Writing a Book Review

Writing a Book Review

The purpose of a book review is to comment on a particular work and not to summarize the book.

Tips in preparing a meaningful book review:

· Read the complete book carefully. Take careful notes if it helps.

· Mention the name of the author and the book title in the first paragraph of the review. There is nothing more frustrating than reading a review and not knowing the author or the title.

· If the book is part of a series, identify the series.

· Think about whether the book is part of a genre.

· Present the main theme of the book in the beginning of the review.

· List the main points your want to cover before you begin to write the review; use one paragraph for each point.

· Explain how you feel about the book and why, not just what the book is about.

· Provide your judgment of the style, format, contents, and historical value of the book.

· Incorporate biographical information about the author to establish his/her authority.

· Avoid writing in the first person.

· Avoid slang. Reviews are formal papers.

· Avoid contractions.

· Avoid repeating items or facts which the reader can be expected to know.

· It may be necessary to refer to specific portions of the books to illustrate your statements and conclusions, but do not quote extensively from it.

· Proofread your manuscript carefully before submitting it.