What is a Book Review?
A review of a book is an essay that tells what the book is about, what the writer thought of it, and if other people should read it or not. To write a book review, you need to analyze the content and structure of an author's work. You'll also want insights into their message as well as whether they were successful in conveying what they wanted through writing style or tone of voice or not.
There's no single way to review a book because everyone has their own opinions on what they read. You might have enjoyed the story, but your friend may not care for it as much. There is truly nothing like reading someone else’s perspective!
You can be right in your own way when you criticize and give your opinion of a book.
There are three things you need to do when writing a book review: summarize the book, analyze it, and give your opinion of it. These are the most important steps in writing a good review.
Keep reading to learn about how to write a book review for school and other purposes.
Book Review Format
There are some formatting approaches that you need to follow when writing a book review. Make sure that you format your review correctly. This is just as important as writing about the main theme and idea of the book.
There are some guidelines you can follow for formatting your book review.
- Start with the main information about the book, such as the name of the book, the author's name, etc.
- Then define the book and give bibliographical information.
- Discuss the main theme of the book.
- You should introduce the main characters, and discuss the plot of the story.
- Discuss what the message of the story was.
- You should also share your opinion on the text.
You must follow these guidelines to craft an impeccable book review.
Book Review Template
Here is a book review structure for writing a book review. This can help you come up with the best way to write your review
Now let us discuss a book review writing process in detail.
How to Write a Book Review?
No matter what you think of a book, writing a detailed and honest review can help other people know about different kinds of books and find ones that interest them.
Some people think that book reviews and book reports are the same things. However, writing a book report is different from writing a book review. A book report is simpler in structure and does not require in-depth analysis as a book review does.
Here are steps you must go through if you are searching for how to write a book review.
1. Describe the Book
Write a few lines to describe the book. Remember you do not have to talk about any opinion here you just have to explain what the book is about and what are the characters. It is better to mention some similar books in this section.
2. Discuss Your Point of View
You should talk about what you liked in the book. You can talk about a certain chapter or quote. Other things to mention are your favorite character, event, quote, and scene. The book might have made you feel happy, scared, or excited. Tell the audience if the book was interesting and if it kept you curious to the end.
If you are reading a non-fiction book, it is important to think about if it was informative. You should also think about if the theories and concepts were explained perfectly. Finally, ask yourself if the book helped your work.
After talking about all the things you liked in the book, it is time to talk about the parts of the book that you disliked. However, make sure that you explain everything and give reasons for your dislike.
3. Conclude Your Review
Now you have to conclude your thoughts about a book. You should add what kind of readers will like this book and which will not. You should also suggest to readers why his book is beneficial for them.
4. Rate the Book
This is an optional part. You can give the book a rating out of 10. Some people might be in a rush, and they just want to know if the book is worth reading or not. This would be perfect for them.
5. Remember to Proofread
After you finish writing, proofread it to make sure your grammar and spelling are correct. Remember that a review with mistakes in language may not be taken seriously.
Book Review Examples
Examples can help you learn something new. That's why we have provided some book review examples below so that you can see what it takes to write an eminent book review of famous books.
Fictional Book Review
The Invisible Man Book Review
"A very strong story of a youthful Southern Negro, from his late secondary school days through three years of school to his life in Harlem.
His initial preparation set him up for the existence of modesty before white men, yet through shameful acts enormous and little, he came to understand that he was an "imperceptible man." People found in him just an impression of their assumptions of what he was, denied his distinction, and eventually didn't see him by any means. This topic, which has suggestions a long way past the conspicuous racial equal, is ably taken care of.
The occurrences of the story are completely retained. The kid's excusal from school due to a blameless misstep, his stunned response to the secrecy of the North and to Harlem, his horrible encounters on a one-day work in a paint industrial facility and in the medical clinic, his lightning accomplishment as the Harlem head of a revolutionary association known as the Brotherhood, his inclusion in dark versus white and dark versus dark conflicts and his disappoint and comprehension of his intangibility all peak normally in scenes of viciousness and uproar, trailed by a retreat which is both exacting and metaphorical.
Portions of this experience might have been told previously, yet never with such newness, force, and power.
This is Ellison's first novel, yet he has unlimited oversight of his story and his style. Understand it."
Non-Fictional Book Review
Becoming Book Review
"See, I'm not a cheerful proclaimer. I could cry at melodies about leaving and missing somebody; I could cry at books where things don't work out; I could cry at films where somebody passes on.
I've quite recently never truly perceived the reason why individuals get all broken down over cheerful, uplifting things. Yet, Michelle Obama's benevolence and sympathy changed that. This book had me in tears for the appropriate reasons.
This isn't exactly a book about legislative issues, however, political encounters clearly come into it. A disgrace some will excuse this book in light of a distinction in political assessment when it is truly about a lady's life. About growing up poor and dark on the South Side of Chicago, about getting hitched and attempting to keep up with that marriage, about parenthood, about being tossed into an astonishing and unnerving position.
I disdain words like "helpful" on the grounds that they've become so exaggerated and messy, yet I simply need to say it. Michelle Obama is a motivation. I had the honor of seeing her talk at The Forum in Inglewood, and she is one of the hottest, most amusing, sharpest, rational individuals I have at any point found in this world.
She's clearly insightful, yet she likewise doesn't gussy up her words. She speaks straightforwardly, with transparency and trustworthiness seldom seen. She's been one of the most influential ladies on the planet. She's been an alum of Princeton and Harvard Law School, She's had her own fruitful profession, but then she has stayed all through that equivalent young lady - Michelle Robinson - from a common family in Chicago.
I don't believe there's anybody who wouldn't profit from perusing this book."
Book Review Samples
If you want to read more book reviews, we have collected some for you to read. These reviews are from different people who have read different books. The PDF sample contains book review samples of the following books:
- Sapiens book review
- Book review of Matilda
- Book review Treasure Island
- Educated Book review
- Book review of Forty Rules of Love
- The Secret Book Review
- The Alchemist Book Review
Students also search for new york times book review. Let's explore more for your understanding.
New York Times Book Review
The New York Times Book Reviews are a great way to learn how to write an impressive and moving book review. They will help you understand what is expected of you in terms of writing style and content.
If you have not read one before, it is a good idea to do so now. Reading reviews of authors like Margaret Atwood and Jacqueline Woodson can give you a good starting point for your own assignment.
The New York Times book reviews give you a good overview of other books. You can read them to get a better understanding.
Now that you know what to do, it will be easier for you to write a good book review. Refer to the guide above and learn how to write a great book review every time. Don't write a review of a book based on what you wanted it to be. Write a review based on the facts and your opinion.
There will be times when you have to read a book from a genre you don't like. This is a test to help you learn to appreciate books from all genres.
It can be hard to write a book review. If you don't have enough time, you might want to consider using a professional essay writing service. TheEssayWritingService.com can help you with all your academic writing needs!
