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How to Write a Book Review That Captivates Readers

Julia McCoy

Writing a book review can be both exciting and daunting. It’s an opportunity to share your insights, critique, and appreciation for a literary work while navigating the delicate balance between subjective opinion and objective analysis.

An honest and compelling book review can help you connect with other readers, spark meaningful discussions, and maybe even inspire someone to pick up a new favorite read.

Whether you’re a seasoned reviewer or diving into this craft for the first time, join us as we unlock the art of writing insightful and engaging book reviews.

Get ready to unleash your inner book critic and make your mark in the literary world!

Table Of Contents:

What is a book review, how to write a great book review, tips for writing an effective book review, faqs – how to write a book review.

Read any good books lately? Want to share your thoughts about them?

A book review is a great way to shed insight and give your opinion on a book you’ve read, whether it’s nonfiction, a mystery novel, or a collection of poems.

But what exactly is a book review? And how do you go about writing one that’s engaging, informative, and helpful to other readers?

Elements of a Book Review

What goes into a well-rounded book review? Here are the key elements:

• The book’s title, author, genre, and publication details
• A brief summary of the plot and main characters (without spoiling the ending.)
• Your analysis of the book’s themes, writing style, pacing, and character development
• Your honest opinion on what worked and what didn’t
• A star rating or recommendation for who would enjoy the book

The key is to provide enough context and detail to give readers a sense of the book, while also injecting your unique perspective and voice.

Types of Book Reviews

Book reviews come in all shapes and sizes, from a quick Goodreads rating to an in-depth essay.

Here are a few common types:

• Reader reviews: These are casual reviews written by everyday readers, often posted on blogs, Goodreads, or Amazon. They tend to be short, personal, and focus on the reader’s experience.
• Editorial reviews: These are professional reviews written by critics, journalists, or subject matter experts. You’ll find them in newspapers, magazines, and trade publications. They’re more formal in tone and go deeper into literary analysis.
• Academic reviews: Written by scholars for academic journals, these reviews place the book in a larger context and often compare it to other works in the field. They’re very niche and targeted at fellow academics.

No matter what type of book review you’re writing, the goal is the same: to share your unique take on the book and guide other readers.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to write a book review that stands out.

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: you need to read the entire book before you can review it. No skimming or skipping chapters allowed.

As you’re reading, pay attention to the book’s overall structure, pacing, and style. Jot down any passages or quotes that stand out to you, both positive and negative. These will come in handy later when you’re writing your review.

Take Notes While Reading

Don’t rely on your memory alone. As you’re reading, take notes on the following:

• The main characters and their development throughout the story
• The central themes and messages of the book
• The author’s writing style and tone
• Any major plot points or twists (just be careful not to give away spoilers in your review)
• Your emotional reactions to the book – what made you laugh, cry, or think differently?

I like to keep a notebook handy or jot down notes on my phone as I’m reading. That way, I can easily refer back to my initial impressions when I’m ready to start writing my review.

Just like any good essay, your book review should have a clear thesis statement. This is essentially your main argument or opinion about the book, which you’ll then support with examples and evidence from the text.

Your thesis could be as simple as “I loved this book because…” or “This book fell short for me because…”

The key is to make a strong, opinionated statement that you can back up with specific details.

Organize Your Thoughts

Before diving into the writing process, take a moment to organize your thoughts. I like to create a rough outline with the following sections:

• Introduction: Hook the reader with a strong opening line and briefly summarize the book’s plot and main themes.
• Summary:  In a paragraph or two, give an overview of the story, main characters, and central conflict. Remember, this isn’t a play-by-play recap, just the broad strokes.
• Analysis: This is the meat of your review, where you’ll discuss the book’s strengths and weaknesses in detail. Touch on the writing style, pacing, character development, and how well the author executed their vision.
• Conclusion: Wrap up your review with a concise summary of your thoughts and a recommendation for those who would enjoy the book.

Having a clear structure in mind will make the writing process much smoother. Plus, it ensures you cover all the essential points without rambling or getting off track.

You’ve hooked the reader with your title and subtitle – now it’s time to reel them in with your introduction. Aim for an opening line that’s bold, opinionated, and intriguing, like: “I couldn’t put this book down” or “I had high hopes for this novel, but it left me feeling disappointed.”

From there, give a brief overview of the book’s genre, themes, and place in the author’s larger body of work (if relevant).

For example: “In her debut novel, [Author] transports readers to a dystopian future where [brief plot summary]. With shades of [similar well-known book], it’s a fast-paced, action-packed story that explores themes of [theme 1] and [theme 2].” 

The key is to give readers just enough context to understand what the book is about and why it’s significant, without giving away too much of the plot.

Provide a Brief Summary

Next, it’s time to write a brief summary of the book’s plot, main characters, and central themes.

But remember, a book review is not a book report . You don’t need to recap every single plot point or detail. Instead, focus on the broad strokes:

• Who are the main characters?
• What’s the central conflict or problem they face?
• What themes or messages does the story explore?
• And most importantly, what makes this book unique or noteworthy?

For example: “The story follows [character name], a [brief description] who must [central conflict]. Along the way, [he/she/they] encounters [brief description of key events or supporting characters]. Through [character name]’s journey, [author] explores themes of [theme 1], [theme 2], and [theme 3].”

Keep your summary concise – a couple of paragraphs at most. The goal is to give readers a taste of the story, not a full plot synopsis.

Analyze and Evaluate the Book

Now it’s time to dive into your analysis and evaluation of the book. This is where you’ll discuss the book’s strengths and weaknesses in detail, and share your honest opinions on what worked and what didn’t.

Some key points to consider:

• Writing style: Is the author’s prose clear, engaging, and easy to follow? Do they have a distinctive voice or tone?
• Pacing: Does the story move at a good pace, or does it drag in places? Are there any parts that feel rushed or glossed over?
• Character development: Are the characters well-rounded and believable? Do they undergo meaningful change or growth throughout the story?
• Themes and messages: What big ideas or questions does the book grapple with? Does it offer any fresh insights or perspectives?
• Originality: Does the book bring something new to its genre, or does it feel derivative of other works?

As you discuss these elements, be sure to back up your opinions with specific examples and quotes from the text.

For instance: “One of the book’s greatest strengths is its vivid, immersive world-building. [Author] brings the [setting] to life with lush, sensory details, like this description of [quote from book]. As a reader, I felt fully transported to this [adjective] world.”

Or: “Unfortunately, the pacing of the novel is uneven. The first half moves at a glacial pace, with long stretches of exposition and little action. It’s not until the midpoint that the story really finds its momentum, with a series of shocking plot twists and high-stakes confrontations.”

The key is to provide evidence for your claims, so readers understand where you’re coming from and can decide if they agree with your assessment.

Use Specific Examples

When it comes to writing book reviews, the devil is in the details. It’s not enough to say that you liked or disliked a book – you need to explain why, using concrete examples from the text.

For instance, instead of simply stating that the dialogue was awkward, show readers what you mean with a specific quote: “The dialogue often feels stilted and unnatural, like this exchange between [character 1] and [character 2]: ‘[quote from book].’ No one actually talks like that in real life.”

Or if you’re praising the author’s descriptive language, give readers a taste with a short excerpt: “[Author]’s prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. Take this description of [setting]: ‘[quote from book].’ With just a few well-chosen details, [he/she/they] transports us to this [adjective] place.”

Using specific examples not only makes your points more convincing but also gives readers a sense of the book’s style and tone. They can see for themselves if the writing resonates with them or not.

When discussing the book’s plot and characters, be careful not to give away any major twists or reveals – especially if they happen late in the story. No one likes having a book spoiled for them.

If you need to mention a plot point or character arc in your review, try to keep it vague and focus on the overall impact rather than the specific details.

For example: “The ending packs an emotional punch, with a series of surprising revelations that recontextualize everything that came before. It’s a bold choice that will leave readers thinking long after they turn the final page.”

Or: “[Character name]’s transformation from [adjective] to [adjective] is one of the book’s most compelling aspects. [His/her/their] journey is full of unexpected detours and setbacks, but the payoff is worth it in the end.”

If you absolutely must discuss a spoiler, be sure to give readers fair warning first. A simple “spoiler alert” or “warning: major plot point ahead” will do the trick.

Conclude with Your Recommendation

As you wrap up your review, it’s time to give your final verdict. Did you love the book? Hate it? Feel ambivalent?

Don’t be afraid to share your honest opinion, even if it goes against the grain.

Your conclusion should include:

• A brief summary of your overall thoughts on the book
• Who you think would enjoy the book (fans of a certain genre, readers who like a particular writing style, etc.)
• Your star rating or grade (if applicable)
• Where readers can find more information or purchase the book

For example: “Despite a few pacing issues, [Book Title] is a thrilling, thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of [similar book or author]. With its richly drawn characters, immersive world-building, and timely themes, it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys [genre]. 4/5 stars.”

Or: “Unfortunately, [Book Title] didn’t live up to my expectations. While the premise was intriguing, the execution fell flat, with one-dimensional characters, clunky dialogue, and a predictable plot. I wanted to love this book, but in the end, I can only recommend it to die-hard fans of [author]’s previous work. 2/5 stars.”

Remember, your goal is to give readers enough information to decide if the book is right for them. Be honest, be specific, and be true to your own reading experience.

We’ve covered the basics of how to write a book review – but how do you write a truly great one?

Here are a few tips to take your book reviews to the next level.

Before you start writing, think about who your review is for. Are you writing for a general audience of casual readers or a more niche group of fans or scholars? Are you posting on your personal blog or submitting to a professional publication?

Knowing your audience will help you tailor your language, tone, and level of detail to their needs and expectations.

For instance, a review for a YA book blog might be more casual and focused on the characters and romance, while a review for an academic journal would be more formal and analytical.

Be Honest and Objective

It’s important to be honest in your reviews, even if that means going against popular opinion or potentially offending the author. Your readers trust you to give them the straight scoop, not just tell them what they want to hear.

That said, there’s a difference between being honest and being mean. Avoid personal attacks or snide remarks about the author or their work.

Focus on the book itself, and express your opinions in a fair, constructive way.

For example, instead of saying “This book is a piece of garbage and the author should be ashamed,” try something like “While I appreciate what the author was trying to do, the execution fell short for me, with weak characterization and a lack of narrative tension.”

When writing a book review, it’s easy to get sidetracked by the author’s reputation, the book’s hype, or your personal biases. But remember, your job is to review the book itself, not the author or the cultural context around it.

Focus your analysis on the book’s content – the story, the characters, the themes, the writing style.

What works and what doesn’t? What insights or questions does the book raise? How does it compare to other books in its genre or by the same author?

Of course, you can mention relevant background information or context, but keep it brief and tie it back to your main points about the book.

Avoid Summarizing the Entire Plot

One of the biggest mistakes I see in book reviews is spending too much time summarizing the plot.

Remember, your review is not a book report. Readers can get a basic plot summary from the book jacket or Amazon page. Instead of recapping every twist and turn, focus on the big picture – the main characters, the central conflict, and the key themes.

Give readers just enough context to understand what the book is about and why it matters, without getting bogged down in the details. If you do need to discuss specific plot points, try to be vague and avoid major spoilers. You can allude to “a shocking twist” or “a satisfying resolution” without giving away the goods.

Use Quotes Sparingly

Quotes can be a great way to illustrate your points and give readers a taste of the author’s writing style. But use them sparingly — a few short excerpts are better than long block quotes that take up half the review.

Read our complete guide on how to properly quote a book .

How do I write a book review?

Dive into the book, jot down your thoughts, craft a thesis, organize your points, and share without spoiling. Wrap up with your verdict.

What are the 4 stages of writing a book review?

Start by reading critically. Next, outline your main points. Then analyze and evaluate. Finally, draft and polish your review.

What are the 3 elements of a book review?

A solid intro that hooks readers; an insightful analysis that digs deep; plus, an honest recommendation to wrap it up.

What are the five parts of a book review?

An engaging introduction sets the stage; a brief summary provides context; a detailed evaluation offers depth; examples bring clarity; and a final recommendation seals the deal.

Writing a book review is your chance to join the conversation and share your unique perspective with fellow book lovers. By following these tips on how to write a book review, you’ll be well on your way to crafting reviews that captivate readers and showcase your passion for literature.

Written by Julia McCoy

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Sheila Loves Books

This blog is about my passion for books

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Book Review for Beginners

Writing a book review can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for book lovers. It allows you to share your thoughts and opinions about a book while helping others make informed choices. it provides an opportunity to connect with a community of readers who share similar interests. Here are the steps to write a book review and some tips for writing an effective one.

Why Write a Book Review?

• Share Your Opinion: Writing a book review allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and insights about a book.
• Help Others Make Informed Choices: Your review can assist potential readers in deciding whether a book aligns with their interests and preferences.
• Connect with a Community: Engaging in book reviews allows you to connect with fellow readers, exchange recommendations, and participate in meaningful discussions.

Steps to Write a Book Review:

• Read the Book Carefully: Take your time to read the book thoroughly, paying attention to its themes, plot, characters, and writing style.
• Take Notes and Highlight Key Points: Make note of important ideas, memorable quotes, and significant moments that stand out to you while reading.
• Structure Your Review: Organize your review into sections such as introduction, summary, plot analysis, writing style evaluation, personal thoughts, and conclusion.
• Begin with an Engaging Introduction: Capture the reader’s attention by providing a brief overview of the book and its significance.
• Provide a Brief Summary: Summarize the main plot and introduce the central characters without giving away any major spoilers.
• Discuss the Plot and Characters: Analyze the plot’s development, pacing, and twists. Evaluate the strength of the characters and their impact on the story.
• Evaluate the Writing Style and Organization: Assess the author’s writing style, use of language, and overall organization of the book.
• Share your Personal Thoughts and Opinions: Express your likes, dislikes, and thoughts on the book’s themes, messages, and overall impact.
• Give Examples and Supporting Evidence: Support your opinions with specific examples from the book, such as quotes or scenes, to strengthen your arguments.
• Write a Clear and Concise Conclusion: Sum up your review in a concise manner and provide a final verdict on whether you recommend the book or not.

Tips for Writing an Effective Book Review:

• Be Honest and Balanced: Present both the strengths and weaknesses of the book in a fair and balanced manner.
• Avoid Spoilers: Be mindful of not revealing major plot twists or giving away the ending to preserve the reader’s experience.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Write in a clear, concise, and engaging manner to keep the reader’s attention.
• Provide Context: Include relevant background information about the author, genre, or any historical context that may enhance the reader’s understanding.
• Support Your Opinions with Evidence: Back up your opinions with examples, quotes, and references from the book to add credibility to your review.
• Consider the Target Audience: Keep in mind the book’s intended audience and tailor your review accordingly to address their interests and expectations.

By following these steps and tips, you can confidently write a comprehensive and insightful book review that will help readers make informed choices and engage in meaningful discussions within the reading community.

Table of Contents

Key takeaways:

• Writing a book review allows you to share your opinion, help others make informed choices, and connect with a community of readers.
• To write an effective book review, carefully read the book, take notes, structure your review, and provide a brief summary, character and plot analysis, and evaluation of the writing style.
• When writing a book review, be honest and balanced, avoid spoilers, use clear and concise language, provide context, support your opinions with evidence, and consider the target audience.

Why write a book review? It’s more than just sharing your opinion on a page-turner. It’s a chance to help others make informed choices, connect with a community of book lovers, and take notes on key points that truly resonated. So, grab that pen and paper, and unleash your creativity! From an engaging introduction to a clear and concise conclusion, we’ll explore the structure, plot, characters, writing style, and more. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of book reviews!

Share Your Opinion

To effectively share your opinion in a book review, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to be honest and balanced in your assessment of the book. Providing a fair evaluation will give readers a trustworthy perspective. Additionally, avoiding spoilers is crucial as it allows readers to discover the plot themselves, enhancing their reading experience.

To ensure your opinion is well-understood, it is essential to use clear and concise language. This will help convey your thoughts effectively and prevent any confusion. In addition, providing context by discussing the genre, themes , and target audience of the book will enrich your review. This allows readers to better understand the book’s intended audience and purpose.

To strengthen your opinion, supporting it with evidence is vital. Incorporate specific examples from the book to back up your arguments. This will demonstrate that your opinions are well-grounded and thoughtful.

Lastly, keep in mind the target audience when expressing your thoughts and opinions. Tailoring your review to match the interests and preferences of the intended readership will make your opinion more relevant and valuable to them.

By considering these guidelines, you can craft a book review that effectively shares your opinion while providing valuable insights for potential readers.

Help Others Make Informed Choices

Writing a book review can help others make informed choices when deciding what books to read. Here are some reasons why writing a book review is important:

• Share your opinion: Your review can give readers an insight into your thoughts and feelings about the book.
• Help others make informed choices : By sharing your evaluation of the book, you can help others make informed choices if it’s the right book for them.
• Connect with a community: Book lovers can connect and engage in conversations about books through reviews.

By writing a comprehensive and well-structured review, you can provide valuable information to potential readers, guiding them in their book selection process. So, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and help others make informed choices!

Connect with a Community

Connecting with a community is one of the benefits of writing a book review. It allows you to connect with a community and share your thoughts and opinions with others who have similar interests. By engaging in discussions with fellow readers , you can connect with a community, gain new insights, recommendations , and perspectives. Writing a book review provides an opportunity to connect with a community of readers and establish meaningful connections. So, whether it’s joining a book club , participating in online forums , or attending literary events , connecting with a community is a great way to enhance your reading experience.

Pro-tip : Join online book communities or social media groups dedicated to book discussions to connect with a larger community of readers and discover new books.

Read the Book Carefully

When writing a book review, it is essential to thoroughly read the book in order to provide a meticulous and thoughtful analysis. Pay close attention to the plot , characters , writing style , and themes that are explored in the book. Take detailed notes while reading to ensure you remember the important details and impactful quotes. By comprehensively understanding the book, you will be able to offer a well-informed review that provides valuable insights to potential readers. Remember to take your time and fully immerse yourself in the book to grasp its nuances and appreciate the author’s craftsmanship .

Take Notes and Highlight Key Points

Taking comprehensive notes and highlighting key points while reading a book is crucial for writing an effective book review. Noting down significant details, memorable quotes , and important themes is essential for providing a comprehensive analysis of the book. Here’s how to efficiently take notes:

By taking comprehensive notes and highlighting key points, you’ll have a solid foundation for writing an insightful book review. Keep in mind that the purpose of a review is not only to summarize the book but also to provide your personal analysis and evaluation.

