How to Write a Good Book Review

Book reviews are written and published prior to its release. This is done to enlighten the public about the contents and excellence of the book. However, a good book review usually describes, analyzes and evaluates the book. It also should convey an opinion, supporting it with facts from the book. Today, book review has also become a marketing tool, as favorable opinions by eminent reviewers increase the sales of the book

To write a good book appraisal certain basic features are to be included for these attributes will be of help to people interested in buying/reading the book or not.

- About the author and an outline of the book is helpful. Keep the introduction precise, as the reader of the review would be interested in your opinion of the book.

- Briefly outline the plot, characters and general events but take care not to reveal the surprises that might be crucial to the story. This section of the book review indicates to the book lover what he or she is going to find in the book, and accordingly make the choice.

- Your opinion is broadened in the review. Your opinion should be personal and mention what you think of the book. Whether the author is clear in perception. What was the approach of writing? Whether the character and situation assist the fiction. Was the story realistic, funny or sad? Did the author follow the traditional way of writing or conjure up something new. Keep your comments reasonably brief and make relevant points without giving away too much.

- Conclusion should be concise and touch all the points made in the review. Give your final remark as to why people should buy the book or ignore it. Certain specific information's like price, number of pages, publisher's details and availability of the book can also be mentioned.

- The technique and length of a review and its presentation are the other important aspects of writing a good book review. You may support the viewpoint of the author or disagree with him. Free flowing approach is eloquent and satisfying but difficult to write unless you are a excellent writer. New entrants to book review writing or less talented writers can use the second method of distinct sections, for it is easier to write. This also makes the review effortless to read and enables the readers to choose specific points that may interest them.




Book reviews of all kind are available at Shvoong.com, the leading source for reading & writing book summaries.