How to write a good book review

This is an article on how to write a good book review, i.e. for a class. I always got As, even A+ for my book reviews.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An example of a good book review, like one of the ones I've got As on, or from The New York Times
• The book you're reviewing

1. If you have time and the book you're supposed to read is interesting-read the whole thing. While you're reading take notes of whatever strikes you as interesting or powerful, or wrong.

2. Start writing your review whenever something you read triggered your thoughts or opinion. Continue reading the book. Continue writing.

3. You can still write a great review even if you do not have time to read the whole book, or if it's boring. In that case, make sure to read as many of the beginning chapters as you can.

4. Then read the book from behind, as much as you can. Don't forget to make as many notes as possible, of anything that you find exceptional in a positive or negative way.

5. Skim the rest of the book to connect the dots. Write down everything that stands out, everything worth bringing out from the book.

6. After you're done with all the reading you can or want to do, review your notes. Read the example of a good review.

7. Make sure not to quote at length. If you're not sure what to write about, refer to The New York Times' book reviews or the example I'm about to give you.

Tips & Warnings

• Include contemporary examples, even if the book is written a long time ago.
• Analyse as much as possible.
• Don't forget to compare the content with the author's life and experience. Her or his background could be your decoding tools and help you understand how credible the writing is.