Write down notes in a notebook or use a voice recorder to document any thoughts or impressions you have of the book as you are reading. They don’t have to be organized or perfect, the idea is to brainstorm any impressions you may have of the book. Try summarizing the major sections of the book you’re reviewing to help understand how it’s structured.
For example, if you are reviewing a non-fiction book about the development of the polio vaccine in the 1950s, consider reading other books that also examine the same scientific issue and/or period of scientific development. Or if you are reviewing a work of fiction like Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, consider how Hawthorne’s book relates to other 19th-century works of romanticism and historical fiction set in the same time period (the 17th century) as points of comparison.
Pay attention to the preface, any quotes, and /or references in the book’s introduction, as this content will likely shed light on the book’s major themes and viewpoint. A simple way to determine one of the major themes of a book is to sum up the book in one word or sentence. [1] X Research source So, for example, the major theme of The Scarlet Letter could be “sin”. Once you have your one-word summary, stretch the single word into a message or lesson, such as “sin can lead to knowledge, but it can also lead to suffering. "
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 does this with long, descriptive sentences that are strung together with commas and semicolons. [3] X Research source
In the Scarlet Letter, for example, Hawthorne begins the book with an introduction to the text, narrated by an individual who has many autobiographical details in common with the author. In the introduction, the nameless narrator tells the story of finding the manuscript bundled in a scarlet letter “A”. Hawthorne uses this narrative framing to create a story within a story, an important detail when discussing the book as a whole.
If we were to use the Scarlett Letter again, it would be significant to note that Hawthorne chose the adulterer and sinner Hester Prynne as his protagonist, and placed the religious, anti-sin Reverend Wilson in the role of antagonist. In writing a review of The Scarlet Letter, it would be useful to consider why Hawthorne did this, and how it relates back to the book’s overall theme of sin.
Ensure your introduction contains relevant details like the author’s background, and if applicable, their previous work in the genre. [5] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC’s on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source You can also indicate the main themes you will be discussing in your review to situate the reader and give them an indication of your “take” on the book. Several possible openings include: a historical moment, an anecdote, a surprising or intriguing statement, and declarative statements. [6] X Research source Regardless of your opening sentences, make sure they directly relate to your critical response to the book and keep them short and to the point. If you’re unsure on how to begin the review, try writing your introduction last. It may be easier to organize all of your supporting points and your critical position, and then write the introduction last—that way you can be sure that the introduction will match the body of the review. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC’s on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
Keep the summary short, to the point, and informative. Use quotes or paraphrasing from the book to support your summary. [8] X Research source Make sure you properly cite all quotes and paraphrasing in your review to avoid plagiarism. [9] X Research source Be wary of summaries that begin with phrases like “[This essay] is about…” “[This book] is the story of…” “[This author] writes about…”. [10] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC’s on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source Focus on weaving a description of the book’s setting, narrative voice, and plot within a critical analysis. Avoid simply regurgitating the book’s premise. Don’t give away important details or reveal the ending of the book in your summary, and don’t go into detail about what happens from the middle of the book onwards. [11] X Research source As well, if the book is part of a series, you can mention this to potential readers and situate the book within the series. [12] X Research source
Use the answers you brainstormed during your preparation for the review to formulate your critique. Address how well the book has achieved its goal, how the book compares to other books on the subject, specific points that were not convincing or lacked development, and what personal experiences, if any, you’ve had related to the subject of the book. Always use (properly cited) supporting quotes and passages from the book to back up your critical discussion. This not only reinforces your viewpoint with a trustworthy source, it also gives the reader a sense of the writing style and narrative voice of the book. [13] X Research source The general rule of thumb is that the first one-half to two-thirds of the review should summarize the author’s main ideas, and at least one-third should evaluate the book.
Examine the strengths and weaknesses of the book, and discuss whether you would recommend the book to others. If so, who do you think is the ideal audience for the book?[14] X Research source Do not introduce new material in your conclusion or discuss a new idea or impression that was not examined in your introduction and body paragraphs. [15] X Research source You can also give the book a numerical score, a thumbs up or thumbs down, or a starred rating. [16] X Research source
Always use spell check and adjust any grammar or spelling. Nothing undermines a quality review more than bad spelling and grammar. Double check that all quotes and references are properly cited in your review.
