To write a good book review, read the whole book, note the points you want to cover, choose a tone that suits your readers, and give your own honest opinion. Keep comparisons with other books to a minimum, and end by saying whether you recommend the book and why.
Sometimes, when you have just read an awesome or an awful book, you simply have to let the whole world know about it. Open any social media app and you will see plenty of people telling others to read this book or to avoid that one.
If you want to write a book review of your own, keep the following tips in mind. After all, you want to write a review that is worth reading.
1. Read the whole book
You can't just read the first few chapters and dash off a review. You also shouldn't skim or jump between chapters. That would not be fair to the book or to your readers.
Always read the book you are reviewing from start to finish, so that you understand it as a whole and can write a good review. If you review a novel, for instance, you need to understand the characters, the plot, the twists, and the ending.
Some great novels, like The Golden Compass and Jane Eyre, have slow starts, and the plot only thickens well into the book. If you skip ahead, or judge the book by its slow opening chapters, your review won't do it justice.
2. Note down all the important points
Before you type the review, write down the important points that you want to include. This not only helps you outline the review but also makes sure that you have everything covered.
Even if you have a great memory, writing down the important points is always a good idea. Notes in the margin help as well: here is how to annotate books while you read.
3. Formal or informal
Which tone to use depends on your audience and on why you are writing the review in the first place. If you are a student and the review is an assignment, a formal tone is right. If you want to publish the review on your blog, feel free to take a more informal approach. The guide to formal and informal writing styles helps you choose.
If your review is a class assignment, always check your work before you hand it in. The Spell Checker helps you find misspellings and grammar mistakes first.
4. Objective or subjective
Many people think that book reviews should be objective. They don't have to be. A book review is subjective, because it is about how you feel about the book.
A book review is a collection of the thoughts and opinions of the reviewer: you. If you dislike a book that most people enjoy, you have every right to say so. Of course, you can also enjoy a book that others find bland.
5. Keep comparisons to a minimum
Reviewers often compare one book with another. Do your best to keep such comparisons to a minimum, or avoid them altogether.
Each review should stand on its own. Comparing one book with another does not help your readers much. Why? Because you cannot tell whether they already know the other books you compare it with.
6. Do you recommend it?
A book review isn't complete without a recommendation. Should the whole world know about this book? Or should people pretend it never existed?
Sum up your reasons why people should or should not read the book. Tell your readers how you felt after reading it. Which parts stand out? Is the story complete, or does it leave you hanging?