Structure Your Review

• Structure Your Review by reading the book carefully to have a thorough understanding of its content.
• Take notes and highlight key points that you want to discuss in your review in order to effectively Structure Your Review .
• To Structure Your Review effectively, begin with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s attention.
• Provide a brief summary of the book to give readers an overview and help Structure Your Review .
• Discuss the plot and characters , exploring their development and impact on the story, as part of the process to Structure Your Review .
• Evaluate the writing style and organization , commenting on the author’s technique and how well the book flows to Structure Your Review .
• Share your personal thoughts and opinions, expressing what worked or didn’t work for you, as this is crucial to Structure Your Review .
• Give examples and supporting evidence from the book to strengthen your review and further Structure Your Review with concrete evidence.
• Write a clear and concise conclusion that summarizes your main points and final thoughts to Structure Your Review effectively.

Remember to be honest, avoid spoilers, use clear language, provide context, support your opinions with evidence, and consider the target audience. Have fun writing your book review!

Begin with an Engaging Introduction

When writing a book review, it is crucial to begin with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. This introduction sets the tone for your review and piques the curiosity of your audience. You can start by providing a brief but captivating summary of the book, highlighting its main themes or unique aspects. Additionally, you can share your initial impressions or explain why you chose to read the book. However, it is important to avoid giving away any spoilers . By starting with an engaging introduction, you will hook your readers and leave them eager to continue reading your review.

In the realm of ancient literature , the art of storytelling has always held a special place in the hearts of readers. From Homer’s epic poems to Shakespeare’s masterful plays, the power of a well-crafted narrative has transcended time. Through the magic of literature , tales of triumph, tragedy, and everything in between have been passed down and cherished by countless generations. Therefore, when embarking on the task of writing a book review, it is essential to begin with an engaging introduction that draws readers into the enchanting world of words.

Provide a Brief Summary

A well-crafted book review includes the provision of a brief summary. It is essential to capture the main points of the book while avoiding excessive details or spoilers. The summary serves the purpose of giving readers a general understanding of the book’s content and what they can expect from it. A concise and clear summary emphasizes the crucial aspects of the plot, setting , and characters. By providing this brief overview, readers can quickly assess if the book matches their interests and make a decision regarding whether to read it. A noteworthy fact is that a skillfully written summary has the potential to entice readers to explore the book further, thereby increasing their interest and engagement.

Discuss the Plot and Characters

When writing a book review, it is crucial to thoroughly discuss the plot and characters in an insightful and detailed manner. Take the time to analyze the storyline , examining how the plot unfolds and develops, and evaluate how the characters contribute to the overall narrative. It is also important to assess the believability and depth of the characters, as well as explore their motivations and relationships . In addition, discuss whether the characters experience personal growth or remain stagnant throughout the book. Enhance your analysis by providing examples and specific evidence from the text to support your points. By delving into both the plot and characters, you will offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the book, allowing them to make an informed decision.

Evaluate the Writing Style and Organization

Evaluating the writing style and organization of a book is essential when writing a review. When analyzing a book’s qualities, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Clarity: Is the writing clear and easily understandable?
• Flow: Does the book transition smoothly between ideas, or are there sudden shifts?
• Structure: Does the book have a well-organized structure, including a clear beginning, middle, and end?
• Pacing: Does the book maintain an appropriate pace, or does it feel either too slow or rushed?
• Character development: Are the characters well-developed and believable?
• Plot progression: Does the plot progress logically, or are there any inconsistencies?

By evaluating both the writing style and organization, you can provide readers with valuable insights to guide them in determining if the book suits their preferences. It is worth noting that a well-written book with strong organization has the potential to enhance the reading experience and captivate its audience.

Share your Personal Thoughts and Opinions

When writing a book review, it is crucial to share your personal thoughts and opinions . By doing this, you allow readers to comprehend your perspective and assist them in making well-informed choices . It is important to incorporate specific examples and evidence from the book to substantiate your viewpoints. Additionally, strive to maintain honesty and balance in your assessment by presenting both positive and negative aspects of the book. Using clear and concise language is also essential in effectively conveying your thoughts. Furthermore, always bear in mind the target audience of the book and tailor your opinions accordingly. By openly expressing your personal thoughts and opinions, you can actively contribute to a dynamic and captivating book review community .

Give Examples and Supporting Evidence

When writing a book review, it is crucial to provide examples and supporting evidence to substantiate your opinions. By furnishing specific examples from the book, you can effectively demonstrate your points and aid readers in comprehending your perspective. For instance, if you discovered the characterization in the book to be robust , you could present examples of well-developed and relatable characters. Similarly, if you sensed that the plot was feeble , you could provide particular instances where the story lacked tension or resolution. Incorporating supporting evidence bolsters your review and enhances its persuasiveness to others.

Write a Clear and Concise Conclusion

• Summarize your main points: Briefly recap the key aspects of the book, including the plot, characters , and writing style .
• Evaluate the overall impact: Share your overall assessment of the book . Did it meet your expectations? Did it fulfill its purpose?
• Offer a recommendation: Based on your review, recommend whether or not others should read the book . Provide a concise reason for your recommendation.

A pro-tip for writing a conclusion: Keep it concise and impactful . Your conclusion should leave a lasting impression and encourage readers to take action, whether that’s picking up the book or skipping it.

Tips for Writing an Effective Book Review

Looking to write an effective book review? Look no further as we dive into some valuable tips that will elevate your review game. From being honest and balanced to avoiding spoilers, using clear and concise language, and providing context, we’ll cover it all. We’ll explore the importance of supporting your opinions with evidence and considering the target audience. With these guidelines, you’ll be equipped to write book reviews that captivate readers and offer valuable insights. So grab your pen and let’s get started!

Be Honest and Balanced

• To write an effective book review, it is crucial to be honest and balanced in your assessment.
• When evaluating the book , make sure to provide an objective and impartial evaluation, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses .
• Avoid allowing personal biases or preferences to overly influence your review, and give credit where it is due.
• Consider different perspectives and think about the potential audience for the book.
• Present a well-rounded viewpoint by acknowledging any flaws or shortcomings in the book alongside its positive aspects .
• Support your opinions with evidence from the book, such as specific examples or quotes .
• Communicate your thoughts using clear and concise language, without resorting to excessive praise or criticism.

Avoid Spoilers

When writing a book review, it’s crucial to avoid spoilers in order to preserve the suspense and surprise for other readers. Here are some tips to help you steer clear of spoilers when crafting your review:

• Emphasize the overarching themes and impressions of the book rather than divulging specific plot twists or endings.
• Steer clear of discussing significant character developments or surprises that may impact the reader’s experience.
• Instead of revealing specific details, delve into the author’s writing style, the pacing of the story, or the effectiveness of the narrative structure.
• Provide enough information to give readers an idea of what to expect without giving away crucial plot points.
• Consider using vague statements or generalizations to explore important aspects of the story without spoiling the specifics.

In a similar vein, when recounting a true historical event , it’s vital to gradually reveal the details in order to preserve the suspense and intrigue for the audience. By gradually unveiling the facts, it enables the reader or listener to engage with the event in a more captivating and profound manner.

Use Clear and Concise Language

When writing a book review , it’s crucial to incorporate the use of clear and concise language. This is important to effectively communicate your thoughts and opinions to the reader . Avoid the use of unnecessary jargon or complex vocabulary that may confuse the reader. Instead, focus on using straightforward sentences and expressing your ideas in a concise manner. Aim to be clear and direct in your language, getting straight to the point . By incorporating the use of clear and concise language, you can ensure that your book review is easily understandable and engaging for the reader. Always remember, simplicity is key in conveying your thoughts effectively.

Provide Context

To effectively provide context in a book review, it is of utmost importance to tactfully present readers with a brief background on the author , the genre , and any relevant historical or cultural context. This approach helps readers grasp the book’s significance and fully appreciate it within its specific context. For instance, when analyzing a historical fiction novel, mentioning the specific time period in which it is set, as well as any pertinent historical events that contribute to the story, becomes crucial. By incorporating context, readers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the book’s themes, characters, and plot. As a result, they are empowered to make well-informed decisions about whether the book aligns with their interests and preferences.

In a similar vein, a true story serves as a powerful exemplification of the profound impact of providing context. A book reviewer shared their initial confusion and lack of interest in a classic novel. However, after delving deeper into the historical context surrounding the book’s creation and the personal experiences of the author, they found a newfound appreciation for the story and its underlying themes. This anecdote beautifully underscores how the inclusion of context can significantly augment readers’ understanding and enjoyment of a book.

Support Your Opinions with Evidence

To write an effective book review, it is vital to support your opinions with evidence. Here are some ways to accomplish that:

• Present specific examples from the book to validate your arguments and opinions.
• Show references to quotes or passages that stood out to you and explain why they carried significance.
• Explore the author’s implementation of literary devices, such as symbolism or foreshadowing , and discuss how they influenced the story.
• Analyze the development of characters and provide instances of their actions or dialogue that illustrate your points.
• Draw comparisons between the book and other works by the same author or within the same genre to offer context and back your evaluation.

By incorporating evidence from the book, you can enhance your review and assist readers in making informed decisions about whether to read the book or not.

Consider the Target Audience

Considering the target audience is crucial when writing a book review . It is important to consider the target audience to ensure that your review is tailored to their specific needs and interests. By taking into account the age group , genre preferences , reading level , and cultural background of the readers, you can provide a more insightful and valuable review.

By considering the target audience , you can provide a more insightful and valuable review that caters to their specific needs and interests.

Some Facts About How to Write a Book Review:

• ✅ A book review should offer a critical perspective and engage in dialogue with the work’s creator and other audiences. (Source: UNC Writing Center)
• ✅ Reviews are typically brief and rarely exceed 1000 words. (Source: UNC Writing Center)
• ✅ A book review should provide a concise summary of the content, offer a critical assessment of the work, and suggest whether the audience would appreciate it. (Source: UNC Writing Center)
• ✅ Writing a book review can be daunting as it requires expressing opinions and making judgments. However, it is encouraged to provide concrete evidence for assertions and voice agreement or disagreement tactfully. (Source: UNC Writing Center)
• ✅ A good book review should be concise, avoid repetition, be supported by evidence from the book, and be proofread before submission. (Source: Grammarly)

Frequently Asked Questions

Faqs on how to write a book review, 1. how can i write a concise summary of a book in my review.

A concise summary of a book in your review can be written by focusing on the main ideas, key events, and central themes of the book. Include a brief description of the plot or contents, highlighting the significant aspects without getting into excessive detail.

2. How should I analyze a book in my review?

To analyze a book in your review, pay attention to its literary elements, such as themes, characters, dialogue, and the author’s style. Discuss how these elements contribute to the overall message or impact of the book. It’s also helpful to consider the book’s historical, social, or cultural context.

3. What are some key steps for writing an effective introduction paragraph?

When writing the introduction paragraph of your book review, start with a captivating opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. Provide a brief overview of the book, including its title, author, and a short summary of its content. Finally, state your thesis statement, which outlines your main argument or evaluation of the book.

4. How can I offer a critical assessment of the book in my review?

To offer a critical assessment of the book in your review, carefully evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. Discuss what aspects of the book worked well and what could have been improved. Support your assessment with specific examples, evidence from the book, and comparisons to relevant sources or similar works.

5. How do I write a conclusion paragraph for a book review?

The conclusion paragraph of your book review should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. You can also provide a final evaluation or recommendation for the book, explaining whether you would recommend it to others and why. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

6. Where can I find additional resources to enhance my book review writing skills?

To enhance your book review writing skills, consider exploring academic journals, professional works, and recently written books in your field of interest. These sources can help you deepen your analytical skills and learn from expert reviewers. Additionally, online writing guides and resources provided by writing centers or universities can be valuable in improving your academic writing abilities.

How To Write A Book Review: A Student Guide

• What Is A Book Review?
• How To Write A Book Review
• Helpful Tips

If you’ve ever taken an English course or studied literature in any capacity, chances are you’re already very familiar with the idea of a book review. Maybe you’ve even written a book review or two throughout your academic career—hopefully after taking the time to actually read the book in question. 

But even with their ubiquity within classrooms around the world, the task of writing a book review can still be daunting. After all, you’re attempting to boil down an entire book into a few short paragraphs! That’s no easy feat. Before you get started on your review, you might be wondering: How much of the book’s plot do I actually need to summarize? Do I need to mention every character in the order that they appear in the story? And what does one talk about in a book review, anyway? 

Whether you’re writing a book review for school or just want some helpful tips to level up your Goodreads game, we’ll break down the different sections of a standard book review in this ultimate how-to guide.

What is a book review ?

A book review is a written evaluation of a book in any genre. Often around 500 to 1,000 words in length, book reviews provide a brief summary of the text, analyze its overall merit, and describe the reviewer’s personal opinions and reading experience. Think of it as a more nuanced way of recommending a favorite book— your review serves as your own individual stamp of approval.

If you’ve ever been assigned a book review in an academic setting, you already know that they’re meant to help students retain and further engage with their required reading. But book reviews can also appear outside of the classroom, too. Professional book critics, avid readers, and even bookish content creators may review a book for a major publication, for a personal blog, or on popular book reviewing websites like Goodreads and StoryGraph.

What is the difference between a book review and a book report ?

In casual conversation, one might use the terms “book review” and “book report” interchangeably. And while book reviews and book reports certainly share a few key similarities, there are some important differences that distinguish the two from an academic standpoint.

Often assigned to students in the K-12 age range, book reports give a strictly objective account of what happened in a book. Think major plot points, main characters, and big-picture ideas. They don’t often include the added elements of critical analysis and a subjective review, which is why they’re typically reserved for younger students with less experience with writing and literature.

Book reviews, on the other hand, are more than just a play-by-play of what happened; they require a higher level of critical thinking and engagement with the text. After providing a brief summary of the text, book reviews typically move into a deeper analysis of literary elements, which could include plot, characters, themes, or even the writing style itself. A book review also usually concludes with the reviewer’s personal thoughts, experience, rating, and recommendation (or non-recommendation) of the book. 

Get a better grasp on the nuances that set book reports apart from book reviews with this helpful article.

How to write a book review

Section 1: introduction.

To begin your book review, it’s a good idea to start with a compelling hook that captures your audience’s attention and encourages them to continue reading. Don’t give anything major away in these first few sentences—just focus on setting the tone, creating some intrigue, or presenting an interesting question. 

Example: With more than 300 million records sold worldwide and a career in music spanning over six decades, Elton John is easily one of the most prolific artists of all time. The singer’s official autobiography, aptly titled Me , gives readers an up-close-and-personal look at the man behind the music.

Section 2: Summary

Next, briefly recap the book you read with a high-level synopsis. Not only does this help clue your audience in on what the book is even about, but it also sets up your thoughts and opinions regarding the book with some important context.

For fiction book summaries, focus on plot points, primary and secondary characters, and overall themes—just be sure to leave out any big reveals and avoid discussing spoilers that could ruin someone’s reading experience. If you’re reviewing a nonfiction book, you can discuss the author’s main ideas, arguments, or thesis statements by section. Don’t forget to mention any essential information about the book in this section, which can include basics like the title, author, publication year, and whether or not it’s part of a series, for example. 

Example: Published in 2019 by Henry Holt & Co., Elton John’s personal memoir aims to capture as much of the British singer, pianist, and composer’s fascinating life as possible. The book begins by recounting John’s early childhood experiences growing up in the suburbs of London then moves into his rise to fame and continued success as a musician and producer today. 

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Section 3: Critical analysis

Once you’ve recapped the book and provided your audience with all of the need-to-know details, it’s time to dive a little deeper. The critical analysis section of your book review is where you can start to sprinkle in your own thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the text.

If you’re writing a book review in an academic setting or as an assignment for school, you may be required to write about specific literary elements within the text. (Be sure to refer back to your assignment’s instructions for more information!) But if you’ve got free range to write about anything and aren’t sure where to start, here are a few prompts to get your creative juices flowing: 

• Characterization: Who are the primary characters, and how do they affect the story? Are they particularly likable or relatable? What do you think their individual arcs represent? 
• Structure/form: How does structure play a role in storytelling? Does the author write in long, stream-of-consciousness paragraphs or short, quippy vignettes? Do you think the book would have benefited from a different structure? 
• Writing style: How would you describe this author’s writing style? Is it accessible and conversational or rigid and academic? Does this writing style lend itself well to this specific story or genre? 
• Themes & ideas: Can you easily identify the story’s main ideas or motifs? What do you think they represent? Are they effective? Why or why not?

Example: I found Elton John’s honesty, vulnerability, and conversational writing style incredibly refreshing as I read this book. It felt less like reading a nonfiction book and more like catching up with a friend. The singer doesn’t pull any punches as he shares everything from delightful anecdotes of his experience as a father to the heart-wrenching details of his struggle with drug addiction. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to live such a public life; I commend and admire John’s continued openness.

Section 4: Conclusion, personal recommendation, and rating (if applicable)

Finally, wrap up your book review by stating whether or not you personally recommend the book to your intended audience. Don’t throw your audience for a loop by bringing up anything new in this section. Your conclusion should be a natural progression from the previous sections—it’s the cherry on top, if you will.

Note: if you’re writing a book review for a school assignment, you may be able to skip this section based on your assignment’s directions. On the other hand, if you’re writing your review for your personal blog or on a popular bookish site like Goodreads or StoryGraph, it may be helpful to include a star rating, too.

Example: I highly recommend this book to longtime fans of Elton John and casual listeners alike. I grew up listening to Elton John’s greatest hits on the radio, and it was so interesting to learn more about his upbringing, creative inspiration, and life experiences in this book. 

Like book reviews and reports, the five-paragraph essay is a classic part of any student’s academic arsenal. Learn how to master it here!

Helpful tips for writing a book review

Read (and re-read) your assignment’s directions. Following your teacher or professor’s instructions is key to nailing a book review assignment in an academic setting. You may be required to follow a certain structure, hit a specified word count, or discuss certain literary devices in your review.

Take notes while you read. Especially when it comes to writing the summary portion of the book review, it can be helpful to actively take notes while you’re reading. Note-taking can help you focus on the main ideas and trace narrative through-lines while they’re fresh in your mind, rather than trying to remember every last detail after you’ve already finished the book. Plus, your notes will serve as a helpful cheat sheet to look back on in case you do end up forgetting something.

Remember to proofread! As with any piece of writing, it’s important to check your work for grammar errors, misspellings, and typos. You don’t want to lose credibility (or points on your grade) for silly mistakes. 

Don’t be too harsh. Even if you truly despised the book you read, it’s a good idea to write as if the author of the book might read your review one day. Jumping at the chance to tear down someone’s writing is unnecessary; keep your criticism constructive and remember that authors have feelings, too!

Roused by reading and want to write a book of your own? Check out some tips to get started.

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How to Write a Book Review in 5 Steps

Hannah Yang

If you love to read books, you might be looking for ways to share your opinions about your recent reads.

Writing book reviews is a great way to engage with the book-loving community. If your reviews gain a large enough following, you might even get paid to read books—every reader’s dream come true!

So how exactly do you write book reviews?

This article will explain what a book review is and give you a step-by-step guide for writing a good one.

What Is a Book Review?

How to review a book in 5 steps, best book review examples, how to be a book reviewer.

