I must confess, writing a book review is very hard for me.
You’d think as a writer, writing a book review would be easy. It’s not.
But reviews are as important to writers as water to fish. Writers need book reviews. The best way to get is to give.
So I set out to learn more about writing a good review.
I used to adhere to the old saying, “If you can’t say something good say nothing.”
Now I go with, “In everything, there is some good. Look for it.”
When you write a review, it’s important to find that “something” good to say.
Even for books that aren’t my genre, and even for those that make me cringe, I search for something good to say.
Things to look for…
- Did the title or the cover get your attention?
- Identify the genre.
- Identify the audience (age.)
- Identify the Point of View.
- Is there a theme or common thread throughout the story?
- Does the book or authors style remind you of another’s?
- Review don’t critique.
- Were characters loveable, believable, scary, or memorable?
Information to include in a review…
- Include the name of book and author as well as the length of the book.
- An opening hook. (ask a question, give a hint, etc.)
- What you enjoyed. (character, line, writing style, etc.)
- Who might enjoy this type of book?
- A short summary. But remember this is not a book report.
- A wrap-up or closing. (If you didn’t particularly like the book, this is a good place to sandwich the bad with good.)
Review example:
(Author’s name) new book, (book title) is (what? funny, sad, moving, thrilling, haunting?) A (genre) in (where or time?) is about (what? war? girl? boy? love? death?) It’s about (a brief summary.)
(who?) will enjoy reading (book title). I found this book to be (quick, detailed, engrossing, lengthy, informative, etc.) Readers who enjoy (genre) may like (title.)
Final tip:
If you’re unsure how to word your review, read other reviews in the same genre. Go to Amazon.com, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble.com and read reviews until you are comfortable with the process.
So, do tell…
What advice can you offer to this struggling reviewer?
Do you find writing book reviews easy or hard?
Keep reading, good articles below on the art of writing a review.
Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.
Please remember share this post with your Twitter peeps andFacebook fans.
How to Write a Book Review by Bill Asenjo
Writing a Book Review Contributors: Allen Brizee
Helpful thankyou!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This must be a marvelous post since it’s still being read after 20 months.
My last comment here was on 6/7/16, and back then I’d only written 310 reviews, as of today the number of reviews stands at 733. I write reviews for a BOARD variety of genres, from picture books for the youngest of reader right through to hot, steamy, erotic romance novels. I must be doing something right.
At last count my Amazon Review Ranking stands at 1,894 and Amazon has awarded me a badge for being a TOP CONTRIBUTOR for True Crime Books,
Since my last post to this thread I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge in the writing of a review. The most important of which is to put your into the review you’re writing. It can be a song you’ve remembered from your childhood, a song whose message reflects what the book is about; include the name of the song, the artist, and even a few lyrics of the song. You know you’ve well if the author agrees with you in regards to the song and the message of their book.
Recently, for the book Fat & Fine by Mary E. Thompson, in my review I’d even confessed to how tall I am and my weight, etc. She wrote in an private email that she was very pleased that I’d gotten the message of her book, because like many authors, she’d been unsure of whether or not readers would get the message of their books
If anyone is interest in reading my reviews. check them out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A19QLCLVPLZH0B
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed my post. Love your tip, to add a personal note in a review! Gotta remember that. Welcome back, Robin. Stop by anytime.
LikeLike
P S – I don’t accept requests to do a book review.
https://mypennameonly.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/my-selection-process-for-reviewing-books
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. It can get overwhelming.
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on The Owl Lady.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Pizzazz Book Promotions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, thanks so much.
LikeLike
Great tips thank you. Every review is personal. If people want to know if a book is worth reading. Read the back cover and sample then take a chance it’s more fulfilling that way isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the samples! Save me money and time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, maybe I’m old fashioned. What did we do before the web?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I spent hours at the library reading the first few pages of a book. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too..things change..record shops gone..window shopping gone…oh well maybe something will take its place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am just getting started with my book review blog and it is really difficult to pick what exactly you want to describe. This will help me a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Stay tuned for my new book release!
