BOOK REVIEW

How to Write a Book Review

A book review describes, analyzes and evaluates. The review conveys an opinion, supporting it with evidence from the book

A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is analyzed based on content, style, and merit. It is often carried out in periodicals, as school work, or on the internet. Reviews are also often published in magazines and newspapers. Its length may vary from a single paragraph to a substantial essay. Such a  review  often contains evaluations of the book on the basis of personal taste. Reviewers, in literary periodicals, often use the occasion of a book review for a display of learning or to promulgate their own ideas on the topic of a fiction or non-fiction work.

Points to ponder as you read the entire book: class 9 to 12

Do you agree or disagree with the author’s point of view?
Make notes as you read, passages to quote in your review.
Can you follow the author’s thesis, “common thread”?
Are concepts well defined? Is the language clear and convincing? Are the ideas developed? What areas are covered, not covered?How accurate is the information?

Is the author’s concluding chapter, the summary, convincing?

If there are footnotes, do they provide important information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the text?

Include title, author, place, publisher, publication date, edition, pages, special features (maps, etc.), price, ISBN.

Review the book you read — not the book you wish the author had written.

• • Include information about the author– reputation, qualifications, etc. — anything relevant to the book and the author’s authority.

• • Your conclusion should summarize, perhaps include a final assessment. Do not introduce new material at this point.

Your opinion

To gain perspective, allow time before revising.

• Did you like the book?

• • What was your favorite part of the book?

• • Do you have a least favorite part of the book?

If you could change something, what would it be? (If you wish you could change the ending, don’t reveal it!)

Your recommendation

Would you recommend this book to another person?

• • What type of person would like this book?

Format to write a book review : class 6 to 8

Accession No. of the book

Author of the book

• • • Title of the book
    • Place/Publisher of the book

• • • Cost of the book
    • Summary of the book

• • • What was the story about ?

        Who were the main characters?

• Were the characters credible?

• What did the main characters do in the story?

• Did the main characters run into any problems? Adventures?

• Who was your favorite character? Why?

Your personal experiences

Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?

Have you ever done or felt some of the things, the characters did?

Your opinion

Did you like the book?

What was your favorite part of the book?

Do you have a least favorite part of the book?

If you could change something, what would it be? (If you wish you could change the ending, don’t reveal it!)

Your recommendation

Would you recommend this book to another person?

What type of person would like this book?