A book review is a critical assessment of a recently published book. Looking at book reviews helps readers figure out which books to read next and which books to avoid.

The average book review is around 300–750 words. It includes a quick summary of the book, the reviewer’s evaluation of the book, and a recommendation about who should read this book.

It’s important not to confuse book reviews with book reports. A book report is a summary that proves you understood the book, often assigned to elementary school or middle school students.

Book reviews, on the other hand, should offer a unique perspective on a book. They’re often assigned to undergraduate or graduate students.

Professional book reviews can be published in academic journals, on the reviewer’s personal blog, or on platforms like Goodreads.

Here are five steps you can follow to write your own book review.

1. Briefly Summarize the Book

If you’re wondering how to start a book review, the answer is simple—start by summarizing the story!

A quick and objective summary, similar to the one you might find on the book jacket, gives your readers a sense of what the book is about. That way, they have enough context to understand the rest of your review.

If the book is nonfiction, you should include the major questions the book examines, the ways the book tries to answer those questions, and any relevant details about the author’s credentials.

If the book is a novel, you should include the genre, the main character, and the events that launch the main character into the story.

However, it’s important not to spoil the story for people who haven’t read it yet. A good rule is not to mention anything that happens after the midpoint of the story. Leave the rest for the readers to discover on their own.

2. Evaluate the Book’s Qualities

Once you’ve explained the premise of the book, it’s time to provide a more subjective evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the book. What do you want other readers to know about this book?

Here are some different aspects of a nonfiction book you can evaluate:

• Key takeaways (e.g. What did you learn? What’s the book’s argument?)
• Readability (e.g. What background knowledge do readers need to understand this?)
• Prose (e.g. How are the points communicated? What’s the author’s writing style?)

Here are some different aspects of a novel you can evaluate:

• Characters (e.g. How well-developed is the protagonist? The villain? The love interest?)
• Plot (e.g. Are there surprising twists? Subverted tropes? Plot holes?)
• Worldbuilding (e.g. Is the world of the story immersive? Unique? Original?)
• Theme (e.g. What questions does the story examine? How does it answer those questions?)
• Prose (e.g. Is the writing lyrical or plain? Funny or serious? Dense or digestible?)

Many reviewers focus on one aspect for each of the paragraphs in their review.

As much as possible, try to balance the good with the bad. If the entire review is glowing, or if the entire review is critical, it won’t feel as objective as one that mentions both positive and negative qualities.

Also, make sure you include spoiler warnings if you’re going to mention anything that happens after the midpoint of the story. Some book review platforms let you hide those passages of your review until readers click on them.

3. Include Quotes from the Book

Quotes from the book can serve as useful supporting evidence for your key points. If you say the book includes lyrical prose, make sure to include a passage that represents the lyrical style of the book, so your readers can see what you mean.

You can include well-written passages that showcase the author’s talent. If you disliked the book, you can also choose quotes that showcase what you disliked most.

4. Rate the Book

Many book review platforms, such as Goodreads, let you give a star rating to each book you review.

You can develop your own rating system if you’d like. For example, you could rate books on a scale of 1–5, 1–10, or even 1–100.

Some reviewers break down their ratings into multiple categories. For example, you might give a book five stars for its characters, but only two stars for its plot.

5. Give Your Recommendation

Finish your book review by stating whether or not you would recommend this book to others. That’s the main purpose of a book review, after all—to convince readers either to read the book or to skip it.

It can be helpful to say exactly what kinds of readers you’d recommend it to.

For example, you might write, “This book is perfect for anyone who loves swing dancing and slow-burn romance,” or “Don’t read this if you don’t like slow, atmospheric books that focus more on vibes than on plot.”

You can also recommend other books in the same genre that you think fellow readers will enjoy if they liked this one. “If you liked A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, we recommend The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.”

One way to learn how to write great book reviews is by reading them. Let’s look at a few examples of great book reviews you can use as inspiration.

Kirkus Reviews is a well-known American book review magazine. Here’s the beginning of their review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo , a historical fiction novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

An aging starlet with seven marriages behind her generously offers the rights to her memoir to an inexperienced writer—at a heartbreaking cost. Monique Grant is stunned when Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo grants an exclusive interview to her over more seasoned journalists, but when she’s also chosen to publish Evelyn’s final confessions after her death, she learns that the 79-year-old actress has enough life experience for them both. Growing up poor in Hell’s Kitchen, young Evelyn Herrera trades her virginity for a ride to Hollywood, changes her name, and climbs the rungs of the entertainment-industry ladder one husband at a time until she hits Oscar gold. To write her off as being calculating and fickle would leave out the difficulty of being a woman, especially a woman of color, trying to get by in the late 1950s without a man’s blessing.

Emily May is a UK-based book reviewer who’s one of the top-ranked reviewers on Goodreads. Here are the first few paragraphs of her Goodreads review of The Poppy War , a fantasy novel by R.F. Kuang.

“But I warn you, little warrior. The price of power is pain.” Holy hell, what did I just read?? A fantasy military school A rich world based on modern Chinese history Shamans and gods Detailed characterization leading to unforgettable characters Adorable, opium-smoking mentors That’s a basic list, but this book is all of that and SO MUCH MORE. I know 100% that The Poppy War will be one of my best reads of 2018.

Finally, Book Geeks is a website that describes itself as “India’s best book blog.” Here’s the beginning of their review of Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5 SUBJECT: 4/5 CANDIDNESS: 4.5/5 RELEVANCE: 3.5/5 ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5 Eat Pray Love is so popular that it is almost impossible to not read it. Having felt ashamed many times on my not having read this book, I quietly ordered the book (before I saw the movie) from Amazon and sat down to read it. I don’t remember what I expected it to be—maybe more like a chick-lit but it turned out quite different. The book is a real story and is a short journal from the time when its writer went travelling to three different countries in pursuit of three different things—Italy (Pleasure), India (Spirituality), Bali (Balance) and this is what corresponds to the book’s name—EAT (in Italy), PRAY (in India), and LOVE (in Bali, Indonesia).

There are many benefits to becoming a consistent book reviewer.

After you establish a following, many publishing houses will send you books for free in exchange for a review, which can be a huge perk. In some cases, you can even get paid for your reviews.

So how do you become a book reviewer? Here are a few tips:

Develop your own book reviewing style to give your reviews a more personal touch. Do you want to leave funny reviews that make readers laugh? Personal reviews that include anecdotes from your own life? Serious reviews that readers can trust for an objective opinion?

Start taking notes every time you read a book you’re planning to review. Recording your initial reactions can help you develop more insightful critiques.

Finally, set book reviewing goals and stick to them. For example, you might decide to start by reviewing one book a month. That way, you can turn reviewing into a consistent practice.

Good luck, and happy writing!

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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How to Write a Book Review: Awesome Guide

A book review allows students to illustrate the author's intentions of writing the piece, as well as create a criticism of the book — as a whole. In other words, form an opinion of the author's presented ideas. Check out this guide from EssayPro - book review writing service to learn how to write a book review successfully.

What Is a Book Review?

You may prosper, “what is a book review?”. Book reviews are commonly assigned students to allow them to show a clear understanding of the novel. And to check if the students have actually read the book. The essay format is highly important for your consideration, take a look at the book review format below.

Book reviews are assigned to allow students to present their own opinion regarding the author’s ideas included in the book or passage. They are a form of literary criticism that analyzes the author’s ideas, writing techniques, and quality. A book analysis is entirely opinion-based, in relevance to the book. They are good practice for those who wish to become editors, due to the fact, editing requires a lot of criticism.

Book Review Template

The book review format includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Introduction
• Describe the book cover and title.
• Include any subtitles at this stage.
• Include the Author’s Name.
• Write a brief description of the novel.
• Briefly introduce the main points of the body in your book review.
• Avoid mentioning any opinions at this time.
• Use about 3 quotations from the author’s novel.
• Summarize the quotations in your own words.
• Mention your own point-of-view of the quotation.
• Remember to keep every point included in its own paragraph.
• In brief, summarize the quotations.
• In brief, summarize the explanations.
• Finish with a concluding sentence.
• This can include your final opinion of the book.
• Star-Rating (Optional).

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How to Write a Book Review: Step-By-Step

Writing a book review is something that can be done with every novel. Book reviews can apply to all novels, no matter the genre. Some genres may be harder than others. On the other hand, the book review format remains the same. Take a look at these step-by-step instructions from our professional writers to learn how to write a book review in-depth.

Step 1: Planning

Create an essay outline which includes all of the main points you wish to summarise in your book analysis. Include information about the characters, details of the plot, and some other important parts of your chosen novel. Reserve a body paragraph for each point you wish to talk about.

Consider these points before writing:

• What is the plot of the book? Understanding the plot enables you to write an effective review.
• Is the plot gripping? Does the plot make you want to continue reading the novel? Did you enjoy the plot? Does it manage to grab a reader’s attention?
• Are the writing techniques used by the author effective? Does the writer imply factors in-between the lines? What are they?
• Are the characters believable? Are the characters logical? Does the book make the characters are real while reading?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? The most important thing: would you tell others to read this book? Is it good enough? Is it bad?
• What could be better? Keep in mind the quotes that could have been presented better. Criticize the writer.

Step 2: Introduction

Presumably, you have chosen your book. To begin, mention the book title and author’s name. Talk about the cover of the book. Write a thesis statement regarding the fictitious story or non-fictional novel. Which briefly describes the quoted material in the book review.

Step 3: Body

Choose a specific chapter or scenario to summarise. Include about 3 quotes in the body. Create summaries of each quote in your own words. It is also encouraged to include your own point-of-view and the way you interpret the quote. It is highly important to have one quote per paragraph.

Step 4: Conclusion

Write a summary of the summarised quotations and explanations, included in the body paragraphs. After doing so, finish book analysis with a concluding sentence to show the bigger picture of the book. Think to yourself, “Is it worth reading?”, and answer the question in black and white. However, write in-between the lines. Avoid stating “I like/dislike this book.”

Step 5: Rate the Book (Optional)

After writing a book review, you may want to include a rating. Including a star-rating provides further insight into the quality of the book, to your readers. Book reviews with star-ratings can be more effective, compared to those which don’t. Though, this is entirely optional.

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Dive into literary analysis with EssayPro . Our experts can help you craft insightful book reviews that delve deep into the themes, characters, and narratives of your chosen books. Enhance your understanding and appreciation of literature with us.

Writing Tips

Here is the list of tips for the book review:

• A long introduction can certainly lower one’s grade: keep the beginning short. Readers don’t like to read the long introduction for any essay style.
• It is advisable to write book reviews about fiction: it is not a must. Though, reviewing fiction can be far more effective than writing about a piece of nonfiction
• Avoid Comparing: avoid comparing your chosen novel with other books you have previously read. Doing so can be confusing for the reader.
• Opinion Matters: including your own point-of-view is something that is often encouraged when writing book reviews.
• Refer to Templates: a book review template can help a student get a clearer understanding of the required writing style.
• Don’t be Afraid to Criticize: usually, your own opinion isn’t required for academic papers below Ph.D. level. On the other hand, for book reviews, there’s an exception.
• Use Positivity: include a fair amount of positive comments and criticism.
• Review The Chosen Novel: avoid making things up. Review only what is presented in the chosen book.
• Enjoyed the book? If you loved reading the book, state it. Doing so makes your book analysis more personalized.

Writing a book review is something worth thinking about. Professors commonly assign this form of an assignment to students to enable them to express a grasp of a novel. Following the book review format is highly useful for beginners, as well as reading step-by-step instructions. Writing tips is also useful for people who are new to this essay type. If you need a book review or essay, ask our book report writing services ' write paper for me ' and we'll give you a hand asap!

We also recommend that everyone read the article about essay topics . It will help broaden your horizons in writing a book review as well as other papers.

Book Review Examples

Referring to a book review example is highly useful to those who wish to get a clearer understanding of how to review a book. Take a look at our examples written by our professional writers. Click on the button to open the book review examples and feel free to use them as a reference.

Book review

Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’

Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’ is a novel aimed at youngsters. The plot, itself, is not American humor, but that of Great Britain. In terms of sarcasm, and British-related jokes. The novel illustrates a fair mix of the relationships between the human-like animals, and wildlife. The narrative acts as an important milestone in post-Victorian children’s literature.

Book Review

Dr. John’s ‘Pollution’

Dr. John’s ‘Pollution’ consists of 3 major parts. The first part is all about the polluted ocean. The second being about the pollution of the sky. The third part is an in-depth study of how humans can resolve these issues. The book is a piece of non-fiction that focuses on modern-day pollution ordeals faced by both animals and humans on Planet Earth. It also focuses on climate change, being the result of the global pollution ordeal.

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How To Write A Book Review?

What to include in a book review, what is a book review, related articles.

A Complete Guide on How to Write a Book Review

Most of us read books; a few write books. reviewers eat, chew, and digest books we all have been reading books since our school days. first, they are thrust upon us, then books become our companions of knowledge and entertainment, and finally, we become critics. in this article, i will tell you a to z about how to write a book review..

This article includes

• The Seven Stages Of A Reader
• Why A Book Review?
• Questions You Must Answer Before You Write A Review.
• Reading A Book To Review.
• Seven Elements Of A Book Review.
• Book Review Format.
• Polish Your Review One Last Time.
• Exercise For Book Review.

The Seven Stages of A Reader

There are seven stages of life, and there are seven stages of a reader. In these stages of life, books are predominant.

• First stage – Books and the age of nursery rhymes
• Second stage – Books and the age of fairy tales
• Third stage –Books and the age of adventure stories
• Fourth stage – Books and the age of romance
• Fifth stage – Books are the source of inspiration and self-help
• Sixth stage – Books and the path to religion and philosophy
• Seventh stage – Books and the art of review

If you are in the seventh stage, you would have gone through all six stages by now. I’m sure your reading choices will be ranging from literature, drama, poetry, and of course, non-fiction. At this stage, you are a polished critique.

Some of us may develop from one stage to another, but most of us resist the natural development and get into reviewing a book with abstract ideas and wrath of vengeance.

In case you are still in the passing phases of a reader and want to learn the art of book review, we will tell you how to write  book review.

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Why A Book Review ?

A book review assesses and describes a piece of work of fiction or non-fiction. In a novel, the emphasis is given to plot, character, and language, whereas in non-fiction, primary attention is on the argument, source of information, and narration style. Remember that a book review acts as a guide for others to choose a book; refrain from ugly criticism; it reflects you than the author.

A well-written book review describes a book’s purpose, structure, and style and compares a similar theme.

A book review is a guide for other readers. In an ocean of printed books and e-books, it isn’t easy to choose the right book. A book review summarises the work and provides an opinion about the book.

In short, a book review is essential for three reasons:

• A book review describes the book as a summary
• It analyzes the book for the readers
• It gives a recommendation and reviewers rating based on the similar books available.

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Questions You Must Answer Before You Write A Review

This topic reminds me of a bit of an incident that happened when my first book was released in 2009. One of my dear friends reviewed my novel and rated it outstanding with a five-star. I read the review full of praises, but there was a lot of disconnect between the plot and his judgment.

I called him and asked him if he has read the book? He said that he was dutybound to review it as a friend. I knew that devil; he had never read a single book. I delivered a free copy to his address with a thank you note as my token of appreciation. I know he will never read it!

The primary question is, have you read the book? The second question is, have you understood the theme? Never review a book if you haven’t read it and understood it. Writing a book review becomes simple if you get into these details before you start a review.

In which classification or genre does the book fit?

Writing is characterized by theme – the central idea, content – the subject and its form – how the content is expressed. Elaborating on different forms of literature, we can assort them as:

• Prose Fiction
• Non-Fiction

What are the other literary works of the author? Were they similar or different?

Every author has a subject specialization, and there are a series of books written by the same author. There are only a few genius authors who can write with great conviction about different themes. Roald Dahl and Stephen King are amongst a few authors who can write in a diverse genre.

What is the plot of the book?

A plot is different from a theme. The theme is the central idea, whereas the plot in a book is the story’s foundation. The story develops around the setting and the characters, which becomes the plot of the book. In simple terms, it is what happens in the story.

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  Are the facts given authenticated in a non-fiction work?

Non-fiction is embellished with facts and references. These links and bibliography need to be threadbare to authenticate the facts in non-fiction.

What is the language?

Here language is not the linguistic term but the tone or the style. Often the author disregards the rules of grammar to give an authentic look to its character. The writing catches on to the different dialects of different people from various parts of the world. An American way of speaking will be distinct from an Australian or an Indian.

Does the book has a voice and a soul?

Voice is the collective thought of many people brought together by the author. This voice becomes the soul of the book if it has a powerful message or a view.

Reading a Book to Review

The foremost thing is choosing the right book. Take your time to select a book to read before you review. Have you ever noticed people spending hours in a book shop or a library to pick the right book? Your selection must be based on your interest, genre, skills, and competence.

In case you are assigned a book to review, please take it in the right spirit and be deliberate in reading it.

Here are a few essentials that must be taken care of when you read a book to review.

Focus points while you read.

• Inspect the cover and the title/subtitle of the book.
• Note down essential facts and sources of inspiration while you read.
• Study the table of content to analyze the structure of the book.
• Try and predict the target audiences.
• Make chapter-wise notes as you read.

Focus points once you have read

Once you have read the complete book and noted down the critical points as explained, make a complete layout of the following topics.

• Write a summary of not more than 250-300 words of the book.
• Briefly write about the characters and setting. In the case of a non-fiction book, write about the references and ideology.
• Compare the book with similar subjects, which are bestsellers.
• Find out what is fresh, pathbreaking, and out of the league in the book. The most important is to answer if the book is unique or just another run-of-the-mill story.
• Write your final 100 words conclusion about the book.
• Please write your recommendation and rating comparing it with similar classics, which would be on a scale of 5 or 10.

Seven Elements of A Book Review

The pious Vedas say that our body is an amalgamation of five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sky. Similarly, a book review is a merger of seven vital elements.

We have seen the seven stages of a reader, and now we will see seven elements of a book review.

If I review a book written by Paulo Coelho or R K Narayan, they may not need an introduction. The enormous literary geniuses have a name, but many like me are trying to make a name in the writing field. These authors require an introduction. Start a book review by introducing the author, his background, education, and other works.

The character of an author reflects in his work. Read any novel of Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, or any other accomplished author; their background, struggles, and character will be visible in their work. More than that, it creates a deeper connection with the author making his work and concepts amply clear. When we review Stephen’s Hawkins book – A Brief History of Time, we know the individual is a rare genius.

Practically speaking, a book review is meant to guide readers, and knowledge about the author is the first step.  The author of the book is the first step to learning about how to write a book review.

Target Audience

Sometimes the target audience is vast; at times, it is limited. If a story is about abstract art or inclined towards pornography, it will have a limited scope. The publishing idea could be a quick marketing strategy by the publisher or the author.

