The book review is generally assigned to students. It provides them the opportunity to show that they have a clear understanding of the novel in question. It is also a way to check if the student actually read the novel or not. The students can present their own opinion about the author’s idea via a review. It is a form of literary criticism that happens to analyze the author’s quality, writing techniques, and ideas. In relevance to the novel, it is entirely opinion-based. If you are having a problem writing up one, then this guide can help. So, to understand it better, do read on.
Book review template
The format includes the introduction, thesis, body, and conclusion.
Introduction
Here you have to describe the title and the cover of the novel. If you are adding subtitles in the body, then it will be best to put them here. Do not forget to mention the author’s name.
Thesis
Start with a brief description of the novel in question. You need to avoid putting in any opinions here. Just introduce the main points that you will be described in the body of the book review.
Body
You need to use about two to three quotations from the author’s novel. Then summarise the selected quotations in your own words. Here you need to mention your point of view about the quotations you have selected.
Conclusion
You have to summarize the quotations and explanations in brief here. Do make sure that you finish with a concluding sentence. This part holds your final opinion about the BOOK.
Step by step guide to writing a book review
No matter the genre, book reviews can apply to all novels. It is true that some genres may be more difficult than others, but the format of the review will be the same. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write one.
Planning
At first, it is better to make an essay outline that will include the main points that you want to summarise in the review. You need to include information about the details of the plot, characters, and some other important parts of the novel. So, jot them down so that you do not miss out on anything. You need to keep a body paragraph for each quotation that you want to talk about in the review. Before you write your reviews you need to take into consideration some points.
You need to first figure out the plot of the book as it will help you write an effective review. Next, you need to shift your focus on the plot. Was the plot managed to grab the attention of the reader, did you enjoy the plot, and so on. Next, you have to take into consideration the writing technique of the author and see if it was effective or not. Take a look at the characters. Were they believable and logical? The next thing that you have to determine is that if you would recommend the book to anyone. And finally, figure out what in the book could have been better.
Introduction
Mention the title and the author’s name here. You also need to write about the book cover. Here you have to write a thesis statement for the non-friction or fictional book. Here you have to briefly define the quoted material in the review.
Body
You need to first choose a specific scenario or chapter to summarise. In the body, it will be best to add three quotes. Then you have to create summaries for each of the chosen quotes in your own words. This is the space where you can include your own point of view. The way you have interpreted the quote of the book will be mentioned here. For one paragraph you will need one quote; this is very important.
Conclusion
In this part, you need to write a summary of your summarised quotations and explanations you mentioned in the body of the book review. To show the bigger picture of the novel, you need to finish your analysis with a concluding sentence. Think of the novel is worth giving it a read or not. And then, answer this question in your own words in the conclusion.
This was the ultimate guide on how to write a book review in 2021. Use the pointers mention here to write up one today! If you are still having problems, it will be best to consult your professor or a professional who can write the review on your behalf.