climb down the ladder of abstraction to show how the work relates to individual life, it is important to climb upwards on the ladder too. Students should endeavor to show how the ideas explored in the book relate to the wider world. The may be in the form of the universality of the underlying themes in a work of fiction or, for example, the international implications for arguments expressed in a work of nonfiction.

iii. Support Opinions with Evidence

A book review is a subjective piece of writing by its very nature. However, just because it is subjective does not mean that opinions do not need to be justified. Make sure students understand how to back up their opinions with various forms of evidence, for example, quotations, statistics, and the use of primary and secondary sources.

EDIT AND REVISE YOUR BOOK REVIEW

As with any writing genre, encourage students to polish things up with review and revision at the end. Encourage them to proofread and check for accurate spelling throughout, with particular attention to the author’s name, character names, publisher etc. 

It is good practice too for students to double-check their use of evidence. Are statements supported? Are the statistics used correctly? Are the quotations from the text accurate? Mistakes such as these uncorrected can do great damage to the value of a book review as they can undermine the reader’s confidence in the writer’s judgement.

The discipline of writing book reviews offers students opportunities to develop their writing skills and exercise their critical faculties. Book reviews can be valuable standalone activities or serve as a part of a series of activities engaging with a central text. They can also serve as an effective springboard into later discussion work based on the ideas and issues explored in a particular book. Though the book review does not hold the sway it once did in the mind’s of the reading public, it still serves as an effective teaching tool in our classrooms today.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BOOK REVIEW GRAPHIC ORGANIZER (TEMPLATE)

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Book and Movie review writing examples (Student Writing Samples)

Below are a collection of student writing samples of book reviews.  Click on the image to enlarge and explore them in greater detail.  Please take a moment to both read the movie or book review in detail but also the teacher and student guides which highlight some of the key elements of writing a text review

Please understand these student writing samples are not intended to be perfect examples for each age or grade level but a piece of writing for students and teachers to explore together to critically analyze to improve student writing skills and deepen their understanding of book review writing.

We would recommend reading the example either a year above and below, as well as the grade you are currently working with to gain a broader appreciation of this text type .

BOOK REVIEW VIDEO TUTORIALS

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How to Write a Book Review: The Complete Guide

by Sue Weems | 23 comments

If you've ever loved (or hated) a book, you may have been tempted to review it. Here's a complete guide to how to write a book review, so you can share your literary adventures with other readers more often! 

You finally reach the last page of a book that kept you up all night and close it with the afterglow of satisfaction and a tinge of regret that it’s over. If you enjoyed the book enough to stay up reading it way past your bedtime, consider writing a review. It is one of the best gifts you can give an author.

Regardless of how much you know about how to write a book review, the author will appreciate hearing how their words touched you.

But as you face the five shaded stars and empty box, a blank mind strikes. What do I say? I mean, is this a book really deserving of five stars? How did it compare to Dostoevsky or Angelou or Dickens?

Maybe there’s an easier way to write a book review.

Want to learn how to write a book from start to finish? Check out How to Write a Book: The Complete Guide .

The Fallacy of Book Reviews

Once you’ve decided to give a review, you are faced with the task of deciding how many stars to give a book.

When I first started writing book reviews, I made the mistake of trying to compare a book to ALL BOOKS OF ALL TIME. (Sorry for the all caps, but that’s how it felt, like a James Earl Jones voice was asking me where to put this book in the queue of all books.)

Other readers find themselves comparing new titles to their favorite books. It's a natural comparison. But is it fair?

This is honestly why I didn’t give reviews of books for a long time. How can I compare a modern romance or historical fiction war novel with Dostoevsky? I can’t, and I shouldn’t.

I realized my mistake one day as I was watching (of all things) a dog show. In the final round, they trotted out dogs of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I thought, “How can a Yorkshire Terrier compete with a Basset Hound?” As if he'd read my mind, the announcer explained that each is judged by the standards for its breed.

This was my “Aha!” moment. I have to take a book on its own terms. The question is not, “How does this book compare to all books I’ve read?” but “How well did this book deliver what it promised for the intended audience?”

A review is going to reflect my personal experience with the book, but I can help potential readers by taking a minute to consider what the author intended. Let me explain what I mean. 

How to Write a Book Review: Consider a Book’s Promise

A book makes a promise with its cover, blurb, and first pages. It begins to set expectations the minute a reader views the thumbnail or cover. Those things indicate the genre, tone, and likely the major themes.

If a book cover includes a lip-locked couple in flowing linen on a beach, and I open to the first page to read about a pimpled vampire in a trench coat speaking like Mr. Knightly about his plan for revenge on the entire human race, there’s been a breach of contract before I even get to page two. These are the books we put down immediately (unless a mixed-message beachy cover combined with an Austen vampire story is your thing).

But what if the cover, blurb, and first pages are cohesive and perk our interest enough to keep reading? Then we have to think about what the book has promised us, which revolves around one key idea: What is the core story question and how well is it resolved?

Sometimes genre expectations help us answer this question: a romance will end with a couple who finds their way, a murder mystery ends with a solved case, a thriller’s protagonist beats the clock and saves the country or planet.

The stories we love most do those expected things in a fresh or surprising way with characters we root for from the first page. Even (and especially!) when a book doesn’t fit neatly in a genre category, we need to consider what the book promises on those first pages and decide how well it succeeds on the terms it sets for itself.

When I Don’t Know What to Write

About a month ago, I realized I was overthinking how to write a book review. Here at the Write Practice we have a longstanding tradition of giving critiques using the Oreo method : point out something that was a strength, then something we wondered about or that confused us, followed by another positive.

We can use this same structure to write a simple review when we finish books. Consider this book review format: 

[Book Title] by [book author] is about ___[plot summary in a sentence—no spoilers!]___. I chose this book based on ________. I really enjoyed ________. I wondered how ___________. Anyone who likes ____ will love this book.

Following this basic template can help you write an honest review about most any book, and it will give the author or publisher good information about what worked (and possibly what didn’t). You might write about the characters, the conflict, the setting, or anything else that captured you and kept you reading.

As an added bonus, you will be a stronger reader when you are able to express why you enjoyed parts of a book (just like when you critique!). After you complete a few, you’ll find it gets easier, and you won’t need the template anymore.

What if I Didn’t Like It?

Like professional book reviewers, you will have to make the call about when to leave a negative review. If I can’t give a book at least three stars, I usually don’t review it. Why? If I don’t like a book after a couple chapters, I put it down. I don’t review anything that I haven’t read the entire book.

Also, it may be that I’m not the target audience. The book might be well-written and well-reviewed with a great cover, and it just doesn’t capture me. Or maybe it's a book that just isn't hitting me right now for reasons that have nothing to do with the book and everything to do with my own reading life and needs. Every book is not meant for every reader.

If a book kept me reading all the way to the end and I didn’t like the ending? I would probably still review it, since there had to be enough good things going on to keep me reading to the end. I might mention in my review that the ending was less satisfying than I hoped, but I would still end with a positive.

How to Write a Book Review: Your Turn

As writers, we know how difficult it is to put down the words day after day. We are typically voracious readers. Let’s send some love back out to our fellow writers this week and review the most recent title we enjoyed.

What was the last book you read or reviewed? Do you ever find it hard to review a book? Share in the comments .

Now it's your turn. Think of the last book you read. Then, take fifteen minutes to write a review of it based on the template above. When you're done, share your review in the Pro Practice Workshop . For bonus points, post it on the book's page on Amazon and Goodreads, too!

Don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers! What new reads will you discover in the comments?

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

23 Comments

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin is about a girl that shows no emotion befriending a ice dragon.

I chose this book based on the cover that had a little girl riding a ice dragon, and wondered what is about.

I really enjoyed the interaction the little girl had with the dragon.

I wondered how how the girl’s bond with the dragon.

Anyone who likes a coming of age story set in a fantasy will love this book.

Thanks for sharing your practice, Azure!

You’re welcome.

A interesting, at times perplexing, subject! And one on my mind lately,as I’ve agreed to do a few. I do enjoy giving reviews and am delighted when I can say, “This was a great book!” Or even, “I enjoyed this book.” It gets perplexing when I agree to review a book — and simply don’t like it. Then what to say? I hate to disappoint the writer but I’ve promised to give my honest opinion.

I’ve found some books mediocre and yet I see a dozen other reviewers saying “A great story!” Tastes do vary. But when there are obvious flaws I tend to skip all the best-friend-and-cousin reviewers and find the first person who says, “This writer has a problem with…” Usually there’ll be a number of reviewers who spot the same problems I do.

I like upbeat main characters, but not aggressive, belligerent, and/or self-centered ones. I like to meet in a story the kind of people I’d like to meet in real life— not people I’d avoid if possible. I recently read a book where the main character came across as insipid and the story only mildly interesting. Other reviewers said it was great and I know for this specific audience — readers who want a certain slant to a story — it was quite suitable. So I tried to cut the book some slack. Everyone has their limit as to how much blood and gore, smooching and snuggling, they are willing to read about.