In such cases, it becomes difficult to establish a concrete relationship between the author and the readers. Don’t misjudge me; I am not giving a morality sermon; it is the idea and target audience. In my list of top five books, I always recommend Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov.

The book is perfect prose and highlights the dark shades of resident evil in the author’s mind. However, I will not recommend the same book to school children. I would encourage them to read Malgudi Days by RK Narayan or Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond.

Characters and Plot

In a fiction novel, the characters and plot are the main ingredients. The simplest way is to close your eyes and feel the setting and characters in your mind. Analyze if the characters feel genuine? If not, look for the reason.

In non-fiction, it is primarily the content and the flow. The idea or thought which shapes and influences the theme is the soul of the book. This aspect must be highlighted when you are learning how to write a book review.

Issues that are highlighted

Different authors have different approaches, and they highlight various social, religious, and political issues. You don’t need to agree with all the highlights. However, if you learn how to write a book review, you must learn to address it in a neutral tone.

To further amplify the point, let me give you an example. You may be an atheist, but if you review a religious philosophy, don’t disregard the thought by terming it as a myth or a book advocating baseless traditions. It may be baseless for you, and that is fine from your point of view. However, there might be millions who take it as a matter of faith.

As a reviewer, highlight the issue first, and we will come to your point of view.

Point of view and perspective

As an author, the most important lesson I ever learned about a book review is about Point of View. When my first novel was released, the first review made me nervous about my future endeavors and disheartened me. The reviewer had ripped apart my work which I thought was a great one.

For many years I didn’t appreciate what point of view meant until my second book was released. An author’s karma is to write a book irrespective of the opinion and perspective of any reader. A reviewer must keep this aspect in his mind constantly.

In most book reviews, I have noticed a point of view is just the narrative. You can do without a description in a book review, even without quotations, but a reviewer’s perspective is the most critical aspect.

Writing an apt point of view from a corrective perspective without creating an antagonism element is essential for writing a book review.

Voice and language

Voice is not the tone; it is the collective consciousness of a group of people. When Prime Minister Nehru spoke at the stroke of midnight, it was a collective voice of millions of Indians together. When Martin Luther King Jr said about the American dream in his pathbreaking speech – “I have a dream,” it was a collective voice of all the black Americans.  Your book review must identify the voice that speaks; it is the book’s heart and should not be missed in a book review.

Language is the narrative tone. It is a great way to pass on information in depth without forcing exposition. A great example of language is predominant in J D Salinger’s novel “A Catcher in the Rye.” Language gives you an insight into a place, time, and people.

The final but essential aspect of writing a book review is extracting life lessons from the book. Paying attention to more nuanced aspects of the book will teach you more than being just another reader.

As a reviewer, bring out the lessons you have learned. It is always better to mark important paras and quotes in the book while reading it. I always sit with a diary and a pen while reading a book, noting all I have learned.

When you are learning how to write a book review, please get in the habit of highlighting essential lessons in the book; they are the strong points worth mentioning to other readers.

Book Review Format

A classic book review template will consist of four vital elements.

Introduction

How you deliver these four elements will make all the difference. Here is a detailed template on how to write a book review.

An Introduction is the beginning step of a book review. It is akin to a person holding the book in his hand, looking at the cover, inspecting the title, and reading the back cover blurb. The Introduction will have two parts:

• Introduction of the Book
• Cover design
• Name of the publishing house.
• Introduction of the Author
• Name of the Author/ Pen-name
• Educational background
• Professional background
• Other literary works

The thesis in a book review is the spine of your writing credibility; if it doesn’t intrigue and seduce the readers, your purpose is defeated. The apt idea behind the book and exciting points will bind your book review together. Undoubtedly it is the art you must master in how to write a book review.

• Start with the pitch. It is an analysis of the questions and probable answers before a reader hooks on to the book. To kill a mockingbird pitch to complex characters and a story of national extent; this made the book an all-time classic.
• Write the summary without giving away the key of the story.
• Briefly write about the characters, setting, idea, and references (for Non-fiction)
• Write about the target audiences.

The body is the book’s meat or the main content; this will give out all that a person wants to know about a book before deciding to read it.

• Use important quotations that are the highlights of the book. Try and describe it in your own words.
• Write about the issues that have been highlighted. Bring out if the author has succeeded in achieving his aim or not.
• Give your point of view and perspective about the book. Bring out reasons for your viewpoint to entrench your thoughts.
• Analyze critically the language, flow of the story, ideas generated by the author, social issues, and any impact that the book is likely to create.
• Bring out the important lessons that you derive from the book.
• If necessary, bring out the weaknesses and scope of improvement. Don’t be antagonistic or hateful. The aim is to suggest edits from a reader’s perspective and not to pull down any individual.
• Remember, it takes a lot of effort to produce a book. After writing four books, I know it takes more than a year’s hard work and perseverance to edit and complete a book. Never act with a vengeance.

Polish Your Review One Last Time

Once you are done with your book review, please leave it to rest overnight or for 24 hours. This method is a versatile trick in how to write a book review. Come back to your book review with a fresh mind and an eye for detail. At times you will notice a few points that need amendment. It could be your emotional angle or a critical point of view. Time is the best tonic for maturity.

Do a detailed scan to ensure no grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, or anything out of context. It is advisable to use Grammarly or Hemingway editor to polish your writing.

Exercise for Book Review

The following exercise will help you in implementing how to write a book review. I have selected five books from different genres. All these books are pathbreaking, and reading these books will give you insight into the various writing styles, but it will also teach you the art of writing.

• The Room on the Roof by eminent author Ruskin Bond.
• Light on Life by BKS Iyengar .
• Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Call of the Wild by Jack London

After doing this exercise, compare and check your answer at any review site. This will help you to master the art of writing a book review.

A book review needs to be Clear, Concise, and Comprehensive. These three C’s are essential for fiction as well as non-fiction books. Before you write a book review, pay attention to all the points explained in the article. You can keep this as a guide and follow the elementary topics next time you write a review.

Learning how to write a book review takes time, effort, and knowledge about the subject. Reading reviews written by others will help if they stick to the format and give a detailed perspective. The common trends are only a promotional three or four-line review on Amazon or Flipkart. I hope this detailed guide will help you polish your review and enhance your writing and formatting skills.

Other courses to check out 

• Technical Writing Course

Q. Can you choose to write a book review as a career?

Yes. If you are a book lover and and enjoy reading then book review can be the ideal career for you.

Q. How much one can earn as a book reviewer in India?

India the earning of a book reviewer can range between 1.2 to 7. 2 Lakhs.

Q. What is professional term used for a book reviewer?

There are many terms used most commonly used are bookworm, editor, proofreader, bibliophile.

Author: Mohit Badoni

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• book marketing / Book Promotion / Book Reviews / book sales

How to Write and Get Great Reviews — With Examples of a Book Review

by Ezra Barany · Published April 25, 2012 · Updated February 5, 2019

A lot of authors think that getting many five-star ecstatic reviews will help make more book sales, so they get their family and friends to post rave reviews. The problem is that browsing readers can detect false praise a mile away, so if you just help guide the reviewer on how to sound authentic, your reviews will in fact help you make more sales of your books.

When I evaluate a book that looks good, the first reviews I look at are the one-star reviews. I carefully scrutinize what the reviewer writes.

Why do I start at the one-star reviews? Because I’ve already got the impression the book may be worth getting, so I want to know what’s wrong with the book. You know the expression, “Too good to be true?” I come to a book that looks promising while thinking of that expression.

Since the one-star review doesn’t make the author happy, I know the reviewer’s not a close friend or relative of the author, so whatever the reviewer has to say may be more trustworthy. Also, I like reading one-star reviews because it can be fun to see someone ruthlessly tear a book apart if they do it with wit and humor.

If I get the impression that the reviewer is being biased or unfair, or their reason for not liking the book is insignificant, then I might look at the two-star reviews, and I’ll soon go to the four-star and five-star reviews.

Ideally, you want a review that combines both the excitement of how good your book is with the honesty and credibility of a one-star reviewer.

What Makes a Good Review?

Like I said, when people see five-star reviews with praise, they often think the reviewer is a friend of the author. Browsers of books will then dismiss those reviews as being biased. So actually, those are not good reviews. The best reviews are ones that sound sincere and come from a place of authentic criticism.

From beginning to end, here’s what a good review should have :

1. Typical Reading (To show where the reviewer is coming from)

The reviewer should explain where they’re coming from. Do they usually read science thrillers? Erotic romance? Knowing what the reviewer usually reads helps us know through what lens they’re looking when they comment on a book.

2. Pleasantly Surprised (To show that the reviewer can be trusted)

If the reviewer says they knew the book was going to be great because the author is their son, we won’t trust the review. But if the reviewer says they didn’t think the author or the book would be all that interesting, we feel like the reviewer has confided in us.

“I was pleasantly surprised” is a great comment. When a reviewer says she wasn’t expecting much and was pleasantly surprised, that tells us we can trust her. She’s being honest. As prospective buyers of the book reading her review, when we learn that we can trust the reviewer, we’ll be willing to read what else she has to say.

3. Reader’s Experience

Phrases like “I couldn’t put the book down,” or “It had me routing for the heroine,” are very useful. The overall experience is a great way to convey not only the value of the book but also what experience one can expect when reading it.

4. Specific Praise

It’s good to have content like, “This was a good book, I liked it a lot.” But it’s better to have specifics. “The writing was captivating,” “The characters were believable and I cared about them,” “The plot had so many twists and turns I couldn’t put the book down.” Specific praise helps browsing readers get a better sense of why your book is so good.

5. The Worst Problem (Back to the trust) + 6. The Best Part of the Book (To counter the one problem)

Why mention the worst problem about the book? By allowing the reviewer to reveal the worst problem of your book you gain two things. The superficial advantage is that the browsing reader will trust the review more. (We assume that anyone that mentions something bad about the book is being completely up front.)

The best advantage of revealing the worst problem with the book is that you reduce the risk of having someone who dislikes your style of book read it and give a harsh review of it. Is the problem that the characters are too stereotypical? Any reader who hates stereotypical characters will avoid the book and the only readers the book attracts will be ones who don’t mind stereotypical characters.

Better to prepare readers on what the biggest problem of your book is so they can decide if they’re willing to dismiss the problem and enjoy everything else your book has to offer.

Robert Cialdini, a man who got a degree in the psychology of influence, pointed out to me that one method of influence is to call out the worst part of the product and then hit them with the best. Have you heard the commercial for L’Oreal products? “It’s expensive, but you’re worth it!” so the reviewer should list the biggest problem, such as “I thought the characters could have been described better,” and then end with the best part about the book to show why the big problem doesn’t matter: “But the journey the story took me through was worth it.”

7. Recommend

When the reviewer ends by saying she’d recommend the book to others, it’s an opportunity to clarify the kinds of readers who’d love the book. By stating something like “I would recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal romance,” the reader can immediately know if they fall in the category of people who would like the book.

(You can edit before posting.)

Examples of a Book Review

Here are examples of a book review pulled from combinations of actual reviews I received for  The Torah Codes with the corresponding numbered parts of a good review:

(1.) I’m not much into the subject matter that the title suggests. (2.) I was a little concerned that this book was going to have an agenda about Torah codes, but I was pleasantly surprised. (3.)  The Torah Codes has a compelling story line and was actually hard to put down. (4.) The character Nathan is likable and often very funny, and the action kept me turning the pages. (5.) I must nitpick on one issue, though. Sophia, the main female character, is a Tarot card reader, which although an interesting twist to add, I would have liked the real meanings of the cards to have been used, not strange ones that are never used. (6.) This however, probably won’t affect the majority of the audience, so it’s definitely not something that should deter anyone from reading the book. This is a fun, quick-paced story that will not disappoint. (7.) It’s a fun book to share with a special friend.

How do you get the reviewer to write a well-written review?

When you request a review, offer to send them guidelines. If they respond by saying they are open to guidelines, list the above seven parts as questions for them to answer.

• What books do they usually read or like to read?
• What pleasantly surprised them about your book, and what experience did they have reading it?
• What specifically worked for them? The characters? The plot? The writing? How so?
• Also, what was the biggest aspect they didn’t like?
• And what one thing, the biggest praise they have for the book, made the aspect they didn’t like meaningless?
• Lastly, who would they recommend the book to?

Send them a few examples so that they get the idea. Also, I believe browsing readers like to read short reviews. So tell them it’s okay to keep it at about 300 to 500 words.

For those extra busy readers who are open to having you write the review for their approval, practice by writing one for your own book in the comments below! Include a link to where we can get your book!

Tags: examples of a book review ezra barany getting reviews how to get book reviews how to write a book review writing reviews

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Thanks for the help…i’m always worried that i will not say what needs to be said! 🙂 This will give me some ideas of what’s needed and what’s not. I won’t listen all the time but this can help me decide when i do need to follow the rules for the good of the book.

[…] your platform. Nick Thacker advises writing guest posts to sell more books, and Ezra Barany tells how to write and get great reviews, complete with example book […]

You present a nifty formula.

Perhaps I should try it out on a couple of books on Amazon tomorrow to see if it works for me?

Very helpful and realistic advice. It’s just hard to imagine encouraging people to write a 1-star review. I hope they can still give the 5-stars of enthusiasm they seem to have for my compelling memoir “The Woman in the Photograph,” yet give an honest evaluation of their experience. Thanks for your wisdom.

I found that reading glowing 5-Star reviews can be deceiving, and if I’ve read the book and know the thing actually stinks, I’m assured these people are friends. What I don’t like is doing reviews for someone and them refusing to let me put in a 3-Star review or lower. Like Ezra said, those are the honest ones.

The Post is very helpful, especially points 5 and 6. I also look at the least favorable reviews first, to get a sense of expectations that the reader may have, that for whatever reason did not come to fruition. Thanks for sharing these great guidelines!

You’re so welcome, Mary! I hope you’ll consider writing some book reviews for WritersFunZone!

I agree with Mary. This was a very helpful article and has helped me understand how to write a better book review without going into a long analysis which I don’t have time to do for every book I read.

So glad to hear it, Ann! I look forward to your reviews.

This is very helpful..not all post gives a detailed article Kindly post more ..I’m much delighted Just started to read books as i know it would be of much help to an individual..I’m not a that smart but hoping to put in my best

Merli, I’m glad you found it helpful.

I have always struggled with just the right things to say for a book review, wanting it to be relevant and helpful to the reader. This list of criteria is the perfect structure and has inspired me to write some reviews where I have been hesitating. Thank you!

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Starting Up

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I’m going to make this a regular feature of the blog (at least that’s the plan) – so I’m going to be kind of making up the rules of the reviews as I go along. I’m going to try to keep them to 100 words or less but I haven’t figured out how I’ll rate them yet. If you’ve read any of them, or have any specific questions, let me know.

Full disclosure: I keep an ‘I’m reading’ list on my profile on LinkedIn and will be using the reviews there as the basis for my reviews here. If I could just import them here, I would, but there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to embed them right now. Also, by doing it this way it forces me to think about what has changed since I wrote that review, and the update will hopefully make the review more accurate.

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So far this is simply an amazing book about the role of design in great communication. When you read the part about the Challenger Disaster you will learn about statistics, understanding data, and communicating risks properly. Edward Tufte is a true gem. Update: we both hate PowerPoint. That is all.

Founders at Work: Stories of Startups’ Early Days by Jessica Livingston

This book is great for anyone interested in entrepreneurship in general or specifically tech start-ups. It is really making me want to get something rolling on my own, which is both distracting and very exciting. I highly recommend this book. Update: I still highly recommend this book. I haven’t picked it up in the six months since I read it, but I do still plan on using one of the interviews as a basis for a one hour lesson in my entrepreneurship class at BrainBoost.

Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 by Rafe Esquith

I’m about to be teaching a course again and this book is giving me a nice grounding in the non-technical aspects of teaching that I want to accomplish, or re-accomplish, as it were. Very entertaining and enlightening. Update: I am teaching that class now, as above, and this book was inspiring, but perhaps it’s more for someone who hasn’t done a lot of teaching. Then it will really get you excited to teach.

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler, Cass R. Sunstein

I’m reading this book because I’m a bit of a junkie when it comes to books about the brain, how it works, and how we can improve outcomes for people in general. If we can improve the lives of others by changing design, why shouldn’t we? Let the default be a great option. Update: Started reading this again recently. It’s still pretty awesome, and definitely a great place to start if you’re fairly new to the subject.

Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins, Jerry I. Porras

A great book if you ever need to create a BHAG for a company you know little about and then give a presentation to its CEO less than 48 hours later. The Sauder MBA Capstone program – good times! Update: I haven’t looked at this one for quite a while now. It’s not for everyone, but it is particularly useful if you own/run/work for a small business and you want to set a course for the future.

The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profits by C.K. Prahalad

A great book that features tonnes of actual pragmatic advice and lessons learned from companies opening up the bottom of the pyramid. Perfect for anyone interested in making the world a better place through business. Update: This book makes you want to move away and go help the less fortunate all over the world. That feeling passes – however, that is probably a good thing, as there is always a lot of good you can do in your own backyard – like volunteer in Vancouver.

Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide by John Jantsch

Another book I’m only part way through, but this one has had some real gems in it. For example, mapping your customers out to see any interesting relationships between them. What if half your customers all came from the same neighbourhood? What does that tell you? Maybe you have an evangelist there, or maybe seeding a new neighbourhood with customers would be a good idea as perhaps it’s just friends talking to friends? You never know what you will learn from this exercise – and this is just one among many. Update: See, this is why I force myself to do this – why haven’t I picked this one up in a few weeks? I need to finish this one right away.

The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures by Dan Roam

Clearly I’m reading way too many books at the moment, but this is also a keeper. It helps show my current theme/interest, which is learning to communicate more effectively and efficiently through a number of different mediums. A lot of what I have found in here is fairly intuitive, however, like many things in life, forcing yourself to sit down with the intuitive can sometimes be quite enlightening. Update: I’m guilty here – I’m totally skimming the exercises and that is making the whole experience a lot less useful. I will update this one again in the next set of reviews assuming I go back and do these drawing exercises. Mea culpa.

One of my favorite Tufte posters – click for full-size:

The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint

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Book Review Writing

Introduction.

If you love to read, at some point you will want to share a book you love with others. You may already do this by talking about books with friends. If you want to share your ideas with more people than your circle of friends, the way you do that is by writing a review. By publishing the reviews you write, you can share your ideas about books with other readers around the world.

It's natural for young readers to confuse book reviews with book reports, yet writing a book review is a very different process from writing a book report. Book reports focus on the plot of the book. Frequently, the purpose of book reports is to demonstrate that the books were read, and they are often done for an assignment.

A book review is a totally different task. A book review's purpose is to help people decide whether or not the book would interest them enough to read it. Reviews are a sneak peek at a book, not a summary. Like wonderful smells wafting from a kitchen, book reviews lure readers to want to taste the book themselves.

