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Independent Book Review

A Celebration of Indie Press and Self-Published Books

Write For Us

Write for us at independent book review.

We are looking for dedicated individuals to review indie press and self-published books, write original guest posts, and beta read unpublished manuscripts. Continue reading for more information on each position.

Become an IBR Book Reviewer

Guess what? We’re looking for book reviewers!

This is a paid freelance position for reviewers who are willing to read across genres and guarantee a 400-750-word book review within 10 days (expedited) or four weeks (regular).

Your writing sample is the most important piece of this application. We want to see that you care about words and that you care about books and that you have the ability to communicate what you love and don’t quite love about the ones you read here.

You’ll always have the option to agree or disagree to take on books for review, but we are especially interested in candidates who can commit 2 reviews per month. If you have experience reviewing or working in the book world (reviewing, booksellers, librarians, book marketing, etc.), definitely mention that.

(And pssssttt…we’re especially interested in more reviewers in mystery-thriller, religious, sports, and humor.)

Become an IBR Group Beta Reader

A beta reader is a person who reads an unpublished manuscript and tells the author which big-picture aspects of the book worked for them and which didn’t. They don’t sound like editors; they sound like readers.

At Independent Book Review, we want to make the beta-reader search easier on authors. That’s why we started offering a service called group beta reading , which guarantees honest feedback from 3-5 separate readers on the author’s manuscript.

This freelance position would require you to read a fiction or nonfiction manuscript and compose a beta letter of over 650 words within four weeks. You will be paid an agreed-upon fee (depending on manuscript size & turnaround time) upon completion of your beta letter.

If you are a reader, industry professional, or author who gives clear critical feedback on unpublished manuscripts, we’d love for you to apply for this paid freelance position.

In the comment box below, please share a brief biography with your experience and let us know why you would like to be considered for the position. Please include up to five preferred genres that you feel comfortable reading & commenting on (Speculative, literary fiction, romance, thriller, memoir, poetry, etc.) We are particularly interested in beta readers with background as librarians, book reviewers, industry professionals, and underrepresented voices.

Publish a Guest Post

At Independent Book Review, we strive to appeal to two audiences: readers and writers. Upon publication, we will publish a short biography and author photograph to help build your writing portfolio.

Concerning the types of posts we publish, please see “ 10 Awesome Indie Presses You Should Know About ” and “ 3 Tips for Writing Realistic Dialogue—From Jane Austen .”

We would love to consider articles in the following categories:

• Listicles of great indie books by genre/subject
• Writing, publishing, and book marketing tips
• Literary magazine and book publisher features
• Agents and publishers accepting submissions

If you’ve got an idea for a guest post or would like to write them regularly, please email the recommended title to [email protected] . We will be in touch if it’s the right fit for us.

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Coffee Time Reviews

Write For Us

If you’re interested in joining us as a writer and have your book reviews and bookish content published in Coffee Time Reviews , please let us know at [email protected]!

All you have to do is email us a short intro about yourself, a potential pitch idea you think might be right for us, and (optionally) a writing sample/example, preferably books-related. We are keen to encourage young writers willing to get a by-line and some experience, so if you don’t have a writing example to show, don’t worry, we still want to hear from you!

If you’re a writer on Medium and you’re registered for the Partner Program (which allows you to earn money for your stories), please include your Medium profile name or link in the email, so we can add you as a writer on Medium too.

If you become a writer for us on Medium, your posts will automatically be featured on the website as well. But if you’re not on Medium, you can still write for Coffee Time Reviews . Basically, we didn’t want to limit ourselves by just being on Medium, so writers outside the platform can join our publication too.

Please bear in mind we are a new, independent publication, so as of now, we can’t pay our writers. If you write for us on Medium, you will earn some money depending on the traffic you get on your stories, but Coffee Time Reviews itself cannot, unfortunately, pay its writers for the time being. We hope that will change with time! What we offer, though, is a safe, friendly platform for writers to rave about their favourite books, that will earn them some experience and exposure under a young, knowledgeable editor, who’s more than happy to offer guidance and advice on pitching and writing.

We look forward to welcoming you on our platform!

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a remarkable price —

Review: remarkable paper pro writing tablet feels almost like paper, for a price, $579 starting price is up there with android e ink tablets and apple's ipad air..

Andrew Cunningham - Sep 9, 2024 11:00 am UTC

Our main critique of Amazon's Kindle Scribe when it launched in late 2022—and one that still mostly holds up—was that it felt like a big e-reader with writing functionality tacked on rather than a tablet designed specifically for writing and note-taking. Though Amazon's hardware is arguably superior (and definitely more affordable), we definitely wanted software that was closer to what was available on the reMarkable 2 tablet.

The reMarkable 2 mostly doesn't bother with e-reader features, though it does support EPUB and PDF documents; it's focused almost entirely on the creation and organizing of notes in various formats. And now reMarkable (the company) is out with a new reMarkable (the tablet), one that attempts to catch up with and surpass Amazon's hardware while still keeping the focus on writing.

Writing is fun

The new $579 reMarkable Paper Plus is an evolution of the previous design—slightly larger and heavier, but with a much bigger 11.8-inch display (up from 10.3 inches in the reMarkable 2) that also adds a front-light and color e-ink support. Where most color e-readers use E Ink's Kaleido technology , which offers faster page refresh times but relatively dull, washed-out color, the reMarkable Paper Pro uses E Ink Gallery, which has richer color reproduction at the expense of refresh speed.

Other small quality-of-life upgrades improve the writing experience; there's marginally less space between the surface of the "paper" and the tip of the pen, and writing latency has been nearly halved, from 21 ms to 12 ms. The new Marker accessory is also an active pen now instead of an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) pen—like the newer Apple Pencils, it has a small battery that's charged by magnetically attaching the Marker to the side of the tablet.

