Would you like to improve your book reviewing skills? If yes, then explore this blog. For those who are eager to write book reviews, here, we have explained how to write a book review efficiently. Also, for better comprehension, we have shared some impressive examples of reviews of books from different genres. Simply by reading all the examples of book reviews, you may get to know a lot about various book review writing styles, tones, and approaches.
Let’s begin!
What is a Book Review?
A book review is a kind of succinct essay that focuses on in-depth analysis and opinion about a book. Never confuse it with a summary. A book review generally provides details about the positives, negatives, and overall quality of a book. The main goal of a book review is to help readers decide whether a particular book is worth reading or not. Furthermore, book reviews play a key role in inspiring others to read a book, and providing feedback to the authors.
Typically, book reviews will evaluate the text, plot, themes, phenomenon, or objects discussed in a book and express the impact of reading it. In a book review, you can share your thoughts, knowledge, and judgments on the book. Also, you may discuss the different aspects that were used by the author in the book and constructively criticize the work. Note that, the book reviews should be concise and it should not exceed 1000 words. Some popular types of book reviews include endorsements, reader reviews, editorial reviews, and trade reviews.
Steps for Writing a Book Review
Do you wonder how to write a book review? If yes, then just follow the steps suggested below. It will help you in creating an honest book review.
Carefully read the book
First, carefully read the book that you are going to review. When reading, focus on the storyline, characters, and writing style.
Create a concise summary
Next, begin your book review writing. Initially, give a brief overview of the book. The overview should focus on the core idea or plot of the book and express what the book is all about.
Convey your thoughts
Following the summary, share your opinions and feelings about the book. Specifically, you can express whether the book impressed you or how powerful the story was. But, when you convey your thoughts be honest with your assessment.
Analyze the characters
Next, analyze the characters from the real-world perspective and explain their development. You can also discuss the way the characters appeared to you. Say whether the characters were relatable and intriguing.
List the strengths
Highlight the positive points in the book. For instance, you may mention the strengths such as amazing plot, awesome descriptions, or exciting themes.
Discuss the weaknesses
In your book review, make sure to list the book’s shortcomings such as slow pacing, unsatisfying end, etc. When you discuss the weaknesses of the book, be truthful and respectful.
Mention examples
Provide relevant instances from the text to back up your claims. For example, you may share a line that you loved the most in that book or a moment that indeed affected you.
Share your recommendation
Finally, think about who will love reading that particular book and recommend it to them so that they might add the book to their ‘Want to Read’ list.
Proofread and Edit
Once you finish your book review rewriting, proofread it before publishing. The final draft of your book review essay should be free from grammar and spelling errors. Also, in your review, make sure to organize your thoughts neatly and clearly.
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Book Review Template
Would you like to know what to include in a book review? Well, when you write a critical book review outline, keep in mind to follow the template suggested below. It will help you in creating a review in a neat and well-structured format.
While writing a book review, include these elements
Introduction
- Book Title
- Author Name
- Catchy Introduction
- Book Contents
- Preview of Your Thoughts
Body
- Opinions
- Basic Questions
- Analysis
Conclusion
- Reinforce Opinions
- Conclude with Remarks
Examples of Book Reviews
Till now, we have seen a concise overview of book review and the steps for writing it. Next, to make the review writing process easier for you, we have shared some amazing examples of reviews of books from various genres. Take a look!
Examples of Book Reviews- Fiction Books
When you write a review for fiction books, add an introduction section to introduce the book and the author. Next, make sure to discuss the plot summary without giving important spoilers. In it, also share your personal opinion and judgment including your likes and dislikes of the book. Finally, end the review with your recommendation. It should include whether you suggest the book to others for reading or not.
Book Review Example- Literary Fiction
Here is a book review of ‘The Invisible Man’ written by Ralph Ellison.
This is a stunning story that illustrates how a man navigates a wide racial difference throughout his life. The personalities of the offenders and the victims are superbly presented in this book. He realized that he was a black “invisible man” as a result of racism. When people see this black man, their preconceptions can’t help but impact them. This story cites multiple incidents that revolve around this idea. One of them is the boy’s naively announced withdrawal from the university. In addition, he had incredible experiences working in the paint factory and hospital for a single day. The entire book is filled with wild and violent moments. It is regarded as one of the century’s most brilliant and daring books.