This guide is designed to help you become a strong book reviewer, a reader who can read a book and then cook up a review designed to whet the reading appetites of other book lovers.

Form: What should the review look like?

How long should it be.

The first question we usually ask when writing something is "How long should it be?" The best answer is "As long as it takes," but that's a frustrating answer. A general guideline is that the longer the book, the longer the review, and a review shouldn't be fewer than 100 words or so. For a long book, the review may be 500 words or even more.

If a review is too short, the review may not be able to fulfill its purpose. Too long, and the review may stray into too much plot summary or lose the reader's interest.

The best guide is to focus less on how long to write and more on fulfilling the purpose of the review.

How Do You Create A Title?

The title of the review should convey your overall impression and not be overly general. Strong titles include these examples:

• "Full of action and complex characters"
• "A nail-biter that will keep you up all night"
• "Beautiful illustrations with a story to match"
• "Perfect for animal lovers"

Weak titles may look like this:

• "Really good book"
• "Three stars"
• "Pretty good"
• "Quick read"

How Should It Begin?

Although many reviews begin with a short summary of the book (This book is about…), there are other options as well, so feel free to vary the way you begin your reviews.

In an introductory summary, be careful not to tell too much. If you retell the entire story, the reader won't feel the need to read it him/herself, and no one appreciates a spoiler (telling the end). Here are some examples of summaries reviewers from The New York Times have written:

"A new picture book tells a magically simple tale of a lonely boy, a stranded whale and a dad who rises to the occasion."

"In this middle-grade novel, a girl finds a way forward after the loss of her mother."

"Reared by ghosts, werewolves and other residents of the hillside cemetery he calls home, an orphan named Nobody Owens wonders how he will manage to survive among the living having learned all his lessons from the dead. And the man Jack — who killed the rest of Nobody's family — is itching to finish the job."

"In vivid poems that reflect the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, an award-winning author shares what it was like to grow up in the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South." Other ways to begin a review include:

• Quote: A striking quote from the book ("It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.") can make for a powerful beginning. This quote begins George Orwell's novel 1984 .
• Background: What makes this book important or interesting? Is the author famous? Is it a series? This is This is how Amazon introduces Divergent : "This first book in Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy is the novel the inspired the major motion picture."
• Interesting Fact: For nonfiction books in particular, an interesting fact from the book may create a powerful opening for a review. In this review of The Middle East by Philip Steele, Zander H. of Mid-America Mensa asks, "Did you know that the Saudi Arabia's Rub' al-Khali desert reaches temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and plummets to the freezing point at night?"
• Explanation of a term: If a word or phrase in the book or title is confusing or vitally important to understand, you may wish to begin the review explaining that term.

Process: What should I write about?

Deciding what to say about the book can be challenging. Use the following ideas as a guide, but remember that you should not put all of this into a single review — that would make for a very long review! Choose the things that fit this particular book best.

General Information What the reader ought to know

• What kind of book is it? (Picture book? Historical fiction? Nonfiction? Fantasy? Adventure?)
• Does the book belong to a series?
• How long is the book? Is it an easy or a challenging read?
• Is there anything that would be helpful for the reader to know about the author? For instance, is the author an expert in the field, the author of other popular books, or a first-time author?
• How does the book compare to other books on the same topic or in the same genre?
• Is the book written in a formal or informal style? Is the language remarkable in any way?
• What ages is the book geared to?
• Is the book written in normal prose? If it is written in poetic form, does it rhyme?

Plot What happens?

Writing about the plot is the trickiest part of a review because you want to give the reader a feel for what the book is about without spoiling the book for future readers. The most important thing to remember is that you must never give away the ending. No one likes a spoiler.

One possibility for doing this is to set up the premise (A brother and a sister find themselves lost in the woods at the mercy of an evil witch. Will they be able to outsmart her and escape?). Another possibility is to set up the major conflict in the book and leave it unresolved (Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part or He didn't know what he stood to lose or Finding your purpose in life can be as easy as finding a true friend.)

Try to avoid using the tired phrase "This book is about…" Instead, just jump right in (The stuffed rabbit wanted more than anything to live in the big old house with the wild oak trees.)

Characters Who lives in the book?

Reviews should answer questions about the characters in fiction books or non-fiction books about people. Some possible questions to answer include:

• Who are the main characters? Include the protagonist and antagonist.
• What makes them interesting?
• Do they act like real people act or are they too good or too evil to be believable?
• Are they human?
• What conflicts do they face?
• Are they likeable or understandable?
• How do they connect with each other?
• Do they appear in other books?
• Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?
• What problems did the main characters face?
• Who was your favorite character, and why?
• We learn about characters from things they do and say, as well as things other characters say about them. You may wish to include examples of these things.

Theme What is the book about at its heart?

What is the book really about? This isn't the plot, but rather the ideas behind the story. Is it about the triumph of good over evil or friendship or love or hope? Some common themes include: change, desire to escape, facing a challenge, heroism, the quest for power, and human weaknesses.

Sometimes a book will have a moral — a lesson to learn. If so, the theme is usually connected to that moral. As you write about the theme, try to identify what makes the book worth reading. What will the reader think about long after the book is finished? Ask yourself if there any particular lines in the book that strike you as meaningful.

Setting Where are we?

The setting is the time and place the story occurs. When you write about the setting in a review, include more than just the location. Some things to consider:

• Is the book set in the past, present or future?
• Is it set in the world we know or is it a fantastical world?
• Is it mostly realistic with elements of fantasy (animals that can talk, for example)?
• Is the setting unclear and fuzzy, or can you easily make the movie in your mind?
• How much does the author draw you into the setting and how does s/he accomplish that?

Opinion & Analysis What do you really think?

This is where the reviewer shares his/her reactions to the book that go beyond the essential points described above. You may spend half of the review on this section. Some possible questions to address include:

• Why do you think other readers would enjoy it? Why did you enjoy it (if you did) or why didn't you (if you didn't).
• What ages or types of readers do you think would like the book?
• How does it compare with other books that are in the same genre or by the same author?
• Does the book engage your emotions? If a book made you laugh or cry or think about it for days, be sure to include that.
• What do you like or dislike about the author's writing style? Is it funny? Is it hard to follow? Is it engaging and conversational in tone?
• How well do you think the author achieved what s/he was going for in the writing of the book? Do you think you felt what the author was hoping you would feel?
• Did the book feel complete, or did it feel as though key elements were left out?
• How does the book compare to other books like it you've read?

Are there parts that are simply not believable, even allowing for the reader's understanding that it is fiction or even fantasy?

• Are there mistakes?
• Would you describe the book as for entertainment, self-improvement, or information?
• What was your favorite part of the book?
• Would you have done anything differently had you been the author?
• Would any reader enjoy this book? If not, to what ages or type of reader would it appeal?

Special situations: Nonfiction and young reviewers

Some of the tips and ideas above work best for fiction, and some of it is a little too complicated for very young reviewers.

Nonfiction What to do if it's real

When reviewing a book of nonfiction, you will want to consider these questions:

• What was the author's purpose in writing the book? Did the author accomplish that purpose?
• Who is the target audience for the book?
• What do you think is the book's greatest value? What makes it special or worthwhile?
• Are the facts shared accurate?
• Is the book interesting and hold your attention?
• Would it be a useful addition to a school or public library?
• If the book is a biography or autobiography, how sympathetic is the subject?
• Is it easy to understand the ideas?
• Are there extra features that add to the enjoyment of the book, such as maps, indexes, glossaries, or other materials?
• Are the illustrations helpful?

Young Reviewers Keeping it simple

Reviewing a book can be fun, and it's not hard at all. Just ask yourself these questions:

• What is the book about? You don't need to tell the whole story over — just give an idea of what it's about.
• Do you think other people would like it?
• Did you think it was funny or sad?
• Did you learn something from the book?
• l Did you think it was interesting?
• Would you want to read it again?
• Would you want to read other books by the same author or about the same subject?
• What was your favorite part?
• Did you like the pictures?

Remember! Don't give away the ending. Let's keep that a surprise.

General Tips & Ideas

Use a few quotes or phrases (keep them short) from the book to illustrate the points you make about the book. If there are illustrations, be sure to comment on those. Are they well done? Has the illustrator done other well-known books?

Make sure you include a conclusion to the review — don't leave it hanging. The conclusion can be just one sentence (Overall, this book is a terrific choice for those who…).

You can use the transition word handout at the end of the Writer's Toolbox to find ideas for words to connect the ideas in your review. If you would like to read some well-written reviews, look for reviews of books for young people at The New York Times or National Public Radio .

Rating Books How to award stars?

Most places you post reviews ask you to rate the book using a star system, typically in a range of from one to five stars. In your rating, you should consider how the book compares to other books like it. Don't compare a long novel to a short poetry book — that's not a valid comparison.

It's important to remember that it's not asking you to only give five stars to the very best books ever written.

• 5 Stars: I'm glad I read it or I loved it (this doesn't mean it was your favorite book ever).
• 4 Stars: I like it. It's worth reading.
• 3 Stars: It wasn't very good.
• 2 Stars: I don't like it at all.
• 1 Star: I hate it.

50 Must-Read Short Books Under 250 Pages

Sarah S. Davis

Sarah S. Davis holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's of Library Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Sarah has also written for Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, Audible, Psych Central, and more. Sarah is the founder of Broke By Books blog and runs a tarot reading business, Divination Vibration . Twitter: @missbookgoddess Instagram: @Sarahbookgoddess

View All posts by Sarah S. Davis

In a previous mega list here on Book Riot, I highlighted 50 must-read books over 500 pages . It only seems right to follow that up with this list of 50 must-read short books. A mix of narrative styles and genres, the 50 books in this essential list of the best short books are all under 250 pages. If you’re planning what to read for your next readathon, hoping to break through a reading slump or book hangover with a quick read, or need to meet your reading challenge goal with a few books you can read in one sitting, this list has you covered.

Descriptions graciously supplied from publisher descriptions and condensed when necessary.

Best Short Books

All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg (Fiction)

“Who is Andrea Bern? When her dippy therapist asks the question, Andrea knows the right things to say: she’s a designer, a friend, a daughter, a sister. But it’s what she leaves unsaid—she’s alone, a drinker, a former artist, a shrieker in bed, captain of the sinking ship that is her flesh—that feels the most true. Everyone around her seems to have a different idea of what it means to be an adult, though. But when Andrea’s niece finally arrives, born with a heartbreaking ailment, the Bern family is forced to reexamine what really matters. Will this drive them together or tear them apart? Told in gut-wrenchingly honest, mordantly comic vignettes,  All Grown Up  is a breathtaking display of Jami Attenberg’s powers as a storyteller and a whip-smart examination of one woman’s life, lived entirely on her own terms.” (Amazon)

American Housewife by Helen Ellis (Fiction)

“Meet the women of  American Housewife . They wear lipstick, pearls, and sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. They casserole. They pinwheel. And then they kill a party crasher, carefully stepping around the body to pull cookies from the oven. Taking us from a haunted pre-war Manhattan apartment building to the unique initiation ritual of a book club, these twelve delightfully demented stories are a refreshing and wicked answer to the question: ‘What do housewives do all day?'” (Amazon)

American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin by Terrance Hayes (Poetry)

“A powerful, timely, dazzling collection of sonnets from one of America’s most acclaimed poets, Terrance Hayes, the National Book Award-winning author of  Lighthead.  In seventy poems bearing the same title, Terrance Hayes explores the meanings of American, of assassin, and of love in the sonnet form. Written during the first two hundred days of the Trump presidency, these poems are haunted by the country’s past and future eras and errors, its dreams and nightmares. Inventive, compassionate, hilarious, melancholy, and bewildered–the wonders of this new collection are irreducible and stunning.” Amazon

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good  by Helene Tursten, translated by Marlane Delargy (Mystery)

“Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and… no qualms about a little murder. This funny, irreverent story collection by Helene Tursten, author of the Irene Huss investigations, features two-never-before translated stories that will keep you laughing all the way to the retirement home.” (Amazon)

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (Mystery)

“‘Ten . . .’ Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious “U. N. Owen.”

‘Nine . . .’ At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead.

‘Eight . . .’ Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one . . . as one by one . . . they begin to die.

‘Seven . . .’ Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?” (Amazon)

Art Matters by Neil Gaiman (Nonfiction)

“Drawn from Gaiman’s trove of published speeches, poems, and creative manifestos,  Art Matters  is an embodiment of this remarkable multi-media artist’s vision—an exploration of how reading, imagining, and creating can transform the world and our lives.  Drawn together from speeches, poems and creative manifestos,  Art Matters  will explore how reading, imagining and creating can change the world. A creative call to arms, the book will champion freedom of ideas, making art in the face of adversity and choosing to be bold. It will be inspirational to young and old, and will encourage glorious, creative rebellion.  ” (Amazon)

Beast in View by Margaret Millar (Mystery)

“Thirty-year-old Helen Clarvoe is scared and all alone. The heiress of a small fortune, she is resented by her mother and, to a lesser degree, her brother. The only person who seemingly cares for her is the family’s attorney, Paul Blackshear. A shut-in, Helen maintains her residence in an upscale hotel downtown.

But passive-aggressive resentment isn’t the only thing hounding Helen Clarvoe. A string of bizarre and sometimes threatening prank phone calls has upended her spinster’s routine. Increasingly threatened, she turns to a reluctant Mr. Blackshear to get to the bottom of these strange calls. Blackshear is doubtful of their seriousness but he quickly realizes that he is in the midst of something far more sinister than he thought possible. As he unravels the mystery of the calls the identity behind them slowly emerges, predatory and treacherous.” (Amazon)

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (Fiction)

“ The Bell Jar  chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under — maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther’s breakdown with such intensity that Esther’s insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such deep penetration into the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made  The Bell Jar  a haunting American classic.” (Amazon)

Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx (Fiction)

“Annie Proulx has written some of the most original and brilliant short stories in contemporary literature, and for many readers and reviewers, “Brokeback Mountain” is her masterpiece.

Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two ranch hands, come together when they’re working as sheepherder and camp tender one summer on a range above the tree line. At first, sharing an isolated tent, the attraction is casual, inevitable, but something deeper catches them that summer.

Both men work hard, marry, and have kids because that’s what cowboys do. But over the course of many years and frequent separations this relationship becomes the most important thing in their lives, and they do anything they can to preserve it.” (Amazon)

Calvin by Martine Leavitt (YA Fiction)

“Seventeen-year-old Calvin has always known his fate is linked to the comic book character from Calvin & Hobbes. He was born on the day the last strip was published. His grandpa put a stuffed tiger named Hobbes in his crib. And he even had a best friend named Susie.

Then Calvin’s mom washed Hobbes to death. Susie grew up beautiful and stopped talking to him. And Calvin pretty much forgot about the strip―until now.

Now he is seventeen years old and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Hobbes is back, as a delusion, and Calvin can’t control him. Calvin decides that cartoonist Bill Watterson is the key to everything―if he would just make one more comic strip, but without Hobbes, Calvin would be cured.

Calvin and Susie (is she real?) and Hobbes (he can’t be real, can he?) set out on a dangerous trek across frozen Lake Erie to track down Watterson.” (Amazon)

Chemistry by Weike Wang (Romance)

“At first glance, the quirky, overworked narrator of Weike Wang’s debut novel seems to be on the cusp of a perfect life: she is studying for a prestigious PhD in chemistry that will make her Chinese parents proud (or at least satisfied), and her successful, supportive boyfriend has just proposed to her. But instead of feeling hopeful, she is wracked with ambivalence: the long, demanding hours at the lab have created an exquisite pressure cooker, and she doesn’t know how to answer the marriage question. When it all becomes too much and her life plan veers off course, she finds herself on a new path of discoveries about everything she thought she knew. Smart, moving, and always funny, this unique coming-of-age story is certain to evoke a winning reaction.” (Amazon)

Displacement: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley (Graphic Memoir)

“In her graphic memoirs, New York Times-best selling cartoonist Lucy Knisley paints a warts-and-all portrait of contemporary, twentysomething womanhood, like writer Lena Dunham ( Girls ). In the next installment of her graphic travelogue series, Displacement , Knisley volunteers to watch over her ailing grandparents on a cruise. (The book’s watercolors evoke the ocean that surrounds them.) In a book that is part graphic memoir, part travelogue, and part family history, Knisley not only tries to connect with her grandparents, but to reconcile their younger and older selves. She is aided in her quest by her grandfather’s WWII memoir, which is excerpted. Readers will identify with Knisley s frustration, her fears, her compassion, and her attempts to come to terms with mortality, as she copes with the stress of travel complicated by her grandparents’ frailty.” (Goodreads)

Edinburgh by Alexander Chee

“Twelve-year-old Fee is a shy Korean American boy and a newly named section leader of the first sopranos in his local boys’ choir. But when Fee learns how the director treats his section leaders, he is so ashamed he says nothing of the abuse, not even when Peter, his best friend, is in line to be next. When the director is arrested, Fee tries to forgive himself for his silence. But when Peter takes his own life, Fee blames only himself. In the years that follow he slowly builds a new life, teaching near his hometown. There he meets a young student who is the picture of Peter and is forced to confront the past he believed was gone.” (Amazon)

The End We Start From by Megan Hunter (Fiction)

“Megan Hunter’s debut is a searing original, a modern-day parable of rebirth and renewal, of maternal bonds, and the instinct to survive and thrive in the absence of all that’s familiar.

As London is submerged below floodwaters, a woman gives birth to her first child, Z. Days later, she and her baby are forced to leave their home in search of safety. They head north through a newly dangerous country seeking refuge from place to place. The story traces fear and wonder as the baby grows, thriving and content against all the odds.

The End We Start From  is an indelible and elemental first book―a lyrical vision of the strangeness and beauty of new motherhood, and a tale of endurance in the face of ungovernable change.” (Amazon)

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Fantasy)

“Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere… else.

But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children.

Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced… they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world.

But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of things.

No matter the cost.” (Amazon)

Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman (Nonfiction)

“Anne Fadiman is–by her own admission–the sort of person who learned about sex from her father’s copy of  Fanny Hill , whose husband buys her 19 pounds of dusty books for her birthday, and who once found herself poring over her roommate’s 1974 Toyota Corolla manual because it was the only written material in the apartment that she had not read at least twice.

This witty collection of essays recounts a lifelong love affair with books and language.” (Amazon)

Fierce Fairytales by Nikita Gill (Poetry)

“In this rousing new prose and poetry collection, Nikita Gill gives Once Upon a Time a much-needed modern makeover. Through her gorgeous reimagining of fairytale classics and spellbinding original tales, she dismantles the old-fashioned tropes that have been ingrained in our minds. In this book, gone are the docile women and male saviors. Instead, lines blur between heroes and villains. You will meet fearless princesses, a new kind of wolf lurking in the concrete jungle, and an independent Gretel who can bring down monsters on her own.

