Writing a book review is not just about summarizing its content, it is also an opportunity to present a critical discussion of the text. As a reviewer, you should be able to combine analytical and accurate reading with strong personal response. A good review describes in depth what is reported in the text, analyzes the way in which the work has tried to achieve its goal and expresses any reactions and arguments from a unique and original perspective.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Prepare to Write a Review
Step 1. Read the book and take notes
If possible, read the book several times; repeated readings help the reader (or reviewer) to grasp from new perspectives, and each time different, the multiple aspects of the story, the setting and the characters of the work.
Write your notes on a notepad or use a voice recorder to document any thoughts and impressions that arise from the reading. They don't need to be organized or perfect, the idea is simply to brainstorm the impressions aroused by the book
Step 2. Reflect on the genre and / or field of study of the work
Consider how much and how the book fits into its genre and / or field of study. If necessary, use external sources to familiarize yourself with the genre or field of study related to the text.
For example, if you are reviewing an essay on polio vaccine development in the 1950s, consider reading other books that similarly examine the same topic and period of scientific development. Or, if you are reviewing a novel like Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter", consider how Hawthorne's writing compares to other romantic works or historical novels set in the same period (17th century)
Step 3. Determine the most important themes in the book
The theme is often a lesson or a message that the reader perceives between the lines of the text. The theme may also coincide with the fundamental and universal ideas explored within the work. Authors may present multiple themes in their writings, especially in the case of works of fiction.
- Pay attention to the preface, any citations and / or references in the introduction of the book, as these contents could shed light on the most important themes of the work.
- An easy way to determine one of the most important themes of a book is to summarize the work in a single term. The main theme in the work "The Scarlet Letter" could be that of "sin". Once you have found this term, elaborate it to include a message or a life lesson, such as "sin can lead to knowledge but also to suffering."
Step 4. Consider the author's writing style
Ask yourself if the style fits the audience the book is intended for. Remember that genre is by definition a category of writing, while style is the way a subject is rendered or expressed. Therefore, according to the style used, the author can present different points of view to the target audience.
For example, in "The Scarlet Letter", Hawthorne attempts to combine the writing style of the Romantic Period (1800-1855) with the common everyday language of the American Puritans of the 1600s. Hawthorne accomplishes this with long, descriptive sentences linked together by commas and semicolons; it also uses a vocabulary full of outdated expressions and keywords rooted in the Romantic period and in Puritan terminology inspired by the Bible
Step 5. Reflect on how the author manages to best develop the book's salient points
Which parts are treated / untreated? Because? Identifying gaps in the time frame or in the development of the character within the work can help you think critically. Also, noticing any well-developed elements in the text can help you create some great points for your review.
Step 6. If relevant, take note of the book format
Elements such as structure, binding, typography, and so on, can provide a frame and context for the work. If the author provides secondary material such as maps, graphics, and drawings, always consider how these elements support the book's themes or contribute to their development.
In "The Scarlet Letter", for example, Hawthorne begins the work with an introduction to the text, narrated by an individual who shares several autobiographical details with the author. In the introduction, the anonymous narrator tells the story of the discovery of a manuscript wrapped in a cloth with the scarlet letter "A" engraved on it. Hawthorne uses this narrative framework to create a story within a story, a key detail when analyzing and discussing the work as a whole
Step 7. Consider the presence of any literary artifices in the text
If the book is a novel, consider how the plot structure is developed within the story. Take note of the character, plot, setting, symbols, mood or tone of the content, and how they relate to the overall theme of the book.
If we were to refer to "The Scarlet Letter" again, it would be important to note that Hawthorne chose the adulterous and sinful Hester Pryne as his protagonist, assigning the religious Reverend Wilson the role of antagonist. In writing a review of "The Scarlet Letter", it would be useful to reflect both on the reason for this choice by the author, and on the way in which it is associated in the work with the overall theme of sin
Step 8. Reflect on the originality of the book
Does the work add new information to the genre of belonging? The author may wish to challenge or expand existing norms and rules in gender classification. Consider how the book achieves this intent and how it might affect the reception of the audience the book is intended for.
Step 9. Assess how successful the book is
Did the author succeed in achieving the essential objective of the work? Were you satisfied with the ending? Would you recommend reading this book to others?
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Create the First Draft of the Review
Step 1. Start with a title
Most reviews begin with a title that includes all of the book's bibliographic information. If you haven't received advice from a publisher or professor on which format to use for the title, use the standard format by including the following elements: title, author, place of publication, publisher, date of publication and number of pages.
