How to write a book review
Reviewing Books
Have You Read Any Good Books Lately?
Why Write a Book Review?
If you have enjoyed a good book, why not spend some time writing a recommendation for others?
- Writing a book review helps you organize your thoughts about a book, allowing you to discuss the story with friends, coworkers, or book club members.
- Writing a book review helps you define what you like or don't like in a book, making it easier to choose your next read.
- Writing a book review is an opportunity to practice writing.
Start by picking up a local newspaper and reading professional reviews. When you are ready, tackle one yourself using the suggestions below. You don't have to justify your choice of books when writing for personal reasons—review whatever book you want.
To help you get started:
- Read Book Reviews at Purdue Writing Lab
. - Check out professional book reviews at Open Library, such as Books of the Century, by New York Times Book Review.
- Read some professional movie reviews like Roger Ebert's review of Groundhog Day. (Watch the movie for free here at CTV.)
Who Wrote the Book?
Gather background information about the book:
- Who wrote it?
- What do you know about the author?
- What else has this author written?
- What is the book's genre—mystery, fantasy, romance, etc.?
- What insights can you gather from the title, cover, inside jacket, and preface?
- Where was it published? Who published it? Where can someone get a copy?
Gather for the Harvest
Reread the book, skimming for key details. Take notes on:
- Main characters
- Story themes
- Memorable passages
- The author's message—what is being communicated?
To help identify themes, here are common literary themes from SparkNotes.com:
- Coming of age, social/moral growth, hypocrisy
- Freedom, individuality vs. society, free will
- Aging, memory
- Inequality—race, gender, religion, orientation
- Search for truth
- Man vs. nature
- Strength through adversity
- War
- Crime, the dark side of humanity
- Politics, corruption, oppression, greed
- Friendship, love, family, abuse
What to Say
Start your review with a summary of the story, but do not reveal spoilers.
Example from IMDb: “Young Dorothy Gale and her dog are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz. They embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her home and fulfill the others' wishes.”
Next, give your opinion of the book.
- Who is the author, and what issue is addressed? What themes stand out? How well did the author present ideas? How does this work compare to other books by the author?
- What did you like about the book? What worked well? How does it compare to others you've read? Why might others enjoy it?
- Conclude by telling readers where they can purchase the book.
Why People Read
- To escape their stressful lives
- To engage in discussions about books
- To find stories reflecting their own challenges
- To experience things vicariously
- To gain new knowledge
- To enjoy beautiful prose
(Based on John E. Drewrey's Writing Book Reviews, Greenwood Press, 1902.)
Revise and finalize your review before sharing it. Once complete, store it in a special place for books you've enjoyed—or hated!
About SparkNotes.com: “SparkNotes is a resource you can turn to when you're confused. They help you understand books, write papers, and study for tests. They're clear and concise, but never leave out important info.” You can consult their article on How to Write Literary Analysis. (Book reviews are not literary analysis.)