Once I agreed to review a book and would have tossed it after the first chapter — for several reasons. A lot of “writer inserting facts for reader’s benefit”; teach/preach paragraphs; excess of description; attitudes of MCs. Once it’s live on seller’s sites like Amazon, what can you say? The one thing good it had going for it was the story line or theme. With a pro editor’s help it could have been a great story.

As for a review, one book I read lately was “A Clue for the Puzzle Lady” by Parnell Hall. It’s one of those “Stayed up half the night to finish it” books; I think anyone who likes a compelling cozy mystery would probably like it. Downside: I didn’t care for the “Puzzle Lady.” She’s a lush, hangs out at the bar getting sloshed. The upside: her sensible niece has a starring role —trying to keep her aunt on the straight-and-narrow and the mystery keeps you guessing until the end.

Christine, Thanks for sharing your insight! It sounds like you are approached often to review new books. It does make it tricky if it’s a request, especially outside your own preferences. Thanks for chiming in about your process, as I’m sure others will appreciate the perspective too. I’ll have to take a look at the Puzzle Lady– I do enjoy cozy mysteries. Sue

Here’s another cozy mystery book review in case you’re interested. I’m not approached by writers that often, but there are the Story Cartel, Book Bub and Goodreads, all sites where authors ask for review volunteers.

Reel Estate Ripoff by Renee Pawlish

The detective Reed Ferguson is a fan of Humphry Bogart, movie memorabilia of that era, and fancies himself a bit of a Sam Slade. Though not your super-sleuth, rather inept at times, he’s a likeable character. Told in first person, the story has a Philip Marlowe tone to it, but much tamer. Dialogue and story line are well done, the story well plotted and believable. I’d gladly read more stories about this particular gumshoe.

If you like cozy mystery books, I’ll send you a list later, Sue. Love them too and I’ve met many authors who write in this genre. Back on topic– you inspire me again to add some reviews to my Blog. I have been reading and writing many middle grade mysteries for a project! My latest favorite: “The World’s Greatest Detective” by Caroline Carson (who I hope to meet tomorrow in Arlington, VA!) My 12 year old grandson borrowed it and finished it before I could. “It’s the best mystery I ever read, Grandma! You’ ll never guess the ending with unpredictable twists!” What better review could we read. The target audience and I both highly recommend this 2017 mystery.

Adding it to my stack, Beth. Thanks!

Not wanting to sound life an idiot, but willing to risk it here among friends: What exactly is a cozy mystery?

Glad you asked! It’s a subgenre of mystery. The best examples of cozy mysteries are those by Agatha Christie. They usually avoid profanity, excessive gore/ violence, and sex. They focus more on the puzzle, sleuth, and their smaller world. Hope that helps!

Thanks, Sue.

Wonderful article. The first I have read by you. It especially gets those of us who don’t feel we have the formula down for review writing to be introduced to a form we can build upon with experience. You’ve kept it simple but you have given us the main ingredients needed for a good review. I printed this one off to look at the next few times I write reviews. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting!

I haven’t gone into all this. It’s a matter of time, Joe. I gad about all over the place, not knowing where I am or where I’m going. Within weeks, I’ll be 87. I’ve books of my own that I’d like to see reviewed. Even sorting them out, however, even finding where any of them are, would be a time burden. You see the fix?

Hi Dave, You aren’t alone in feeling the press of time for getting your stories out into the world. May I gently offer this: start with finding and sorting one. If you can’t find it, write it anew. You’ve probably grown in time and perspective since you wrote the first draft, which will make for a stronger story. Good luck. I’m cheering you on!

This is an article for me, because I am happy to receive a rating. I haven’t sold many books. But, at least some thinks that it was worth the time to read. That was refreshing. And, I think I wrote two reviews, so far. It was on Amazon.com. Thank you.

You’re welcome!

Hi, Sue. Thanks for the helpful advice. I did a review on Amazon for the first of a 7-part thriller titled ‘Mosh Pit (The Rose Garden Incident)’ by Michael Hiebert. [Here it is.]

“5.0 out of 5 stars Advance copy review. By A fellow author on September 18, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I Recommend This Book Strongly

I enjoyed reading this first part of the thriller. The author’s opening chapter/prologue was fast paced, and set me in the middle of the inciting incident along with two of the main characters. After that thrilling opening, I felt the ensuing chapters moved at a more leisurely pace, and was about to grade them as less praiseworthy when I watched a lecture by Brandon Sanderson on YouTube about building three dimensional characters and realised Michael Hiebert had done exactly that by introducing the reader to the minutiae of other characters who had parts to play in the development of the story. So, instead of cardboard cutouts of bland stock characters, the author shows us real people with real concerns that the reader can relate to.and actually care about. I look forward to reading the rest of this intriguing thriller, and highly recommend it to all lovers of well-written, and well-crafted thrillers.”

I also reviewed Part 2 of the series, but that review is too long to post here.

Footnote: The author, Michael Hiebert, was so pleased with my reviews, he recently asked me to beta-read a short story collection he plans to publish in November.

Great review, John! I like how you shared a bit of your process as a reader too, in recognizing what the writer was doing with their characterization. Thanks!

Thank you, Sue.

Five out of five stars When I picked up a copy of “The Girl with All the Gifts,” by M R Carey, at the used book store, I somehow had it in my head that it was a YA dystopian novel along the lines of “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” While I would definitely say that I was not right about that, I wouldn’t say that I was completely wrong. I was, however, completely unprepared for a zombie novel–which is a good thing, cause I wouldn’t have read it, and I’m glad I did. Think “The Walking Dead” meets (why do I want to say ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night”?) “Peter Pan.” I really enjoyed seeing things from, the main character, Melanie’s point of view. Her limited knowledge of her own situation was intriguing, to say the least (and probably why I thought of “The Curious Incident”). I was a bit disappointed when the POV changed to another character’s, but, as the novel progressed, I found myself sympathizing with nearly all the characters–with one exception, and I’ll leave that for you to ponder when you read it. I wondered how much of the science was real, but not enough for me to research it myself. Although, based on other reviews, I guess most of the science about the fungus is real. I also wondered about the fate of the remaining ‘lost boys’ of the cities. If you liked…. well, I don’t know. I’m not typically a fan of things zombie, so I don’t have a comparison, but the book was somewhat similar to “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games” in that the main character goes through a hellluva time and comes out the other side with a plan for her future.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom is a true story about how one man found meaning in life when his doctors gave him a death sentence. Morrie was a college professor who passed on his new found wisdom in the last year of his life to a favorite student, the author, who chronicled his professor’s perspectives on death and dying.

I chose this book because of its philosophical topic, and because it is so well written that the words just jump off the page.

Knowing we are all mortal beings, I especially liked the insights, the tidbits of wisdom imparted by the dying man. Death is a subject that few, if any of us, ever talk about seriously with friends and family. The subject of death is verboten. We deny its existence. And, if we are religious, we pretend we will not really die, but we deceive ourselves and think we will live on in some afterlife existence for all eternity. But the professor, Morrie, learns some valuable life lessons from his impending death, and Mitch Albom was gracious enough to capture them in this short but eminently readable book.

I really liked the book because it is timeless. This true story will impart serious life lessons for all future generations, and will help us gain perspectives on our lives and the relationships with those we love the most.

R. Allan Worrell

Sue, I’ve been meaning to come back since this was first posted to tell you thanks for a great article. I seldom review books for alllllll the reasons you listed. This is a perfect tool and I’ll surely use it. Cathy

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How to Write a Book Review in 7 Steps

Book reviews are a great way to connect with fellow bibliophiles. A well-written review can help you discover new books, find bookish communities, and spark cultural conversations. When writing a book review, you want to share what you felt about a particular work—why you liked or disliked it—without spoiling it for future readers. Ultimately, the goal of writing a book review is to help readers decide whether to read the book themselves.

Let’s take a look at seven steps to help you write a reliable book review.

1. Read the Book

How can you write a review of a book you’ve never read? Alternatively, why would someone want to read a review by someone who has never read the book? The first and arguably most important first step to writing a book review is to read the entire book. Be attentive to your reading experience and note what captured or lost your attention.

2. Take Notes

Once you’ve finished reading the book, go back and take brief, purposeful notes. What are the major events of the book and what were their effects on you as a reader?

Here are some guidelines that can help lay the foundation for your review:

• Explain how the book as a whole affected you.
• Explain how the author evokes an emotional response.
• Explain the relationship between form and content.
• Explain the function of each character in the novel.
• Explain the characters’ relationships to one another.

3. Summarize the Book

All book reviews should include some kind of summary. You’ll want to inform readers of what the book is about without giving too much away. To accomplish this, here are some things to include in your summary:

• How is it categorized by the publisher?
• How is the book structured?
• Who is the target audience?

4. Form an Opinion

Your opinion is the crux of your book review. Be specific! Don’t just say if the book was good or bad, but explain why . Support your opinion with specific examples from the text and move from passing judgement to a thorough explanation.