Further Reading

Unfortunately, you do lose compatibility with the wider universe of EMR accessories, as we discovered when we tried to use the new Marker to sketch something on a Kindle Scribe's screen and when we tried to use the Scribe's EMR pen on the reMarkable Paper Pro.

But what you get in exchange is a digital pen experience that feels more like writing with a pen on paper than anything else I've tried, whether you're talking about older reMarkable tablets, the Scribe, Microsoft's Surface Pro, or Apple's newest iPads. When writing, you get the responsiveness and fluidity of the Apple Pencil Pro, but on a textured E Ink screen with a very paper-like amount of resistance.

Here, there's really no discernible delay between when your pen hits the screen and when "ink" appears, whereas the Scribe and reMarkable 2 do have a small delay. In our usage, we noticed more delays in two scenarios. The first was when writing in color—once you've finished writing something, you can briefly see the text blink a couple of times as whatever you've just drawn is incorporated into the rest of the note you're working on (you see something similar when using the highlighter function on the Scribe, even though that's happening in grayscale). But this is mostly a visual pause, and it doesn't really last long enough to get in the way of using the tablet.

The second and more noticeable place we saw lag was when we were writing on or annotating something with a dark background instead of a white one. For whatever reason, this was the only time we actually noticed a sizable lag between touching the Marker to the screen and seeing lines appear. We didn't run into this a lot, but it's worth keeping in mind.

The more significant functional hangups are all things that should be pretty familiar to users of any E Ink device—pauses while the tablet draws menus, pauses to wait for full-screen refreshes, just generally having to wait a beat between tapping your finger to the screen and anything actually happening. It lacks the fluidity of even an entry-level iPad. But that's always been the trade-off with E Ink screens—you're here for something that looks and feels more like paper, and if it makes the device feel less like a modern computer, that's either something you don't mind or that you actively prefer.

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Want to Write a Review? Here’s Advice From New York Times Critics.

In four short videos, A.O. Scott, Maya Phillips, Jon Pareles and Jennifer Szalai share with students their tips for writing reviews.

By Callie Holtermann and C. Ross Flatt

Note: Our Student Review Contest is open from Nov. 10 to Dec. 15.

You probably have a slew of opinions on the books, movies, video games and music you love and loathe. With some patience and attention, you can turn these opinions into a piece of written criticism: a review.

Advice from experts might help. To support students who are interested in writing their own reviews, whether for our annual review contest or just for fun, we asked Times critics who work in four different genres to share their advice.

In the four short videos below, you’ll learn more about how to explain your opinion, persuade a reader, consider a work’s context and examine the artist’s intent. For each video, we provide reflection questions to help students apply the advice to their own writing.

Explain your opinion.

A.O. Scott , a chief film critic at The Times, told us that a review should share the writer’s opinion and explain why he or she feels that way. An opinion alone is not enough, he said: “The only way you get anyone else interested in it is if you can explain it.”

Some questions to consider after watching the video:

Think of a work of film, music, art or writing that you reacted to strongly. What is your opinion of that work?

Why do you have that opinion? What evidence could you use to support your opinion?

What other information about the work might be useful to someone else who wants to learn more about it? How could you help an interested reader?

Persuade the reader.

Maya Phillips , a critic at large who reviews theater, poetry and other works of art and culture, stresses that a review is simply a piece of persuasive writing. She urges students who are new to review writing to use their visceral responses to drive their arguments.

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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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Home » Writing » How to Write a Good Book Review

Tips for Writing a Good Book Review 

Now that you’ve prepped what you want to say, how you want to say it, and who you want to say it to, it’s time to start writing. Below we’ve gathered our favorite tips to help you write a good book review. Wait… make that a GREAT book review.

1. Include general information

Make sure to include all the relevant book information for your audience , including the title, author, genre, and publisher in your review. While not necessary, it is also helpful to include the number of pages, list price, and ISBN number.

2. Provide a brief plot summary

After the hook, you can then move on to the brief plot summary. This summary shouldn’t be too long, but it can be a paragraph that explains the basic plot so that the reader better understands if it’s a topic of interest. One pitfall to avoid is to give away spoilers in the plot summary. Don’t give away any plot twists, and err on the side of caution if you feel that the information is too much. For example, tell the reader that the plot has unexpected twists rather than explain any surprises in the summary.

3. Focus on the book, not the author

Keep in mind that your main job as a reviewer is to share your opinion on the book, not to critique the author. Keep the focus on the story. Avoid referencing pitfalls in any of the author’s past books or what you about them as a writer. You can provide a brief introduction to the story mentioning the author and past books, but don’t spend too much time focused on the author. The review should focus on the content of the book and its characters.

4. Be clear and specific

It is not enough to just say that you did or didn’t like the book. Let your readers know why. Make your thoughts clear as early as possible and explain the reasons why you liked or disliked specific storyline components and characters. Be specific about what you loved about the writing, what drew you to the characters, or what left you feeling lukewarm about the plot. You don’t need to explain every aspect of the book, but the reader should walk away with a sense that they understand the basic plot and determine from the review if they want to read the book for themselves.

5. Remain subjective

Not all book reviews have to be glowing, but they should be subjective. Rather than just saying you didn’t like something, support it by letting your readers know why. We all gravitate towards different things, so what may not appeal to you may appeal to someone else. If you remain subjective, then you can explain to the reader the basic story and let them decide for themselves. The review can include your likes and dislikes, but they should focus on what you felt the story did well and what parts of the story you didn’t like. However, the main focus of the review should be to explain the story so that readers can determine if they want to read the book further.