Complete with beautifully hand-drawn illustrations by Gill herself,  Fierce Fairytales  is an empowering collection of poems and stories for a new generation.” (Amazon)

The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis (Nonfiction)

“Michael Lewis’s brilliant narrative takes us into the engine rooms of a government under attack by its own leaders. In Agriculture the funding of vital programs like food stamps and school lunches is being slashed. The Commerce Department may not have enough staff to conduct the 2020 Census properly. Over at Energy, where international nuclear risk is managed, it’s not clear there will be enough inspectors to track and locate black market uranium before terrorists do….

If there are dangerous fools in this book, there are also heroes, unsung, of course. They are the linchpins of the system―those public servants whose knowledge, dedication, and proactivity keep the machinery running. Michael Lewis finds them, and he asks them what keeps them up at night.” (Amazon)

Fox 8 by George Saunders (Fiction)

“Fox 8 has always been known as the daydreamer in his pack, the one his fellow foxes regard with a knowing snort and a roll of the eyes. That is, until he develops a unique skill: He teaches himself to speak “Yuman” by hiding in the bushes outside a house and listening to children’s bedtime stories. The power of language fuels his abundant curiosity about people—even after “danjer” arrives in the form of a new shopping mall that cuts off his food supply, sending Fox 8 on a harrowing quest to help save his pack.” (Amazon)

The Friend by Sigrid Nunez (Fiction)

“When a woman unexpectedly loses her lifelong best friend and mentor, she finds herself burdened with the unwanted dog he has left behind. Her own battle against grief is intensified by the mute suffering of the dog, a huge Great Dane traumatized by the inexplicable disappearance of its master, and by the threat of eviction: dogs are prohibited in her apartment building.

While others worry that grief has made her a victim of magical thinking, the woman refuses to be separated from the dog except for brief periods of time. Isolated from the rest of the world, increasingly obsessed with the dog’s care, determined to read its mind and fathom its heart, she comes dangerously close to unraveling. But while troubles abound, rich and surprising rewards lie in store for both of them.

Elegiac and searching,  The Friend  is both a meditation on loss and a celebration of human-canine devotion.” (Amazon)

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (Fiction)

“Her life at a crossroads, a young woman goes home again in this funny and inescapably moving debut from a wonderfully original new literary voice.

Freshly disengaged from her fiancé and feeling that life has not turned out quite the way she planned, thirty-year-old Ruth quits her job, leaves town and arrives at her parents’ home to find that situation more complicated than she’d realized. Her father, a prominent history professor, is losing his memory and is only erratically lucid. Ruth’s mother, meanwhile, is lucidly erratic. But as Ruth’s father’s condition intensifies, the comedy in her situation takes hold, gently transforming all her grief.

Told in captivating glimpses and drawn from a deep well of insight, humor, and unexpected tenderness,  Goodbye, Vitamin  pilots through the loss, love, and absurdity of finding one’s footing in this life.” (Amazon)

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn (Mystery)

“A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the “psychic” visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan’s terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan’s teenage stepson, doesn’t help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination. The three are soon locked in a chilling battle to discover where the evil truly lurks and what, if anything, can be done to escape it. ” (Amazon)

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (Horror)

“First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson’s  The Haunting of Hill House  has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a “haunting”; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers—and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.” (Amazon)

Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot (Memoir)

“ Heart Berries  is a powerful, poetic memoir of a woman’s coming of age on the Seabird Island Band in the Pacific Northwest. Having survived a profoundly dysfunctional upbringing only to find herself hospitalized and facing a dual diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder and bipolar II disorder; Terese Marie Mailhot is given a notebook and begins to write her way out of trauma. The triumphant result is  Heart Berries , a memorial for Mailhot’s mother, a social worker and activist who had a thing for prisoners; a story of reconciliation with her father―an abusive drunk and a brilliant artist―who was murdered under mysterious circumstances; and an elegy on how difficult it is to love someone while dragging the long shadows of shame.

Mailhot trusts the reader to understand that memory isn’t exact, but melded to imagination, pain, and what we can bring ourselves to accept. Her unique and at times unsettling voice graphically illustrates her mental state. As she writes, she discovers her own true voice, seizes control of her story, and, in so doing, reestablishes her connection to her family, to her people, and to her place in the world.” (Amazon)

Her Body and Other Parties by Carman Maria Machado (Fiction)

“In  Her Body and Other Parties , Carmen Maria Machado blithely demolishes the arbitrary borders between psychological realism and science fiction, comedy and horror, fantasy and fabulism. While her work has earned her comparisons to Karen Russell and Kelly Link, she has a voice that is all her own. In this electric and provocative debut, Machado bends genre to shape startling narratives that map the realities of women’s lives and the violence visited upon their bodies.” (Amazon)

How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery (Memoir)

“Understanding someone who belongs to another species can be transformative. No one knows this better than author, naturalist, and adventurer Sy Montgomery. To research her books, Sy has traveled the world and encountered some of the planet’s rarest and most beautiful animals. From tarantulas to tigers, Sy’s life continually intersects with and is informed by the creatures she meets.

This restorative memoir reflects on the personalities and quirks of thirteen animals—Sy’s friends—and the truths revealed by their grace. It also explores vast themes: the otherness and sameness of people and animals; the various ways we learn to love and become empathetic; how we find our passion; how we create our families; coping with loss and despair; gratitude; forgiveness; and most of all, how to be a good creature in the world.” (Amazon)

I’m Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya (Memoir)

“A trans artist explores how masculinity was imposed on her as a boy and continues to haunt her as a girl–and how we might reimagine gender for the twenty-first century.

Vivek Shraya has reason to be afraid. Throughout her life she’s endured acts of cruelty and aggression for being too feminine as a boy and not feminine enough as a girl. In order to survive childhood, she had to learn to convincingly perform masculinity. As an adult, she makes daily compromises to steel herself against everything from verbal attacks to heartbreak.

Now, with raw honesty, Shraya delivers an important record of the cumulative damage caused by misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia, releasing trauma from a body that has always refused to assimilate.  I’m Afraid of Men  is a journey from camouflage to a riot of colour and a blueprint for how we might cherish all that makes us different and conquer all that makes us afraid.” (Amazon)

The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwon (Fiction)

“Phoebe Lin and Will Kendall meet in their first month at prestigious Edwards University. Phoebe is a glamorous girl who doesn’t tell anyone she blames herself for her mother’s recent death. Will is a misfit scholarship boy who transfers to Edwards from Bible college, waiting tables to get by. What he knows for sure is that he loves Phoebe.

Grieving and guilt-ridden, Phoebe is drawn into a secretive cult founded by a charismatic former student with an enigmatic past. When the group commits a violent act in the name of faith, Will finds himself struggling to confront a new version of the fanaticism he’s worked so hard to escape. Haunting and intense,  The Incendiaries  is a fractured love story that explores what can befall those who lose what they love most.” (Amazon)

Killing and Dying by Adrian Tamine (Graphic Novel)

“ Killing and Dying  is a stunning showcase of the possibilities of the graphic novel medium and a wry exploration of loss, creative ambition, identity, and family dynamics. With this work, Adrian Tomine ( Shortcomings ,  Scenes from an Impending Marriage ) reaffirms his place not only as one of the most significant creators of contemporary comics but as one of the great voices of modern American literature. His gift for capturing emotion and intellect resonates here: the weight of love and its absence, the pride and disappointment of family, the anxiety and hopefulness of being alive in the twenty-first century.” (Amazon)

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto (Fiction)

“With the publication of  Kitchen,  the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature.  Kitchen  is an enchantingly original book that juxtaposes two tales about mothers, love, tragedy, and the power of the kitchen and home in the lives of a pair of free-spirited young women in contemporary Japan. Mikage, the heroine, is an orphan raised by her grandmother, who has passed away. Grieving, Mikage is taken in by her friend Yoichi and his mother (who is really his cross-dressing father) Eriko. As the three of them form an improvised family that soon weathers its own tragic losses, Yoshimoto spins a lovely, evocative tale with the kitchen and the comforts of home at its heart.” (Amazon)

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (YA Fiction)

“Humanity has nearly destroyed its world through global warming, but now an even greater evil lurks. The indigenous people of North America are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. In this dark world, Frenchie and his companions struggle to survive as they make their way up north to the old lands. For now, survival means staying hidden—but what they don’t know is that one of them holds the secret to defeating the marrow thieves.” (Amazon)

Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (Nonfiction)

“In her comic, scathing essay, “Men Explain Things to Me,” Rebecca Solnit took on what often goes wrong in conversations between men and women. She wrote about men who wrongly assume they know things and wrongly assume women don’t, about why this arises, and how this aspect of the gender wars works, airing some of her own hilariously awful encounters.

This updated edition with two new essays of this national bestseller book features that now-classic essay as well as “#YesAllWomen,” an essay written in response to 2014 Isla Vista killings and the grassroots movement that arose with it to end violence against women and misogyny, and the essay “Cassandra Syndrome.” This book is also available in hardcover.” (Amazon)

The Merry Spinster by Daniel M. Lavery (Fantasy)

“Adapted from the beloved “Children’s Stories Made Horrific” series, The Merry Spinster takes up the trademark wit that endeared Daniel M. Lavery to readers of both The Toast and the bestselling debut Texts from Jane Eyre . Sinister and inviting, familiar and alien all at the same time, The Merry Spinster twists traditional children’s stories and fairy tales with elements of psychological horror, emotional clarity, and a keen sense of feminist mischief. Unfalteringly faithful to its beloved source material, The Merry Spinster also illuminates the unsuspected and frequently alarming emotional complexities at play in the stories we tell ourselves, and each other, as we tuck ourselves in for the night.” (Amazon)

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (Poetry)

“The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache.  Milk and Honey  takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.” (Amazon)

The Misfit’s Manifesto by Lidia Yuknavitch (Nonfiction)

“The feeling of not fitting in is universal.  The Misfit’s Manifesto  is for misfits around the world—the rebels, the eccentrics, the oddballs, and anyone who has ever felt like she was messing up. It’s Lidia Yuknavitch’s love letter to all those who can’t ever seem to find the “right” path. She won’t tell you how to stop being a misfit—quite the opposite. In her charming, poetic, funny, and frank style, Lidia will reveal why being a misfit is not something to overcome, but something to embrace. Lidia also encourages her fellow misfits not to be afraid of pursuing goals, how to stand up, how to ask for the things they want most. Misfits belong in the room, too, she reminds us, even if their path to that room is bumpy and winding. An important idea that transcends all cultures and countries, this book has created a brave and compassionate community for misfits, a place where everyone can belong.” (Amazon)

Nutshell by Ian McEwan (Fiction)

“Trudy has been unfaithful to her husband, John. What’s more, she has kicked him out of their marital home, a valuable old London town house, and in his place is his own brother, the profoundly banal Claude. The illicit couple have hatched a scheme to rid themselves of her inconvenient husband forever. But there is a witness to their plot: the inquisitive, nine-month-old resident of Trudy’s womb.

As Trudy’s unborn son listens, bound within her body, to his mother and his uncle’s murderous plans, he gives us a truly new perspective on our world, seen from the confines of his. McEwan’s brilliant recasting of Shakespeare lends new weight to the age-old question of Hamlet’s hesitation, and is a tour de force of storytelling.” (Amazon)

The Only Great Harmless Thing by Brooke Bolander (Sci-Fi)

“ The Only Harmless Great Thing  is a heart-wrenching alternative history by Brooke Bolander that imagines an intersection between the Radium Girls and noble, sentient elephants.

In the early years of the 20th century, a group of female factory workers in Newark, New Jersey slowly died of radiation poisoning. Around the same time, an Indian elephant was deliberately put to death by electricity in Coney Island.

These are the facts.

Now these two tragedies are intertwined in a dark alternate history of rage, radioactivity, and injustice crying out to be righted. Prepare yourself for a wrenching journey that crosses eras, chronicling histories of cruelty both grand and petty in search of meaning and justice.” (Amazon)

The Red Parts by Maggie Nelson (Memoir)

“Late in 2004, Maggie Nelson was looking forward to the publication of her book  Jane: A Murder , a narrative in verse about the life and death of her aunt, who had been murdered thirty-five years before. The case remained unsolved, but Jane was assumed to have been the victim of an infamous serial killer in Michigan in 1969.

Then, one November afternoon, Nelson received a call from her mother, who announced that the case had been reopened; a new suspect would be arrested and tried on the basis of a DNA match. Over the months that followed, Nelson found herself attending the trial with her mother and reflecting anew on the aura of dread and fear that hung over her family and childhood–an aura that derived not only from the terrible facts of her aunt’s murder but also from her own complicated journey through sisterhood, daughterhood, and girlhood.

The Red Parts  is a memoir, an account of a trial, and a provocative essay that interrogates the American obsession with violence and missing white women, and that scrupulously explores the nature of grief, justice, and empathy.” (Amazon)

A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood (Fiction)

“Welcome to sunny suburban 1960s Southern California. George is a gay middle-aged English professor, adjusting to solitude after the tragic death of his young partner. He is determined to persist in the routines of his former life.  A Single Man  follows him over the course of an ordinary twenty-four hours. Behind his British reserve, tides of grief, rage, and loneliness surge―but what is revealed is a man who loves being alive despite all the everyday injustices.” (Amazon)

Sisters by Lily Tuck (Fiction)

“In her singular new novel  Sisters , Tuck gives a very different portrait of marital life, exposing the intricacies and scandals of a new marriage sprung from betrayal.

Tuck’s unnamed narrator lives with her new husband, his two teenagers, and the unbanishable presence of his first wife―known only as  she . Obsessed with her, our narrator moves through her days presided over by the all-too-real ghost of the first marriage, fantasizing about how the first wife lives her life. Will the narrator ever equal  she  intellectually, or ever forget the betrayal that lies between them? And what of the secrets between her husband and  she , from which the narrator is excluded? The daring and precise build up to an eerily wonderful denouement is a triumph of subtlety and surprise.

With  Sisters , Lily Tuck delivers riveting psychological portrait of marriage, infidelity, and obsession; charting with elegance and insight love in all its phases.” (Amazon)

Skim by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki (YA Graphic Novel)

“‘Skim’ is Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a not-slim, would-be Wiccan goth who goes to a private girls’ school in the early ’90s. When her classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself — possibly because he’s (maybe) gay — the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. It’s a weird time to fall in love, but that’s what happens to Skim when she starts meeting secretly with her neo-hippie English teacher, Ms. Archer. But then Ms. Archer abruptly leaves the school, and Skim has to cope with her confusion and isolation while her best friend, Lisa, tries to pull her into ‘real’ life by setting up a hilarious double-date for the school’s semi formal. Suicide, depression, love, homosexuality, crushes, cliques of popular, manipulative peers — the whole gamut of teen life is explored in this poignant glimpse into the heartache of being 16.” (Amazon)

Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales by P.D. James (Mystery)

“When it comes to crime, it’s not always a question of ‘who dunnit?’ Sometimes there’s more mystery in the  why  or the  how . And what about the clever few who carry out what appears to be the perfect crime? Or whose most essential selves are changed by the crimes they commit? And what about those who know the identity of the murderer but keep the information to themselves? These are some of the questions that these six stories begin to unlock as they draw us into the inner workings—the thoughts and emotional machinations, the recollections and rationalizations, the dreams and desires—behind both murderous cause and effect. And no one gets inside the head of a perpetrator—or makes it a peerlessly thrilling and entertaining read—like the incomparable P. D. James.” (Amazon)

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami, translated by Ted Goossen (Fiction)

“Opening the flaps on this unique little book, readers will find themselves immersed in the strange world of best-selling Haruki Murakami’s wild imagination. The story of a lonely boy, a mysterious girl, and a tormented sheep man plotting their escape from a nightmarish library, the book is like nothing else Murakami has written. Designed by Chip Kidd and fully illustrated, in full color, throughout, this small format, 96 page volume is a treat for book lovers of all ages.” (Amazon)

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (Fiction)

“When her corgis stray into a mobile library parked near Buckingham Palace, the Queen feels duty-bound to borrow a book. Discovering the joy of reading widely (from J. R. Ackerley, Jean Genet, and Ivy Compton-Burnett to the classics) and intelligently, she finds that her view of the world changes dramatically. Abetted in her newfound obsession by Norman, a young man from the royal kitchens, the Queen comes to question the prescribed order of the world and loses patience with the routines of her role as monarch. Her new passion for reading initially alarms the palace staff and soon leads to surprising and very funny consequences for the country at large.” (Amazon)

The Vegetarian by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith (Fiction)

“Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams—invasive images of blood and brutality—torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It’s a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeong-hye obsessively defends the choice that’s become sacred to her. Soon their attempts turn desperate, subjecting first her mind, and then her body, to ever more intrusive and perverse violations, sending Yeong-hye spiraling into a dangerous, bizarre estrangement, not only from those closest to her, but also from herself.” (Amazon)

Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman (Fiction)

“Eden Malcom lies in a bed, unable to move or to speak, imprisoned in his own mind. His wife Mary spends every day on the sofa in his hospital room. He has never even met their young daughter. And he will never again see the friend and fellow soldier who didn’t make it back home–and who narrates the novel. But on Christmas, the one day Mary is not at his bedside, Eden’s re-ordered consciousness comes flickering alive. As he begins to find a way to communicate, some troubling truths about his marriage–and about his life before he went to war–come to the surface. Is Eden the same man he once was: a husband, a friend, a father-to-be? What makes a life worth living? A piercingly insightful, deeply felt meditation on loyalty and betrayal, love and fear,  Waiting for Eden  is a tour de force of profound humanity.” (Amazon)

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour (YA Fiction)

“Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.” (Amazon)

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nonfiction)

“In this personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.” (Amazon)

The White Darkness by David Grann (Nonfiction)

“Henry Worsley was a devoted husband and father and a decorated British special forces officer who believed in honor and sacrifice. He was also a man obsessed. He spent his life idolizing Ernest Shackleton, the nineteenth-century polar explorer, who tried to become the first person to reach the South Pole, and later sought to cross Antarctica on foot. Shackleton never completed his journeys, but he repeatedly rescued his men from certain death, and emerged as one of the greatest leaders in history.

Worsley felt an overpowering connection to those expeditions. He was related to one of Shackleton’s men, Frank Worsley, and spent a fortune collecting artifacts from their epic treks across the continent. He modeled his military command on Shackleton’s legendary skills and was determined to measure his own powers of endurance against them. He would succeed where Shackleton had failed, in the most brutal landscape in the world.

In 2008, Worsley set out across Antarctica with two other descendants of Shackleton’s crew, battling the freezing, desolate landscape, life-threatening physical exhaustion, and hidden crevasses. Yet when he returned home he felt compelled to go back.” (Amazon)

Women & Power: A Manifesto by Mary Beard (Nonfiction)

“Britain’s best-known classicist Mary Beard, is also a committed and vocal feminist. With wry wit, she revisits the gender agenda and shows how history has treated powerful women. Her examples range from the classical world to the modern day, from Medusa and Athena to Theresa May and Hillary Clinton. Beard explores the cultural underpinnings of misogyny, considering the public voice of women, our cultural assumptions about women’s relationship with power, and how powerful women resist being packaged into a male template.

