examples of book reviews written by students

Book Review

Book Review Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Good Book Review Examples to Help you Write a Great Review

By: Nova A.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Mar 30, 2021

A book review is a common assignment that allows the students to demonstrate the author’s intentions in the book. It also provides them with the chance not only to criticize but also to give constructive criticism on how they can make improvements.

The purpose of writing a book review is to come up with your opinion about the author’s ideas presented in the book. On the other hand, a book analysis is completely based on opinions that are relevant to the book.

Writing a review is something that can be done with any book that you read. However, some genres are harder to write. But with a proper plan, you can easily write a great review on any book.

Read some short book review examples in this guide. They will help you understand the key elements of writing a great review in no time.

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Academic Book Review Examples

If you are assigned to write a book review, referring to some examples will be of great help. In addition, reading examples before starting the writing process will help you understand what elements are needed for a great book review. There are also many review sites online you can get help from.

Academic book reviews follow a fairly simple structure. It usually includes an introduction, middle paragraphs, and a conclusion that sums up all the ideas.

For a great book review, here are the things you need to focus on during the writing process.

• The main argument presented by the author
• Author’s methodologyAppropriateness for the audience
• Relationship to the real world

Have a look at the following book review examples for kids before beginning the writing process.

Book Review Examples for Middle School Students

Book Review Example For Kids

Book Review Examples for High School Students

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Book Review Examples for College Students

Book Review Examples for University Students

How to Write a Book Review - Examples

If you don’t know how to write a book review, look at the following steps.

The first step is to plan and create an outline that includes all the points that you will have to cover in the review. Don’t forget to include all the information about the characters, plot information, and some other parts of the chosen book.

The three parts of a book review are:

1. Provide a Summary

What is the book about? Write about the main characters and what is the conflict that is discussed in the book.

2. Provide Your Evaluation

Share your thoughts about the book and what elements work best.

3. Rate the Book

Rate and recommend the book to others who will enjoy reading this book.

If you need to submit a book review soon, we suggest you start reading some book reviews online. Here you can also find some good book review writing examples to understand how to craft each section of a book review.

Book Review Introduction Examples

Thesis Statement Book Review Examples

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Book Review Conclusion Examples

Critical Book Review Examples

A book review is a critical evaluation of the book, movie, or any other literary work. It has two goals: the first is to inform the readers about the content of the book, and the second is to evaluate your judgment about the book.

A book review is more than a book report. A review is basically a critical essay that evaluates the merits of a literary work. The purpose of writing a book review is not to prove that you have read a book but to show that you think critically about the chosen book.

When you are asked to write a critical book review, you need to identify, summarize and evaluate the ideas of the author. In simpler words, you will be examining and evaluating another person’s work from your point of view.

Science Book Review Examples

A scientific book review will contain the same elements as writing a review for a fiction book; some elements might vary. When you are reviewing a scientific text, you need to pay attention to the writing style and the validity of the content.

Most students turn to non-fictional sources of information. It is important to make sure the information you provide in your review is factual and scientific.

Book review writing can be difficult if you don’t know how to follow the standard protocols. That’s where our reliable book review writing service aims to provide the necessary help.

No matter what your academic level is, we can provide you with the best book review writing help. This type of writing assignment can be tricky and time-consuming. So, if you don’t know how to crack this task, better get professional help.

We at 5StarEssays.com provide exceptional book review writing help. Not only book reviews, but we also provide the best ‘ write an essay for me ’ help to students. Moreover, we also have an AI essay writer to help you with tight deadlines, give it a try now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a book review example.

Here are some steps that will help you to write a book review example.

• Start writing with few sentences and describe what the book is all about
• Focus on your thoughts
• Mention things that you dont like about the book.
• Summarize your thoughts.
• Give rating to the book.

Thesis, Law

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Book Review Writing Examples

Examples: learn from the efforts of others.

Learning how to write strong reviews takes time and not a little effort. Reading the reviews others have done can help you get a feel for the flow and flavor of reviews.

If I Never Forever Endeavor Review by Hayden, age 4, Southeast Michigan Mensa

This book was about a bird who didn't yet know how to fly.

The bird has to decide if it will try to fly, but it was not sure if it wants to. The bird thought, "If I never forever endeavor" then I won't ever learn. On one wing, he worries he might fail and on the other wing he thinks of how he may succeed. He worries that if he tries, he may get lost in the world. That makes him want to stay in his nest where he's safe.

I think this book would help other children to learn that trying new things can be scary, but sometimes when we try, we can find things that make us happy too. And this book will help others know that mistakes are okay and part of learning.

My favorite part is that the bird tried and learned that she could fly. I also liked that I read this book because it gave me a chance to talk to mom about making mistakes and how I don't like making them. Then I learned they are good and part of learning.

Boys and girls who are 3 to 8 years old would like this book because it teaches about trying a new thing and how it's important to get past being scared so you can learn new things.

I give the book 5 stars since I think it's important for other children to learn about courage.

Flesh & Blood So Cheap Review by Umar B., age 8, Central New Jersy Mensa

I liked this book. People who are interested in national disasters and US history as well as immigration will most probably be interested in reading this book.

Readers can gain knowledge of what it was like to work in New York City in the early 1900s. One of the things that was especially interesting was that there were no safety laws at work. Also, there was a big contrast between the rich and the poor. Some people may not like this book because it is very depressing, but it is an important event in history to remember.

This book was very well written. It has black and white photos along with descriptions of the photos. These photos give us a better idea of what people's lives were like. This book is suitable for 9-20 year olds.

I give this book 5 stars.

Galaxy Zach: Journey to Juno Review by Young Mensan Connor C., age 6, Boston Mensa

Journey To Juno is the second book of the Galaxy Zack series. It is just as good as the first one. It's awesome!

Zack joins the Sprockets Academy Explorers Club at school. They fly on a special trip to Juno, a new planet no one has ever visited. Zack gets paired up with Seth, the class bully, and that's dreadful but Zack is excited when he finds a huge galaxy gemmite. A gemmite that large had not been found in 100 years! Kids will love this book!

Boys and girls will both like it. It's an easy chapter book with pictures on every page. I love the illustrations. I think ages 6-8 would like this but younger kids would like the story being read to them.

My favorite parts are the galactic blast game (it is similar to baseball except there are robots playing), recess at Zack's school where everything is 3-D holographic images, the rainbow river in a crystal cave on Juno, and the galaxy gemmite that Zack finds on Juno. I also loved when a life-size holographic image of his Earth friend appears in Zack's room because he calls him on a hyperphone. I give this book one hundred stars! There is a "to be continued" at the end so you have to read the next book see what's in store. I can't wait to find out what happens!!!

I Capture the Castle Review by Lauren W., age 17, Mensa in Georgia

Dodie Smith's novel I Capture the Castle is a journey through the mind of a young writer as she attempts to chronicle her daily life. Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain has recently learned to speed-write, and she decides to work on her writing skills by describing the actions and conversations of those around her.

Cassandra lives in a fourteenth-century English castle with an interesting cast of characters: her beautiful older sister, Rose; her rather unsociable author father and his second wife, artist-model Topaz; Stephen, the garden boy; a cat and a bull terrier; and sometimes her brother Thomas when he is home from school. One fateful day they make the acquaintance of the Cotton family, including the two sons, and a web of tangled relationships ensues.

While I definitely recommend this book to other readers, I would recommend it to older teenagers, mainly because it will resonate better with them. The writing is tame enough that younger teens could also read it, but most of the characters are adults or on the verge of adulthood. Older readers would take the most from it since they can not only relate, but they may also better pick up on and appreciate Cassandra's sometimes subtle humor.

Over the course of the novel, Cassandra undergoes a definite transformation from child to mature young adult, even though it's only over the course of several months. I love that I could see into her mindset and read exactly what she was feeling when she thought out situations. Her thoughts flowed well and moved the book along very quickly.

Cassandra's narrative voice is wonderful. She is serious at times, but also very witty, which makes for an engaging read. It feels absolutely real, as though I'm reading someone's actual journal. Sometimes I forget that I am reading a story and not a real-life account. Her emotions and the dialogue are so genuine, and they are spot-on for a seventeen-year-old girl in her situation.

Cassandra has many wonderful insights on life, on topics ranging from writing to faith to matters of the heart. I personally have had some of the same thoughts as Cassandra, except Ms. Smith was able to put them into words.

Capture the Castle should be essential reading for aspiring writers, those looking for historical fiction or romance, or anyone who loves reading amazing classic books. Dodie Smith is an exceptional writer, and I Capture the Castle is a book that will never become obsolete.

Frankenstein's Cat Review by Zander H., age 12, Mid-America Mensa

I appreciated Frankenstein's Cat for its fascinating explanation about the often baffling subject of bioengineering and its sister sciences. Emily Anthes explains the many sides of today's modern technology, such as gene modification, cloning, pharmaceutical products (from the farm), prosthesis, animal tag and tracking and gene cryogenics. This book provides a well-rounded summary of these complicated sciences without being boring or simply factual. Her real world examples take us on a journey from the farm, to the pet store and then from the pharmacy to the frozen arc.

Have you ever wondered if the neighborhood cat is spying on you? Read about Operation Acoustic Kitty and find out if this feline fantasy fiction or fact. Do you think bugs are creepy? What about a zombified cyborg beetle? Is Fido so special that you want two of him? Money can buy you an almost exact copy of your pooch BUT don't expect the same personality. Emily Anthes makes you crave more information. She makes you want to know the future of Earth's flora and fauna, as well as humanity itself.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who desires a guide to the future of biological science and technology. Frankenstein's Cat is best read by the light of a glow-in-the-dark fish, while cuddling your favorite cloned dog and drinking a glass of genetically modified milk.

About Marsupials Review by Connor C., age 6, Boston Mensa

About Marsupials is the title so the book is about...marsupials, of course. It's non-fiction. I really think everyone would like the book. I think someone who likes animals would especially like to read it.

The glossary of facts in the back of About Marsupials is the most useful part. I thought the most interesting parts were that some marsupials have their pouch at their back legs and one marsupial, the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, is very small but can jump 13 feet wide!

Kids in the 4-8 age range would like this book. Even though it's not a story book, 4 year olds would like the few words on each page and they would love the beautiful pictures. But older kids would like it because of all the facts in the back of the book. There's a lot of information for each animal. I think boys and girls (and parents) would enjoy reading it. This book is very interesting. I give it 4 stars.

Mapping the World Review by Umar A., age 10, Central New Jersey Mensa

Every day, people around the world use maps. Whether it is an airplane pilot or businessman, housewife or museum group, maps have always and will continue to provide useful information for all.

Mapping the World talks about the uses of maps, as well as how to differentiate between the type of map projection and type of map.