6. Avoid spoilers

We know it can be tempting, but do your best not to let any spoilers slip in your book review. Have you ever been excited to see the latest blockbuster hit (or watch the season cliffhanger to your favorite TV show) and then someone spoils the end before you even have time to watch? That is exactly what you don’t want to do to your reader. As you explain the book in your summary, ask yourself if what you are explaining ruins any surprises or twists. As you write the review, keep it vague. For example, explain that there is a major plot twist but don’t go into the specifics.

7. Be transparent

Always share if you received an incentive to review the book, got an advance copy, or have any connection to the author. Your readers will appreciate your honesty. Plus, it helps you avoid the negative impact on your credibility if they find out later. Getting paid for a review is a perfectly reasonable excuse to read a book, but it does allow readers to determine if you’re being unbiased. By specifying if you have any relationship with the author, the reader can better trust your opinion, even if they feel you’re being more biased.

8. Keep it short

While book reviews can be any length, it is always best to keep it short and succinct. Pull in your reader with a strong first sentence that sets the tone of the review and end with your recommendation. Remember, most people start to scan when something gets too long. A book review is a short summary, so writing a novel-length review loses reader interests. Keeping it short will ensure that your readers will dive into your likes and dislikes and use your reviews to determine if they have an interest in the books.

9. Proofread before posting

The quickest way to lose credibility is to post a review filled with typos. Make sure to give your final book review a thorough read before posting it and double check the spelling of any character names or places that you mention. Even better, ask someone else to read it over. It is always good to have a fresh pair of eyes proof to catch any typos. If you don’t have a family or friend who will help with proofreader, you can join a writing community where members offer test reads and proofreading. Make sure that you don’t post the review publicly, because search engines will index it and the review will no longer be unique content.

Also, keep in mind that you will want to write different book reviews for different sites. Don’t just copy and paste the same review. Google search engines scan for duplicate content and if flagged, your review won’t appear.

10. Add a hook

The hook is one or two sentences that grab the reader and convince them to keep going. It should be interesting, but it should also stick with the topic without misleading readers. The hook could be a simple statement that explains the main character of the book, or it could ask a question that resonates with the reader. Don’t make the hook too sensational to avoid sounding like a sales pitch. It should simply provide an introduction that grabs reader interests.

11. Explain what you liked about the book

Writing your own book review is a way to explain what you liked about it, and what you liked could be of interest to another reader. This section allows you to personalize the review. You can explain what you liked about the characters, who was your favorite character, what part of the book was your favorite, and if the book invoked any personal feelings (e.g., you laughed or cried).

12. Explain what you disliked about the book

You likely have something that you disliked about the book, and this section explains what you wish would have been different about the storyline or the characters. Just like the other sections, make sure that you do not reveal too much and give away important plot lines that could be considered spoilers for the rest of the story.

13. Include brief quotes as examples

Brief quotes provide readers with better insight into characters. Using quotes from characters will help the reader follow the plot summary and determine if the characters are people they can relate to. Avoid using excessively long quotes. Since the reader hasn’t read the book, a long quote could ruin plot twists or overpower the review.

14. Reference similar books

A great way to introduce readers to a specific book is to compare your book review with other books. For example, you can explain to the reader that they will like the current book you’re reviewing if they like another similar book. Alternatively, you can also compare characters between books to provide better insight into the story’s characters and the dynamic between individual characters.

Ready to make your own book? Get started quickly and easily with our free bookmaking software, Bookwright .

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Book Review: ‘Category Five’ examines superstorms amid compelling personal memoir

This cover image released by Little, Brown and Company shows “Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming Oceans That Feed From Them” by Porter Fox. (Little, Brown and Company via AP)

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I graduated from Middlebury College with Porter Fox just over 30 years ago. We weren’t friends, but it was a small campus and everyone knew something about everybody else. I knew he sailed and wore L.L. Bean like a native Mainer. I didn’t know that he’d spend a good chunk of his career as a journalist documenting the effects of climate change.

“Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming Oceans That Feed Them” is a mouthful of a title, but there’s a lot packed into its 254 pages. Part memoir, part travelogue and part scientific reportage, it’s stuffed with statistics that the cynical will say add up to one conclusion: This planet’s doomed. But while the numbers don’t lie and humanity is certainly going to exceed its self-imposed temperature targets to halt global warming, Fox has written a book that doesn’t read like the sky is falling.

That’s because he weaves all the science talk into a personal narrative, telling his own story about growing up on an island halfway up the Maine coast with a father who built sailboats for a living. “The sea was an enchanted forest when we were kids,” he writes. “We built shelters out of driftwood on a tiny island in the middle of the harbor, planted a flag, and declared it ours.” Fox opens the book with a prologue about being caught in a storm while sailing as a young man. “I did indeed grow up working on boats, but I never learned about storms, how to avoid them, or how to sail through them. They haunted me for most of my young life.”

The book then introduces readers to a variety of “salty mariners” who share with Fox their lessons learned about navigating storms, their research into what causes them, and their predictions for the future of the climate. The jargon may sometimes have non-weather and boating enthusiasts Googling things like “katabatic squalls,” “violent sirocco” or “mizzen,” but Fox grounds his writing with good stories, either from his own life, or told to him by the experts he interviews. “I will always live by the sea,” he recalls his father telling him when he was just a boy, then rhapsodizes about “the blank slate that the ocean represents, the lack of rules and obligation,” that calls to men and women who spend their lives on the water.

In the end, Fox argues, it’s water that might actually save us, if the world would just start listening to oceanographers. The world’s oceans contain “95% of livable space on Earth,” and while their warming waters wreak all sorts of havoc on this planet’s weather, they are also the “largest carbon sink on the planet.” It’s that sense of possibility, the “mystery of the deep,” that will give some hope. And it’s books like Fox’s — climate science wrapped in a compelling narrative — that can hopefully change habits, one reader at a time.

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The only book review templates you'll ever need.

Whether you’re trying to become a book reviewer , writing a book report for school, or analyzing a book, it’s nice to follow a book review template to make sure that your thoughts are clearly presented. 