With personal reflections on her own experiences of the sexism and gendered aggression she has endured online, Mary asks: if women aren’t perceived to be within the structures of power, isn’t it power that we need to redefine?” (Amazon)

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12 Creative Book Report Projects Your Students Will Love

Whether you’re teaching a whole-class novel, or finishing a round of independent reading or literature circles, post-reading assessments are always more engaging when they’re more than just a test or essay.

Below, you’ll discover a dozen fun book report ideas for your middle or high school ELA students, curated by a team of experienced English teachers.

Choose your favorite projects to offer to students as options on a book report project choice board.

Create a Board Game

When I gave “create a board game about the book you read” as a book report option for my students, I was pleasantly surprised at the results! Quite a few students excitedly chose this option and created some really fun-looking games centered on their books. 

This is a great project choice if you’re looking for something that students can’t create by just Googling the book.

Here are some tips and suggestions for assigning a board game book report:

• Give clear parameters and requirements to keep students on track, such as requiring game elements to represent certain literary elements of the book they read.
• Provide suggestions for game components and materials – encourage students to consider the game play and elements of their favorite board games and to use materials they already have at home to create them.
• For a whole-class novel study, consider allowing students to work in teams to create the novel-based board games, then setting aside a class period for students to play each others’ games and see who wins!

If you’re looking to save time… clear directions handouts, lots of suggestions, and a handy grading rubric for a board game post-reading assessment are all included in this resource . Take a look! 

For more independent reading response ideas, check out this post with ideas for fun post-reading projects.

Create a Journey Box

Engaging students in authentic conversations about books is a passion for Carolyn of Middle School Café .  In traditional oral book reports, students simply get up in front of the class and read a summary of the book they read.  Carolyn found this method of oral book reports painful for both her and her students.

Wanting to find a way to help her students talk about their book and keep her class engaged, Carolyn began incorporating Journey Box Book Reports.  A journey box is a shoebox (or bag) that contains artifacts from the story that help the reader share important events from the story. 

Students predetermine what events of the story are most important to share, then they create an artifact to share with the class or small group as they explain the plot.  As an example, Carolyn had a student who read The Diary of Anne Frank.   He created a small 3D tree that he displayed on the desk as he shared about how Anne looked out the window and dreamed of her former life.  It’s a small piece of the story that helps the student explain the plot point and gives the audience something visual to look at and stay engaged. 

Journey Box Book Reports have been successful for Carolyn in both her middle school and high school classrooms.  She does suggest, if using Journey Boxes in older grades, to have students share their stories in small groups.  

Create a Literary Food Truck

If there’s one thing kids love, it’s food – especially high schoolers – and with this in mind, one of Simply Ana P’s favorite ways to recap a class novel or an independent reading unit is with Literary Food Trucks. This is definitely not a new idea, but it’s one that will have you coming back for seconds 🙂 

Ana first tried this project at the end of The Odyssey , where students were able to decide which book(s) they wanted to make the focus of their trucks. The main requirement was that every single choice made had to be intentional and clearly relevant. With this in mind, students could start the planning process. 

You can make the truck’s requirements as simple or as detailed as you prefer, but Ana recommends having students plan: 

• Truck name, design, and branding colors
• Menu design and items (5 items minimum)
• Employee uniforms
• Merch 

Ana includes a writing component by having her students defend all of their selections in the form of a proposal. This is later used in their presentations, and the better (more intentional) their proposal is, the more likely they will win the class vote. This proposal can be anywhere from a few paragraphs to a few pages, depending on what writing goals you have for them, and should definitely include text evidence. 

Part of the beauty of this type of project is that it can be done digital or paper-based. Ana likes to walk her students through a Canva tutorial, where there are even menu templates that students can use so they don’t feel overwhelmed starting from scratch. Or, for more creative students, they can create their trucks on chart paper, poster board, or even 3D dioramas.  After students finish making their food trucks, it’s always fun to take a day for the in-class Food Festival, where students are invited to bring in items from their menus or simply some type of snacks. Some students get super hype about this day and even make/wear aprons or themed employee uniforms. Students are able to walk around, visiting each of their trucks, and casting their votes for Best Food, Most Relevant, and Most Detailed. Have fun and bon appetit !

Create a Mood Board

It can be hard to come up with creative post-reading assessments for your students when they’re done with a full class novel, literature circles, or a choice reading unit. In an attempt to combine 21 st century skills with literary analysis, Samantha from Samantha in Secondary decided to try something a little different. Enter: The Mood Board.

A mood board combines images to elicit a feeling from a viewer much like a writer does with words. The possibilities for using a mood board with your class are endless. Students can create a mood board for an overall book, a character, an event, a theme, a poem, etc. Then, have your students carefully curate a board that is aesthetically pleasing and considers color, space, and design in the execution. As students explain why they’ve made the choices they have, the upper-level thinking comes naturally.

Canva is an excellent tool to use to create your mood boards. Having students interact with software they may be unfamiliar with is a meaningful learning experience in and of itself. If you want to learn more about how to use mood boards in your own classroom, click here to read Samantha’s blog post about it or check out the resource she created that includes done-for-you student instructions, examples, and a rubric here .

Create a New App

How would a character’s life change if there was just the perfect app to solve their conflict??

This is the question Krista from @whimsyandrigor poses to her students as they finish a novel and begin to reflect on the character’s journey. Students begin by discussing all of the details surrounding the protagonist and what they experienced. In small groups and in whole-class discussions, students discuss the conflicts, both internal and external, and then brainstorm all of the realistic and not-so-realistic ways the character could have addressed their problems.

Once students have generated a healthy list of ideas, Krista tells them they get to become an app developer and they must create an app that would greatly benefit a character from their reading.

The requirements are:

• The app cannot already exist.
• The app can be totally unrealistic/not probable.
• The app developer must be able to explain how its features would benefit the character.
• The developer must also create an icon for the App Store.

Here is a print-and-go handout students use to get designing. 

Here are some example apps students could create: to help Will from Jason Reynolds’s Long Way Down , maybe an app that predicts his future would help him decide what to do once he steps off the elevator. Or maybe Romeo from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet would have benefited from a life-detection app that would accurately determine whether or not someone was actually dead.

When students sette on the conflict they want to address and the app that would help, they write a Spill the TEA paragraph, as explained by Krista in this YouTube video .  Using this paragraph organization strategy, students will introduce their app, use evidence to explain how it is necessary for the character, and explain how the app would have benefited or changed the protagonist’s journey.

Now they get to be a graphic designer as they design the app’s icon. Students may want to peruse the actual App Store to get ideas about how an icon is designed, what elements must be present, and how to create something that is eye-catching.

If space allows, Krista encourages you to display the icons and Spill the TEA paragraphs in the hallway for other students to see the in-depth critical thinking and character analysis your students did after finishing a novel. 

Who says technology is only a distraction for our students?! This activity proves technology can help students dive deep into a text and its characters!

Write a Vignette

Lesa from SmithTeaches9to12 often focuses on character-based activities for novel studies including a character profile activity , character conversations through text messages , or the writing of a good vignette. 

Vignettes can be a great way to assess students’ literary analysis skills and understanding of the text. Students write a short piece of about 500 words that is descriptive of a particular moment in time focusing on one of the book’s characters. These moments could be placing the character in a new setting, writing about a particular moment in the story that was less developed, or even extending to a moment beyond the book’s conclusion. Lesa provides students with some mentor texts, including “My Name” by Sandra Cisneros in The House on Mango Street or “The Prisoner Van” by Charles Dickens in Sketches by Boz or even one from a novel being read in class. Review the stories for structure, language choice, sentence structure, use of figurative language, and so on. This helps to co-create the criteria for the assignment. Then students write their own vignette. Build in some peer review as an accountability piece and voila!

Create a Character Collage

It’s safe to say that most English teachers have a bin of cut-up magazines somewhere in their classrooms. While these tattered copies of People and Us Weekly have definitely seen better days, they live on in the many collage creations of our students.

Katie from Mochas and Markbooks loves to use collages as visual representations of comprehension. After reading a novel or short story, creating a character collage to show how a character has evolved from beginning to end requires students to use higher order thinking skills to analyze, synthesize and demonstrate their understanding of characterization by dividing their page in half and choosing words and images to represent the character at the start and conclusion of the story on each side.

The results will show the depth of your students’ interpretation of character as well as their ability to use critical and creative thinking skills to represent their knowledge.

Other ways to use this idea instead of showing character evolution are to show two different sides to a character, for example, who they are with different people in their lives. 

If you are looking for other ways to incorporate collage and magazines into your post-reading assessments, check out this blog post for more ideas!

Design Shoe Charms

Crocs are not Olivia ’s shoe of choice, but when she noticed her students bedazzling their plastic footwear with shoe charms, it was a learning opportunity she just couldn’t pass up. Here’s how to make it work in your classroom:

First, have your students choose a character from the book they have finished reading. Then encourage them to find quotes from the book that reveal the character’s interests, values, or personality. Once they have found their quotes (she has her students find 4), tell them to design and color shoe charms that represent those interests, values, or personality traits. This helps students with inferencing, textual evidence, and even symbolism!

When your students have finished making their shoe charms, they can either tape the charms to their shoes for a fabulous, foot-themed fashion show, or they can glue them to a picture of a Croc for quirky classroom décor. Check out this Instagram post to see the charms Olivia’s students came up with!

Create a Movie Poster

When was the last time you went to the movies? Did you notice the posters along the way? If yes then you have walked down the movie studio promotional lane. Like trailers, studios create movie posters to grab the attention of movie-goers before they even enter the theater. Yes, you may have already purchased your movie ticket, but those posters were created for the future. After you finish watching Sonic 2 , what movie will you see next? You probably already pointed to that poster on the way into the theater and said, “That looks like it is going to be good. I want to see that!”   As a post reading idea, Sharena from The Humble Bird Teacher has her students create movie posters based on the text read in class. This allows her to complete a formative assessment on what the students learned from the text. Before having her class create a movie poster, she shows them examples of posters from different genres such as drama, action, family-friendly, and comedy. Then she hands out a piece of construction paper and goes over the basic requirements. On the movie poster, the students are required to have their actors names or image (characters), the title of the movie, a visual (setting or symbol from the story), and a tagline, and a short two to three sentence summary of the movie. Once her students are finished with the assignment, she displays them outside the classroom, so the students can have their own movie studio promotional lane.  If you are looking for more after reading ideas, click here .

Try Novel Engineering

Whether you’ve been hoping to collaborate with another department, or just really want to try something new, Novel Engineering is an amazing way to get students thinking outside of the box ! Staci from Donut Lovin’ Teacher has found that Novel Engineering requires students to actively comprehend and interact with a novel and get creative about how to help improve the lives of characters! Basically, students work to create a product that will help solve a character’s problem. Here’s how it works…

Before reading : Choose a narrative text where the character faces tangible conflicts. Model and practice the design process in small ways. Try using picture books like Mucha! Muncha! Mucha! in order for students to see and practice what they’ll be doing with a text at grade-level.

While reading : Emphasize the conflicts characters face and give students time to brainstorm possible products that would help solve said problem. Make sure students record evidence from the text so they can later justify the need for the product they design.

After reading : Give students time to draft, craft, and improve their designs that will help solve a problem faced by a character. You can give students options where they draw their creation, make their creation, or even plan a digital app like this, depending on time and resources. Whatever you choose, students will be sure to be pushed to use some skills they may not always practice in an ELA classroom!

Staci has some FREE Novel Engineering Digital Planning Pages or you can read more about her experience with novel engineering on the Donut Lovin’ Teacher blog .

Create a Tik Tok Video

How many times have you passed a group of students filming a TikTok in a hallway? Have you had students ask to film in your class once they finish assignments? You are not alone. Students love TikTok and Yaddy from Yaddy’s Room has figured out how to get students using TikTok for academic purposes!

Yaddy likes to challenge students to create TikTok videos that track a character’s development, encapsulates the main theme of the story, or that exemplifies a key conflict. These easy, low stress videos are great at getting even reluctant students to participate.

To incorporate TikTok videos as a means of assessing students after a novel or story, try the following steps:

1)      Get students to brainstorm which part of the novel they would like to use for their video.

2)      Ask students to start combing TikTok for an audio that fits with the portion of the text they chose

3)      Ask them to plan out how they will realize their vision

4)      Rehearse and film!

5)      Bonus: ask students to upload their videos to Google Drive and share the link with you so that you can make QR codes to post around your classroom!

Want to get started using TikTok videos for book reports? Check on Yaddy’s free planning sheet here !

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Best Graphic Novel Book Review Blogs in 2024

Showing 34 blogs that match your search.

https://bookvue.wordpress.com/

Book Vue was born out of the editor's restless desire to share with the world thoughts and opinions on some of the greatest books out there. The honesty behind each review is the essence of the blog.

Blogger : Chitra Iyer

Genres : Graphic Novel

🌐 Domain authority: 5

👀 Average monthly visits: 100 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Email

⭐️ Accepts indie books? Yes

Tales from Absurdia

https://talesfromabsurdia.com/

Tales from Absurdia is home to thought-provoking blogs, book reviews, and interviews spanning various genres.

Blogger : John

🌐 Domain authority: 3

👀 Average monthly visits: 101 p/mo

Literary Titan

https://literarytitan.com/

We review books, conduct author interviews, and have monthly book awards.

Blogger : Thomas Anderson

🌐 Domain authority: 30

👀 Average monthly visits: 12,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Website contact form

The Roarbots

https://theroarbots.com/

The Roarbots is a celebration of geek culture, representing a diversity of voices that covers a broad swath of the nerdy landscape.

Blogger : Jamie Greene

🌐 Domain authority: 40

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Social media

Bookbugworld

https://bookbugworld.com/

Bookbugworld stays true to its promise. A fun and niche virtual space where you can discuss the books you love or find new ones to add to your TBR.

Blogger : Rejitha

🌐 Domain authority: 12

👀 Average monthly visits: 250 p/mo

A Thin Slice of Anxiety

http://www.athinsliceofanxiety.com/

A Thin Slice of Anxiety is an independent publication which strives to nurture and promote the best up-and-coming writers of our generation.

Blogger : Cody Sexton

🌐 Domain authority: 16

👀 Average monthly visits: 2,000 p/mo

Mru's Books and Reviews

https://mrusbooksnreviews.com

Exclusive recommendations, lists, bookish merch & more. I am a software consultant by profession: a mom and an avid reader by choice. My job's 9-5 grind bored me to death. That's when I was inspired to break the monotony. I discovered book blogging. Through my blog, I would love to promote my passion for reading and to read as many books as I can.

Blogger : Mrunal Natu

🌐 Domain authority: 20

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,500 p/mo

https://booksnest.co.uk/

I am an award-winning book blogger with a love of reading and passion for books, I love writing about books on my blog and getting involved in this wonderful community!

Blogger : Beth Bartholomew

🌐 Domain authority: 21

👀 Average monthly visits: 7,200 p/mo

Before We Go Blog

https://www.beforewegoblog.com

We are a collection of SFF reading enthusiasts who love sharing our reading passion with the world.

Blogger : Beth Tabler and Team

🌐 Domain authority: 29

👀 Average monthly visits: 5,000 p/mo

Self-Publishing Review

http://www.selfpublishingreview.com

Self-Publishing Review has been providing book reviews of indie books since 2008. We review all genres of books fairly and impartially, as well as provide additional marketing services, for a fee. Our reviews are shared to our social media accounts totalling 40,000+ followers. Our site has been covered in The Guardian, New York Times, Forbes, Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, and other sources.

Blogger : Henry

🌐 Domain authority: 46

👀 Average monthly visits: 20,000 p/mo

Read Yourself Happy

https://readyourselfhappy.net/

Welcome to Read Yourself Happy! My name is Penny, and on my site you’ll find book reviews, mental health articles, and more!

Blogger : Penny

👀 Average monthly visits: 500 p/mo

The LitBuzz Hive

https://www.thelitbuzz.com/

A book review site featuring a diverse Hive of voices reading and sharing, we have a vast palette. We welcome both indie and traditionally-published authors - at no charge for reviews, ever.

Blogger : The LitBuzz Hive

🌐 Domain authority: 7

👀 Average monthly visits: 300 p/mo

Toby A. Smith

https://tobyasmith.com/

Independent book reviews (without spoilers) that focus on historical fiction. Chief areas of interest are English, French, and Russian history and the two World Wars.

Blogger : Toby A. Smith

🌐 Domain authority: 14

Literary Quicksand

https://literaryquicksand.com/

We’re a book blog based out of Minneapolis, MN. We feature a group of women writers from multiple countries who all come together over one thing: our love of books!

Blogger : Jolissa Skow

🌐 Domain authority: 31

👀 Average monthly visits: 4,000 p/mo

Kids Lit Book Cafe

https://kidslitbookcafe.com/

KLBC writes professional captivating reviews for children’s books of all ages and all genres.

Blogger : Kids Lit Book Cafe

🌐 Domain authority: 8

So you want to find a book blog?

If you’re a voracious reader, you might think of a book blog as an oasis in the middle of the desert: a place on the Internet that brims with talk about books, books, and more books.

Well, good news — we built this directory of the 200 of the best book blogs  to satiate your thirst. Take a walk around, use the filters to narrow down your search to blogs in your preferred genre, and feel free to bookmark this page and come back, as we do update it regularly with more of the best book blogs out there. 

If you’re an aspiring author, you might see a book blog more as a book review blog: a place where you can get your yet-to-be published book reviewed. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that most of the book blogs in our directory are open to review requests and accept indie books! We expressly designed this page (and our book marketing platform, Reedsy Discovery ) to be useful to indie book authors who need book reviews. If you’re wondering how to approach a book blog for a review request, please read on. 

You’ve found a book blog. Now what? 

Let’s say that you’re an author, and you’ve found a couple of book blogs that would be perfect fits to review your book. What now? Here are some tips as you go about getting your book reviews:

• Be sure to read the review policy. First, check that the book blog you’re querying is open to review requests. If that’s the fortunate case, carefully read the blog’s review policy and make sure that you follow the directions to a T.  
• Individualize your pitches. Book bloggers will be able to immediately tell apart the bulk pitches, which simply come across as thoughtless and indifferent. If you didn’t take the time to craft a good pitch, why should the blogger take the time to read your book? Personalize each pitch to up your chances of getting a response. 
• Format your book in a professional manner before sending it out. Ensure that your manuscript isn’t presented sloppily. If the book blogger asks for a digital ARC, you might want to check out apps such as Instafreebie or Bookfunnel. 
• Create a spreadsheet to track your progress. Wading through so many book blogs can be troublesome — not to mention trying to remember which ones you’ve already contacted. To save yourself the time and trouble, use a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your progress (and results). 

