WRITING A BOOK REVIEW

Writing a book review is one of the most difficult jobs. I have written more than 30 book reviews in my blog. I have tried my best to write the reviews. Still, I feel that I haven't met that much expectations of writing reviews. Still, there are some ways to write good book review which I am following:-

•  Read the book and take notes

One should read the book as much as s/he can to see the depth of the story, the setting and the character(s) in a new or different way. S/he should write down the notes while reading the book. Although, those notes might not be organized or perfect, it’s the way to brainstorm the ideas.

•  Think about the book's genre and/or field of study

After reading the book, s/he should look the book whether it fits or does not fit in its genre or field of study. If necessary, s/he should use outside sources to familiarize herself/himself with the field of study and the genre of the book.

•      Determine the major themes of the book

The theme is often a lesson or overall message that the reader perceives between the lines. The theme can also be the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a book. Authors may present multiple themes in their writing, especially works of fiction. S/he should pay attention to the preface, any quotes, and /or references in the book's introduction, as this content will likely shed light on the book's major themes and viewpoint. A simple way to determine one of the major themes of a book is to sum up the book in one word. Once s/he should have one word summary, stretch the single word into a message or lesson.

•  Consider the author's writing style

 S/he should ask herself/himself if the style suits the book's intended audience. S/he should remember that genre is a category of writing and style is the manner in which a subject is expressed or performed. So, depending on the style used, the author can present different viewpoints to the intended audience.

•  Think about how well the author develops the major areas or points in the book.

What areas are covered/not covered? Why? Locating gaps in the timeframe or character development of the book can help her/him think critically. As well, noticing any well developed elements of the book will help him/her create good points for review.

•  Make note of the book's format, if relevant.

Elements like the book's layout, binding, typography, etc. can provide framing and context for the book. If the author provides secondary material like maps, charts, and drawings, always consider how they support or contribute to the book's themes.

• Consider any literary devices in the book.

 If the book is a work of fiction, think about how plot structure is developed in the story. S/he should take notes on the book's character, plot, setting, symbols, mood or tone and how they relate to the overall theme of the book.

•  Think about how unique the book is.

 Does it add new information to a genre? The author may be trying to challenge or expand the existing rules and norms of a genre. S/he should consider how the book does this, and how this may affect the intended audience's reception of the book.

•  Assess how successful the book is.

Was the author successful in carrying out the overall purposes of the book and did you feel satisfied with the book's ending? Would you recommend this book to others?

Creating a First Draft of the Review

•    Begin with a heading.

Most reviews start off with a heading that includes all the bibliographic information about the book. If s/he haven't been directed on heading format from an editor or professor, s/he should use the standard heading of: title, author, place of publication: publisher, date of publication, and number of pages.

•   Write an introduction.

A good introduction will grab the reader's attention so they are interested in reading the rest of the review, and will inform the reader what the review is going to be about.

• S/he should ensure his/her introduction contains relevant details like the author's background, and if applicable, their previous work in the genre. S/he can also indicate the main themes s/he will be discussing in her/his review to situate the reader and give them an indication of his/her "take" on the book.
• Several possible openings include: a historical moment, an anecdote, a surprising or intriguing statement, and declarative statements. Regardless of her/him opening sentences, s/he should make sure they directly relate to his/her critical response to the book and keep them short and to the point.
• If s/he is unsure on how to begin the review, try writing his/her introduction last. It may be easier to organize all of his/her supporting points and her/him critical position, and then write the introduction last—that way s/he can be sure that the introduction will match the body of the review.

• Write a summary of the book. Once s/he has established his/her heading and his/her introduction, s/he can then move into a summary of the book's themes and main points.

• S/he should keep the summary short, to the point, and informative. S/he should use quotes or paraphrasing from the book to support your summary. S/he should make sure properly cite all quotes and paraphrasing in his/her review to avoid plagiarism.
• S/he should be wary of summaries that begin with phrases like “[This essay] is about…” “[This book] is the story of…” “[This author] writes about…”. S/he should focus on weaving a description of the book's setting, narrative voice, and plot within a critical analysis. S/he should avoid simply regurgitating the book's premise.
• S/he should not give away important details or reveal the ending of the book in his/her summary, and don't go into detail about what happens from the middle of the book onwards. As well, if the book is part of a series, s/he can mention this to potential readers and situate the book within the series.

•    Evaluate and critique the book.

Once s/he have summarized the book and discussed the main themes and aspects, shift into his/her critical analysis. This the heart of his/her reviews, so s/he should be as direct and clear as s/he can.

• S/he should use the answers brainstormed during his/her preparation for the review to formulate his/her critique. S/he should address how well the book has achieved its goal, how the book compares to other books on the subject, specific points that were not convincing or lacked development, and what personal experiences, if any, s/he have had related to the subject of the book.
• S/he should always use (properly cited) supporting quotes and passages from the book to back up his/her critical discussion. This not only reinforces his/her viewpoint with a trustworthy source, it also gives the reader a sense of the writing style and narrative voice of the book.
• The general rule of thumb is that the first one-half to two-thirds of the review should summarize the author’s main ideas and at least one-third should evaluate the book.

·         Wrap up the review.

S/he should write a concluding paragraph or several sentences that sum up his/her critical analysis of the book. If his/her critical position has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally.

• S/he should examine the strengths and weaknesses of the book, and discuss whether or not s/he would recommend the book to others. If so, who do s/he think is the ideal audience for the book? Do not introduce new material in his/her conclusion or discuss a new idea or impression that was not examined in his/her introduction and body paragraphs.
• S/he can also give the book a numerical score, thumbs up or thumbs down, or a starred rating.