A quality template provides guidance to keep your mind sharp and your thoughts organized so that you can write the best book review possible. On Reedsy Discovery , we read and share a lot of book reviews, which helps us develop quite a clear idea what makes up a good one. With that in mind, we’ve put together some trustworthy book review templates that you can download, along with a quick run-through of all the parts that make up an outstanding review — all in this post! 

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

Should you become a book reviewer?

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Book review templates for every type of review

With the rapid growth of the book community on Instagram, Youtube, and even TikTok, the world of book commentary has evolved far beyond your classic review. There are now many ways you can structure a book review. Some popular formats include:

• Book reports — often done for school assignments; 
• Commentary articles — think in-depth reviews in magazines and newspapers; 
• Book blog reviews — short personal essays about the book; and
• Instagram reviews — one or two-paragraph reviews captioned under a nice photo. 

But while the text in all these review styles can be organized in different ways, there are certain boxes that all good book reviews tick. So, instead of giving you various templates to use for different occasions, we’ve condensed it down to just two book review templates (one for fiction and one for nonfiction) that can guide your thoughts and help you nail just about any review. 

⭐ Download our free fiction book review template  

⭐ Download our free nonfiction book review template  

All you need to do is answer the questions in the template regarding the book you’re reading and you’ve got the content of your review covered. Once that’s done, you can easily put this content into its appropriate format. 

Now, if you’re curious about what constitutes a good book review template, we’ll explain it in the following section! 

Elements of a book review template

Say you want to build your own book review template, or you want to customize our templates — here are the elements you’ll want to consider. 

We’ve divided our breakdown of the elements into two categories: the essentials and the fun additions that’ll add some color to your book reviews.

What are the three main parts of a book review?

We covered this in detail (with the help of some stellar examples) in our post on how to write a book review , but basically, these are the three crucial elements you should know: 

The summary covers the premise of the book and its main theme, so readers are able to understand what you’re referring to in the rest of your review. This means that, if a person hasn’t read the book, they can go through the summary to get a quick idea of what it’s about. (As such, there should be no spoilers!) 

The analysis is where, if it’s a fiction book, you talk more about the book, its plot, theme, and characters. If it’s nonfiction, you have to consider whether the book effectively achieves what it set out to do. 

The recommendation is where your personal opinion comes in the strongest, and you give a verdict as to who you think might enjoy this book. 

You can choose to be brief or detailed, depending on the kind of review you’re writing, but you should always aim to cover these three points. If you’re needing some inspiration, check out these 17 book review examples as seen in magazines, blogs, and review communities like Reedsy Discovery for a little variation. 

Which review community should you join?

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

Which additional details can you include?

Once you’ve nailed down the basics, you can jazz things up a little and add some personal flavor to your book review by considering some of these elements:

• A star-rating (the default is five stars but you can create your own scales); 
• A bullet-point pros and cons list; 
• Your favorite quotation from the book; 
• Commentary on the format you read (i.e., ebook, print, or audiobook);
• Fun facts about the book or author; 
• Other titles you think are similar.

This is where you can really be creative and tailor your review to suit your purpose and audience. A formal review written for a magazine, for instance, will likely benefit from contextual information about the author and the book, along with some comment on how that might have affected the reading (or even writing) process.

Meanwhile, if you’re reviewing a book on social media, you might find bullet points more effective at capturing the fleeting attention of Internet users. You can also make videos, take creative pictures, or even add your own illustrations for more personal touches. The floor is yours at this point, so go ahead and take the spotlight! 

That said, we hope that our templates can provide you with a strong foundation for even your most adventurous reviews. And if you’re interested in writing editorial reviews for up-and-coming indie titles, register as a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery !

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Write for The US Review of Books

The US Review of Books hires freelance writers to review books for the publication. Please contact the editor with a resume, sample work, and at least two professional references. We will accept your materials by e-mail or through regular mail. NOTE: Before you send your samples, please see what is expected of each review .

If you want to guest blog for us, read the type of articles we publish . We need informative content, not self-promotion pieces. E-mail your article (300-500 words) to our editor. You'll be given a full byline and appropriate links that reach our large subscriber base and readership.

Here's what a recent hire posted on-line: "This is my dream job. I love to read, and I'm grateful for the opportunities to read the books I want. The editors with whom I work treat me and my efforts with the utmost respect and appreciation. I receive fair compensation for the work I do, and I am, as my headline says, proud to tell anyone who will listen that I work here. Criticism is firm but gentle, and often delivered just lightheartedly enough to let you know that the criticism has to do with your work, not with you as a person. Praise is hard-won, but very sweet when it comes. Feedback, whether positive or negative, is prompt, as are replies to questions which are always answered respectfully." 

Reviewer FAQ

How are reviews assigned?

What is expected of each review, how are reviewers paid.

Who writes for the US Review?

Book titles are periodically posted for potential reviewers. Reviewers are asked to read the list and return their preferences. Titles are assigned in order of reviewer request and on a best-fit basis.

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Standard reviews run 250-300 words. It should summarize the book as well as reveal insights drawn from the reading. It may include short quotes from the book, compare the text to similar books, speak about the author, interject informed opinion, but it should avoid clichés and the type of casual tone that includes the reviewer in the discussion. We are seeking heart and succinct writing in reviews. Negative criticism is part of the business, although we ask that comments be factual, unemotional, and directed toward the book and not the author. Reviewers are given the opportunity to assign a "recommended" rating to outstanding titles. There are plenty of review examples on the site. Completed reviews should be returned within 2-3 weeks; this deadline is critical. All review copy is edited to the Chicago Manual of Style .

Reviewers are paid monthly for every review completed during the previous month. Checks are sent by the 5th day of each month.