In this series, we travel to the past and learn about historical mapmakers, from Claudius Ptolemy (who stated the idea that the Earth is at the center of the universe) to Gerardus Mercator (who created one of the most widely used map projections) and more. This series goes into tremendous detail on the cartographer's life and maps. We then journey to the present era to learn about map projections and the diverse types of maps used today. You might ask, "What is the difference between the two? They sound the same to me." No map projection is perfect, because you cannot really flatten a sphere into a rectangle. An uncolored projection could be used in many ways. We could use it for population concentration, highways, land elevation, and so many other things!

For example, we could make a topographic map of the U.S., which shows land elevation. We could make it a colorful map that shows the amount of pollution in different areas, or it could be a population map, or it could even be a map that shows the 50 states, their capitals and borders! Our last step in this amazing excursion is the near future, where we see some hypothetical solutions as to what maps will be used for. Currently, we are working on better virtual map technology.

Now, scientists have been able to put maps on phones. Back in the early 1900s, people had to lug a lot of maps around to find your way from place to place, or just keep asking for directions. Now, all the information is on a phone or global positioning system (GPS). It is amazing how much maps have changed technology and the world in this century.

The Mapping the World 8-book set goes into amazing levels of detail. It is a long read, but it gives an immense range and amount of information that you would not find in any other book or series on maps. The flowing way the chapters and books are organized makes it easy to link passages from different books in this series together. Mapping the World is a treasure box, filled with the seeds of cartography. Collect and plant them, and you soon will have the fruits of cartography, beneficial to those who want to be cartographers. Use this series to the utmost, then the fruits of mapping will be sweet for all who endeavor to succeed in cartography.

This series of lessons was designed to meet the needs of gifted children for extension beyond the standard curriculum with the greatest ease of use for the educator. The lessons may be given to the students for individual self-guided work, or they may be taught in a classroom or a home-school setting. Assessment strategies and rubrics are included at the end of each section. The rubrics often include a column for "scholar points," which are invitations for students to extend their efforts beyond that which is required, incorporating creativity or higher level technical skills.

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Book Review Writing

Book Review Examples

Book Review Examples to Help You Get Started

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How to Write a Book Review - A Step By Step Guide

A Complete Book Review Format Guide For Students

Are you in desperate need of some assistance to up your book review writing game? 

We know that penning down a review can come off as a tricky challenge, but do not worry!

To help you write book reviews that carry the essence of the book and engage readers, we have collected a handful of book review examples in this blog. 

The included examples will enable you to understand different writing styles and approaches taken toward book review writing . So, you can use your words effectively to craft the perfect book review.

Let’s kickstart things off!

• 1. Good Book Review Examples for Students
• 2. Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books
• 3. Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

Good Book Review Examples for Students

You might be a professional writer, or you may not have any experience in writing book reviews. Rest assured, we’ll show you how to write perfect book reviews with the help of a sample template and great examples.

See this template to know what you should include in your book review: 

Book Review Template

Here is a good book review example for 4th-grade students:

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Book Review Examples for Middle School Students

Reading reviews written by others can help you get a feel and flavor of good book reviews. Learning how to write a perfect book review can help students to:

• Critically analyze a text
• Give a personal opinion on the text
• Improve analyzing and critical thinking skills 

Here are some interesting book review examples suitable for middle school students. 

Book Review Example for Middle School Students

Book Review Example for Kids

Book Review of Any Book in 300 Words

Science Book Review Example

Book Review Examples For High School Students

Below, you can also find some good book review examples for high school students. These real-life examples can help you get a clear understanding of the standard book review format that you should follow.

Book Review Example for High School Students

Book Review Examples for Class 9

Book Review Example for Grade 10

Book Review Examples for College Students

As a college student, you are required to demonstrate that you have examined the book from different angles. The points you raise in your book review need to be supported with clear facts and evidence.

The following are some interesting critical book review examples for college students to learn how to write a perfect review. 

Book Review Example for Class 12

Short Book Review for Students

Conclusion of Book Review Example

Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books

Fiction book reviews follow the same basic formula as writing book reviews of any other genre. For your help, we have compiled exciting examples of fiction book reviews that you can get valuable assistance from. 

Short Book Review Example for Fiction Books

Book Review of Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

“The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert is a work of fiction and falls into fantasy and young adult fiction genres. The novel revolves around fantastical fairy tales, and magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Here is an example of a comprehensive review of the book Hazel Wood:

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Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

For reviewing a non-fiction book, you are required to describe the book and summarize major points of interest. You should evaluate the author’s contribution to a subject that you may know very little about.

Here is a great non-fiction book review example to help you come up with a critical perspective on a text. 

Non-Fiction Book Review Example

Hopefully, with the help of the above examples, you get a better idea of how to write a perfect book review.

To wrap it up, Writing a great book review is a tricky task, no matter if you are a high school, college, or university student. Book review writing might seem like a simple task, but it requires excellent analyzing and critical thinking skills.

But, not everyone can crack this task easily. They might need additional help from expert book review writers. That’s why our professional essay writing service offers book review writing help whenever you need it. 

Professional essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com can help you with all your academic requests within your specified timeline. Just contact our customer service and we’ll handle all your queries promptly.

Keep the words flowing! 

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Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

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In the realm of academic writing, one must tread with precision, grounding arguments in robust research, and conveying thoughts in a formal, polished tone. Just as one scrutinizes a research paper, reviewing a book demands an equally rigorous and systematic approach. A book review not only assesses the content of a book but also allows readers to understand its significance in the broader context of literature and scholarship.

What Is a Book Review Example?

Ever picked up a book and wondered if it’s worth the read? That’s where a book review steps in. Think of it as a friend giving you the lowdown on a story they’ve just read. It’s more than just saying, “It’s good” or “I didn’t like it.” A proper book review dives into the heart of the book. It talks about the journey the characters go on, the twists and turns of the plot, and the big ideas the writer is trying to share. Instead of just skimming the surface, it offers a deeper look, giving those considering the book a heads-up on what awaits them. Whether you find them in a classroom assignment, a fancy literary magazine, or your favorite weekend read, these reviews are like mini-guides helping readers decide their next bookish adventure.

Why Do Students Need to Write Book Review Examples?

Reading a book is like going on a personal adventure. Each page can make you feel different emotions, and you get lost in another world. But when students write a book review, it’s like taking that adventure to the next level.

Writing a book review is not just about summarizing the story. The idea is to push students to dive deeper, challenging them to analyze every facet of the book — from the author’s underlying messages and the twists and turns of the plot to the motivations driving the characters. Through this exercise, they don’t just passively absorb the story; they interact with it, dissect it, and form opinions about it.

Such a critical book review example, beyond being assignments, acts as a sharpening stone for students’ minds. They encourage a more active form of reading, urging students to think critically and consider how a particular book fits into the broader picture. Through this journey, students move beyond just being consumers of stories; they become active participants in them!

The Difference Between Various Genres

Genres, the various flavors in the literary world, offer readers a myriad of experiences, tailored by the unique conventions and characteristics inherent to each. Each genre is an invitation to a distinct realm, with reviews acting as previews of these vast universes.

Consider fantasy, a genre teeming with magic, mythical creatures, and far-off lands each in its own time and place. A review centered on a fantasy novel might delve into the intricacies of its world-building, pondering over the realms and races crafted from scratch. It’ll question the credibility of its magic system and the depth and richness of its history and lore. It’s about immersing in an entirely different reality, stitched together by imagination.

Move to the suspenseful corridors of detective fiction, where shadows hold secrets and every character is a suspect. Reviews for detective novels often hinge on the layered mysteries, the intellectual prowess of the investigator, and the heart-stopping, unexpected revelations that punctuate the narrative. It’s the art of deduction, of chasing clues and unveiling truths.

Then, there’s the tender realm of romance, where hearts, emotions, and relationships take center stage. A review of a romance novel is often tinted with discussions about character chemistry, the depth and rawness of their emotions, and the beautiful dance of love and heartbreak orchestrated by the narrator. It’s about exploring the spectrum of human emotions, from the fluttering butterflies of a first glance to the profound pain of unrequited love.

Science fiction, historical, horror – the list is endless. Each genre offers its unique palette of experiences, challenges, and emotions. Consequently, reviews must honor these distinctions, offering potential readers a genuine snapshot of the journey that awaits them in every book.

What Should a Book Review Sample Contain?

Crafting a meaningful book review requires more than just voicing one’s preferences; it demands a systematic and comprehensive breakdown of the book in question. This deconstruction serves as a roadmap for potential readers, guiding them in their decision-making process.

To begin with, the Introduction sets the stage. Here, the reviewer introduces the book’s core premise and provides insights into the author’s primary objectives. It’s a window into the book’s soul, offering readers a tantalizing glimpse of the journey they might undertake.

The heart of the review lies in the Content Analysis. This section plunges into the depths of the book, meticulously dissecting its various components – the plot’s intricacies, the character’s motivations and development, the backdrop against which the events unfold, and the unique narrative voice adopted by the author.

Following this deep dive is the Critical Evaluation. Armed with insights from their analysis, the reviewer offers a balanced assessment, weighing the book’s strengths against its shortcomings. This section isn’t about mere likes or dislikes but an informed, reasoned critique.

Concluding the review, the Conclusion encapsulates the reviewer’s final verdict. Here, the overarching sentiments are crystallized, guiding readers on whether embarking on this literary journey would be a time well-spent or a venture they might wish to skip.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare to Write a Book Review

The art of writing academic book review examples is an involved process, demanding not just a deep understanding of the book in question, but also an organized approach to translating those insights into words. Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help navigate this task with finesse.

Selecting the Right Book

Your initial choice of a book is pivotal, obviously, the most important. The process begins long before you even start reading. Aim to choose a work that either aligns with your existing interests or challenges your typical reading habits. Exploring unfamiliar terrains can sometimes provide the most profound insights. This genuine investment or curiosity in the content frequently results in a review that isn’t just thorough but brimming with authenticity. Remember, passion and enthusiasm are palpable, even in written words.

Immersive Reading

As you begin the reading journey, it’s essential to let the narrative envelop you entirely. Avoid skimming or rushing through chapters. Instead, savor each segment, allowing yourself to fully connect with the characters, settings, and plot developments, creating a new idea for your review each time. Such a reading experience ensures you grasp the nuances that the author intricately weaves, enriching your final analysis.

Note-taking

Keep a dedicated notebook or digital document to record your evolving reactions. As characters develop, plots twist and themes emerge, jot down these observations. Don’t just capture the significant moments; sometimes, subtleties can profoundly impact the overall narrative. Also, earmark impactful quotes; they can be powerful allies when substantiating your points during the review process.

The end of the book is not the end of your task. Post-reading reflection is a critical phase. Ponder on the overarching message, the emotions it stirred, and its position within its genre. Was there a unique angle or perspective it presented? Such introspection helps in understanding the narrative’s broader context and its personal impact on you.