Looking to learn even more about the process? Awesome 👍 For a detailed guide, check out this post that’s all about getting book reviews . 

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Book Review Template for Kids (Tips & Activities)

• July 21, 2019
• Kids Printables

Aren’t your kids interested in reading more books? How can you enhance their understanding skills after reading a book? 

Here is a solution ! How about asking them to write a review? Don’t be funny you say ! No, I am just saying if you have colorful “ Book Review Templates” for kids , you can actually ask them to write what they understood.  

Ask your kids to share their point of view and discuss about it with their friends and family. While this is a small circle, writing a review about the book will help them introduce it a bigger circle or people, at the same time improve their thinking and writing skills.

You might want to check out book templates for kids , who are interested in compiling or writing a book. 

Your kids read books? Do they have the habit of sharing their view about the books? Do they share their review about every book they read? Or do you want your kid to write review about the books they read? Do you want to teach them on how to write a book review? Well, this topic is help and satisfy all the above needs.

Yes, In this article we are going to see in detail about what is book review and how to make your kids write a book review. We are here to help you with the wonderful set of templates that will help teach your kids and encourage them write review about books. All you have to do is just a click away, select the template you like from here, download it, print and teach your kids on how to write a book review with the help of it. All these templates are available for free and you can download and use it anytime, anywhere.

What are Book Review Templates?

First of all let us see what is book review template and what are the components in it to be filled. As the name says, it is nothing but the template to write review about books, which will help you teach your kids on how to write a book review and what all needs to be included/excluded while writing a book review. Below are some of the components that needs to be filled in order to complete a Book review.

• Title – Name of the book
• Author/Illustrator – Name of the Author and/or Illustrator of the book
• Word difficulty – They need to predict the difficulty level they had while reading the book. For Example, Too easy, Just right, Medium, Too hard,
• Did your like the book/Rating – This is to rate the book. As it is for kids, it can be represented with the STAR rating. If not, by numbers. For example, 4.2 out of 5. Or you can ask them to describe the book in one word by proving them a set of words to choose. For example, Exiting, boring, impressive, stupid, funny, sad, heart warming, interesting, excellent, entertaining, educational and so on.
• Summary in one sentence – Ask them to summarize the story of the book in a sentence, that needs to be short and crisp.
• Characters – Describe in brief about the character involved in the book.
• What was your favorite part of the book? / What I liked best – This will help them recollect the memories of reading the book and describe their favorite part in the book.
• What I didn’t like – Ask them to summarize the part of book which the kids did not like
• Draw your favorite character from the book – If it is a picture book or activity book that would contain more pictures and images, then you can guide them to draw their favorite character from the book.
• Draw your favorite scene from the book – every kids will have a favorite part from the book and you can encourage them to visualize their favorite scene, which in-turn will develop their drawing skills also.
• Recommendation – They can tick mark the box. For example, Highly Recommended, Reasonable, Not recommended.
• Reviewer Name – Your kids name who is writing the review.
• Date – date on which the review was written.

These are few of the points that must be covered as part of a book review. Apart from this the kids can add anything extra as part of the template while writing the review.

Are your kids exited to write a book review? Wondering how to guide them on it? Then we are here to help you, as we have provided wonderful set of book review templates for kids in this page that will attract your kids. Do you want to make one on your own? Well, that is allowed as well. All you have to do is to just chose your template from here and download it for free. As we have designed it for your ease, you can just edit the template as per your need by changing the font, background, borderline of the template etc and create/make your own Book review templates within seconds,without spending even a single penny from your pocket. Is it not amazing? Create one instantly and help your kids write a book review.

Uses of Book review template?

Let us see below the uses of writing a book review.

• Will help the kids to improve their creative writing skills and reading comprehension.
• Will encourage the kids to share their opinion
• Will help others to decide on whether to read/purchase the book or not.
• Will provide the in-depth analysis of the story and content of the book.
• Will capture the main theme of the book and help readers understand the author’s style.

These are few of the benefits of writing a book review. Apart from these it will improve their book reading skills and increase their interest to read more books and write review for those.

How to use – Book review template for teaching in classroom

In order to help teachers with book review templates and few sample activities that would help them teach in the classroom,we have listed few activities as below to make their work easy:

• Providing Sample Book review – You can take few sample reviews written by others for a book and share it in the classroom for the kids to basically understand what is a book review and what are the basic elements and points to be captured while writing a book review. Best source to teach them is from the famous/favorite magazine or even newspaper.
• Together read a book review – Pick up an appropriate and favorite book review and read it aloud along with the students in the classroom. Cover everything from title of the book, author, brief summary of the book, strengths and weakness and your own personal opinion about the book.
• Provide a book to review – Provide a book or a short story to read in the classroom and write their review about it. Encourage them to make note of the key points of the story Post which you can read the review they have written and correct those along with the students.
• Questions about the book – Provide a book review template template and guide them with few questions that will help them recollect the incidents in the story and come-up with a good review. Questions should cover on the genre of the book (whether it is Comic or fantasy or detective or humor),  about the favorite part of the book, likes and dis-likes, about the main characters of the book, briefly about the author of the book, did they enjoy reading the story, etc. Also ensure to have their reviews explained in details. 
• Classroom flip book review activity – Prepare a flip book with an interesting topic and introduce it to the students. Provide them with a book review template from him as per your wish and let them write review on the flip book. This will help them improve their thinking capacity as well.

  How to use – Book Review template for students

Making children write a book review is a great way to motivate them to read lot of books. Having said that let us see few activities  that will help them learn and write a good and perfect book review.

• Book review activity Packet – You can choose a sample book for the students to read, be it a short-story or fun book or a comic story. To start with you can provide them a book under their favorite genre which will help them read it with full involvement and write a good review. Then you can choose a template from here for there to express their thought and opinion about the book and write a review.
• Character book review Activity – Decide a book for the student to read, preferably a picture book or fun book. Later you can collect the pictures of the different characters in the book and make cards out of it. Once the student completes the book, you can provide these cards carrying different characters in the book and as them to write review about each character. This will help children to understand and judge themselves with how much involvement they have read the book.

All the activities listed above looks awesome right? Waiting to involve your kids/students in reading books and write a review for the book? Then you can involve them in any of the above activities. To start with, you can make them read a book of their favorite genre, which will help them practice writing a book review at initial times.

Can Book Review Template help kids to learn science?

In order to make students develop their interest towards science, you can introduce it to them through book review activity as well. Wondering how? Here is an example for you to help them develop their interest towards science. You can create a Flip book with different forms of energy (like heat, sound,chemical,thermal etc) or any other science related topics like state of matter or chemical changes, with the pictures related to it. You can ask students to make a research on each of the picture in the flip book, hence introducing science to them.

Help them in understand it which in-turn will make them write good reviews. Later, once they complete the flip book, provide them with few book review templates and as them to write their opinion about each science topic in the flip book, that will help them know their understanding about the science and develop interest towards science. Similarly you can make them read various science related fun books (like 11 Experiments That Failed or Ada Twist – Scientist) which will introduce science to them and ask them to write review for the same.

Tips to help your kids write a book review

Writing a book review is not an easy task for the children at initial times. Below are you tips which will help you guide your children to write a good book review.

• Motivate them to make note of the important points while reading the books. This will help them remember the favorite characters and scenes in the book.
• Make them ask questions about the book to come-up with an perfect book review.
• Guide them to have a structure for the book review they write. For example , starting from the Author to the strength and weakness of the book.
• You should be ready to proofread it at the end. Once the kids complete writing a review, you should have a check on it for any spelling mistakes, meaning of the phrases and help them correct their mistakes in the next review.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Book review

Having discussed in details on how to write a book review, we shall now see the do;s and dont’s while reviewing a book.

• Provide a short phrase/title that will explain your review’s content.
• Be very specific in describing what you liked or did not like in the book. Do not generally say “it was bad”,”not satisfactory”. Describe why was it bad and not satisfactory.
• Do not drag the review too long. Make it crisp and brief. Do not completely summarize the book.
• Do not criticize it badly just because it was not as how you expected.
• Describe your favorite character and be very careful and conscious in what you say about the story to avoid controversies.

Following these  points along with the tips, you can select any of the activities along with the book review template from our page and teach your kids on how to write a good book review.

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‘Reboot’ is a funny novel about pop culture’s serious problem

Justin taylor’s latest is a high-spirited satire about fan culture, conspiracy theories and the endless recycling of creative ideas.

If you’ve ever had a conversation with a conspiracy theorist — maybe you’ve been stuck in a middle airplane seat or just have relatives on Facebook — you’ve probably noticed how good they are at committing to the bit. You have facts? Oh, do they have facts, too! You think you’re being rational? Sheeple like you just haven’t figured it out yet. You have logic? Listen, let me tell you a story…

Justin Taylor’s second novel, “ Reboot ,” is a very serious story about the perniciousness of conspiracy thinking, wrapped in a very funny yarn about the shallowness of celebrity culture. The funny stuff comes in the form of a TV-world satire: The narrator, David Crader, is the former star of “Rev Beach,” a short-lived but beloved teen drama in the vein of “The O.C.” Success, however modest, has taken a toll on him — he’s collected two busted marriages and a sobriety he’s only barely keeping under control. He marks time doing voice-overs for video games and managing a bar he owns in Portland, Ore. His default tone is self-aware, a little cynical and more unsettled than he’s ready to admit. (“Was I making a comeback? Having a moment? Maybe!”)

As the story opens, David is flying to Los Angeles to do some fan service, signing memorabilia and posing for selfies at a convention, which gives him (and Taylor) ample opportunities to send up the world of pop-culture obsession: the T-shirts whose gags require a Wikipedia’s worth of arcane knowledge to grasp; Instagram posts parsed with rabbinical intensity; fans hoping for a “Rev Beach” reboot that might incorporate the video game David voices. “Foie gras’d on Marvel movies since birth,” Taylor writes of these fans, “they saw no reason why the game and the show shouldn’t become part of the same expanded universe.”

Plot-wise, “Reboot” is a straightforward story about the few weeks David spends reconnecting with his former castmates to plan “Rev Beach” 2.0: his first ex-wife, Grace, who is the daughter of a TV exec; Shayne, an impossibly handsome “indie film darling” and Broadway actor; and Corey, now a MAGA-brained politico in the Florida town where the show was set. Helping to stoke these reunions is Molly, a starving writer/bartender with a bottomless awareness of TV tropes. Over a weekend in New York, David and Shayne spitball ideas while Molly rolls her eyes. “Why does everything have to be recycled IP?” she asks. “Do either of you have an original idea?”

Well? Taylor is asking his characters, he’s asking you, and he’s also asking himself. He seems concerned that we’ve all spent so much time living with the vocabulary of film and TV and games — IP (intellectual property), binge, arc, NPCs (non-player characters) and more — that we can barely function or perceive reality without it. Media language shapes how Taylor’s characters, David especially, think about themselves. (“How much headcanon could be assimilated into my personal show bible? How much retcon and reboot could one life take?”) On a personal level, this behavior is a way to check out of thinking about life — David has a son and a second ex whom he has back-burnered. But Taylor also demonstrates the broader public costs of living inside narratives, especially the most polluted ones — antisemitism, QAnon, lizard people. A small but not unimportant section of the novel focuses on the Koreshans, a 19th-century Florida sect that believed Earth was hollow.

“A conspiracy theory is always more tempting than the truth, not because it’s a simpler story, but because it is a story,” Taylor writes. “The act of coming to terms with the convolution and contradiction — the fluency you gain in the logic of illogic — is what makes it alluring.” You might sense a little bit of recycled IP there, too: Taylor is putting a present-day spin on the kinds of concerns that Don DeLillo stuffed his novels with in the ’70s and ’80s. Not for nothing is Shayne’s current gig a Broadway musical version of DeLillo’s novel “Cosmopolis.” (Actually, it’s an adaptation of the film version of the novel, making it twice-recycled IP.) Sometimes Taylor borrows DeLillo’s icy diction: “Likes and reposts, RT and QT. Those are Twitter terms. The other sites have other terms.” But he’s mainly inspired by his predecessor’s paranoia — by the idea that living in a mediated reality is messing with our heads.

And though “funnier than Don DeLillo” may seem like faint praise, “Reboot” wrings brilliant laughs from the absurdity of David’s predicament, and the way Hollywood and internet language can seem like foreign tongues, something human-adjacent but not quite human: “They’d be doxed and banned, driven from the fandom, their decades-long archive sent straight to the memory hole. A false flag flying over an epic win.”

What are we missing while we marinate in this nonsense? That’s Taylor’s sharpest joke: While David muses on the “Rev Beach” reboot en route to L.A., the forests below are on fire; in New York, the city floods. Calamity gets ever closer. We recycle thoughts and indulge conspiracies as a bulwark against it, but it’s all still coming. “Reboot” is structured like a TV series — it has a cold open, bottle episodes and three acts — but it simultaneously begs you not to trust those elements, or at least to be more aware of them. Like any streaming network, Taylor wants you to keep watching. But one senses a call to action underneath his entertainment: Watch, as in watch out.

Mark Athitakis is a critic in Phoenix and the author of “ The New Midwest .”

By Justin Taylor

Pantheon. 284 pp. $28

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9 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

• Share full article

Our recommended books this week include two very different kinds of memoirs — RuPaul’s “The House of Hidden Meanings,” about the drag icon’s childhood and path to superstardom, and Alexandra Fuller’s “Fi,” about the death of her 21-year-old son — as well as a biography of the art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner, a study of Germany’s self-reckoning after World War II, a look at what Abraham Lincoln’s era has in common with ours and a history of baseball in New York.

In fiction, we recommend a romance novel, a twisty detective story about translators on the hunt for a missing author and a stylish story collection from Amor Towles. Happy reading. — Gregory Cowles

FI: A Memoir Alexandra Fuller

In her fifth memoir, Fuller describes the sudden death of her 21-year-old son. Devastating as this elegant and honest account may be — and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart — it also leaves the reader with a sense of having known a lovely and lively young man.

“A sublime writer. … This book is a mesmeric celebration of a boy who died too soon, a mother’s love and her resilience.”

From David Sheff’s review

Grove | $28

WAKE ME MOST WICKEDLY Felicia Grossman

The second of Grossman’s fairy-tale-inspired romances set among Jewish families in Regency London finds the saucy scion of a disgraced family falling for a raven-haired criminal pawnshop owner. Based on “Snow White,” a fairy tale all about trust and betrayal, “Wake Me Most Wickedly” thrives in the space between what people hide and what they reveal.

“Rich and complex and a little discomfiting, this book prefers difficult questions and nuanced truths to comfortable reductions.”

From Olivia Waite’s romance column

Forever | Paperback, $9.99

TABLE FOR TWO: Fictions Amor Towles

Towles, known for his wildly popular books like “A Gentleman in Moscow,” collects six short stories set in New York around the new millennium. There’s also one story set in Golden Age Hollywood, a continuation of his novel “Rules of Civility.”

“There’s more here than high gloss. … Sharp-edged satire deceptively wrapped like a box of Neuhaus chocolates, ‘Table for Two’ is a winner.”

From Hamilton Cain’s review

Viking | $32

THE NEW YORK GAME: Baseball and the Rise of a New City Kevin Baker

What makes New York baseball unique, the novelist and historian argues in this insightful, beautifully crafted narrative — which concludes with the end of World War II — is its role as chronicler of cultural change. Whatever baseball’s roots in cow pastures and small towns, it came of age as an urban game.

“Baseball grew as New York City grew. … One hopes for a second volume from Kevin Baker, every bit as good as this one.”

From David Oshinsky’s review

Knopf | $35

THE EXTINCTION OF IRENA REY Jennifer Croft

Croft is an acclaimed translator, and won the 2018 Man Booker International Prize for her English translation of Olga Tokarczuk’s “Flights.” It seems fitting that her first novel is a detective story following a troupe of translators tracking down their missing author.

“Oh my mushrooms, ‘The Extinction of Irena Rey’ is incredibly strange, savvy, sly and hard to classify. I also couldn’t put it down.”

From Fiona Maazel’s review

Bloomsbury | $28.99

THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS: A Memoir RuPaul

The “Drag Race” superstar has already written three books, but from its black-and-white cover photo onward, this one is serious: A study in self-creation and survival that reveals a striver high on his own supply.

“RuPaul isn’t just famous, glamorous and funny; he’s interesting. … Less a memoir than a prophecy unpacked in reverse.”

From Saeed Jones’s review

Dey Street | $29.99

CHASING BEAUTY: The Life of Isabella Stewart Gardner Natalie Dykstra

Isabella Stewart Gardner is best known today for the Boston museum that bears her name, but as Dykstra makes clear in her luminous new biography, the Gilded Age doyenne was herself a figure to be reckoned with. A daughter of wealth who married into more, the flamboyant Gardner quickly became the queen of haute bohemia — and in the process, one of America’s most serious collectors. A lively portrait of a moment, a woman and the power of art.

“Astutely situates her subject within Gardner’s growing web of connections. … But its deeper revelations have more to do with Gardner’s emerging attunement to the emotional affirmation to be found in art.”

From Megan O’Grady’s review

Mariner | $37.50

OUT OF THE DARKNESS: The Germans, 1942-2022 Frank Trentmann

Over the past eight decades, the public debates about guilt and suffering in the wake of World War II have structured civil society in Germany. Trentmann tracks the evolution of this moral awakening with a remarkably rich history of the country that runs from the Battle of Stalingrad to the War in Ukraine.

“Recognizes the costs and complexities of the quest for moral security. … As Trentmann captures, the post-1945 transformation has been remarkable.”

From Peter Fritzsche’s review

Knopf | $50

OUR ANCIENT FAITH: Lincoln, Democracy, and the American Experiment Allen C. Guelzo

In this beautifully written exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts on democracy, Guelzo argues that the president, who fought autocratic forces in the South while restricting civil liberties in the North, can help us figure out how to sustain a free society in the face of rising illiberalism today.

“Guelzo points out the ‘uncanny’ similarities between Lincoln’s time and ours. … Reveals the fragility of democracy in such moments. But its precarity can also be a strength.”

From Parker Henry’s review

Knopf | $30

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

Salman Rushdie’s new memoir, “Knife,” addresses the attack that maimed him  in 2022, and pays tribute to his wife who saw him through .

Recent books by Allen Bratton, Daniel Lefferts and Garrard Conley depict gay Christian characters not usually seen in queer literature.

What can fiction tell us about the apocalypse? The writer Ayana Mathis finds unexpected hope in novels of crisis by Ling Ma, Jenny Offill and Jesmyn Ward .

At 28, the poet Tayi Tibble has been hailed as the funny, fresh and immensely skilled voice of a generation in Māori writing .

Amid a surge in book bans, the most challenged books in the United States in 2023 continued to focus on the experiences of L.G.B.T.Q. people or explore themes of race.

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .