How to Write a Book Review

You have to know how to write a book review if you want to sell a book, if you want to market one or if you're hired to write book reviews. You may also have to know how to write a book review for school or for the newspaper. If you have never written a book review before, here's how to get the job done.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Read the book. If you want to write an honest book review, writing about what you've heard the book is about or what you picked up by skimming it simply will not work. Read the complete book to get the subtle shading that leads to your overall impression of the book.

2. Make notes as you read the book. You will want to remember specifics in order to frame the book review with the main characters and plot lines.

3. Mention the author's name and the complete title of the book within the first few sentences. You might want to begin writing the book review with a general description of the storyline instead of the title of the book. However, make sure you do reveal the title soon or you risk losing your audience.

4. Discuss the general storyline, but don't give away any spoilers. With some books, have the pleasure of reading the story is discovering the twists and turns that exist in the plot. Simply tell enough about the storyline and so that a potential reader can judge whether or not they will enjoy the book.

5. Critique the book based on how enjoyable he founded to read or how useful it was to you. A book review is more than just a synopsis of the plot. People want to know what it's like to read the book and how it will benefit them. That may be by entertaining them, making them think, giving them information they need or by bringing strong emotions to the surface.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 1/18/2009 Great article on the steps to writing a book review. 5*