Research the Author

Familiarize yourself with their previous works, personal experiences, or historical context during the time of writing. Such knowledge often reveals underlying themes or motivations in the narrative, adding depth to your review and more context about the narrator.

Structuring the Review

Use your notes and reflections as a foundation, and build a clear structure for your review. Ensure it flows seamlessly, covering everything from the introductory overview, detailed analysis, and personal opinions, to a succinct conclusion. A well-structured review aids the reader in understanding both the narrative and your perspective.

Writing with Intenet Penning down the review isn’t just about summarizing the book in the first place. Your intent should be clear – to present a balanced overview, emphasizing both the strengths and weaknesses of the narrative. As you articulate your thoughts, your primary goal should be to encapsulate the essence of the story and guide potential readers on what awaits them.

Should You Give Out Spoilers When Writing a Book Review?

The question of whether to include spoilers in a book review has long been a contentious one, sparking animated debates among bibliophiles and reviewers alike. On one hand, providing detailed information can arm potential readers with a clearer sense of what to anticipate, enabling them to make informed decisions about whether a particular narrative aligns with their tastes. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that, in some cases, knowing pivotal plot points in advance can even enhance the reading experience, allowing the reader to focus on the nuances of character development, theme exploration, and the author’s craft.

On the other hand, many firmly believe that a book’s magic lies in its element of surprise. Unearthing twists organically, as the author intended, allows readers to experience the full spectrum of emotions — from shock to revelation — in their raw, unadulterated form. By this logic, revealing significant spoilers is akin to unwrapping someone else’s present; the thrill of the unknown is unjustly taken away.

Given these polarized views, the middle ground becomes essential. A well-crafted review should be similar to a movie trailer, offering enough to pique interest while withholding just enough to ensure the story remains fresh and intriguing. It’s a tightrope walk, balancing the need to discuss the book’s content and themes without revealing so much that the narrative’s core mysteries are laid bare.

Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the reviewer. But it’s always wise to ensure that potential readers are offered a glimpse, not a roadmap, to the heart of the story, preserving the magic of discovery.

The Specifics of Writing a MLA Format Book Review Example

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is one of the widely accepted citation styles in academic circles, and understanding its nuances is paramount when drafting academic book reviews. Here’s a deeper dive into the specifics.

Citation of the Book

At the outset, the reviewer must correctly cite the book. For instance, a book authored by John Smith titled “Literary Wonders” published in 2021 would be cited as: Smith, John. Literary Wonders. Publisher, 2021. This citation provides a standardized reference point, allowing readers to easily locate and verify the source material.

Paragraph Structure

Unlike casual reviews, MLA formatted book reviews favor structured paragraphs. Start with an introduction that offers a brief overview of the book’s main themes, followed by middle paragraphs dissecting various elements like plot, character development, and thematic content. Conclude with a summation of your overall thoughts and critique.

Formatting Rules

MLA has distinct formatting guidelines. Reviews should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The font, typically Times New Roman, should be set to 12-point size. Page headers with your last name followed by the page number should be inserted in the top right corner.

Direct Quotations

If quoting directly from the book, ensure proper in-text citations. For instance, if quoting a line from page 45 of John Smith’s “Literary Wonders,” it should appear as: “Quoted text” (Smith 45).

Consistency

It’s not merely about adhering to rules but ensuring consistency throughout the review. If you’re italicizing book titles in the beginning, maintain that throughout. Consistent application of rules reflects attention to detail and academic rigor.

Familiarizing oneself with these concrete points ensures not only adherence to academic standards but also lends credibility and professionalism to one’s work. As students strive for academic excellence, mastering the art of MLA formatted book reviews can prove to be an invaluable skill in their scholarly journey.

Tips on How to Write an Engaging Book Review

An engaging book review does more than convey an opinion; it inspires the reader. Remember, your goal is to guide, enlighten, and perhaps, entice your reader to embark on the same literary journey you experienced. Here are some tips to make the process easier for you.

Craft a Compelling Introduction : Start with an attention-grabbing sentence or a quote from the book. Your introduction should provide a taste of the book’s essence and hint at your overall impression. It sets the tone for the entire review.

Be Objective Yet Passionate : While it’s essential to maintain a degree of objectivity, especially if there are elements of the book you didn’t like, it’s equally crucial to let your genuine feelings about the book come through. Your passion can be infectious, drawing readers to the book or cautioning them effectively. Descriptive and emotive language can vividly convey the atmosphere of the book. Instead of saying, “The book was thrilling,” you might say, “The book sent shivers down my spine with every unexpected turn.”

Stay Concise but Detailed : A great review isn’t necessarily a long one. Focus on the most impactful elements of the book, diving into details that stood out, without meandering into unrelated territories. Discuss how the book made you feel and why. Was there a moment that made you tear up or laugh out loud? These personal touches can resonate strongly with potential readers.

Address the Author’s Style : Every author has a unique voice. Whether it’s poetic prose, sharp wit, or gripping suspense, highlight the nuances of the author’s writing style and how it complements the narrative. If there are elements you didn’t appreciate, present them alongside the book’s strengths. This balanced approach assures readers of your credibility.

End with a Strong Conclusion : Summarize your thoughts and give a final verdict. Would you recommend the book? Who would you recommend it to? This provides a neat closure to your review. Pose a question at the end of your review or share a personal anecdote related to the story. Engaging the reader can turn your review from a monologue into a conversation, fostering a deeper connection.

Proofread and Revise : A well-written review, free from grammatical errors and typos, not only enhances readability but also showcases professionalism and respect for both the author and your readers.

Incorporating these tips ensures that your book review isn’t just informative but also compelling, guiding potential readers in their literary choices with grace and authority.

What is an example of a book review?

An example of a book review would be: “In Harper Lee’s seminal work, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, the essence of the American Deep South in the 1930s is vividly captured through the eyes of young Scout Finch. Lee weaves a tale that is both a poignant coming-of-age story and a searing indictment of racial prejudice. With characters like the honorable Atticus Finch and the enigmatic Boo Radley, Lee crafts a narrative that is as gripping as it is enlightening. The novel’s exploration of morality, class, and the loss of innocence is both timely and timeless.”

What are the 5 parts of a book review?

The five parts of a book review are introduction, summary, analysis, personal opinion, and conclusion. Each serves its own purpose and shouldn’t be overlooked in the process.

What is a simple book review?

A simple book review is a concise evaluation of a book, highlighting its main plot, characters, and the reviewer’s opinion. Instead of diving deep into analysis, it offers a snapshot for readers to quickly understand the book’s essence and the reviewer’s feelings. For example, “John Green’s ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ is a touching tale of two teenagers battling cancer, exploring love, life, and loss. A must-read for those who cherish heartfelt stories.”

How do you start a book review sentence?

Starting a book review sentence can be approached in various ways. Try quoting a memorable line from the book: “As George Orwell famously wrote, ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others’…”

Also, you can consider making a general statement about the genre or theme: “Historical fiction often transports us to eras long gone, but…” And finally, sharing a personal reflection: “Having always been fascinated by space exploration, reading Andy Weir’s ‘The Martian’ was an exhilarating experience for me…”

What makes a good book review?

A good book review offers a balanced perspective, combining objective analysis with personal reflection. It’s well-structured, beginning with an introduction and ending with a conclusion, offering readers clear insights into the book’s content and its significance. Furthermore, a good review avoids major spoilers, provides context and evaluates the book’s strengths and weaknesses. It also delves into the emotional and intellectual impact of the book, guiding potential readers on whether it might resonate with them. Authenticity, clarity, and a genuine passion for literature shine through in a well-crafted review.

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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.

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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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Book Reviews

What this handout is about.

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

What is a review?

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

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

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

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

Becoming an expert reviewer: three short examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is one final review of the same book:

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

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

Developing an assessment: before you write

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

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

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

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

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

Writing the review

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

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

Introduction

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

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

Summary of content

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

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

Analysis and evaluation of the book

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

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

Finally, a few general considerations:

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

Works consulted

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Want to write a perfect book review that readers enjoy? Discover how to pen a book review in 6 easy steps. To help you understand, we’ve included amazing examples of book reviews. 

We’ve also answered many questions you might have such as: How long should a book review be? How to start a book review? How to conclude a book review? For beginners, we’ve also mentioned the basic book review format. So without further delay, let’s begin! 

Get a professional review for your book! Learn more

What is a book review? 

A book review is the critical analysis of the book’s content and significance. It includes an evaluation of the plot, character development, and writing style. A good book review highlights the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Reviewers often include quotes to support the opinions mentioned in the book review. A book review is different from a book report which objectively describes the book’s main content. 

Now that we know what is a book review, let’s understand their length. 

How long is a book review? 

The length of a book review can vary, depending on the purpose and the medium used. Book reviews in newspapers, magazines, and journals can range from 500-2000 words. In contrast, book reviews by readers on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook, or Google can range from 50-500 words. 

Now let us see the 6 easy steps to write book reviews. Whether you’re writing book reviews for your assignment or book promotion, these steps will help! 

How to write a book review

• Note down the key points- This is an important step before writing a book review. Jot down your analysis about the characters, themes, plot, and your personal view. Also, note down the book title, author’s name, and any relevant information about the book. 
• Start with a strong introduction- Mention the author’s name, book title, themes, and main characters in the introduction. The introduction should give a very brief book summary without giving spoilers. 
• Analyze the book- Discuss the book’s strong points and weaknesses. This can include your opinion on the narrative pacing, writing style, character development , and structure. You can also compare it with books belonging to a similar genre. To enhance the review, you can also use relevant quotes to support your perspective. 
• Reflect on your experience- Describe how the book makes you feel. Did you find it engaging or was it slow-paced? Were you happy with the climax or did you expect more? 
• Conclude the review- Summarize the important points and end the review with a final evaluative statement about the book. This is where you can state whether you will recommend the book to readers or not. This is an important step in writing a book review. 
• Rate the book (Optional)- Depending on the platform requirements, you can rate the book out of 5 or 10. 

Now that we’ve seen how to write a book review, let’s see five amazing tips to create the perfect book review.

Top 5 tips to create an amazing book review 

Here are the top 5 tips to create the perfect book review: 

• Start with an attractive hook- Begin the review with an intriguing question or statement, capturing the book’s essence. For example, “In ‘The Enchanted Labyrinth’, every page takes you into a magical world of intrigue and wonder. 
• Discuss originality- Write what makes the book unique as compared to other books in the same genre. If the book highlights an unexplored theme or gives a unique take on a common theme, you can mention it in the book review. 
• Analyze worldbuilding- Review the fictional world created by the author (Its depth, complexity and detail). You can discuss how the setting of the story affected your experience as a reader. This is a good practice, especially while reviewing fantasy and science fiction novels. 
• Evaluate key themes- Discuss how the central themes of the story are seamlessly woven into the narrative. You can do this by highlighting how the characters’ relationships and choices reflect the themes. Describe how themes add depth to the story. 
• Edit and proofread- Once you’ve completed your book review, thoroughly check it. Correct any grammatical mistakes , spelling, and word choice errors. 