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Write For Us About Books

Cultured Vultures is a site by writers for writers. Since 2013, we’ve been offering inexperienced writers opportunities that they might not otherwise be given, and right now we are looking for more people who would like to join us and write about books.

The Cultured Vultures book team is small but mighty. We’ve had interviews with authors such as Bridgerton’s creator Julia Quinn and bestselling giant Bernard Cornwell . We’ve reviewed hot new releases such as Richard Osman’s The Man Who Died Twice and Annie Garthwaite’s Cecily , as well as a ton of indie reads.

Any time that you as a new writer can bring to the department would be very welcome; we always have more offers for cool stuff than we can handle. Writing for us means that you will be able to get your hands on these books before their release and interview some top authors.

The best bit about writing for us is that we’re pretty open when it comes to the kind of thing we publish. If there’s something you’re interested in, pitch it to us and if we think other people will like it too, then you can write away. Do you have strong opinions on Agatha Christie? Great, write it . Want to cover the history of LGBT themes in vampire fiction? Go ahead . Feel like writing a retrospective of the entire Discworld series? You do you . We love it when writers bring all sorts of new, tasty angles to the table.

As well as all this, you can earn a bit of money with your writing, and you can put us on your CV. Writing for Cultured Vultures shows employers you can work as part of a team, meet deadlines, and even have some SEO and WordPress experience too.

If you’re brand new to putting your writing out there, or you want to pick up some money writing about the things you love, then the Cultured Vultures book team is the place for you. We’d love to have you join us.

Email [email protected] to get started writing about books.

Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site.

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BookBrowse Blog

36 book club discussion questions for any book—tried and tested.

General Book Club Questions

• What did you like best/least about the book, and why?
• Did you have expectations of the book (e.g., from reading reviews, hearing from friends), if so, did it fall short, meet expectations or exceed?
• What do you think of the book title and jacket cover? Do you think they adequately reflect the book's content, or are they misleading? If you had creative control, what changes would you make to these items, if any?
• Are you glad you read the book?
• What did you learn from the book? Did it change your perception? Did it leave you with questions you want to find answers to?
• Do you have a favorite quote or scene from the book? Why does this stand out to you?
• How do you think the book will age (or has aged)? If the book is recently published: Do you think it is one that people will still be reading in decades to come? If it was published in the past: Is it still relevant? If it was written now, how would it be different?
• Have you read other books on the same topic? If so, which would you recommend?
• What did you think of the book's ending?
• What audience would you recommend the book to?
• If you were making a movie of the book, who would you cast?

Blook Club Questions About the Author or their Writing

• Why do you think the author chose to write this particular book? What are they trying to convey, and were they successful in doing so?
• How would you describe the author's writing style? What did you like or not like about it?
• Does the author's writing style remind you of any other authors? If so, in what ways?
• If you were writing this book, would you tell the story the same way?
• If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?

Book Club Questions Focused on the Book's Story

• Was the story credible? For example, even in a fantasy setting, the characters' motives and actions need to make sense within the context of their world.
• What did you think of the pacing of the book? Did it hold your interest throughout? Were some parts too fast or slow?
• Did the author use symbolism? If so, what was the purpose of the symbolism? What was the author trying to convey?
• Did the plot proceed as you expected? What parts of it surprised you, if any?
• Did you wholly trust the narrator(s), or did you consider them unreliable in any way?

Book Club Questions About the Book's Characters

• Did you relate to a particular character or the circumstances they were in?
• Which character would you most like to meet and why?
• Who relates the story and how does that color the telling?
• If the story had been told from a different perspective, what would have been different? Would you like to have heard from another character?
• Are the characters believable? For example, does a child narrator sound the age they are? Is the voice of a character in a historic novel true to the period?
• If you were in the character(s) situation, would you have responded as they did?
• What do you think happens to the characters after the story ends?

Book Club Questions for the Book's Setting

• How well did the author paint a picture of the setting?
• How did the setting impact the story? If the setting had been different would the story have been different?
• Would you like to visit the setting of the book? If familiar with the setting, did it ring true?

Genre Specific Book Club Questions

• Nonfiction: Was the author able to convey things in an enjoyable way for a non-expert reader? Do you feel the author justified their conclusions? Would you prefer that the author provided more information, less information, or was it just the right amount?
• Memoir: Do you feel the author was being honest? Were their gaps in the story you wish had been filled, or parts where you wished for less information. If the book is fiction with biographical elements, why do you think the author chose to write in this way rather than as a memoir?
• Short stories: Which story did you like best/least, and why? How are the stories connected? For example, do they share a setting, themes or characters? Would you have liked to see any of these stories extended?
• Historical Fiction: Do you feel the book was well-researched? Did you spot any anachronisms, or any period-specific aspect that wasn't mentioned but should have been?
• Mysteries: When did you figure out "whodunnit"? What did you think of the red herrings the author inserted? Did you find them appropriate or forced? Was the ending satisfying?

General Book Club Topics Relating to the Book

Finally, you might want to include one or more general interest topics that relate to the book but don't require detailed knowledge of the text. These can be especially helpful if your book group has a relaxed policy about members attending meetings without having completed the book. For example, these are some topics from past discussion on BookBrowse that relate to the book being discussed, but do not require a person to have read the book in order to participate:

• If you could start a movement in your community, what would it be? And why?
• Is prejudice nature or nurture?
• Do you think it's true that we care less about others' opinions as we age?
• What are popular and favorite recipes of your family and region?
• Do you agree that "marriage is such a dreadful gamble"?
• Do you see the appeal of the [insert relevant to the book] lifestyle/career choice?