5. Contextualize the Book

You can often obtain this information from looking at the book’s cover and introduction. Otherwise, you may need to do a little research. Spend some time relating this book to similar works by the author or from the same genre to further your explanation and judgement of it.

Some important questions to consider include:

• What genre does the book fall into?
• Is it the first of its kind or an imitation?
• Is this the author’s first book or fifteenth?

6. Avoid Spoilers

Please, for the love of literature, don’t ruin the book for others. A good book review does not give away the book’s plot twists or endings but piques the interest of future readers. If you absolutely have to give something away about the book, at least mark your review with a fair warning.

7. Review Your Review!

Hooray! You’ve finished writing your review. Now’s the time to step back and revisit your work. You may have to edit your review to add or remove details. Here are some questions to ask during your revisions:

• Did you explain every major aspect of the book?
• What was your target audience?
• Did you write this for a class with specific criteria—or for a fan magazine whose audience already knows this type of book well?
• Did you make a clear claim about your opinion of the book? Do you support your claim with evidence?

For a more in-depth review on how to write a book review, visit eNotes’ How To Series .

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How to Write a Book Review in 5 Steps

Hannah Yang

If you love to read books, you might be looking for ways to share your opinions about your recent reads.

Writing book reviews is a great way to engage with the book-loving community. If your reviews gain a large enough following, you might even get paid to read books—every reader’s dream come true!

So how exactly do you write book reviews?

This article will explain what a book review is and give you a step-by-step guide for writing a good one.

What Is a Book Review?

How to review a book in 5 steps, best book review examples, how to be a book reviewer.

A book review is a critical assessment of a recently published book. Looking at book reviews helps readers figure out which books to read next and which books to avoid.

The average book review is around 300–750 words. It includes a quick summary of the book, the reviewer’s evaluation of the book, and a recommendation about who should read this book.

It’s important not to confuse book reviews with book reports. A book report is a summary that proves you understood the book, often assigned to elementary school or middle school students.

Book reviews, on the other hand, should offer a unique perspective on a book. They’re often assigned to undergraduate or graduate students.

Professional book reviews can be published in academic journals, on the reviewer’s personal blog, or on platforms like Goodreads.

Here are five steps you can follow to write your own book review.

1. Briefly Summarize the Book

If you’re wondering how to start a book review, the answer is simple—start by summarizing the story!

A quick and objective summary, similar to the one you might find on the book jacket, gives your readers a sense of what the book is about. That way, they have enough context to understand the rest of your review.

If the book is nonfiction, you should include the major questions the book examines, the ways the book tries to answer those questions, and any relevant details about the author’s credentials.

If the book is a novel, you should include the genre, the main character, and the events that launch the main character into the story.

However, it’s important not to spoil the story for people who haven’t read it yet. A good rule is not to mention anything that happens after the midpoint of the story. Leave the rest for the readers to discover on their own.

2. Evaluate the Book’s Qualities

Once you’ve explained the premise of the book, it’s time to provide a more subjective evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the book. What do you want other readers to know about this book?

Here are some different aspects of a nonfiction book you can evaluate:

• Key takeaways (e.g. What did you learn? What’s the book’s argument?)
• Readability (e.g. What background knowledge do readers need to understand this?)
• Prose (e.g. How are the points communicated? What’s the author’s writing style?)

Here are some different aspects of a novel you can evaluate:

• Characters (e.g. How well-developed is the protagonist? The villain? The love interest?)
• Plot (e.g. Are there surprising twists? Subverted tropes? Plot holes?)
• Worldbuilding (e.g. Is the world of the story immersive? Unique? Original?)
• Theme (e.g. What questions does the story examine? How does it answer those questions?)
• Prose (e.g. Is the writing lyrical or plain? Funny or serious? Dense or digestible?)

Many reviewers focus on one aspect for each of the paragraphs in their review.

As much as possible, try to balance the good with the bad. If the entire review is glowing, or if the entire review is critical, it won’t feel as objective as one that mentions both positive and negative qualities.

Also, make sure you include spoiler warnings if you’re going to mention anything that happens after the midpoint of the story. Some book review platforms let you hide those passages of your review until readers click on them.

3. Include Quotes from the Book

Quotes from the book can serve as useful supporting evidence for your key points. If you say the book includes lyrical prose, make sure to include a passage that represents the lyrical style of the book, so your readers can see what you mean.

You can include well-written passages that showcase the author’s talent. If you disliked the book, you can also choose quotes that showcase what you disliked most.

4. Rate the Book

Many book review platforms, such as Goodreads, let you give a star rating to each book you review.

You can develop your own rating system if you’d like. For example, you could rate books on a scale of 1–5, 1–10, or even 1–100.

Some reviewers break down their ratings into multiple categories. For example, you might give a book five stars for its characters, but only two stars for its plot.

5. Give Your Recommendation

Finish your book review by stating whether or not you would recommend this book to others. That’s the main purpose of a book review, after all—to convince readers either to read the book or to skip it.

It can be helpful to say exactly what kinds of readers you’d recommend it to.

For example, you might write, “This book is perfect for anyone who loves swing dancing and slow-burn romance,” or “Don’t read this if you don’t like slow, atmospheric books that focus more on vibes than on plot.”

You can also recommend other books in the same genre that you think fellow readers will enjoy if they liked this one. “If you liked A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, we recommend The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.”

One way to learn how to write great book reviews is by reading them. Let’s look at a few examples of great book reviews you can use as inspiration.

Kirkus Reviews is a well-known American book review magazine. Here’s the beginning of their review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo , a historical fiction novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

An aging starlet with seven marriages behind her generously offers the rights to her memoir to an inexperienced writer—at a heartbreaking cost. Monique Grant is stunned when Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo grants an exclusive interview to her over more seasoned journalists, but when she’s also chosen to publish Evelyn’s final confessions after her death, she learns that the 79-year-old actress has enough life experience for them both. Growing up poor in Hell’s Kitchen, young Evelyn Herrera trades her virginity for a ride to Hollywood, changes her name, and climbs the rungs of the entertainment-industry ladder one husband at a time until she hits Oscar gold. To write her off as being calculating and fickle would leave out the difficulty of being a woman, especially a woman of color, trying to get by in the late 1950s without a man’s blessing.

Emily May is a UK-based book reviewer who’s one of the top-ranked reviewers on Goodreads. Here are the first few paragraphs of her Goodreads review of The Poppy War , a fantasy novel by R.F. Kuang.

“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.

Finally, Book Geeks is a website that describes itself as “India’s best book blog.” Here’s the beginning of their review of Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

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 and sat down to read it. I don’t remember what I expected it to be—maybe more like a chick-lit 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).

There are many benefits to becoming a consistent book reviewer.

After you establish a following, many publishing houses will send you books for free in exchange for a review, which can be a huge perk. In some cases, you can even get paid for your reviews.

So how do you become a book reviewer? Here are a few tips:

Develop your own book reviewing style to give your reviews a more personal touch. Do you want to leave funny reviews that make readers laugh? Personal reviews that include anecdotes from your own life? Serious reviews that readers can trust for an objective opinion?

Start taking notes every time you read a book you’re planning to review. Recording your initial reactions can help you develop more insightful critiques.

Finally, set book reviewing goals and stick to them. For example, you might decide to start by reviewing one book a month. That way, you can turn reviewing into a consistent practice.

Good luck, and happy writing!

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Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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How to Write a Book Review: Writing Guide, Structure & Examples

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A book review is a critical evaluation of a book that provides a brief summary and  discusses its strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of a book review is to help readers decide whether or not to read the book. You should provide insight into the book's content and assess its significance.

Writing a book review is an essential skill that every student must possess. In particular, your teacher may require you to prepare a book review to widen your knowledge of a subject matter or let you practice evaluating ideas critically. Follow this article to discover how to review a book and complete such projects easily. Even if you have never written reviews before, with our step-by-step guidelines, you will understand the basics. Book reviews examples are also offered to bolster your grasp of key points. As a book review writer , you might use our recommendations to express your opinion and make your writing shine. Let’s get started!

What Is a Book Review: Definition

A book review is a detailed assessment of text based on content, plot and writing style. It involves thoroughly describing, analyzing, and evaluating what a text means. Reviews often assess writing quality, topic importance and coverage. Most book reviews are brief and generally include 500-1000 words. However, factors such as your assignment length, manuscript complexity, and overall purpose of an evaluation may lead to longer or shorter papers. Students are mainly asked to write a book review as practice in carefully reading, examining, and forming an informed opinion on a volume’s context and author’s views. Unlike a book critique , reviews are more focused on plot summary and recommendations rather than providing critical analysis . The real value of crafting good book review essays for students is that they enhance critical thinking, writing, and interpretation skills. Commentary is a vital aspect of this task as this enables you to enter into discussion and dialogue with a novelist and other readers.