Book review examples

1. a thousand splendid suns by khaled hosseini .

“A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by Khaled Hosseini, is a profoundly moving story set against the backdrop of Afghan history. This novel tells the tale of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become entwined in a harrowing journey of friendship, suffering, and redemption.

Mariam, an illegitimate child, suffers from stigma and rejection from an early age. Her tragic story evolves when she is forced into an abusive marriage with Rasheed, a brutish shoemaker. Laila, born generations later, is initially a symbol of the new Afghanistan – hopeful and educated. Their shared struggles against the backdrop of Afghanistan crumbling under Taliban rule form the novel’s heart.

Hosseini’s writing is evocative, capturing the stark realities in Afghanistan while also highlighting the profound resilience of his characters. The author masterfully portrays the emotional landscapes of Mariam and Laila, making them vividly relatable.

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” is more than a story of survival; it is a testament to the unyielding strength of human connection and endurance. This book is a must-read, not only for its storytelling brilliance but for its deep exploration of the often-unheard voices of Afghan women. It’s a heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful novel that stays with you long after the last page.

Now let’s see another example of a book review. 

2. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman 

“A Man Called Ove ” by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming novel that takes readers on an emotional journey of its titular character, Ove. At first glance, Ove appears to be nothing more than a grumpy old man. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that there is so much more to Ove than meets the eye.

The novel skillfully explores themes of loss, grief, and the human capacity for change. Ove’s journey is one of rediscovery and redemption, as he learns to open his heart to the people around him. Backman’s writing is both poignant and humorous, capturing the essence of human relationships and the power of community.

Ove is a character who is easy to relate to, with his quirks making him all the more endearing. As we delve into his past through flashbacks, we understand the events that shaped him. These glimpses provide depth and complexity to his character, making him incredibly three-dimensional.

The supporting characters are equally charming and well-developed. Parvaneh, the pregnant neighbor, and her family are a refreshing contrast to Ove’s gruff exterior. Their interactions with Ove are both heartwarming and hilarious, playing an important role in his transformation.

What makes “A Man Called Ove” truly exceptional is its ability to elicit a wide range of emotions from its readers. It can make you laugh out loud on one page and bring tears to your eyes on the next. The story is a testament to the importance of human connection.

In conclusion, “A Man Called Ove” is a beautifully written novel that explores the themes of love, friendship, and the capacity for change. Fredrik Backman’s storytelling is both touching and humorous, and his characters are unforgettable. For those who appreciate heartwarming stories that inspire the soul, this book is a must-read.”

After seeing these book review examples, let’s see a simple book review template you can use. 

Book review template

The following template highlights a basic book review format and book review outline. You can use this template for reference. 

We hope this book review template and book review examples have inspired you to start writing. Now that you’ve understood how to write a good book review, you can begin brainstorming. Want to get a polished, professional book review? At PaperTrue, our team of experts can help you craft the perfect review for your book. Get in touch with us and forget all stress about how to do a book review. 

You can also take advantage of our self-publishing services like editing, book cover design, securing an ISBN, and creating a copyright page. This ensures that your book is ready for publication. Whether you want a simple edit or an end-to-end service package, we’re here to help! 

Here are some other articles that you might find interesting: 

• Top 10 Best Print-on-Demand Book Companies in 2024
• Top 10 Book Formatting Software for Authors in 2024
• What Is a Blurb? Meaning, Examples & 10 Expert Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a book review, what makes a good book review, how to end a book review, how to structure a book review, where to write a book review.

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How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

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

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

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

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

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

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

The Devil is in the Details

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

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

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could be improved? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

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

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

Identify Your Book and Author

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

Ponder the Title

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

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

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

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

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

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

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

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

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

Analyze the Quotes

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

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

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

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

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

Summarize Your Analysis

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

Offer Your Final Conclusion

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

Address the Book’s Appeal

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

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

Be Subtle and Balanced

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

Bringing It All Together

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

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

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

Why Rate the Book?

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

How to Rate the Book

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

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

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

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

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

Wrapping Up

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

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

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

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

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

Embrace the World of Fiction

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

Opinionated with Gusto

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

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

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

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

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

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

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

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

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

Avoid the Comparison Trap

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

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

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

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

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

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

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

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

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

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

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

Riding the Personal Bias Express

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

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

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

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

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

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

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

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

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

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

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

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

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

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

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

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

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

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

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

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

What is the difference between a book review and a report?

Who is the target audience for book reviews and book reports, how do book reviews and reports differ in length and content, can i write professional book reviews, what are the key aspects of writing professional book reviews, how can i enhance my book-reviewing skills to write professional reviews, what should be included in a good book review.

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How To Write A Book Review: A Student Guide

• What Is A Book Review?
• How To Write A Book Review
• Helpful Tips

If you’ve ever taken an English course or studied literature in any capacity, chances are you’re already very familiar with the idea of a book review. Maybe you’ve even written a book review or two throughout your academic career—hopefully after taking the time to actually read the book in question. 

But even with their ubiquity within classrooms around the world, the task of writing a book review can still be daunting. After all, you’re attempting to boil down an entire book into a few short paragraphs! That’s no easy feat. Before you get started on your review, you might be wondering: How much of the book’s plot do I actually need to summarize? Do I need to mention every character in the order that they appear in the story? And what does one talk about in a book review, anyway? 

Whether you’re writing a book review for school or just want some helpful tips to level up your Goodreads game, we’ll break down the different sections of a standard book review in this ultimate how-to guide.

What is a book review ?

A book review is a written evaluation of a book in any genre. Often around 500 to 1,000 words in length, book reviews provide a brief summary of the text, analyze its overall merit, and describe the reviewer’s personal opinions and reading experience. Think of it as a more nuanced way of recommending a favorite book— your review serves as your own individual stamp of approval.

If you’ve ever been assigned a book review in an academic setting, you already know that they’re meant to help students retain and further engage with their required reading. But book reviews can also appear outside of the classroom, too. Professional book critics, avid readers, and even bookish content creators may review a book for a major publication, for a personal blog, or on popular book reviewing websites like Goodreads and StoryGraph.

What is the difference between a book review and a book report ?

In casual conversation, one might use the terms “book review” and “book report” interchangeably. And while book reviews and book reports certainly share a few key similarities, there are some important differences that distinguish the two from an academic standpoint.

Often assigned to students in the K-12 age range, book reports give a strictly objective account of what happened in a book. Think major plot points, main characters, and big-picture ideas. They don’t often include the added elements of critical analysis and a subjective review, which is why they’re typically reserved for younger students with less experience with writing and literature.

Book reviews, on the other hand, are more than just a play-by-play of what happened; they require a higher level of critical thinking and engagement with the text. After providing a brief summary of the text, book reviews typically move into a deeper analysis of literary elements, which could include plot, characters, themes, or even the writing style itself. A book review also usually concludes with the reviewer’s personal thoughts, experience, rating, and recommendation (or non-recommendation) of the book. 

Get a better grasp on the nuances that set book reports apart from book reviews with this helpful article.

How to write a book review

Section 1: introduction.

To begin your book review, it’s a good idea to start with a compelling hook that captures your audience’s attention and encourages them to continue reading. Don’t give anything major away in these first few sentences—just focus on setting the tone, creating some intrigue, or presenting an interesting question. 

Example: With more than 300 million records sold worldwide and a career in music spanning over six decades, Elton John is easily one of the most prolific artists of all time. The singer’s official autobiography, aptly titled Me , gives readers an up-close-and-personal look at the man behind the music.

Section 2: Summary

Next, briefly recap the book you read with a high-level synopsis. Not only does this help clue your audience in on what the book is even about, but it also sets up your thoughts and opinions regarding the book with some important context.

For fiction book summaries, focus on plot points, primary and secondary characters, and overall themes—just be sure to leave out any big reveals and avoid discussing spoilers that could ruin someone’s reading experience. If you’re reviewing a nonfiction book, you can discuss the author’s main ideas, arguments, or thesis statements by section. Don’t forget to mention any essential information about the book in this section, which can include basics like the title, author, publication year, and whether or not it’s part of a series, for example. 

Example: Published in 2019 by Henry Holt & Co., Elton John’s personal memoir aims to capture as much of the British singer, pianist, and composer’s fascinating life as possible. The book begins by recounting John’s early childhood experiences growing up in the suburbs of London then moves into his rise to fame and continued success as a musician and producer today. 

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Section 3: Critical analysis

Once you’ve recapped the book and provided your audience with all of the need-to-know details, it’s time to dive a little deeper. The critical analysis section of your book review is where you can start to sprinkle in your own thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the text.

If you’re writing a book review in an academic setting or as an assignment for school, you may be required to write about specific literary elements within the text. (Be sure to refer back to your assignment’s instructions for more information!) But if you’ve got free range to write about anything and aren’t sure where to start, here are a few prompts to get your creative juices flowing: 

• Characterization: Who are the primary characters, and how do they affect the story? Are they particularly likable or relatable? What do you think their individual arcs represent? 
• Structure/form: How does structure play a role in storytelling? Does the author write in long, stream-of-consciousness paragraphs or short, quippy vignettes? Do you think the book would have benefited from a different structure? 
• Writing style: How would you describe this author’s writing style? Is it accessible and conversational or rigid and academic? Does this writing style lend itself well to this specific story or genre? 
• Themes & ideas: Can you easily identify the story’s main ideas or motifs? What do you think they represent? Are they effective? Why or why not?

Example: I found Elton John’s honesty, vulnerability, and conversational writing style incredibly refreshing as I read this book. It felt less like reading a nonfiction book and more like catching up with a friend. The singer doesn’t pull any punches as he shares everything from delightful anecdotes of his experience as a father to the heart-wrenching details of his struggle with drug addiction. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to live such a public life; I commend and admire John’s continued openness.

Section 4: Conclusion, personal recommendation, and rating (if applicable)

Finally, wrap up your book review by stating whether or not you personally recommend the book to your intended audience. Don’t throw your audience for a loop by bringing up anything new in this section. Your conclusion should be a natural progression from the previous sections—it’s the cherry on top, if you will.

Note: if you’re writing a book review for a school assignment, you may be able to skip this section based on your assignment’s directions. On the other hand, if you’re writing your review for your personal blog or on a popular bookish site like Goodreads or StoryGraph, it may be helpful to include a star rating, too.

