How To Write A Good Book Review

By Author: Jamie Hanson
Total Articles: 3495
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Book reviews are written and published prior to its release. This is done to acquaint the public about the contents and superiority of the book. An accurate appraisal of the book is always a good review. It also should suggest an opinion, supporting it with facts from the book. Today, book review has also become a marketing tool, as favorable opinions by eminent reviewers increase the sales of the book

To write a good book review certain basic features are to be included for these attributes will be of help to people interested in buying/reading the book or not.

- The background of the author as well as any general details available about the book should be mentioned, as they may be useful to the reader. Keep the introduction specific, as the reader of the review would be interested in your opinion of the book.

- Briefly outline the plot, characters and general events but take care not to reveal the surprises that might be crucial to the story. This section of the book review indicates to the reader what he or she is going to find in the book, and thus make the choice.

- Your opinion is broadened ...
... in the review. Your opinion should be personal and mention what you consider of the book. Has the author succeeded in expressing his/her thoughts and been able to drive home the point. What was the method of writing? Whether the character and situation assist the fiction. Was the story sensible, funny or sad? Did the author follow the traditional way of writing or conjure up something new. Keep your comments reasonably concise and make relevant points without revealing too much.

- In concluding, tie up all the strands in final paragraph with your overall impression of the book. Give your final observation as to why people should buy the book or ignore it. Certain specific information's like price, number of pages, publisher's details and availability of the book can also be mentioned.

- The style and length of a review and its presentation are the other basic aspects of writing a good book review. The two basic approaches of writing a book review and presenting your opinion is to either write a free flowing piece covering all the points or to clearly divide your opinion to distinctive sections with headings on top. Free flowing approach is eloquent and satisfying but difficult to write unless you are a fine writer. Beginners may write review on distinct sections of the book. This also makes the review simple to read and enables the readers to select specific points that may interest them.

Book reviews of all kind are available at Shvoong.com, the leading source for reading & writing book summaries.