Writing an Effective Book Review

Do you know how to write a BOOK Review? I mean, really write a good one? I didn't.

Even if I have read tons of books, I haven't really tried writing one nor attempted to. But the lack of knowledge is not going to stop me from doing so to each and every book I will be reading from now on.

You see, I love reading books... Ever since I learned how to read it has always remained as one of my favorite past time, not just that, I love it for the very reason that it entertains me - - brings me to places I've never seen or have been, introduces new friends through characters, and a very effective way of 'brain exercise'... which is very important to someone like me who's had several encounters with general anesthesia.

So to satisfy my thirst in learning how to write a good book review, here's what I found out:

*Before reading, consider:

- Title - What does it suggest?
- Preface or Introduction - Provides important information about the author's intentions or the scope of the book. Can you identify any limitations? Has the author ignored important aspects of the subject?
- Table of Contents - Shows how the book's organized -- main ideas, how they're developed (chronologically, topically, etc.)

*Points to ponder as you read the entire book:

- What's the general field or genre? Does the book fit?
- From what point of view is the book written?
- 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"?
- What is the author's style? Formal? Informal? Suitable for the intended audience?
- 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?
- If relevant, make note of the book's format - layout, binding, etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Are they helpful?
- Is the index accurate? What sources did the author use -- primary, secondary? Make note of important omissions.
- What did the book accomplish? Is more work needed? Compare the book to others by this author, or books in this field by other authors. (Use the books listed in the bibliography.)

*Writing the Review:

- Include title, author, place, publisher, publication date, edition, pages, special features (maps, etc.), price, ISBN.
- Hook the reader with your opening sentence. Set the tone of the review. Be familiar with the guidelines -- some editors want plot summaries; others don't. Some want you to say outright if you recommend a book, but not others.
- Review the book you read -- not the book you wish the author had written.
- If this is the best book you have ever read, say so -- and why. If it's merely another nice book, say so.
- Include information about the author-- reputation, qualifications, etc. -- anything relevant to the book and the author's authority.
- Think about the person reading your review. Is this a librarian buying books for a collection? A parent who wants a good read-aloud? Is the review for readers looking for information about a particular topic, or for readers searching for a good read?
- Your conclusion should summarize, perhaps include a final assessment. Do not introduce new material at this point.
- To gain perspective, allow time before revising.

-> Writing a Fiction Book Review
Note: You don't have to answer every question -- they're suggestions!

*Points to Ponder:

- 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?

*Things to Bear in Mind:

- Don't be intimidated by famous authors -- many have written mediocre books.
- Don't review books by people you know, love, or hate.
- Do you want to be a book reviewer? Start by doing. Write book reviews for local newspapers. If they don't have a book review section, start one.
- If you have a specialty -- romance, mystery, dark fantasy -- cultivate it, become an expert.

by: Bill Asenjo, 2002

This is by far the best article I've read that teaches one how to write an effective book review. Glad I bumped into their writing site and into his writing a book review post.

And with this in mind, I am now ready to start mine :)