Example: I highly recommend this book to longtime fans of Elton John and casual listeners alike. I grew up listening to Elton John’s greatest hits on the radio, and it was so interesting to learn more about his upbringing, creative inspiration, and life experiences in this book. 

Like book reviews and reports, the five-paragraph essay is a classic part of any student’s academic arsenal. Learn how to master it here!

Helpful tips for writing a book review

Read (and re-read) your assignment’s directions. Following your teacher or professor’s instructions is key to nailing a book review assignment in an academic setting. You may be required to follow a certain structure, hit a specified word count, or discuss certain literary devices in your review.

Take notes while you read. Especially when it comes to writing the summary portion of the book review, it can be helpful to actively take notes while you’re reading. Note-taking can help you focus on the main ideas and trace narrative through-lines while they’re fresh in your mind, rather than trying to remember every last detail after you’ve already finished the book. Plus, your notes will serve as a helpful cheat sheet to look back on in case you do end up forgetting something.

Remember to proofread! As with any piece of writing, it’s important to check your work for grammar errors, misspellings, and typos. You don’t want to lose credibility (or points on your grade) for silly mistakes. 

Don’t be too harsh. Even if you truly despised the book you read, it’s a good idea to write as if the author of the book might read your review one day. Jumping at the chance to tear down someone’s writing is unnecessary; keep your criticism constructive and remember that authors have feelings, too!

Roused by reading and want to write a book of your own? Check out some tips to get started.

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How To Write A Book Review: 6 Steps To Take

Whether you’re a student, a novice blogger, or just on Goodreads, these are 6 steps for how to write a book review for school and beyond.

Adiba Jaigirdar

Adiba Jaigirdar is an Irish-Bangladeshi writer, poet, and teacher. She resides in Dublin, Ireland and has an MA in postcolonial studies. She is currently working on her own postcolonial novel and hopes that someday it will see the light of day outside of her computer screen. Twitter:  @adiba_j

View All posts by Adiba Jaigirdar

Whether you’re a student, a novice blogger, or just someone looking to become a more active user of Goodreads, writing a book review is an important skill to have! Here are six steps for how to write a book review for school and beyond. 

1. Begin with a brief summary of the book

This is probably the best way to introduce any review because it gives context. But make sure to not go into too much detail. Keep it short and sweet since an official summary can be found through a quick google search!

2. Pick out the most important aspects of the book

I usually break this down with character, world-building, themes, and plot. But this might vary between books, genres, and your tastes!

Dedicate a paragraph to each of these important aspects, discussing how well the author dealt with it, along with what you enjoyed and what you didn’t enjoy.

3. Include brief quotes as examples

Including quotes is always a great idea, because it gives examples for everything that you’re saying! If your review talks about a character being particularly witty, a witty line from the character lets your readers see exactly what kind of witty character you’re dealing with here.

But be careful: lengthy quotes can take up big chunks of space and overpower your review. Short quotes will usually get your points across while letting your work shine through.

4. Write a conclusion that summarises everything

Like your introduction, keep your conclusion short and sweet! It should bring up the main points of your review, along with your overall opinion of the book.

5. Find similar books

A great way to wrap up a review is to find similar books to the one you’re reviewing. So you can say, “if you were a fan of X book, I think you’ll definitely like this one!”

You can also be more specific, looking at the exact things that might make two books similar. So you can suggest something like…“if you liked that the main character in X book was a kick-ass superhero, then you’ll love the main character of this book!”

6. Give it a star rating

A star rating is obviously encouraged in a lot of review sites, but they’re not necessary! If you do want to give a star rating, you can go the conventional “out of five/ten” route. You could also try something slightly less conventional, and break down your star-rating into different categories for character/plot/world-building, etc.

Now go forth and review! And share any tips you have for how to write a book review in the comments.

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Top 10 Book Reviews with Examples for College Students [A Much Needed Read]

Table of content

Part 1. What is A Book Review?

Part 2. what should a book review include, part 3. 10 book review examples for students, part 4. how to write a perfect book review as a college student.

Are you a college student wanting to learn how to write an effective and engaging book review? Learning the different elements of writing successful reviews can help you hone your critical analysis and communication skills while also giving your opinions on books that may be interesting to fellow students.

We’ve compiled the best book review examples for college students so that you can get an idea of what makes for compelling, impactful book reviews and how to write a book review as a college student. Also, we will introduce one awesome tool, UPDF , to help you write the book review you need. You can download UPDF by clicking the below button then, check with us about how it can help you write your book review.

Without wasting time, let's go to check.

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A book review is an objective and comprehensive evaluation of a particular book. It assesses the book's content, style, and relevance to the field it covers. Written by scholars, experts, or avid readers, book reviews provide potential readers with an insight into the quality, content, and significance of a given book. They are usually written in newspapers, magazines, online platforms, and academic journals.

Book reviews can be used as a valuable resource for readers who want to make an informed decision when choosing what to read. For college students especially, reading reviews can help them gain insight into books that may be interesting and helpful for their studies.

Here's an in-depth overview of the elements of a book review:

1. Basic Information

In a book review, the basic information section provides readers with information on the:

• Author's name
• Date of publication
• Other relevant details

In today's age where customer ratings and reviews play an important role in helping potential readers decide if a book may be worth their time and money, customer ratings from popular websites such as Amazon  or Goodreads  are also included in this section.

Providing readers a place to buy the book at the end of the review ensures they can easily locate it and make the purchase if they wish to do so.

As such, this section provides a helpful overview of what the book entails without risking spoilers or giving away plot points that may take away from the reading experience.

A thorough book review should provide an analysis of how a story is developed by the author. It should pay special attention to examining how the plot progresses from beginning to end, what characters are introduced and how they help move the story forward, and any underlying themes or messages that contribute meaningfully to the narrative.

A successful book review will look at each of these elements in depth, explaining the important events, relationships between characters and themes, and why they all matter.

By providing readers with an understanding and appreciation of this complex structure created by the author, a book review can bring added insight into why certain books work so well for certain readers.

Quotes from the book can be a great way to support your review and provide a vivid illustration of why certain portions of the book are so insightful or humorous. This also helps readers have an understanding of what to expect when reading the book, aiding them in deciding if this is something they would like to spend their time with.

Quotes should be chosen well and given in a way that they maintain the integrity of the book’s content while still providing an accurate representation of what to expect when reading it.

4. Your Thoughts After Reading

This is the most important and personal part of any book review. Here, you will be able to share your own opinion on the book and give it a rating. This section should not just focus on your feelings about the book, but also provide an in-depth analysis of how it made you feel, what stayed with you after reading it, and why. This is your opportunity to explain why you would or wouldn’t recommend this book to others, so use it well.

You may also provide some helpful advice on who would best enjoy this book, such as what age group it's most suitable for or if there are particular topics that it may be helpful to those who are more deeply interested in.

5. Your Rate

At the end of a book review, you should provide your own rating of the book (on a scale from 1 to 5 stars or whatever other rating systems you prefer).

Your rating should reflect your honest opinion and provide readers with an understanding of how much you enjoyed the book. It is also important to remember that ratings are subjective and should be based on your individual experience with the book.

Your rating should reflect your opinion of the quality of the writing, the characters, and the overall story that you experienced while reading. This rating should be your final opinion on the book and will help potential readers in deciding if it is something they would like to commit their time and money to.

6. Conclusion

A great book review should end with a concise summary of the work as a whole. Here you should include your overall opinion on the book and what elements you found most enjoyable. This can help readers gain a better understanding of why the book was so successful, and how it may have impacted your life in some way.

This is also a great place to provide readers with information on where they can find the book so that they can look into it further if they choose to do so.

Book review examples are a great way for students to get more out of the books they read. Not only do examples of book reviews provide readers with an in-depth evaluation of the book’s content and quality, but they also offer students an opportunity to practice their critical thinking and writing skills.

To help you get started, we have compiled 10 book review examples for students.

1. The List That Changed My Life By Olivia Beirne Book Review Example

This example of a book review offers an honest and detailed analysis of the book. It highlights both the positive aspects, such as the strong relationship between Georgia and her sister, as well as some of the more contrived elements of the plot.

Providing a thorough assessment, it allows readers to make an informed decision before deciding whether or not to pick up the book. Additionally, the review is written in a professional and accessible tone, making it enjoyable to read.

2. The People We Keep By Allison Larkin Book Review Example

This example of a book review does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive look at the novel, covering elements such as the characters, setting, plot, and themes. It provides a well-rounded overview that will give potential readers an accurate idea of what to expect from the book.

Additionally, it includes personal insights from the reviewer which adds a level of depth and enthusiasm that can help pique the interest of potential readers.

3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Book Review Example

This example of a book review provides an in-depth look at Brave New World and its themes. It clearly explains the book's content and offers a thoughtful analysis of the ideas presented.

The reviewer also provides some insight into their personal experience with the novel which makes it more relatable to other readers. Additionally, the reviewer offers advice on who they think the book is suitable for, making it easier to decide if the book is right for them.

4. Lord Of The Flies by William Golding Book Review Example

This example of a book review offers an honest and detailed evaluation of the book "Lord of the Flies" which makes it helpful for readers who are considering reading this book.

The review offers a thoughtful perspective on how young adult readers may appreciate the story, as well as provides information about where to buy the book.

Additionally, the review covers key plot points such as the Lord of the Flies and how the events escalated, as well as pointing out potential plot holes. This makes it an excellent resource for readers looking to gain a better understanding of this classic novel.

Finally, this review provides insight into how easily human nature can be manipulated which is an important point that is often overlooked.

All in all, this review is an excellent resource for readers interested in the book "Lord of the Flies" and offers an informed opinion on what to expect.

5. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Book Review Example

This example of a book review offers a comprehensive overview of Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. It provides an analysis of the book's characters and themes, giving readers a clear understanding of why it is considered one of the greatest novels ever written.

Additionally, it touches on various topics such as racism and sexism that are still relevant today.

This review is a great resource for readers who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its themes. It is also useful for readers who want to get a better idea of how Lee's writing style has stood the test of time.

Finally, it provides an insightful look into why To Kill A Mockingbird continues to be read and enjoyed worldwide. Therefore, it is a great review to check if you are considering picking up this classic book.

6. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald Book Review Example

This review example is a great resource for students to use as an introduction to book reviews. It provides them with a comprehensive overview of the content and structure of a typical book review, while also highlighting some of the unique features that make This Side of Paradise so special.

In addition, reading it gives readers an insight into the historical context in which Fitzgerald wrote, making it an invaluable tool for literary analysis and appreciation.

Finally, the review also contains insightful comments about Fitzgerald's writing style, which may provide valuable tips for aspiring authors.

7. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Book Review Example

This example of a book review provides a comprehensive overview of Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment', highlighting the pros and cons of the work. It also offers insight into the characters and their relationships, as well as an in-depth look at Dostoevsky's purpose for writing the novel - to defeat nihilism.

