You have read the assigned book, discussed it with classmates, and completed the Form for Book Review. You also have access to many sample reviews in periodicals, online, or provided by your instructor. Now, you have finished preparing to write a book review. As a reviewer, your job consists of two parts. Each of these parts demonstrates that you understand the book and possess the qualifications to evaluate it.
First, tell your audience what the book is about. Give your readers a “taste” of the book, preferably without going into any plot twists you would not want to know before reading the book yourself. Tell about significant ideas in the book, and include carefully selected key events. You may choose to name important characters and discuss their significance as well.
Second, let your readers know whether or not you think they should take the time to read the book. After all, a book requires an investment of time, a finite resource. Of course, you will support this recommendation with specific reasons. Throughout your essay, allowing the author(s) to “speak” through direct quotations will make your review stronger and help you support your claims.
As you write, keep your responses on the Form for Book Review handy. You have the choice of writing a positive review that recommends the book or a negative review that does not. Alternately, you may write a mixed review that acknowledges both positive and negative attributes. Ultimately, however, you should come down on one side or the other. Keep in mind, also, that the more mixed a review is, the harder you will likely find writing it. Take care to use transitions like “first,” “next,” “second,” “third,” “later,” “meanwhile,” “before,” “earlier,” “after,” and “finally” to move from one idea to the next.
When you complete an entire draft, check over your work by proofreading it carefully. Make needed revisions, and then complete and submit your final draft of the book review essay.
Jermaine Byrant
Nicole Johnson
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RATING
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