What is a Review?
A review can be performed on a piece of writing, an event, object, or a phenomenon. It is a critical evaluation of books, novels, articles in the new york times, movies, literature, policies, architecture, fashion, art, and even restaurants and exhibitions.
Furthermore, a review is an opportunity to express your thoughts and opinions about the book. It's not just mere summarization-you start dialogue by commenting on what was done well or poorly with how it relates to similar works of literature.
Unlike a book report, you have the liberty to give your opinion and whether or not you agree with the writer. Highlight the strengths and weaknesses in the writer’s knowledge, judgment, and how the text was organized.
Your opinion about the text under analysis is the most important element, so state it clearly. It is similar to academic writing, such as essays, where you construct an argument and provide strong evidence in the body paragraphs.
The first thing in a review is a brief summary of the overall content. It gives the readers perspective and describes the purpose of the topic, and presents the argument.
Secondly, another crucial detail that a review offers is an in-depth analysis of the content at hand.
Lastly, in addition to providing an analysis of the work at hand, you also suggest whether or not audiences will like and appreciate it.
How to Write a Book Review?
When writing a review, there isn’t one perfect way or method. However, this doesn't mean that critical thinking about your text is unnecessary before you begin. It should help and make your writing phase easy.
It’s safe to say that it is merely a two-step process. The first step is developing an argument, and the next step is writing a draft supporting that argument about the work under consideration.
Here are some steps that you will follow when you start writing the book report.
1. Brainstorm the Questions
Before diving into the writing process, consider the following questions:
- What is the main argument or the thesis of the book?
- What idea does the author want the reader to get from it?
- Has the book been successful in accomplishing something?
- How does the book compare to the beautiful world familiar to you, how do you relate to it?
- The main topic and subject. Was it addressed and covered effectively?
- What approach was used to cover the subject--- was it chronological, descriptive, etc.?
- Did the author support their argument, and how?
- What supporting evidence was used to prove the argument?
- Was this evidence convincing? If not, then why?
- Did the author’s take on the topic conflict with your beliefs or something you might have read before?
- Was the author’s argument capable of persuading you? How was the argument structured?
- How did the book increase your understanding of the topic, and whether you would recommend the particular book to your readers?
- What is the field or genre?
- What is the point of view of the author?
- Do you agree with the point of view?
- Was the ending convincing?
Therefore, keep these questions in your mind and start writing a book review.
2. Gather Relevant Quotes
Adding relevant quotes is important for a powerful and good book review. Quotes from important and relevant people can really make your opinion come alive.
3. Summarize Book Review
A well-written book review should not give away all of the important details about a story. Remember, your aim is to build reader interest. So be concise when summarizing the book.
4. Give your Opinion
A book review is a fantastic way to share your thoughts, summarize its themes and plot development. Also, don't forget to proofread it.
How to Write a Fictional Book Review?
When you are asked to write a fictional book review, consider the following points.
General questions to think about:
- What was the main idea or concept of the story?
- Who were some of the more significant characters?
- Were these characters believable?
- What was the purpose of the main characters, or how did they contribute to the main story?
- Did these characters encounter any problems or a bad experience?
- Which character did you like the best and why?
Based on your personal experience:
- Were any of the characters relatable to you?
- Can you remember a time when you did the things they did or felt?
- If you were in their place, would you have done the same thing?
Present your viewpoint:
- Did you enjoy the book?
- Which part did you enjoy the most?
- Your least favorite part or chapter.
- If you were to write this book, what would you have changed?
Give your suggestions:
- Do you recommend people to read this book?
- Will everyone enjoy this book or a particular type of individual?
Book Review Format
Following is the book review format that you need to use in order to make writing easier.
- Introduction
There are different ways to start your book review; some begin with an anecdote or a catchy hook.
Make sure to add the following details:
- The name of the book and author, along with the main theme.
- Include necessary information about the author, as mentioned earlier.
- The context in which the book is written.The thesis statement of the book.
- When working on fiction, you won’t be able to find arguments, but you can talk about the novelty or originality. Also, mention your own thesis statement.
- Body
The body comprises a brief summary of the content and provides your assessment while backing it up with supporting evidence.
Divide your analysis and evaluation into different paragraphs. It doesn’t have to be chronological; you can arrange these paragraphs by themes and methods.
Make sure not to quote excessively, but when you do, put the quotations in inverted commas.
- Conclusion
Don’t introduce new ideas towards the end of your review; instead, restate the thesis and leave the reader with a final judgment. Justify your opinion by mentioning the book’s strengths and weaknesses.
Finally, remember that you are reviewing a book that has been written, not the one you wanted the author to write. So while it is okay to mention and point out failures, don’t criticize them for not being what you wanted.
Book Review Examples
Below are some examples that help you in your writing phase.
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