Features of Book Reviews

Formulating book reviews is an important task, as it requires appraising another person’s work. This may have a significant influence on readers because it guides their verdict on whether to consider the text. Thus, knowing how to write a good book review is essential. These components are what makes a good book review:

• Provide a summary of a manuscript. Offer an overview of its purpose, argument, and perspective. Also, describe your topic and scope. This is an excellent way to introduce your review, as it offers context. Nonetheless, avoid giving too much information by keeping it nice and short.
• Offer critical evaluation. Assess the key elements such as themes, plot, character, and overall development, depending on the genre. Identify strong points, weaknesses, and how effective an author is in building their work.
• Give a rating. Recommend whether or not people should value it for its overall quality and authenticity. You can offer your general score using conventional techniques such as “seven out of ten”.

Book Review Outline

It is a good idea to start your paper by writing an outline of a book review. A decent layout usually begins with a heading or bibliographic data specifying the full title, publication place and date, author, and publisher. The second part of the structure of a book review is an introduction, consisting of a brief overview of the text, its purpose or audience, and your thesis statement or key observation.  The next section of your book review template is the body in which you describe the analysis and assessment of the manuscript. Here, describe its contents, argument, presentation, and evidence before offering your evaluation. A conclusion section follows where you tie together all raised points and offer your comments about the work. Finally, include a citation page for what you reviewed and any other sources used.  Here is a book review outline example:

• Discuss the cover and title
• Mention the author and date of publication
• Present a thesis statement focusing on the central points
• Provide a brief plot summary
• Present your main point
• Include supporting quotations
• Discuss the quotes and symbolism
• Wrap up your key points
• Share your final opinion
• Give recommendations

Things to Consider Before Writing a Book Review

As with all other essay genres that students complete, writing a book review requires considering several components. Therefore, if you are interested in knowing how to write a book review , make sure you attend to these aspects before beginning:

• Author Within your book review essay, you must discuss who the novelist is and their previous works concerning your analysis. For example, you can identify the author’s style, prizes or rewards, and what they are popular for.
• Genre Book reviews also include a genre. Examples are history, romance, fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and science fiction, among others. This helps you recognize the work’s audience and overall purpose.
• Title In most cases, your heading corresponds to a text’s label. However, you can go further by examining how relevant a headline is to the work’s purpose. Maybe it conveys a specific message or reveals important themes.
• Main theme and ideas Your book review must highlight its central points. Evaluate how they are explored. Are they examined deeply or trivially? Besides, assess if it includes any repetitive motifs.
• Argument What is the author’s main argument or assumptions and conclusions? What evidence is used to support these claims? Also, identify if they are valid.
• Writing style Here, explore the major aspects of an author’s style, such as word choice and dialogue setup. Explain or assess how it fits into the broader literary domain.
• Plot Writing an academic book review also requires that you locate the main catalyst of the work’s contents or story. Describe any subplots and explain what happens as the action rises.
• Characters You should also recognize the main characters and their motivations. Additionally, explain if they are empathetic or convincingly drawn.
• Literary devices What techniques of analysis are used? Examples include allusions, sense appeal, quotations, imagery, metaphor, personification, characterization, dialogue, symbolism, etc.
• Quotations You can include short quotes as examples to get your points across when writing book reviews. This allows your reader to see exactly what you are talking about. Practice carefulness and avoid long quotes as they suppress your analysis and take up large spaces. Check our guide on how to cite a quote if you have questions.

Questions to Ask While Reading a Book

An initial step before starting to write your book review is engaging in the active reading of what will be evaluated. Do it once or a couple of times to understand what it is about. Composing an academic book review without going through this phase is unwise because it is like going to an exam without studying a course or unit. Ask yourself these questions as you dig into the manuscript:

• What is its genre?
• Do you know anything about who wrote it?
• Can you identify the main themes? Are they conveyed well?
• What is the main argument?
• What is the exact topic or subject?
• How are the arguments supported and structured?
• Can you identify how the events and characters relate to the subject matter?
• Does it contain a major conflict? How does this develop throughout the work?
• The author was trying to accomplish what?
• How has it helped you understand the topic? How do you feel about the text?

How to Write a Book Review Step-By-Step

Once you have answered the aforementioned questions and made assessments and observations, it is time to start writing analysis. To do this, you must be familiar with how to write a book review. Specifically, you should understand what to do, beginning from assessing the report to composing your review up to writing a conclusion. Below is a step-by-step description of how to do a book review:

1. Read a Book and Take Notes

The first phase of composing a book review involves reading it and taking notes on key points. Start by attending closely to the preface and introduction sections because most authors describe the reasons for writing, their views, and the perspectives of any contributors here. Consider the structure and table of contents to get a quick overview of what is inside. In addition, look at any graphics to gain insights into what strategies are used to enhance meanings and which kinds of readers are targeted. Go through the summaries and abstracts to understand an author’s viewpoint. Note down your observations, including the logic of what is presented, organization, and structure.

Additionally, identify if the information is new or developed based on previous works and existing ideas. Assessment should also include your view about how simple or hard it is to get a novelist’s standpoint and why. These transcripts will enable you to review a book effectively by revealing how distinctive it is and to what extent the author conveyed its motive. Learn more about how to write an academic book review in the sections below.

2. Develop an Outline of a Book Review

Writing an outline for a book review before constructing the actual piece helps ensure your work fulfills its goals. This is the basis of your entire task as it includes the major points you will address and gives you a reference point as you complete your schoolwork. A professional book review structure consists of at least five paragraphs. The main elements are the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Your academic book review template must cover all the primary arguments to be discussed, such as plot details, characters, themes, and other essential parts. Below you can see an example of how a book review can be outlined. Check best practices on how to outline an essay or review to organize your work properly. 

3. Write a Book Review Introduction

Start your book review with an anecdote or hook that conveys your argument succinctly. However, you can begin differently based on your audience and argument. Generally, you must include the author’s name, manuscript title, and primary theme. Besides, identify the work’s context in your book review introduction as this informs your claim. Also, offer relevant information about who the writer is and their stand in their field. Moreover, if you are not conversant with how to write a review of a book, remember that your thesis and that of the text are stated here.

How to Write a Book Review Introduction Example

Below is an introduction of a book review example. Examine it carefully and critically to deepen your understanding of composing this section.

John Boyne’s novel, The Boy in The Striped Pajamas, is based on real events during the Second World War. Published in 2006, it offers excellent information to teenagers who want to expand their historical knowledge. The novel follows a nine-year-old youngster, Bruno, whose father works as a Nazi soldier at the Auschwitz concentration camp. The story’s unfolding reveals what a curious boy lived during this desperate period in Germany.

4. Include a Brief Plot Summary

Next, write a book review summary to provide your audience with some background. Focus on pertinent events that occur throughout it, as this gives context. Be cautious here by not revealing the climax or ending because this does not form a major part of your analysis as you write your book review. Thus, keep this section short and brief, probably not more than two paragraphs, unless you are preparing an extended piece. Remember to prioritize your evaluation part. Your audience can also influence the necessary amount of synopsis. For example, if they have not read the work, you may need to offer a good summary. Nonetheless, if they have already gone through it, you can make a book review by examining more subtle arguments and highlighting your claim.

Example of Book Review Summary

Have a look at this example of a good book review summary:

Bruno, a nine-year-old boy, lives in a large house with his parents, sister, and maid during WW2 in Berlin. One day they all move to rural Poland occupied by Nazis after his father is promoted. Bruno identifies a concentration camp close to where they live but thinks it is a farm. A private tutor is allowed to teach him and his sister antisemitism and Nazi propaganda, but he struggles to understand lessons. He later befriends another young boy who lives on another side of a barbed wire fence.

5. Make an Assessment and Critique a Book

This is the main portion of a book review and includes your judgment and appraisal of what you read. You formulated a thesis at the beginning of the book review paper, which represents your view. Now, explain your reasoning. This is also a time for considering your notes and adding details from the manuscript, such as key themes, characters, and the author’s point of view. Here is how to write a book review essay for this segment:

• Which writing style is used? Emphasize precise usage of words and sentences, text flow, clarity, and cohesion.
• Describe how it affected you and if it changed any of your feelings or opinions.
• Explain whether the author met their purpose, if others should read the work, and why.
• Did the author describe facts or attempt to persuade the audience regarding the validity of a specific issue?
• Was it suitable for the intended readers? How interesting was it?

Book Evaluation Example

This example gives you an idea of how to write a book evaluation:

The novel is an excellent revelation for all as it describes the Holocaust events and terrors objectively. Its narration from two perspectives simultaneously was very entertaining. For example, initially, it involved a story from Bruno’s view in the course of the war, including which hardships were endured. Then, the same character was also used in telling a story from the view of being held in a Nazi camp. Here, the examination focuses on how prisoners were treated and the horrible conditions they lived in.

6. Make a Book Recommendation

After evaluating and critiquing the text, it is now time to reveal your thoughts about it. Writing a good book review requires that you identify or explain in this section how suitable it is to your audience. In other words, who will be interested in reading this work? Also, explain in your book review assignment whether you liked or disliked it and why. Ascertain which type of people would love it because not every text is right for everyone. Even if you disliked it, this does not mean that the manuscript is not appealing to others. Therefore, make your review of a book useful by helping people discover it. Besides, identify any surprises you encountered.

Book Recommendation Example

The following sample demonstrates how to write a book recommendation:

Being majorly fictional, this text contains numerous factual elements and describes a lot of ideas and themes requiring mature individuals to deduce and understand properly. Therefore, I do not recommend it to youngsters under 12 years old. However, if you want to gain better insights into the dark events of the Second World War, then this is a perfect copy for you. Its only downside is that the novel does not offer adequate details about events and themes.

7. Write a Conclusion of a Book Review

Your knowledge of how to write book reviews will be incomplete without understanding this section. In particular, you need a strong ending, just like any other writing task you have done previously. So, you have a basic idea about how to write a conclusion for a book review. Specifically, make your final appraisal without introducing new evidence. Nonetheless, you can include new thoughts that go beyond the manuscript if they extend your argument’s logic. In this part, you need to balance what you wrote and found into a single assessment. Ask yourself, what do all summaries and analyses add up to? Also, identify if additional research is required on the topic now that the text is written. Remember to highlight the work’s contribution to its field. Ensure to leave your audience with a well-justified and articulated final evaluation.

Book Review Conclusion Example

Still stuck or need a sample to jog your memory? Look at this example of a book review conclusion:

While the author’s style is plain and natural, there are some weaknesses and errors in how he develops his work. However, this does not stop the author from answering many questions and offering valuable views into the horrors of WWII for young people. His argument is vitally crucial when understanding and coming to terms with the Holocaust. No teenager in the world should go without being exposed to these disastrous events.

Book Review Format

When professors assign tasks, they often require you to comply with a specified design. You may also be left to select an appropriate layout from major styles such as Chicago, APA, or MLA. If you are not asked to use any one particular citation, keep in mind that the format of book reviews depends on your discipline. Therefore, find out how to format a book review from your school department.  Do not forget to format your citations accordingly. We advise reading more articles on how to cite a book in APA or MLA, should you need any help.

Book Review Examples

Examples of book reviews are provided below. Click on each one and explore sample templates in more detail. Please, take your time to read all samples since they highlight some key components of writing this type of work. Also, understand that a particular academic book review example is intended to help you practice your analysis skills, enhance your writing skills, and develop your knowledge of reviewing books. Example of book review essay 1

Sample book review 2

Book review essay example 3

Tips on How to Write Book Review

Your approach to composing a book review will vary and depend on what type of work and genre you are analyzing. However, when assessing a text, focus on how an author treats dialogue, setting, plot, and characters. In addition to viewing a book review sample for extra ideas, keep these tips in mind:

• Characters Are they believable, different, or similar during dialogue? Can you tell one from another?
• Plot Is it interesting enough? Does it emerge as original or has numerous dull parts? Identify if it has unresolved issues or is confusing. Remember that you do not know how to write a great book review if you cannot understand the plot.
• Comparison Think about other works in the same genre. How does this volume compare to theirs?
• Setting Can you visualize or imagine the described action? How is the setting used to create a mood?
• Writing style What style is used in developing the text? Is there a consistent style throughout?

Book Review Writing Checklist

Here is a checklist about how to write a book review for school or college. Use it to examine your book review or get another student or peer to assist you:

• checkbox Essential biographical details are provided.
• checkbox My introduction is interesting.
• checkbox I have identified the author and text title/type in my introduction.
• checkbox I stated what the work is about and offered adequate background information.
• checkbox I mentioned the book’s thesis and stated my claim.
• checkbox I described key points in the body, such as summary, purpose, arguments, intended audience, layout, organization, and sources.
• checkbox I backed up my description with evidence or quotations.
• checkbox I critically evaluated key areas.
• checkbox I discussed all strengths and weaknesses and summarized them.
• checkbox I included my rating and recommendations.
• checkbox I restated my thesis and offered a memorable ending.

Final Thoughts on How to Write a Book Review

This article described the whole process of reviewing a book. Completing these types of tasks should not be complicated or demanding if you follow the discussed guidelines and tips comprehensively. Cement your understanding by checking out how to write a book review example from a list of samples provided previously. Pay attention to how key ideas from this guide are implemented. Also, don’t forget to explore all the examples of good book reviews for a complete overview. There is no need for you to seek more information outside once you have read all the segments. Just start writing your assignment.

If you feel that it is difficult for you to handle your work, you can ask to ‘do my assignment for me’ at StudyCrumb . Our academic writing service will provide you with high-quality and timely paperwork that will help you get the highest grade.

FAQ About Book Reviews

1. what is the purpose of a book review.

Book reviews usually inform readers about a specific volume’s purpose, argument, and quality. They also explain how it fits into the existing literature. This can be helpful to others who have not read the work so that they can choose whether to go through it or if it’s worth their time and effort.

2. What to include in a book review?

The elements of a book review include a citation, introduction, relevance and intended audience, a brief plot summary or main arguments, critique, evaluation and importance, recommendation, and conclusion. The review offers a critical analysis, assessment, and connection to other relevant works. A reviewer also provides personal views and recommendations.

3. How to start a book review?

Start a book review by reading the work to understand elements such as writing style, plot, characters, literary devices, and the main argument. Then, summarize the major claims made throughout the manuscript by explicitly stating them in your introduction. Also, offer relevant context for your analysis and declare your thesis.

4. How to end a book review?

Finish your book review by giving your overall impression of the work. Conclude and summarize the strengths and weaknesses you found, demonstrate how useful the text is, identify its contribution to the wider field, and offer your recommendations. In addition, mention the type of audience who will benefit from reading it.

5. How long should a book review be?

Traditionally, a book review is usually about 500-1000 words long. However, be sure to have a clear idea regarding your assignment expectations since specific tasks mostly have guidelines. In general, however, most evaluations will not exceed 1000 words.

6. What to avoid when writing a book review?

These are what to avoid when writing your book review:

• Retelling a story without an in-depth analysis.
• Summarizing the text only without critical evaluation.
• Using imprecise language.
• Providing harsh evaluations rather than constructive assessments.
• Not using evidence to back up your views.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Re-reading is inefficient. Here are 8 tips for studying smarter.

by Joseph Stromberg

If you buy something from a Vox link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

The way most students study makes no sense.

That's the conclusion of Washington University in St. Louis psychologists Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel — who've spent a combined 80 years studying learning and memory, and recently distilled their findings with novelist Peter Brown in the book Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning .

using active learning strategies is most effective

The majority of students study by re-reading notes and textbooks — but the psychologists' research, both in lab experiments and of actual students in classes, shows this is a terrible way to learn material. Using active learning strategies — like flashcards, diagramming, and quizzing yourself — is much more effective, as is spacing out studying over time and mixing different topics together.

McDaniel spoke with me about the eight key tips he'd share with students and teachers from his body of research.

1) Don't just re-read your notes and readings

Photofusion/UIG via Getty Images

"We know from surveys that a majority of students, when they study, they typically re-read assignments and notes. Most students say this is their number one go-to strategy.

when students re-read a textbook chapter, they show no improvement in learning

"We know, however, from a lot of research, that this kind of repetitive recycling of information is not an especially good way to learn or create more permanent memories. Our studies of Washington University students, for instance, show that when they re-read a textbook chapter, they have absolutely no improvement in learning over those who just read it once.

"On your first reading of something, you extract a lot of understanding. But when you do the second reading, you read with a sense of 'I know this, I know this.' So basically, you're not processing it deeply, or picking more out of it. Often, the re-reading is cursory — and it's insidious, because this gives you the illusion that you know the material very well, when in fact there are gaps."

2) Ask yourself lots of questions

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe via Getty Images

"One good technique to use instead is to read once, then quiz yourself, either using questions at the back of a textbook chapter, or making up your own questions. Retrieving that information is what actually produces more robust learning and memory.

retrieving information is what produces more robust learning and memory

"And even when you can't retrieve it — when you get the questions wrong — it gives you an accurate diagnostic on what you don't know, and this tells you what you should go back and study. This helps guide your studying more effectively.

"Asking questions also helps you understand more deeply. Say you're learning about world history, and how ancient Rome and Greece were trading partners. Stop and ask yourself why they became trading partners. Why did they become shipbuilders, and learn to navigate the seas? It doesn't always have to be why — you can ask how, or what.

"In asking these questions, you're trying to explain, and in doing this, you create a better understanding, which leads to better memory and learning. So instead of just reading and skimming, stop and ask yourself things to make yourself understand the material."

3) Connect new information to something you already know

"Another strategy is, during a second reading, to try relating the principles in the text to something you already know about. Relate new information to prior information for better learning.

"One example is if you were learning about how the neuron transmits electricity. One of the things we know if that if you have a fatty sheath surround the neuron, called a myelin sheath , it helps the neuron transmit electricity more quickly.

"So you could liken this, say, to water running through a hose. The water runs quickly through it, but if you puncture the hose, it's going to leak, and you won't get the same flow. And that's essentially what happens when we age — the myelin sheaths break down, and transmissions become slower."