Students should read this review example to gain a better understanding of Dostoevsky's masterpiece and the impact it had on 19th-century literature.

Students can also learn valuable lessons from the novel, such as how to think critically about radical ideas and how not to fall into nihilism. Additionally, by studying this review example students can develop their own critical analysis skills. They can learn how to identify a work's strengths and weaknesses, as well as its overarching themes and purpose. This review example provides students with the perfect starting point for further research into 'Crime and Punishment' and Dostoevsky's other works.

8. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Book Review Example

This example of a book review shows how to analyze a text analytically and draw conclusions about the book's themes, characters, and motifs. It provides an in-depth look at how different elements of the book combine together to create a powerful story.

Additionally, this review provides insight into why certain aspects of the novel might be interpreted differently by different readers. By reading this review, students can gain a better understanding of the novel, its themes, and how they may relate to their own lives. This will help them form their own opinions on the book and connect with it more deeply.

9. Animal Farm by George Orwell Book Review Example

This review example of Animal Farm by George Orwell provides an in-depth analysis of the book that goes beyond a basic plot summary. It uses historical events to illustrate many of the themes present in the novel, and it also explores how religion can be used to control people's thoughts and actions.

By reading this example of a book review, students can get a better understanding of the book, its characters, and its broader messages. Furthermore, it provides a useful template for writing their own reviews of the book in preparation for exams or other assignments.

Overall, this review serves as an informative introduction to Animal Farm and is sure to help students better understand the themes present in the novel.

10. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Book Review Example

This example of a book review offers a great insight into the power of habits and how they can be changed. It includes an explanation of the principles behind habit formation and highlights some tips for creating new habits to replace old ones. The review also provides an engaging story that showcases how these principles worked in one person's life, which is helpful for readers who are looking for personal insight and motivation.

Additionally, this review includes an infographic that summarizes the key points from the book, making it easy for students to understand and remember the material. This example is a great reference point for anyone looking to apply the principles of habit formation in their own lives.

Writing an effective and meaningful book review can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and some helpful tips, anyone can craft a great book review.

We will walk you through how to write a book review example, from taking notes while reading to writing your first draft and beyond.

So if you want to know what it takes for success in this endeavor, read on!

Step 1. Taking Notes When Reading

The first step in writing a book review is to take notes while you read the book. This will help you remember key points and details that you can reference when writing your review.

If you are reading a PDF format book, we recommend using the UPDF app to take notes. If you do not know which sites can download e-books in PDF formats, you can check these 10 e-book download websites .

UPDF gives users the ability to highlight text, add comments and annotations, and stickers to their PDF book – all within a single interface. You can download UPDF here and follow the below guide to take notes.

Here's how to use UPDF for note-taking:

1. Select the book you want to read and open it in the UPDF reader and editor.

2. Head to the left toolbar and click on the comment or pencil icon.

3. Now you can add comments in three ways:

• Text Comment (Typewriter)  – add comments in the form of text.
• Text Box – insert a box to write down your thoughts.
• Sticky Note – add a sticky note to mark important points.

4. Once you have added your comments, click save and you’re done!

By taking notes with UPDF, you can easily refer back to your notes when it's time to write your review. Moreover, you can explore the comments directly.

What I like most about UPDF is that it has AI features that can help me summarize the whole book in seconds, explain the difficult terms for me, and translate the language into the one you can understand.

Why not download UPDF via the below button to make your book review writing much easier?

And UPDF does not only have the features mentioned above. You can know all its features by reading this UPDF review article from Techadvisor or watching the below video tutorial.

Also Read: 5 Best Note-taking Apps for Students

Step 2. Outline the Book Review

Before you start writing your review, it is important to create an outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and identify the main points of your review.

A general outline for a book review should include:

Introduction: Provide an overview of the book and explain its main takeaways.

Summary:  Summarize the plot, characters, and themes of the book.

Analysis:  Analyze the author's writing style and technique, as well as the book's overall message.

Opinion: Share your personal opinion on the book and any ideas or insights you've gained by reading it.

Final Thoughts: Wrap up your review with a conclusion.

Step 3. Checking Book Reviews Examples

Before writing your own review, it can be helpful to check examples of book reviews. A good example of a book review provides an insightful analysis of what makes the book worth reading, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

As you go through examples, take note of the structure and tone used in each review. You can also take note of any key points in the book that may have been overlooked or not covered.

Reading reviews can help you get a better understanding of the book and gain valuable insights into its content, in preparation for exams or other assignments.

Step 4. Writing the First Draft

Now that you have taken notes and created an outline, it is time to start writing your first draft. As you write, remember to keep the tone of your review professional and unbiased.

Make sure to include in-text citations and a list of any sources you use when relevant, as this will add credibility to your review. Additionally, use language that is easy to understand, and don’t be afraid to inject some of your own thoughts and opinions.

Once you have written the first draft, take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes before revising and editing.

Step 5. Reread The Book Review and Update

Once you have written the first draft of your book review, it is important to reread it and make any necessary updates. Pay close attention to any grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. Additionally, ensure that all the points you mentioned in your review are accurate and true to the book's content.

Finally, make sure you have written in an organized and coherent manner that is easy for the reader to follow.

Writing a book review for college students can seem challenging but with the right preparation and some helpful tips, anyone can craft a great book review. By taking notes when reading, creating an outline before you start writing, checking book review examples, and revising your work after writing the first draft - you can create a thoughtful and insightful review. And we are sure these 10 book review examples for college students will be very helpful to you.

So, the next time you are assigned to write a book review, keep these tips in mind and you will be sure to impress your teacher or professor.

If you're up for a challenge, try using UPDF to take notes and track your progress as you read – it might just give you the extra edge in writing a great book review. Download UPDF via the below button and make your book review easier with it.

Staff Editor

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Writing a Book Review

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

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

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

Before You Read

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

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

As You Read

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

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

When You Are Ready to Write

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

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

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

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

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

Five-Star Book Reviews

Students create a book review on a card or 3d cube to help others choose books they will enjoy.

Apps: Wixie ® or Pixie ®

While some emerging readers love any book, others struggle to find books they enjoy reading. In this project, students think about books they have enjoyed reading and why they liked them. They then create a review of one of the books on a card or 3D cube to help others better select a book they will enjoy reading.

Common Core State Standards for primary grades use book reviews as a performance task for primary grade opinion writing. In Kindergarten, emerging writers simply write a sentence to name a favorite book, but first- and second-grade students also supply reasons to support their opinion.

Many emerging readers struggle to find books they like when faced with a library filled with options. Book reviews are a product you can ask young learners to create that not only meets academic goals but has value to their peers as well.

Begin this project by asking your students to name their favorite book that you have read to them this year. As they share their favorites, ask each student to try to articulate specific reasons that made the story great. You can also open this question up to other students who agree that a particular book was enjoyable.

Now, ask students if they have ever had trouble finding a book they like. Then, ask students if they have ever had a friend tell them “You are going to love this book!” but when they read it themselves, they didn’t really enjoy it.

Be sure to acknowledge that not every student likes the same book. Reading is personal and will depend on your interests more than your reading ability. You will also want to try to help students understand that sharing an opinion that is not supported with specific reasons does not provide a reader with a lot of information to make their own decision.

Make your students aware that even adults have problems finding books they enjoy reading. This is why many of them use book reviews as a tool to help them better choose the next book they will read.

Show students an example of a book review, such as ones you find online or print examples from your local paper. These reviews are written for adults, so share an example or two of book reviews written by students as well.

Let students know that they will be writing a review of a book they have enjoyed to help other students learn more about the story and decide if it is a book that they might enjoy reading too.

Have students think of a book they enjoyed reading on their own this year. After students have chosen a title, the next step is to help them move beyond a simple identification of a favorite book, to supplying an opinion about it backed up by reasons and examples in the book.

Provide students with an OREO opinion organizer to help students develop their ideas before they start writing. In this graphic organizer, students state their opinion, such as Mercy Watson to the Rescue is my favorite book. The next part of the organizer asks them to supply a reason for their opinion, followed by an example or two from the book.

Decide as a class if you want to create reviews you share as posters you will hang on the wall, postcards you will print and share or even 3D cubes students can print on card stock, cut, fold, glue and display.

Provide your students with a book review template they can use to share the ideas they have developed in their OREO organizer.

A digital creativity tool, like Wixie , includes several templates for book reviews, including several that work to print as postcards and trading cards, as well as several 3D cube templates specifically designed for book reviews.

To get your students thinking, you may want to work together to create a list of common elements found in all of the reviews, such as the title of the book, the author’s name, a summary, and an opinion. Then, work with students to decide what should be in their review and design your own Wixie template together for students to use.

Celebrating the work of your emerging writers encourages them to continue their efforts. While displaying their writing is great, show students their writing has value by sharing it with other young learners who will use it to choose their next book to read.

Print two copies of each student’s card or 3D Cube. Share one copy in the reading area or book nook in your classroom and the other in the library media center at your school.

Give student work an even larger audience by reaching out to your local library or independent bookstore to see if they would be willing to share them with their visitors to help them find that just right book.

If your learners are up for more involvement and thinking, ask them to help determine the size and shape their reviews should be shared. While there aren’t a lot of options for a 3D cube, if students wrote single-page reviews, they can print at full-page size and display around school. They can also print multiple copies on a single page at postcard, or even trading card, size.

No matter what format they choose for publishing, ask students to also consider how they will organize the reviews for students to use most effectively. In other words, would sorting the reviews by genre, rating, or theme make the right title even easier for students to find? Instead of giving options for sorting, see if students can come up with these on their own.

You can assess student’s prior experience with opinion writing as you work together to evaluate what makes a good book review.

You may want to create a checklist for the things students need to include in their review, to clearly define the content their review should include.

The OREO opinion organizer provides a great formative assessment opportunity you can use before they begin writing to ensure they understand how to support an opinion with reasons and examples, not simply restate it. Their final book review serves as a summative assessment of their opinion writing progress.

If you involved students in thinking about the product format they should use as well as how they should sort, display, and share their work, be sure to record your conversations and observations to make it easier to describe their thinking in your evaluation.

The Horn Book: Reviews of 2017 Caldecott Award Winners

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Read Brightly: 30 Books for Early Readers

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.

ISTE Standards for Students:

6. Creative Communicator Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals. Students:

a. choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.

b. create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.

c. communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.

d. publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.

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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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How to write a book review in 3 steps.

If the idea of reading for free — or even getting paid to read — sounds like a dream come true, remember that it isn’t a pipe dream. There are many places aspiring book reviewers can read books for free, such as Reedsy Discovery — a new platform for reviewing indie books. Of course, if you’re giving serious thought to becoming a book reviewer, your first step should be learning how to write a book review. To that end, this post covers all the basics of literary criticism. Let’s get started!