A Summary of the BookBrowse Site Update and Rebrand Nick said: Hi Allison - yes! All subscribing libraries can request new print materials, you can see the options... [More]

A Summary of the BookBrowse Site Update and Rebrand Allison said: The rebrand and new website look fantastic. Will you be sending new promo materials to library subsc... [More]

A Summary of the BookBrowse Site Update and Rebrand Nick said: Hi Cheryl, thanks for flagging that! That was an oversight on our part - we've added back the page n... [More]

A Summary of the BookBrowse Site Update and Rebrand Cheryl Nabors said: The website is easier to use, especially when searching for a book. The one thing I miss is the numb... [More]

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For Bachelor Alum Abigail Heringer, Writing Her New Book The Deaf Girl Was 'Very Emotional' (Exclusive)

Heringer speaks with PEOPLE about the 'really eye-opening' experience of writing her new memoir, which arrived on bookshelves Tuesday, Sept. 10

Spencer Click and Josh Erb; Sourcebooks

Abigail Heringer  is opening up about the "very emotional" process of bringing her new memoir to fruition.

The season 25 Bachelor alum and deaf advocate, 29, tells PEOPLE that writing The Deaf Girl: A Memoir of Hearing Loss, Hope, and Fighting Against the Odds was a product of the reaction she got to being  the first woman in  Bachelor Nation  history to use a cochlear implant .

"Everyone just had so many questions," recalls Heringer. "They want in-depth answers. 'Is my child going to be okay?' ... And so my mom and I got together. We were like, 'What if we wrote a book and just shared your experience, my experiences?'"

Sourcebooks

While her goal was to provide "comfort and support" to those with shared experiences, writing the book also helped Heringer to grow closer to her mother along the way.

"It was really fun. It was really sweet," she tells PEOPLE. "I obviously knew how much she had done for us and all the sacrifices and everything, but to actually just sit down and go back to day one, and she was like, 'Yes, this is what it was like with the diagnosis, all the emotions, everything.' "

Going back to "day one" was something Heringer says allowed her to learn about "the hard times" her family went through since her mom is usually "very positive."

"I think she always just, whenever we talked about a disability, it was always with a positive spin and just if you want this, you need to work hard for it," says Heringer. "But just seeing how much she went through behind the scenes, just the long hours with us, the frustrations, her going through her divorce, everything."

Writing the book gave her additional context on parts of growing up that kids don't necessarily get to see, when they're in the thick of it.

"I think it was really eye-opening. While parents really do put on their best for their kids, there's so much going on behind the scenes that we have no idea about," she adds. "So it was really good to see it. Definitely very emotional, I think, to see all of that."

In addition to her health journey, readers can expect to learn more about how Heringer handled her parent's divorce, dating and what life was like for her as a kid.

Spencer Click and Josh Erb

When asked whether she would ever write another book, Heringer says she "shared everything I could have" and is prepared to "slow down a little bit" and enjoy the fruits of their labor being out in the world.

"I am very happy with this just kind of being my little passion project. But I mean, never say never. We'll see. Yeah, we'll see the impact," says Heringer. "You have no idea what people think."

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Deaf Girl  is available to purchase now wherever books are sold.

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Clare Chambers: ‘Writers must be free to write as offensively as they want’

The 'small pleasures' author talks about her new book 'shy creatures', late-in-life success, and why white middle class novelists have had to make room .

Six years ago, Clare Chambers had more or less given up on her career as an author. “I’d been writing a book for five years and it just wasn’t working,” she says. “I’d written it and rewritten it, but still my agent couldn’t sell it. I was quite depressed; I couldn’t read. If I went into a bookshop, I would stand there looking at all these people who were writing when I can’t.”

That she already had eight published novels under her belt was no comfort; while some of her early works had garnered positive reviews, none had sold very well. Her friends would say things such as: “It’s rotten none of your books do anything, isn’t it?” By her ninth, she felt as though she had run out of road.

“I’d just hit 50 at the point when it all went wrong, which is quite a nasty milestone in a woman’s life,” she says. “All your kids have gone away, you’ve got an empty nest, and you’re not needed as a mother any more. Then, my writing career seemed to have folded, so it was like two pillars of my house had fallen down.”

She isn’t quite sure what encouraged her to summon the wherewithal to have one last throw of the dice, only that she knew she couldn’t go on being “eternally disappointed” in herself. She finally scrapped the book that wasn’t working, and began writing something new; something completely different from the romantic comedies she had published thus far. “I told myself, I’ll just write one more book, and if that’s rubbish too, that’s it.”

It was far from “it”. After writing the new novel around her part-time administrative job in a school in Bromley, south London, where she lives with her husband, Chambers found a new agent and saw it published in 2020. That novel was Small Pleasures – and it became the word-of-mouth hit of the year.

Small Pleasures is a gloriously suburban tale of a local newspaper reporter investigating the claim of a virgin birth in 50s south London. Readers were drawn to its orange-adorned cover, loved its quiet drama – then were devastated by its ending. It was chosen for BBC Two’s Between the Covers as a pick of the week, became a Sunday Times bestseller, was translated into 13 languages, and was optioned for TV, with Anna Maxwell Martin attached for the lead role.

It has, according to Chambers, completely turned her life around.

Four years on, the author has returned with Shy Creatures , a similarly absorbing story which takes place in Croydon in the 60s, where our protagonist Helen is an art therapist working in a psychiatric hospital. Sticking to what has proven a winning formula, there’s both domestic drama (Helen is tied up in an affair with her older, married colleague) and slow-burn mystery: a long-bearded 37-year-old is discovered in a nearby house, where he has been kept indoors for the better part of a decade. His name is William Tapping, he is practically mute, has an extraordinary talent for art – and Helen is determined to uncover his story.

When we meet for coffee in a quiet café in London to discuss the novel, Chambers is visibly anxious about its publication. “Even though it’s my tenth book, I feel as though it’s got second album energy,” she says.

“One of the great things about being an unsuccessful author, of which I’ve had lots of experience, is there are no expectations. Once you lose your obscurity, you don’t have the benefit of that goodwill – people are less than tolerant of success. So they’ll be harder on this book if they don’t like it, which is fair enough.”

Shy Creatures should delight both new and old readers of Chambers’ work. Much like Small Pleasures , a large part of the joy is the way in which she delves into what bubbles below suburbia’s glimmering surface.

“I wanted to write about people who were by no means part of a [swinging 60s] movement; instead living ordinary, but just as interesting, existences, looking on at the mysterious world with some kind of trepidation,” she says. “Really, I wanted to do the 60s for the people who weren’t having fun.”

Also similar to its predecessor, which used the 1957 Lewisham rail crash as a pivotal plot point, Shy Creatures is inspired by real events. Chambers was trawling through an online local newspaper archive – she searches for words such as “scandal”, “mystery”, and “unresolved” in order to find interesting titbits – when she came across the story of the real William Tapping, who was discovered in a house in Bristol in the late 50s.

Finding fascinating real-life stories is great for inspiration, but writing about them isn’t always easy. “I’d rather that the events were even further in the past, so that there’s no possibility of anybody still living being upset by it,” she says. This, she has experience of. “After Small Pleasures, a lot of people got in touch to say either they remembered the Lewisham crash, or their family member nearly got the train but didn’t, or got the train but survived it,” she says. “But I did have another letter for someone who was really horrified that I’d used that event for the book, and that it had reawakened a trauma.”

Roger McGough: I've rewritten poems - what seemed funny in the 70s isn't anymore

That must have been difficult. “I obviously don’t want to upset anyone,” she nods. “But also, you can’t really stop people writing about events that are out there in the public domain. It would mean we couldn’t write about the Second World War because millions of people would be traumatised. I know these historical events can’t be off limits to writers, and I take comfort from that.”

Still, she feels “conflicted” about the debate around how much, if at all, publishing should be protecting readers’ sensitivities. “My writer self says writers must be free to write as offensively as they want, and people must be free to be offended,” she says.

“But on the other hand, I also don’t like people gratuitously giving offence. I don’t like the word ‘woke’, but if you replace it with consideration and good manners, I feel that there’s a way through all this.” She takes a sip of coffee; thinks. “Still, writers have got to be bold, and they’ve got to risk giving offence.”

In 2020, Chambers told the Evening Standard that prior to her late success, she felt “too old” to ever get another deal. Does she think the publishing industry favours young debuts? “It was more that I felt I was on the wrong side of a popular shift,” she says. “You know, white middle-class lady novelists had probably had things going their way a bit too long, and now other voices were more fashionable, and rightly so. But I didn’t resent that – I couldn’t expect to have that advantage for ever.”

Chambers published her first novel, Uncertain Terms , in 1992, when she was in her twenties. Having been raised by two teachers in a book-filled home in south-east London, Chambers had always wanted to be an author, writing stories as a child and binding them into little books.

After getting into Oxford, she travelled with her then boyfriend (now husband) Peter to New Zealand, where he had a job teaching. Without her own work visa, she had the time and space to write, which she later would lack. When they moved back to the UK, Chambers wrote the seven romcoms that followed around a job in publishing (from which she was made redundant while pregnant), and then her school admin job.

Now she has had the means to quit the secretary job and write, at last, full time. Although, she caveats, this term is a stretch. “We’d be better off saying ‘full-time not-working-,” she says with a wry smile.

“I much prefer reading to writing, I have to force myself to put down my reading to get on with writing. My life is actually very limited – I totally empathise with Emily Dickinson, who apparently never wanted to even come downstairs.”

As such, she isn’t working on – or even thinking about – what novel might come next. “It absolutely depends on something catching my eye; I’m so slow at writing that something has to really, really interest me,” she says. “So I may never write another book, because the right idea might never come along.” And this wouldn’t matter, she assures me. “The world isn’t going to run out of reading material,” she laughs.

“Hopefully it will happen. You know, you suddenly get an idea, and you start hanging it up in your mind, and things stick to it, and eventually you’ve got a book.” But if there’s one thing in life Chambers is certain of? “There are no guarantees.”

‘Shy Creatures’ is published by W&N on 29 August, £20

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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: The Complete Guide

by Sue Weems | 23 comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Fallacy of Book Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When I Don’t Know What to Write

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

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

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

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

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

What if I Didn’t Like It?

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

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

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

How to Write a Book Review: Your Turn

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

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

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

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

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

23 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for sharing your practice, Azure!

You’re welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reel Estate Ripoff by Renee Pawlish

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

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

Adding it to my stack, Beth. Thanks!

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

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

Thanks, Sue.

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

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

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

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

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

You’re welcome!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Sue.

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

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

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

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

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

R. Allan Worrell

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

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English Writing Lesson - How To Write A Book Review - Teaching PowerPoint + Activities!

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

11 September 2024

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This resource includes everything you need to teach children grades 2 to 5 how to plan and write engaging and well-structured book reviews.

The resource is a PowerPoint presentation lesson complete with:

√ Learning objective √ Success criteria √ Differentiated starter activity √ Teaching input/ information slides √ Example of a good book review √ Feature checklists for each part of a review √ Whole class/ shared writing activities √ Independent writing tasks √ Speaking, listening, reading & writing tasks √ Differentiated checklists for writing task √ Peer review tasks √ All answer slides √ Plenary

Learning Objective: LO: To identify the features of and write my own book review

Success Criteria: I can read and understand a book review. I can describe the structure of a book review. I can explain the purpose of a book review. I can identify key details of a book. I can summarise a story. I can describe my opinion of a book.