Step 2. Write an introduction
A good introduction will grab the reader's attention and prompt them to read the rest of the review, as well as inform them about the topic of the review itself.
- Make sure that the introduction contains relevant details, such as the author's training and, if applicable, their previous experiences related to the genre in question. You can also indicate the main topics you will discuss in the review to orient the reader and give them an indication of your opinion of the book.
- Some possible beginnings include: a historical moment, an anecdote, a surprising or intriguing statement, and simple statements. Regardless of the opening sentences, be sure to link them directly to the book's critical response, keeping them short and concise.
- If you're unsure how to start your review, try writing the introduction last. It may be easier to organize the points in favor and your critical position first, reserving the writing of the introduction for the final stage of the essay: this way you can be sure that the introduction fits well with the body of the review.
Step 3. Write the summary of the book
Once the title and introduction have been defined, you can proceed with the summary of the themes and main points of the work.
- Make sure the summary is short, relevant, and informative. Use quotes from the book, even paraphrasing them, to support the summary. Try to report all quotes and paraphrases appropriately within the review, in order to avoid the risk of plagiarism.
- Pay attention to summaries that begin with phrases like "[This essay] is about…", "[This book] is the story of…", "[This author] writes about…". Focus on making a description of the book's setting, narrative voice, and plot within a critical analysis. Avoid repeating the book's premise slavishly.
- Never reveal important details and the ending of the book in the summary, also avoid entering into the events that happen from the middle of the story onwards. Also, if the book is part of a series, you can mention it to potential readers and place the book within the series.
Step 4. Evaluate and criticize the book
Once you've compiled the summary of the book and discussed the most important issues and aspects, move on to your critical analysis. It will be the central part of your review, so make sure you are as clear and direct as possible.
- To formulate your criticism, use the answers resulting from the brainstorming carried out during the preparation phase of the review. It talks about how the book actually managed to achieve its goal in an optimal way, the comparison with other texts on the same subject, the specific points that were not convincing or that were poorly developed and what personal life experiences, in the if any, they allowed you to relate to the subject of the book.
- Always use quotes and supporting passages from the text (reported appropriately) to support your critical analysis. This will not only reinforce your point of view with reliable sources, it will also provide the reader with a sense of the writing style and narrative voice of the work.
- The general rule is that the first half of the review, at most two-thirds, should summarize the author's main ideas and at least one-third should cover the evaluation of the book.
Step 5. Move on to the conclusion of your review
Write a few sentences or a concluding paragraph summarizing your critical analysis of the work. If your critical position has been well discussed, the conclusion should naturally follow.
- Examine the strengths and weaknesses of the work. Explain if you would recommend reading it to other people. If so, who do you think the book's ideal audience would be? Do not introduce new material in your conclusion and do not discuss a new idea or impression that has not been examined in the introduction and in the middle paragraphs.
- You can also give the book a numerical rating, a thumbs up or down, or a five-star rating.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Refine the Review
Step 1. Read and review the review
Your first attempt at composing a review may not be as perfect as you would like, so feel free to review and edit the draft. To gain further perspectives, leave the review aside for a few days and then go back to it with a fresh mind.
- Always use the spell checker and correct any grammatical or spelling errors. Nothing hurts a quality review more than bad grammar and inaccurate spelling.
- Double-check that all quotes and sources are listed correctly in your review.
Step 2. Look for feedback and advice
If possible, have someone else read your review before sending it to a publisher or giving it to a professor. It's hard to edit and criticize your work, so ask a friend to read your review and let you know if the introduction caught their attention. Also ask him if your critical analysis is consistently developed throughout the composition.
Step 3. Always submit your best work
Make sure you take advantage of your reviews and any feedback you receive to create the best version possible. A good review will move smoothly from introduction to summary and critical analysis, communicate an interesting perspective on the book, and will be free from spelling and grammatical errors, thus ensuring a smooth reading.
Advice
- As you write, imagine the reader as a friend you are telling a story to. How would you convey the book's main themes and points to a friend in a casual conversation? This exercise will help you balance the elements of formal and informal language and will simplify your critical assessment.
- Review the text in front of you and not the book you would have liked to read. Being critical means pointing out limitations and shortcomings, but avoid focusing your criticism on what the book does not represent. Be impartial in your discussion and always consider the value of the work in the public eye.