The three main steps of writing a book review are simple:

• Provide a summary: What is story about? Who are the main characters and what is the main conflict? 
• Present your evaluation: What did you think of the book? What elements worked well, and which ones didn’t? 
• Give your recommendation: Would you recommend this book to others? If so, what kinds of readers will enjoy it?

You can also download our free book review templates and use it as a guide! Otherwise, let’s take a closer look at each element.

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

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How to write a review of a book

Step 1. provide a summary.

Have you ever watched a movie only to realize that all the good bits were already in the trailer? Well, you don’t want the review to do that. What you do want the summary to do is reveal the genre, theme, main conflict, and main characters in the story — without giving away spoilers or revealing how the story ends.

A good rule of thumb is not to mention anything that happens beyond the midpoint. Set the stage and give readers a sense of the book without explaining how the central issue is resolved.

Emily W. Thompson's review of The Crossing :

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

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

Here are a few more reviews with well-written summaries for you to check out. The summary tend to be the longest part of the book review, so we won’t turn this post into a novel itself by pasting them all here: Le Cirque Navire reviewed by Anna Brill, The Heart of Stone reviewed by Kevin R. Dickinson, Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment reviewed by Lianna Albrizio.

Non-fiction summary tip: The primary goal of a non-fiction summary is to provide context: what problems or issues has the book spotted, and how does it go about addressing them? Be sure to mention the authors of the title and what experience or expertise they bring to the title. Check Stefan Kløvning’s review of Creativity Cycling for an example of a summary that establishes the framework of the book within the context of its field.

Step 2. Present your evaluation

While you should absolutely weave your own personal take of a book into the review, your evaluation shouldn’t only be based on your subjective opinion. Along with presenting how you reacted to the story and how it affected you, you should also try to objectively critique the stronger and weaker elements of the story, and provide examples from the text to back up your points.

To help you write your evaluation, you should record your reactions and thoughts as you work your way through a novel you’re planning on reviewing. Here are some aspects of the book to keep in mind as you do.

Your evaluation might focus heartily on the book’s prose:

Donald Barker's review of Mercenary : 

Such are the bones of the story. But, of course, it is the manner in which Mr Gaughran puts the bones back together and fills them with life that makes “Mercenary” such a great read. The author’s style seems plain; it seems straightforward and even simple. But an attempt at imitation or emulation quickly proves that simple it is not. He employs short, punchy sentences that generate excellent dialogue dripping with irony, deadpan humour and wit. This, mixed with good descriptive prose, draws the characters – and what characters they are – along with the tumultuous events in which they participated amidst the stinking, steaming heat of the South American jungle, out from the past to the present; alive, scheming, drinking, womanising and fighting, onto the written page.

You can give readers a sense of the book by drawing comparisons to other well-known titles or authors:

Laura Hartman's review of The Mystery of Ruby's Mistletoe :

Reading Ms. Donovan’s book is reminiscent to one of my favorite authors, Dame Agatha Christie. Setting up the suspects in a snowbound house, asking them to meet in the drawing room and the cleverly satisfying conclusion was extremely gratifying. I can picture Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot nodding at Ms. Donovan saying “Well done!”

Not everyone’s tastes are the same, and you can always acknowledge this by calling out specific story elements in your evaluation: 

Kevin R. Dickinson's review of The Heart of Stone :

Whether you enjoy Galley’s worldbuilding will depend heavily on preference. Galley delivers information piecemeal, letting the characters, not the author, navigate the reader through Hartlund. A notable example is the magic system, an enigmatic force that lacks the ridge structures of, say, a Brandon Sanderson novel. While the world’s magical workings are explained, you only learn what the characters know and many mysteries remain by the end. Similar choices throughout make the world feel expansive and authentic.

Non-fiction evaluation tip: A book’s topic is only as compelling as its supporting arguments. Your evaluation of a nonfiction book should address that: how clearly and effectively are the points communicated? Turn back to Stefan’s critique for an example of a non-fiction critique that covers key takeaways and readability, without giving away any “big reveals.”

Step 3. Give your recommendation 

At the end of the day, your critique needs to answer this question: is this a book you would (or wouldn’t) recommend to other readers? You might wrap up by comparing it to other books in the same genre, or authors with similar styles, such as: “Fans of so-and-so will enjoy this book.” 

Let’s take a look at a few more tips:

You don’t need to write, “I recommend this book” — you can make it clear by highlighting your favorable opinion:

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

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

Add more punch to your rating by mentioning what kind of audience will or won’t enjoy the book:

Charleigh Aleyna Reid's review of The King of FU :

I would recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the 90’s and would like to reminisce about the time, someone who is interested to see what it was like to be a 90’s kid, or perhaps anyone who is looking for a unique, funny story about someone’s life.

Unless you found the title absolutely abhorrent, a good way to balance out a less favorable book review it to share what you did like about the book — before ultimately stating why you wouldn’t recommend the novel:

Nicola O's review of Secrets of the Sea Lord :

Overall, there are plenty of enjoyable elements in this story and fans of Atlantis and mer mythology should give it a try. Despite this, it does not rise above a three-star rating, and while I had some difficulty pinning down why this is, I concluded that it comes from a surprisingly unsophisticated vocabulary. There are a couple of graphic sex scenes, which is absolutely fine in a paranormal romance, but if they were removed, I could easily imagine this as an appealing story for middle-schoolers.

Non-fiction recommendation tip: As with fiction book reviews, share why you did or didn’t enjoy the title. However, in one of the starkest divergences from fiction book reviews it’s more important than ever that you mention your expectations coming into the non-fiction book. For instance, if you’re a cow farmer who’s reading a book on the benefits of becoming a vegetarian, you’re coming in with a large and inherent bias that the book will struggle to alter. So your recommendation should cover your thoughts about the book, while clearly taking account your perspective before you started reading. Let’s look once more at Stefan’s review for an example of a rating that includes an explanation of the reviewer’s own bias.

Bonus tips for writing a book review

Let’s wrap up with a few final tips for writing a compelling review.

• Remember, this isn’t a book report. If someone wants the summary of a book, they can read the synopsis. People turn to book reviews for a fellow reader’s take on the book. And for that reason...
• Have an opinion. Even if your opinion is totally middle-of-the-line — you didn’t hate the book but you didn’t love it either — state that clearly, and explain why.
• Make your stance clear from the outset. Don’t save your opinion just for the evaluation/recommendation. Weave your thoughts about the book into your summary as well, so that readers have an idea of your opinion from the outset.
• Back up your points. Instead of just saying, “the prose was evocative” — show readers by providing an actual passage that displays this. Same goes for negative points — don’t simply tell readers you found a character unbelievable, reference a certain (non-spoiler) scene that backs this up.
• Provide the details. Don’t forget to weave the book’s information into the review: is this a debut author? Is this one installment of a series? What types of books has the author written before? What is their background? How many pages does the book have? Who published the book? What is the book’s price?
• Follow guidelines. Is the review you’re writing for Goodreads? For The New York Times ? The content and tone of your review will vary a good deal from publication to publication.
• Learn from others. One of the best ways to learn how to write a great review is to read other reviews! To help you out with that, we’ve published a post all about book review examples .

Writing book reviews can be a rewarding experience! As a book-lover yourself, it’s a great opportunity to help guide readers to their next favorite title. If you’re just getting started as a reviewer and could use a couple more tips and nudges in the right direction, check out our comprehensive blog post on how to become a book reviewer . And if you want to find out which review community is the right fit for you, we recommend taking this quick quiz:

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Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Finally, if you feel you've nailed the basics of how to write a book review, we recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can review books for free and are guaranteed people will read them. To register as a book reviewer, simply go here !

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Book Review

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Book reviews are an essential part of literature review and criticism, providing readers with an overview of a book’s content, style, text structure , and quality. They offer readers an insight into the author’s writing and provide an assessment of the book’s strengths and weaknesses . Book reviews are written by professional book reviewers, literary critics, and even readers who have read the book and want to share their opinion with others. Other readers, or the author, would also reply to the critic with an argument essay .

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, where the reviewer shares their analysis, opinions, and overall assessment of the book’s content, style, and merit. It includes a summary of the book’s key points, an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses, and a recommendation for potential readers. Book reviews help readers decide whether a book is worth reading.

Book Review Format

When writing a book review, it’s essential to follow a structured format that includes specific elements. Below is a detailed guide to help you create an engaging and comprehensive book review.

1. Introduction

• Book Title and Author : Clearly state the title of the book and the author’s name.
• Publication Details : Include the publisher, publication date, and edition if relevant.
• Genre : Mention the genre of the book (e.g., fiction, non-fiction, mystery, fantasy).
• Brief Overview : Provide a brief overview or summary of the book’s premise without giving away any spoilers.

Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. in 1960, is a classic piece of American literature. This novel falls within the historical fiction genre and explores deep themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of young Scout Finch.

• Main Plot : Summarize the main plot points of the book in a concise manner.
• Setting : Describe the time and place where the story occurs.
• Main Characters : Introduce the main characters and their roles in the story.

Example: Set in the racially segregated South during the 1930s, the novel follows Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, a principled lawyer. When Atticus defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, the family faces hostility from the community. The story is a poignant exploration of racial tensions and moral integrity.

3. Analysis

• Themes : Discuss the main themes and messages of the book.
• Character Development : Analyze the growth and complexity of the main characters.
• Writing Style : Comment on the author’s writing style and how it contributes to the story.
• Pacing and Structure : Evaluate the pacing of the plot and the structure of the book.

Example: Harper Lee masterfully addresses themes of racism, moral courage, and the innocence of childhood. Through Scout’s eyes, we witness her coming-of-age and grappling with the harsh realities of her society. Lee’s descriptive prose and authentic dialogue create an immersive and emotionally charged narrative.

4. Personal Reflection

• Personal Connection : Share your personal connection to the book and how it impacted you.
• Strengths and Weaknesses : Highlight the strengths and any weaknesses you perceived in the book.
• Favorite Part : Mention any part or aspect of the book that stood out to you.

Example: Reading To Kill a Mockingbird was a profound experience. The book’s exploration of morality in the face of prejudice resonated deeply with me. While the pacing in some parts felt slow, the rich character development and powerful themes more than compensated for it. Atticus Finch’s unwavering integrity remains my favorite aspect of the book.

5. Conclusion

• Overall Impression : Provide your overall impression of the book.
• Recommendation : State whether you would recommend the book and to whom.
• Rating : Optionally, include a rating out of 5 or 10.

Example: Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a beautifully crafted novel that offers valuable insights into human nature and social justice. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, particularly those interested in historical fiction and ethical dilemmas. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

6. Additional Information (Optional)

• Author’s Background : Briefly discuss the author’s background and other notable works.
• Comparison : Compare the book to other similar works or the author’s other books.
• Discussion Questions : Provide a few questions for further discussion or book clubs.