Lesson details:

• Starter activity - differentiated match up task for text types and their purpose (3 levels of differentiation) -Teaching input/ information slides - reviews and book reviews
• Consolidation task
• Whole class speaking activity - mind map
• Example of a good book review (four slides)
• Info slides - structure of a book review + consolidation task
• Shared/ modelled write task + guide
• Independent write + differentiated feature checklists for book reviews (3 levels)
• Plenary - peer review task

PLEASE NOTE - Please look at the ‘notes’ section of the PowerPoint for additional information about each slide. These include teaching tips, ideas and further explanations.

This lesson is also suitable for being delivered remotely through online learning with some slight adaptations. It could combine very well with platforms such as Pear Deck and Nearpod.

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How to... Write a book review

Book reviews are a special form of academic writing. They have well-known structures with familiar components.

Here, Emeritus Professor James Hartley of the School of Psychology, Keele University, UK, consulted with academics on writing the perfect book review and presents a potential checklist for book reviewers.

On this page

The four stages of writing a book review, examples of how academics write book reviews, what academics look for, a potential checklist for book reviewers.

When writing book reviews colleagues use a variety of phrases that carry hidden meanings. Consider, "This is a surprising book" or "This is a useful book for the library". What these phrases really mean are, "This book is better than I expected" and "This book is not worth buying for your personal use".

When we are familiar with the format and the hidden meanings of sentences we know that we are reading a particular text genre – in this case a book review. Essentially, we can always tell we are reading a book review from the language and the structure that it employs. Writers of book reviews typically progress through four stages, as follows:

1. Introduce the book:

• Outline the general topic Indicate who the book is for
• Place the book in its field.

2. Outline the content of the book:

• Give a general view of its the organisation
• State the topic of each chapter/section.

3. Highlight parts of the book:

• Select particular chapters or themes for evaluation
• Critique the argument of the book.

4. Evaluate the book:

• Comment on aspects of the content
• Indicate how it meets the readers’ needs
• Remark on its format, price, and value for money
• Make recommendations for purchase or otherwise.

Looking closely at book reviews we find that most, if not all of these components are present, even if they are not always given in the order listed. Some reviewers, for example, like to start with items from Stage 4 – evaluation – then move to Stages 1–3, and finally conclude by justifying their original opening evaluation.  

"I usually read completely the books I am reviewing (so as to be sure that I do not misunderstand them), marking parts that I think are particularly meaningful. Then I start by saying what the book is about and the intended audience (since having this information first may allow readers who are not interested to skip the rest of the review, and readers who are interested to raise their attention). Next, I outline how the topic is developed, as concerns facets of content and depth of treatment. Then I point out what are in my opinion the points of strengths and weaknesses of the book. Finally, I try to give a global evaluation of my appreciation and possible usefulness of the book. Finally, I polish the form and try to bring it to the required length. This writing phase lasts usually around two hours."

"I read the book through, marking on it possible points for inclusion on

• What the author says the book is about
• Possible key findings
• Controversial statements.

I then decide on which of these to include and which bits of the book to write about and what to leave out (because of space limitations). I produce an initial  draft, which is usually too long, and then I rework and refine it through careful editing –until it emerges, in my view, as a highly polished piece of prose!"  

I have reported elsewhere the results that I found when I sent an electronic questionnaire on reading and writing book reviews to groups of academics in the arts, sciences and social sciences (Hartley, 2006). Approximately 50 people in each group replied. Almost two-thirds of these respondents recalled reading a poor book review. Some of the things said about such reviews were that they were:

• Pointless, uninformative, indecisive and boring
• A mere listing of the contents
• Pretentious, unkind, careless
• Personally abusive about the author’s credentials
• Written to cherish the reviewer’s ego.

Generally speaking, book reviews were not highly regarded if they simply outlined the content of a book, in a chapter-by-chapter format. On the other hand, approximately 55 per cent of the respondents recalled reading an outstanding book review. Here it was thought that such reviews:

• Gave a balanced critical evaluation of the text
• Made seemingly dull topics interesting
• Were well written, succinct, and informative
• Displayed awesome scholarship
• Made people want to buy the book.

How then can authors write such "outstanding" book reviews? Respondents to my questionnaire were reluctant to say. Most argued that it depended on the book in question. One, however, wrote: “I use a basic sort of ‘recipe’ that touches on all the information that I think readers of book reviews need.”

Two stages appear to be needed here. The first stage involves reading and thinking about the book. Sometimes this is done before putting pen to paper, but some reviewers start making notes from the outset. At this stage then reviewers are concerned with selecting and thinking about information that will be relevant to the four-stage writing procedure outlined above. Next comes the actual writing of the review. Here different writers have different preferences. The quotations given in the above panel provide but two examples. Whatever the procedures, it is important that a book review contains a number of key features. The checklist below might prove useful in this respect. In my experience, however, rather than just summarizing a text, better book reviewers spend more time critiquing it.

Make sure that your review contains:

• An early paragraph saying what the book is about, and putting it in context
• Information about the intended audience
• A critique of the argument/content of the book
• Remarks on the strengths and limitations of the book
• A note on the format, length and price (or value for money)
• A note (if appropriate) on how well the text is supported by tables/diagrams/illustrations
• Any supporting academic references

If the following details are not supplied for you, please make sure that your review contains:

• Accurate details of the authors’/editors’ names and initials
• Title of the publication
• Date of publication
• Publisher and place of publication
• ISBN number
• Format (hardback, paperback or soft cover)
• Number of pages

Try to make your review readable and entertaining. Write it in the first person, as though you are describing the book in a letter to a close friend.

Hartley, J. (2006), “Reading and writing book reviews across the disciplines”,  Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology , Vol. 57 No. 9, pp. 1194-1207.

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Please provide us with two or three samples of book reviews from books you've recently read. Our word count is 250 - 300 words — generally a summary of the book as paragraph 1 and your opinion as paragraph 2. We like to keep the overview and opinion fairly balanced in length.