( Quasar/Wikimedia Commons )

4) Draw out the information in a visual form

"A great strategy is making diagrams, or visual models, or flowcharts. In a beginning psychology course, you could diagram the flow of classical conditioning . Sure, you can read about classical conditioning, but to truly understand it and be able to write down and describe the different aspects of it on a test later on — condition, stimulus, and so on — it's a good idea to see if you can put it in a flowchart.

"Anything that creates active learning — generating understanding on your own — is very effective in retention. It basically means the learner needs to become more involved and more engaged, and less passive."

5) Use flashcards

"Flashcards are another good way of doing this. And one key to using them is actually re-testing yourself on the ones you got right.

keeping a correct card in the deck and encountering it again is more useful

"A lot of students will answer the question on a flashcard, and take it out of the deck if they get it right. But it turns out this isn't a good idea — repeating the act of memory retrieval is important. Studies show that keeping the correct item in the deck and encountering it again is useful. You might want to practice the incorrect items a little more, but repeated exposure to the ones you get right is important too.

"It's not that repetition as a whole is bad. It's that mindless repetition is bad."

6) Don't cram — space out your studying

Johannes Simon/Getty Images

"A lot of students cram — they wait until the last minute, then in one evening, they repeat the information again and again. But research shows this isn't good for long term memory. It may allow you to do okay on that test the next day, but then on the final, you won't retain as much information, and then the next year, when you need the information for the next level course, it won't be there.

practice a little bit one day, then two days later

"This often happens in statistics. Students come back for the next year, and it seems like they've forgotten everything, because they crammed for their tests.

"The better idea is to space repetition. Practice a little bit one day, then put your flashcards away, then take them out the next day, then two days later. Study after study shows that spacing is really important."

7) Teachers should space out and mix up their lessons too

Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images

"Our book also has information for teachers. And our educational system tends to promote massed presentation of information as well.

"In a typical college course, you cover one topic one day, then on the second day, another topic, then on the third day, another topic. This is massed presentation. You never go back and recycle or reconsider the material.

"But the key, for teachers, is to put the material back in front of a student days or weeks later. There are several ways they can do this. Here at Washington University, there are some instructors who give weekly quizzes, and used to just put material from that week's classes on the quiz. Now, they're bringing back more material from two to three weeks ago. One psychology lecturer explicitly takes time, during each lecture, to bring back material from days or weeks beforehand.

the key, for teachers, is to put the material back in front of a student days or weeks later

"This can be done in homework too. It's typical, in statistics courses, to give homework in which all of the problems are all in the same category. After correlations are taught, a student's homework, say, is problem after problem on correlation. Then the next week, T tests are taught, and all the problems are on T tests. But we've found that sprinkling in questions on stuff that was covered two or three weeks ago is really good for retention.

"And this can be built into the content of lessons themselves. Let's say you're taking an art history class. When I took it, I learned about Gauguin, then I saw lots of his paintings, then I moved on to Matisse, and saw lots of paintings by him. Students and instructors both think that this is a good way of learning the painting styles of these different artists.

"But experimental studies show that's not the case at all. It's better to give students an example of one artist, then move to another, then another, then recycle back around. That interspersing, or mixing, produces much better learning that can be transferred to paintings you haven't seen — letting students accurately identify the creators of paintings, say, on a test.

"And this works for all sorts of problems. Let's go back to statistics. In upper level classes, and the real world, you're not going to be told what sort of statistical problem you're encountering — you're going to have to figure out the method you need to use. And you can't learn how to do that unless you have experience dealing with a mix of different types of problems, and diagnosing which requires which type of approach."

8) There's no such thing as a "math person"

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

"There's some really interesting work by Carol Dweck , at Stanford. She's shown that students tend to have one of two mindsets about learning.

it turns out that mindsets predict how well students end up doing

"One is a fixed learning model. It says, 'I have a certain amount of talent for this topic — say, chemistry or physics — and I'll do well until I hit that limit. Past that, it's too hard for me, and I'm not going to do well.' The other mindset is a growth mindset. It says that learning involves using effective strategies, putting aside time to do the work, and engaging in the process, all of which help you gradually increase your capacity for a topic.

"It turns out that the mindsets predict how well students end up doing. Students with growth mindsets tend to stick with it, tend to persevere in the face of difficulty, and tend to be successful in challenging classes. Students with the fixed mindset tend not to.

"So for teachers, the lesson is that if you can talk to students and suggest that a growth mindset really is the more accurate model — and it is — then students tend to be more open to trying new strategies, and sticking with the course, and working in ways that are going to promote learning. Ability, intelligence, and learning have to do with how you approach it — working smarter, we like to say."

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Get an A Without Reading the Book

Last Updated: June 25, 2022

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 11 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 50,167 times.

It happens. You had so many other assignments for so many other classes that you just didn't have time to cram everything in. This article will help you manage to swing an A without reading the book. Note: this focuses chiefly on literature, but the method can be applied to any book or class with some slight tweaking.

Community Q&A

• If possible, turn your work in early. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Don't breeze through True/False questions. It is not uncommon for teachers to hide trick questions in True/False sections. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Get enough sleep and eat healthily. You want all your wits about you at a time like this, not struggling against you. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Even if you watch the movie, you still need to go online and find a summary of the book. Many movies radically change many elements of the books they are based on, especially the ending. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 2
• Make sure you know the ending before you write your paper or take the test. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 4
• Even the best students sometimes find themselves in a pinch. Do not do this for every assignment or your teacher will become suspicious. Also, there is a reason why certain books are assigned in the first place. Works like "Their Eyes Were Watching God" or "The Great Gatsby" may seem stuffy and old-fashioned but are truly amazing pieces of writing. If you don't read, you really are missing out. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 4
• Do not plagiarize or cheat! Yes, it's tempting and a time-saver, but it's the quickest way to get a zero. Your teacher knows what you are capable of and what your writing style is. The point of this article is to help you get an "A" that you--let's be honest--do not deserve. If you copy a paper or cheat on a test, you will probably end up with a big fat "F." Even worse, you will have lost your teacher's trust and he or she will suspect you of cheating for the rest of the year, making your life even harder to deal with. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 4
• Don't skim the book for details. The last thing you want to do is get something out of context. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 3

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Pencils, pens, paper
• Notes from class (if applicable)
• Copy of the book

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.inverse.com/article/10323-the-5-best-ways-to-consume-a-book-without-reading
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zgvHH5VxTE
• ↑ https://customwritten.com/writing/no-book-reading-write-essay
• ↑ https://www.rafichowdhury.com/how-to-write-a-book-essay-on-a-book-you-havent-read/

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10 rules for reading from someone who does it for a living

Where to read, when to read and why you need a pencil in hand: The Post’s Michael Dirda offers some advice from his years as a critic.

How do you read a book? Like most people, I still decipher the meaning of words printed on sheets of paper bound together, but you may prefer to peer at pixels on a screen or listen through ear buds to a favorite narrator. They are all reading, in my book. Each of us, I think, seeks what the critic Roland Barthes called “the pleasure of the text,” though finding delight in what we read doesn’t necessarily mean a steady diet of romance novels and thrillers. Scholarly works, serious fiction, poetry, a writer’s distinctive prose style — all of these deliver their own kinds of textual pleasure.

As someone who has been lucky enough to earn his living in the rarefied world of book reviewing, I’ve gradually developed reading-related habits as part of my work. Some of them — listed below — may even be similar to yours. At the least, I hope a few of my customary routines and practices will be useful in your own reading life.

Be choosy, but not too choosy

I spend a lot of time, often way too much, dithering about what to read next. A book has to fit my mood or even the season. Spooky stories are for winter, comic novels for spring. What’s more, I like to mix it up, the old with the new, a literary biography this week, a science fiction classic the next. I can adjust my expectations up or down — you don’t read Thomas Mann’s “Doctor Faustus” in the same way you read Ian Fleming ’s “Dr. No.” — but the book must be, on some level, exciting. I try to avoid wasting time on anything that leaves me indifferent. As Jesus memorably told the Laodiceans: “Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Editions matter

In my youth, I could read paperbacks printed in tiny type on pages you could see through. No more. These days, I opt for hardcovers whenever possible, if only because they’re generally easier on aging eyes. For classics, I want a good scholarly edition; for translated works, I try to acquire the best English version. This just makes sense. As a reviewer, I often work with a galley or advance reading copy of a forthcoming title, but these are simply tools of the trade. I generally don’t keep them. I want the finished book.

Check the small stuff

Before turning to Chapter 1, I glance at a book’s cover art, check out the author’s dust jacket biography and photo, and read through the back page endorsements. Unlike many people, I pay close attention to copyright dates, introductions, dedications, acknowledgments and bibliographies. All these provide hints to the kind of book one is dealing with.

When to read

Mine is a simple system: I read from morning till bedtime, with breaks for my job, family, meetings with friends, exercise, household chores and periodic review of my life’s greatest blunders. On the days I don’t read, I write. As I say, it’s a simple system. Many people complain that they have no time for books, yet somehow they manage to spend three or more hours a day watching television or scrolling through social media on their phones. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

Where to read

Even though I know better, I still read more often than not while sprawled in an overstuffed armchair or on an old couch. You probably do something similar. Not only ergonomically bad, these soft options invite dozing. Realistically, the best place to read is at a table or desk with lots of good light. Other good locations include the public library, an outside table at a coffee shop away from background music and other customers, and the quiet car on the train to New York. In truth, though, don’t expect to find an ideal place to read. Trust me: You never will. Instead, as the Nike slogan says, Just Do It.