Example: Harper Lee, born in 1926 in Alabama, is best known for To Kill a Mockingbird , her only novel until the release of Go Set a Watchman in 2015. Her portrayal of Southern life and deep moral questions sets her apart from other authors in the genre.

Example of Book Review

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee Introduction To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. in 1960, is a classic piece of American literature. This novel falls within the historical fiction genre and explores deep themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of young Scout Finch. Summary Set in the racially segregated South during the 1930s, the novel follows Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, a principled lawyer. When Atticus defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, the family faces hostility from the community. The story is a poignant exploration of racial tensions and moral integrity. Analysis Harper Lee masterfully addresses themes of racism, moral courage, and the innocence of childhood. Through Scout’s eyes, we witness her coming-of-age and grappling with the harsh realities of her society. Lee’s descriptive prose and authentic dialogue create an immersive and emotionally charged narrative. The character of Atticus Finch stands out as a paragon of virtue and empathy, serving as a moral guidepost for both Scout and the readers. The pacing of the book, though steady, allows for deep character development and a thorough exploration of its themes. Personal Reflection Reading To Kill a Mockingbird was a profound experience. The book’s exploration of morality in the face of prejudice resonated deeply with me. While the pacing in some parts felt slow, the rich character development and powerful themes more than compensated for it. Atticus Finch’s unwavering integrity remains my favorite aspect of the book. The trial scenes were particularly impactful, highlighting the deep-seated injustices of the time. Conclusion Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a beautifully crafted novel that offers valuable insights into human nature and social justice. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, particularly those interested in historical fiction and ethical dilemmas. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Additional Information Harper Lee, born in 1926 in Alabama, is best known for To Kill a Mockingbird , her only novel until the release of Go Set a Watchman in 2015. Her portrayal of Southern life and deep moral questions sets her apart from other authors in the genre. This book is often compared to other great American novels such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, both dealing with themes of race and morality.

Example of Book Review for Students

“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White Introduction Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, published by Harper & Brothers in 1952, is a classic children’s novel that tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. This book is a staple in children’s literature and has been cherished by generations of readers. Summary Wilbur, the runt of the litter, is saved from an untimely death by a girl named Fern. He is sent to live on her uncle’s farm, where he meets Charlotte, a wise and kind spider. When Wilbur’s life is again threatened, Charlotte writes messages in her web praising Wilbur, which amaze the humans and save his life. The story ends with the changing of seasons and Charlotte’s passing, leaving behind her legacy through her offspring. Analysis E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a heartwarming tale about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life. The author’s gentle prose and vivid descriptions bring the farm to life, making readers feel as if they are part of Wilbur and Charlotte’s world. Themes of sacrifice and the power of words are central to the story, teaching young readers about the impact of kindness and creativity. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities that add depth to the story. Personal Reflection Charlotte’s Web is a touching story that has stayed with me since childhood. The bond between Wilbur and Charlotte is beautifully depicted, and the lessons of friendship and selflessness are profound. The book’s ending, while bittersweet, is a poignant reminder of life’s natural progression. Charlotte’s cleverness and dedication to saving Wilbur are inspirational, showing the true meaning of friendship and love. Conclusion Charlotte’s Web is a timeless story that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. It’s a must-read for elementary and middle school students, offering valuable lessons in compassion and the importance of friendship. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars for its enduring charm and profound messages.

Example of Book Review for College Students

“1984” by George Orwell Introduction 1984 by George Orwell, published by Secker & Warburg in 1949, is a seminal work of dystopian fiction. The novel explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth in a society dominated by a tyrannical regime. Orwell’s chilling depiction of a future where individuality and freedom are systematically obliterated remains profoundly relevant today. Summary Set in a grim future where the Party, led by the enigmatic Big Brother, exerts absolute control over all aspects of life, 1984 follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to alter historical records to fit the Party’s ever-changing narratives. Disillusioned with the oppressive regime, Winston begins a covert rebellion by starting an illicit love affair with Julia and seeking the truth about the Party’s deceptions. As Winston delves deeper into his quest for truth, he encounters the brutal reality of the Party’s power and the futility of resistance. Analysis Orwell’s 1984 is a masterclass in dystopian literature, vividly illustrating the dangers of totalitarianism and the pervasive power of propaganda. The novel’s bleak setting and oppressive atmosphere effectively convey the sense of hopelessness that pervades Winston’s world. Themes of surveillance, control, and the malleability of truth resonate strongly, especially in the context of contemporary debates about privacy and government overreach. Orwell’s writing is both stark and evocative, immersing readers in the nightmarish reality of Oceania. The character of Winston Smith serves as a poignant representation of human vulnerability and the yearning for freedom. His tragic arc underscores the novel’s central message about the destructive potential of absolute power. Personal Reflection Reading 1984 as a college student, I found Orwell’s exploration of power dynamics and ideological control to be profoundly thought-provoking. The novel’s portrayal of a society stripped of individuality and truth resonated deeply, prompting reflection on the importance of critical thinking and resistance to authoritarianism. Winston’s futile struggle against the Party’s omnipotence was both heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the fragility of human rights. Conclusion 1984 is an essential read for college students, offering critical insights into the mechanisms of control and the importance of safeguarding democratic values. Orwell’s chilling vision of a dystopian future serves as a powerful warning against the perils of totalitarianism and the erosion of truth. I highly recommend this novel for its timeless relevance and profound impact. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

More Samples & Examples of Book Review in PDF

1. writing a book review.

2. Write a Critical Book Review

3. Book Review Assignment Example

4. Steps for Writing a Good Book Review

5. Writing a Book Review of a Nonfiction Book

6. Writing Book Reviews in Political Science

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Book Reviews

Writing a book review requires a careful balance of summarizing the content, providing analysis, and offering a critical assessment. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your book review is effective and insightful:

1. Spoilers

• Mistake : Revealing too much of the plot, including twists, climaxes, and the ending.
• Avoidance : Provide a brief summary without giving away key plot points. Maintain the element of surprise for readers who have not yet read the book.

2. Lack of Structure

• Mistake : Writing a review without a clear structure, making it hard for readers to follow your thoughts.
• Avoidance : Organize your review with clear sections: Introduction, Summary, Analysis, Critical Assessment, Conclusion, and (if applicable) Personal Reflection.

3. Overly Negative or Positive Bias

• Mistake : Being overly harsh or excessively praising without providing balanced criticism.
• Avoidance : Offer a fair assessment, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the book. Ensure your review is balanced and objective.

4. Inadequate Analysis

• Mistake : Focusing too much on the plot summary and not enough on analysis and evaluation.
• Avoidance : Analyze the book’s themes, characters, writing style, and overall impact. Provide thoughtful insights rather than just recounting the story.

5. Personal Bias

• Mistake : Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective evaluation of the book’s merits and flaws.
• Avoidance : While personal reflections are valuable, they should not dominate the review. Keep your assessment fair and objective, considering the book’s intended audience and genre.

6. Ignoring the Author’s Intent

• Mistake : Criticizing the book for not being something it was never intended to be.
• Avoidance : Understand the author’s goals and evaluate the book based on those criteria. Judge the book within the context of its genre and intended audience.

7. Inadequate Support for Opinions

• Mistake : Making bold statements without supporting evidence from the book.
• Avoidance : Back up your opinions with specific examples and quotations from the text. This strengthens your arguments and provides clarity to your critique.

8. Vague Language

• Mistake : Using vague or generic terms that do not provide clear insights.
• Avoidance : Use specific and descriptive language. Instead of saying “the book is interesting,” explain what makes it engaging or compelling.

9. Ignoring the Book’s Audience

• Mistake : Failing to consider the book’s target audience in your review.
• Avoidance : Assess how well the book meets the needs and expectations of its intended readers. A book aimed at children, for example, should be evaluated differently than one aimed at adults.

10. Overlooking the Book’s Context

• Mistake : Not considering the historical, cultural, or literary context of the book.
• Avoidance : Place the book within its broader context. Discuss its relevance, influences, and how it fits within the author’s body of work or its genre.

11. Inconsistent Tone and Style

• Mistake : Switching between formal and informal tones or using inconsistent writing styles.
• Avoidance : Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout the review. Ensure your language matches the seriousness or lightheartedness of the book.

12. Poor Proofreading

• Mistake : Submitting a review with grammatical errors, typos, and poorly constructed sentences.
• Avoidance : Proofread your review carefully before publishing. Consider having someone else read it to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

How to write a Book Review

Here are some steps to follow when writing a book review:

Step 1: Read the book

The first step in writing a book review is to read the book thoroughly. Take notes while reading to help you remember important plot points, themes, and characters.

Step 2: Start with a summary

Begin your review with a brief summary of the book’s plot, characters, and setting. This will give readers an idea of what the book is about.

Step 3: Analyze the book

After providing a summary, analyze the book by discussing its strengths and weaknesses. Consider elements such as the author’s writing style, character development, plot structure, and themes.

Step 4: Provide evidence

When making statements about the book, provide evidence to support your opinions. This could include quotes from the book or references to specific scenes or characters.

Step 5: Include your opinion

Share your personal opinion of the book, but be sure to back it up with evidence from the text. Be honest in your review and explain why you feel the way you do about the book.

Step 6: Provide recommendations

Conclude your review with recommendations for readers who may be interested in the book. This could include mentioning similar books or authors, or suggesting who the book may appeal to.

Step 7: Edit and revise

Once you have completed your review, edit and revise it to ensure that it is clear, concise, and free of errors.

How do I start a book review?

Begin with the book’s title, author, and a brief introduction. Include a thesis statement summarizing your overall impression.

What should be included in a book review?

Include a summary, analysis of characters, plot, themes, writing style, strengths, weaknesses, and a final recommendation.

How long should a book review be?

A book review typically ranges from 500 to 1,000 words, depending on the publication or audience requirements.

Can I include quotes from the book?

Yes, using quotes can support your analysis and provide readers with a sense of the book’s style and tone.

How much of the plot should I reveal?

Provide a brief summary without revealing major plot twists or the ending to avoid spoilers for future readers.

Is it okay to be critical in a book review?

Yes, providing balanced criticism is important. Highlight both strengths and weaknesses to give a fair assessment.

Should I compare the book to others?

Comparisons can be useful if they help illustrate the book’s place within its genre or its relation to the author’s other works.

How can I make my review engaging?

Use a clear structure, vivid descriptions, and personal reflections to make your review interesting and relatable.

Can I review a book if I didn’t like it?

Yes, negative reviews are valuable if they are constructive and explain why the book didn’t work for you.

Where can I publish my book review?

Publish on blogs, literary websites, social media, or submit to magazines and journals that accept book reviews.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

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