Book Review Example- Children’s Book
Find here, the book review of Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood.
This book narrates the fascinating tale of a teenager who has a keen interest in folklore and the heritage of fairy tales. The story is all about Alice Crewe, a sixteen-year-old protagonist. When she learns of her grandmother’s passing, she experiences trauma. Alice had never met her, but she used the internet to find out a little bit about her. Her mother Ella won’t allow her to read the tales her grandmother penned. The mother and daughter moved away from their current unpleasant circumstances. Alice has experienced numerous bizarre incidents since she was a small child. A man kidnapped her while she was looking for her granny. Alice re-sees this man when she is seventeen. After Ella vanishes, Alice searches for her. The strangeness of the book just deepens and gets stranger as we read on. The author does a fantastic job of combining fantasy and reality.
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Book Review Example- Genre Fiction
Here is an example of a book review of the Poppy Wars written by R.F. Kuang
It’s an epic fantasy book. The plot centers on a fantastical military academy, a modern wealthy world based on Chinese history, and shamans or gods. The mentors at the military school puff on opium. The personalities are remarkable because of their intricate characterization. This book also covers some dark topics such as racism, misogyny, rape, torture, war, genocide, and self-harm. These are indeed terrifying scenes. Since the novel is about war, the substance is faithful to the title. The novel’s content is true to its title because it is about war. Nothing is left out because the author frequently depicts some extremely gruesome incidents. “Poppy” refers to “opium” in the titles. Even though it is a work of fiction, Second Sino-Japanese War elements are included.
Examples of Book Reviews- Non-Fiction Books
Non-fiction book review writing usually takes a different approach when compared to fiction book review writing. When you write a non-fiction book review, you need to first add an introduction and provide background details about the book and the author. Next, you need to include a summary of the content and highlight the key ideas and arguments.
The main purpose of a non-fiction book review is to inform the readers about the content, quality, and importance of the book so they can make wise decisions and participate in thought-provoking conversations.
Book Review Sample for a Non-Fiction Book
Find here, a sample book review of Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers
All I have heard about Malcolm Gladwell’s writing is only positive things. Even my colleagues claim that he consistently chooses engaging essay topics and writes in an easy-to-read manner. After finishing Outliers, I was satisfied. The author deftly examines the subject of achievement and how people achieve their goals. The thesis explains why our success is significantly influenced by the circumstances that we can control. Although this is usually true, it would be reasonable to argue that if we work hard for what we want, we can succeed in it regardless of how mediocre the beginning was.
Gladwell usually draws from anecdotal evidence, which is an interesting technique to apply firsthand. His scientific details contribute to strengthening the work’s legitimacy and impact, even though I’m not entirely sure if they are accurate.
Academic Book Review Example
Here let us look at the review of an academic book “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” by Thomas S. Kuhn.
It is an excellent academic book that questions the advancement of science. The term “paradigm shifts,” coined by Kuhn describes the radical transformations in science that take place when an established scientific paradigm is replaced with a new set of assumptions and practices. In this book, he provides a comprehensive analysis of the social influences on scientific developments and scientific history. Also, he argues that science is not a steady collection of information, but a series of revolutionary discoveries that fundamentally alter our understanding of the world.
Kuhn’s ability to critically assess the scientific method and cast doubt on the objectivity of scientific research is one of this book’s strengths. He looks at how scientific communities establish and uphold paradigms and how this affects the direction of scientific research. When examining this point of view, students are urged to think about the nature of scientific knowledge and the social impacts of scientific findings.
Furthermore, this book poses significant queries on the nature of scientific advancement and the function of anomalies in refuting popular theories. Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions makes students aware of the complexity and uncertainties that are inherent in scientific activities. This in turn encourages students to approach scientific knowledge with an open mind and a critical perspective.
Though the book can be challenging to read, Kuhn’s views have influenced sociology and the philosophy of science in a big way. His study has generated a great deal of scholarly debate and motivated other studies in the field. Moreover, this perceptive and thought-provoking book is ideal for those studying science or philosophy.
Conclusion
To summarize, writing a book review may be a productive and enjoyable pastime. Simply by following the examples of book reviews suggested in this blog, you may create wonderful reviews. We have expert writers on our team to prepare and deliver original book reviews as per your needs.
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