Don’t read in a vacuum

To read any book well often requires knowledge of its author, context, history. So I surround myself, when possible or appropriate, with collateral texts to help me better appreciate the writer’s artistry or arguments. These can be biographies, volumes of criticism, competing titles on the same subject or, most basically, other books by the same author. For example, if I’m reading E. Nesbit’s “Five Children and It,” I want to have the sequels, “The Phoenix and the Carpet” and “The Story of the Amulet,” close at hand for possible comparison. This is one justification for building a personal library. I also keep within easy reach a notebook, magnifying glass and Chambers 20th Century Dictionary. Other reference books are shelved near where I type these words.

Attention must be paid

As I read, I do all I can to live up to Henry James’s dictum: “Be one on whom nothing is lost.” This vigilance means that I seldom lose myself in the story, which is the devil’s bargain I made by becoming a professional reviewer. As it is, I track the clues in whodunits and the symbolic events or objects in literary fiction. I note oddities of style, repetitions, possible foreshadowings and anomalies that might be meaningful. I frequently flip back to previous pages to check details. In every way, then, I try to make my first reading as intensive and comprehensive as possible, knowing I may not pass this way again.

Be prepared to take notes

I can’t open a book without a pencil either in my hand or nestled conveniently in that space between my right ear and skull. For a long time, my weapon of choice was a No. 2 Ticonderoga pencil, but it now tends to be a Paper Mate disposable mechanical pencil. As a boy, I took to heart the lessons of Mortimer J. Adler’s essay “How to Mark a Book.” I place two or three vertical lines next to key passages, scribble notes to myself in the margins, sometimes make longer comments on the blank end papers. I never underline words or phrases — this seems too much like sophomoric highlighting, plus it just looks ugly. All these practices serve one end: to keep me actively engaged mentally with the words on the page. For the same reason, I scorn bookmarks: If you can’t remember where you stopped reading, you haven’t been paying close enough attention.

Make some noise

I don’t skim or speed read, though I envy people, like the late Harold Bloom, who can zip through a novel in 20 minutes. When I try to pick up my own reading pace, I end up constantly flogging myself not to slow down. Where’s the fun in that? Woody Allen once said that he’d taken a speed-reading course and had finished “War and Peace” in half an hour; he gathered that it was about Russia. As an exceptionally slow reader, I mentally murmur every word on the page, which allows me to savor the author’s style and to remember what he or she has said. Sometimes I also pause to copy a striking passage into my commonplace book. Here’s a fairly recent example from the poet John Ashbery: “I am aware of the pejorative associations of the word ‘escapist,’ but I insist that we need all the escapism we can get and even that isn’t going to be enough.”

Find a shelf

After finishing a book, I tend to keep it. While not a frequent rereader, I do like to refresh my acquaintance with old favorites, if only by opening one up occasionally to enjoy a page or a passage. When I look at my living room’s bookcases, while sleepily sipping coffee in the morning, I see not only my past laid out before me but also my future: Someday I will read David Cecil’s “Melbourne,” a biography of the Victorian prime minister that was said to be John F. Kennedy’s favorite book. Someday, I will get to — hangs head in shame — Willa Cather’s “The Professor’s House.” Other shelves remind me of the books I want to reread: Angela Carter’s “Nights at the Circus,” Dawn Powell’s “The Locusts Have No King,” Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man,” Frederick Exley’s “A Fan’s Notes.”

Long ago, one of my teachers in high school told me that he didn’t feel right unless he spent at least three hours a day reading. This seemed incredible to me then. Not anymore.

More from Book World

Love everything about books? Make sure to subscribe to our Book Club newsletter , where Ron Charles guides you through the literary news of the week.

Check out our coverage of this year’s Pulitzer winners: Jayne Anne Phillips won the fiction prize for her novel “ Night Watch .” The nonfiction prize went to Nathan Thrall, for “ A Day in the Life of Abed Salama .” Cristina Rivera Garza received the memoir prize for “ Liliana’s Invincible Summer .” And Jonathan Eig received the biography prize for his “ King: A Life .”

Best books of 2023: See our picks for the 10 best books of 2023 or dive into the staff picks that Book World writers and editors treasured in 2023. Check out the complete lists of 50 notable works for fiction and the top 50 nonfiction books of last year.

Find your favorite genre: Three new memoirs tell stories of struggle and resilience, while five recent historical novels offer a window into other times. Audiobooks more your thing? We’ve got you covered there, too . If you’re looking for what’s new, we have a list of our most anticipated books of 2024 . And here are 10 noteworthy new titles that you might want to consider picking up this April.

How to leave a book rating or review on Amazon (even if you didn’t buy your book there)

It's the #2 question* I get from readers: "Can I leave a review for your book on Amazon, even though I didn't buy your book there?"

The answer is: You  can leave a rating or review for a book that you didn't purchase on the site.

Why Amazon ratings/reviews are important to authors

A rating is the number of stars a book has. Amazon allows customers to rate a book with one to five stars.

One is bad.

Five is freaking awesome .

A review is your viewpoint on the book.

What you thought of it.

Why other readers should get the book (or stay away).

Amazon keeps their algorithm and business plans closely-guarded, but the bottom line is this:

The more ratings and reviews a book has, the more relevant Amazon sees it.

And when a book is relevant, Amazon will suggest it to more people.

How to leave a book rating or review on Amazon

• Log into your Amazon account.
• Go to the book title you want to rate/review
• Select the number of stars you'd like to rate the book. If you'd like to just rate the book without leaving a review, go to step five.
• Write a review in the Customer Reviews section. A review should be a minimum of 20 words and should tell other readers why they would like the book. (What did you like about it? What other books is it like?)
• Click submit. Amazon will usually send you an email that lets you know your review was accepted.

Want to take it a step further?

Share your review on BookBub and Goodreads.

Do you like spicy romantic comedies with couples over 35?

I have a whole bunch of books like that.

Check 'em out here .

In case you were wondering - the #1 question I get from readers is: "What happens next in the series?"

Follow me on Amazon and never miss a new release alert.

Amazon Best-Selling Author Dawn Dugle is the creator of the Flamingo Cove Quartet , Saber Sisters , Pleasure Point , and Wysdom Ward Case Files series.

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Hello friends! This is Sian or @perceivegrace, on both Instagram & Youtube! In this blog post, I’ll be sharing two minimal layouts you can use in your journals for book reviews! Whether you want to start a reading journal or simply log your reads at the end of every month in your bullet journal planner, I hope you can take inspiration from these examples. 

Supply List

As always, start with the Archer & Olive journal you wish to house your book review spreads. You can use my code SIAN10 to save 10% with Archer & Olive on the tools you need. Below are the materials I used:

• Everyday Bookish Stamp Set + Permanent Ink
• Use the black ink that comes with the set or if you have other colors pull those out too! In one of the examples I use brown Archival Ink
• Dot Grid Planner Stencil
• Any pens and brush pens you would like
• Decorative tape (if you want to keep it minimal but add something to tie in the vibe of the book, matching decorative tape is a great way to add that flair)
• Book covers - you’ll notice I printed out the covers of books that I wanted to review but if you do not have a printer at home you can always log your book reviews without including the book covers! 

Getting Started

Like all ideas for journal spreads, they can be customized and altered depending on the journal size you’re using or the desired look you have in mind. One of the first things to consider is do you prefer full page, half page, quarter page, or so on for each book review. The answer to that question may also affect or be affected by your journal size preference. I have found that for minimal book reviews, someone might use A6, B6, Travelers, or A5 sizes and for more intricate or in-depth book reviews someone might use A5, 8x8, or B5 sizes and so on. In the example below are two half page book review layouts, one before the pen and one after the pen. This is also a great example of matching decorative tape in my collection to the book covers. 

(Apologies for misspelling the title of the book on the left-hand side! I didn't realize until after the fact).

For these minimal examples I used a traveler's size but if you want to see A5 and B5 maximalist scrapbook style examples from me, be sure to check out the corresponding youtube video linked down below. I share those examples toward the end! 

What to Include

I have put together a list of things someone might want to document about a book within their book review for future reference:

• Publisher (ex: Independent versus Traditional)
• Setting (ex: Places, Years, Time periods…)
• Genre (ex: Romance, Thriller, Historical…)
• Date that you started and finished the book
• Format (ex: paperback, hardcover, ebook, Advanced Reader Copy, audiobook)
• Page count 
• Tropes and themes
• Series (ex: series name, if the book is a stand-alone, or what place the book is within its series)
• Your star rating 
• What year the book was released or published
• Your thoughts! 
• Whether or not your would recommend the book to someone else

If you plan on sharing your book review spreads on social media but sure NOT to include spoilers! :)

Efficient Quarter-Page Example

The Book Review stamp in the Everyday Bookish Stamp Set is the perfect size for a quarter-page layout in a travelers size. I also think this amount of space would look great in an A6 if your goal is simply to log every book you read and your star rating for them. In my travelers quarter-page layout, I left the decorative tape bookish themed and kept my thoughts brief. (I clearly love regency romance).

How to Print Book Covers for your Reviews

I anticipate questions on how to print book covers. I simply find the covers on Google Images and save them. I have a Cricut Maker, so I upload the book covers to Cricut Design Space where I reformat the size and use the print then cut feature to print them on matte sticker paper with my regular household inkjet printer and then load into my Cricut maker for cutting. If you do not have a cutting machine, but you have a printer, simply insert the book covers into any document processor like Google Docs or Word. You can resize the book covers there by height and then print on regular printer paper or even sticker paper if your printer is an inkjet or laserjet printer. Lastly, you can then cut the book covers by hand or using a cutter. 

In Conclusion

I really want to remind everyone reading this, that just like your reading and journaling journeys are your own, so are the two if you join them together in your journal. Utilize the resources you have or explore new resources if you have the ability. With that being said, if you do not have the Everyday Bookish stamp set I used in my examples today, have fun with writing out your book review categories or utilize the free printable below where I put together simple book review entries you can customize once inserted to your journal. Happy journaling AND reading!

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Book Hangover: 6 Tips For Overcoming The End Of A Reading Era

L iquor before beer, you're in the clear. Beer before liquor, never sicker. And if you finish a five-star read and immediately jump to the next book on your to-be-read pile, you might have a book hangover for a while.

A great book can make you fall back in love with reading and lead you to feel like the library is yours for the conquering. A really  great book, on the other hand, can make you feel as though no book will ever measure up. No matter how many pages you flip and new spines you crack, your follow-up read may fail to live up to expectations. 

You're experiencing a book hangover: a topic that has taken over the book community. Book Riot defines the experience as the ongoing emotional investment in a book's universe after the book ends. Of course, your mind-altering read doesn't even have to be fiction — a stunning memoir or mind-blowing non-fiction book can certainly send you into a hangover. Urban Dictionary puts it simply: A book hangover is "characterized by sadness" due to "the realization that one will never have the opportunity to feel the way they did reading [that book] for the first time." 

The cure for a book hangover lies in first identifying that this is what you're dealing with. Then once you're ready, you can jump back in the reading saddle while keeping a few things in mind. 

Know The Signs Of A Book Hangover

How do you know if you're experiencing a book hangover? It's perfectly normal to not want to dive into a new book after finishing another one. You may find yourself wanting to take time to digest your feelings about your previous read, dive into a new hobby instead, or give your eyes a break. However, if you're typically an avid reader — or are hoping to become one — and suddenly can't find a single book that sounds appealing, a book hangover may be to blame. 

There's no shame in taking a step back from reading. Ruts in your reading life are perfectly normal, and your ability to read quickly or often doesn't make you more or less of a valid reader. However, it's also understandable that book hangovers would be distressing to readers of all speeds. If you stop finding yourself drawn to something new but are still hung up on your last great read, your to-be-read pile and Goodreads goal may suddenly feel completely insurmountable. 

If this sounds like you, you're already on the right track by identifying the problem. You know what they say: The first stage of grief is acceptance. The second stage? Leaning on your fellow bookworms. 

Understand You're Not Alone

Experiencing a book hangover can be an unsettling feeling. Even the most devoted book-bingers may finish an epic adventure and feel completely drained, with no other story sparking their interest. Will this last forever? What if you never read another book as good as that one again? 

You can at least take comfort in the fact that this isn't an uncommon or new phenomenon. A decade ago, "BookTuber" Christine Riccio went viral with a comedic YouTube  video discussing the mourning period that can follow a five-star read. Now, YouTube's BookTube community struggles have been echoed by the BookTok community on TikTok . The "book hangover" topic on the short-form video platform has over 33 million views — with creators sharing their experiences, recommendations for recovery, and even sharing some books that are sure to cause a hangover. 

While that last genre of content may seem like a bad thing, it actually speaks to the fact that book hangovers don't need to be dreaded. If anything, they speak to the profound impact that a great story can have on our lives. And, as the rest of the videos prove, these hangovers aren't completely insurmountable. 

Explore Other Books In The Genre

When you're done commiserating with your fellow hungover readers, TikTok is also an excellent place to find new book recommendations. Virtually every genre, trope, and author has found their niche within the platform, and you shouldn't have a hard time finding a book to fill the void your last read left. 

If you miss the escapism that a fantasy read brought, you can join the 2 billion viewers who have taken in the recommendations on TikTok . Or, if that isn't your preferred reading community, platforms like Goodreads and StoryGraph also host user-generated lists relating to all story preferences. 

If you're fearful of falling into another book hangover, consider picking up a long series! Although all stories eventually come to an end, diving into an author that has a long backlist means that you've guaranteed some extensive page-time with your new favorite characters. Better yet, if you pick up an  ongoing  series, you may have to wait some time between new installments ... but then at least you know your hangover has an end date. 

Go Rogue With Your Reading

A particularly bad book hangover might inspire a rebellious streak in your reading life. Perhaps you're convinced that nothing will compare to the last summer romance novel you read, so you're steering clear of the genre for a while. This makes book hangovers a perfect opportunity to try out a whole new area of the library or your local bookstore. 

Keeping a fresh mix of books on hand can help prevent book hangovers and stop your reading life from becoming stagnant. If you've just read a five-star fantasy, your next foray into a fictional world might inevitably fall short, just like how an alcoholic hand sanitizer can make you feel nauseated, thinking about the quality vodka from a night before. 

It wouldn't be reasonable, however, to compare the fairytale world of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" to the royal court in Prince Harry's "Spare ."  Your favorite topics can be explored in distinct genres, providing equally enjoyable taste-breakers between your five-star stories. 

Take On A Buddy Reading Challenge

Drinking is more fun with friends, and you shouldn't have to recover alone, either. The same goes for reading! If you fall into a book hangover, reach out to a reader pal to see if you can take on the challenge together. Picking a book to read that you're both interested in can transform your hangover from a curse to a collaboration! 

Like an informal, small-scale book club, buddy reading involves two or more people picking up the same book at the same time — encouraging progress through check-ins or discussions. By reading with a friend, you can help yourself to re-engage with the text, even if you're still a bit hung-up on your previous story. 

Best of all, if your buddy reading pick  also  sends you into a hangover, your reading companion will know exactly what you're going through. That person can commiserate, reflect on favorite characters, and know exactly what type of book to recommend to pull your out of your slump. 

Revisit Favorites When You're Ready

With a typical nasty hangover , some people will advise to treat it with "hair of the dog that bit you." That is, stave off a hangover's side effects by drinking more of the same alcohol that made you sick, and keep the happy, drunk feelings rolling. Using this logic, you may be tempted to simply restart the series or book that sent you spiraling in the first place. If your heart is aching and missing its favorite characters, why not just open up their story again? 

Unfortunately, in the case of a book hangover, rereads might simply exacerbate the issue. If you can't stop fixating on a particular fantasy world, restarting an adventure will likely only hone your focus more. Of course, this doesn't mean that you need to kick hangover-inducing stories to the curb. On the contrary, your favorite reads can serve as motivation to cure your rut. 

After all, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Your five-star reads may feel like even stronger stories when you revisit them with some distance and time. Take out the bookmarks, put them back on the shelf, and take the next few reads easy. 

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How to Read a Book

• 4.8 • 10 Ratings

Publisher Description

"The perfect pick to really light a fire under my book club, and yours....A reminder that goodness, and books, can still win in this world." —New York Times Book Review "A beautiful, big-hearted treasure of a novel." —Lily King National Bestseller * From the award-winning author of The One-in-a-Million Boy comes a heartfelt, uplifting novel about a chance encounter at a bookstore, exploring redemption, unlikely friendships, and the life-changing power of sharing stories. Our Reasons meet us in the morning and whisper to us at night. Mine is an innocent, unsuspecting, eternally sixty-one-year-old woman named Lorraine Daigle… Violet Powell, a twenty-two-year-old from rural Abbott Falls, Maine, is being released from prison after serving twenty-two months for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local kindergarten teacher. Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher who runs the prison book club, is facing the unsettling prospect of an empty nest. Frank Daigle, a retired machinist, hasn’t yet come to grips with the complications of his marriage to the woman Violet killed. When the three encounter each other one morning in a bookstore in Portland—Violet to buy the novel she was reading in the prison book club before her release, Harriet to choose the next title for the women who remain, and Frank to dispatch his duties as the store handyman—their lives begin to intersect in transformative ways. How to Read a Book is an unsparingly honest and profoundly hopeful story about letting go of guilt, seizing second chances, and the power of books to change our lives. With the heart, wit, grace, and depth of understanding that has characterized her work, Monica Wood illuminates the decisions that define a life and the kindnesses that make life worth living.  "A deeply humane and touching novel; highly recommended for book clubs and fans of Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures." — Booklist

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