LikeLike
Becoming a good reviewer can be boiled down to a few easy steps, avoid spoilers, read other reviewers and learn from their insights and read lots of books. Above all though it is all down to a matter of writing them, the more experience, the more in depth your reviews will be. Avoid spoilers as well and talk about your emotional connection to the book…crikey it all sounds simple when I put it like that, I wish it was that easy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do make it sound simple. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is, just work at it and have confidence and your more than halfway there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much for making this post. I’ve been looking for a good guide to constructing book reviews and I think I have found your favourite. I have a bad habit of judging things and not reviewing them, and this post helped me distinguish between the two. I can now go and write a successful review without feeling as if I am bashing the book or the author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what a nice compliment. Thank you for letting me know my post helped.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As an avid amateur book reviewer, I give two thumbs up to your list here! The main thing that I find in some reviews that drives me a little nuts is when they slip in spoilers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I think spoilers drive everybody nuts. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Helpful! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jean yes
LikeLike
So i was wondering if you could tell me about kids books to review about with them
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure what you want to know. However, if you’re wondering what makes for a good children’s book review, I suggest you read book reviews Amazon for the age.
LikeLike
Far too often, I believe, book reviews and summaries are confused with each other. Also, in my opinion, a review or a summary can include a reflection of your own emotions as well. It’s a review that is by you so it is bound to be different. That’s what has happened spontaneously with the few reviews on my blog.
And I like that you brought attention to this apparently obvious topic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I agree, often a review turns into a summary which is not necessarily a bad thing but I think it’s important to give readers an idea of what you thought of the book too.
LikeLike
I put my own opinion in my reviews, just because I feel like it gives them a more personal touch. However, I always try and review, not critique because I don’t want people’s opinions swayed on a book that they might hate or enjoy! My review blog can be found at bexwhittaker.wordpress.com and it would be very interesting to know if you found mine too personal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think everyone reads book reviews to see the “personal” side of the review. I like knowing what people thought of a story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! Thanks for putting yourself out there like that, I know it’s never easy to admit you’re still learning.
I have two questions for you (and your readers too, and it looks like you have lots of fans!): 1) why are you reviewing books outside of your genre? Not judging, just genuinely curious and thinking it has something to do with the self-publishing flood?
2) If you could ask a true expert, what would you like to know about writing reviews? Now that you have gotten into the deep end and ‘know what you don’t know’, I’m super interested in your answer to that one.
Thanks again for the great post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Because since a a child, I’ve been a voracious reader. To limit myself to one genre would be to like limiting my diet to one food group. However, I do read a lot in the genre I’m writing too.
As to your second question, I’m not sure. I think people who make a living writing reviews rely on their personal preferences too. I imagine it must be hard to stay objective.
How about it readers? What would y’all ask a professional book reviewer?
LikeLike
Thank you for this practical review of reviewing, and a concise breakdown of good review structure with excellent tips for helping the review connect with readers. Also, your commenters have done a great job of enhancing the distinction between critiquing and honest reviewing: nice to see the wisdom of crowds at work! I’m making book reviews a regular feature on my blog so the timing of your post is perfect for me, and I follow you now in hopes of more such goodness in the future!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! Glad you stopped by. I’ll pop over and have a look see at your blog.
LikeLike
I’m a complete klutz where book reviews are concerned. I think it’s a case of not getting into the mode of scrutinizing the different elements while I read. I’m either reading to learn something or am reading for enjoyment. Picking out the details of the writing itself never enter my mind.
I did copy your suggestions on how to write one of these because I know it’s important to the author to find out what was done right and what needs attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re not alone, I too become totally absorbed in reading. But remember the review is for other READERS not the author. A review is just your impressions of the book so that others can decide if they want to read it or not.
LikeLike
Really super tips. I have never actually written a book review, but these tips would certainly be very useful if I am ever asked to. Thank-you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you found them helpful.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good post, all the important points covered. Any would-be reviewer will gain a lot from this.
I reviewed for a while on Amazon (UK); mostly books- graphics novels usually.
Starting off is the hard part, wondering how you are going transfer the impressions in your head to words on the page…which make sense to a reader, and are not a simple rant or fan-boy eulogy.
Breaking up into separate paragraphs helps. Your guidelines of ‘Things’ & ‘Information’ are excellent pointers in this direction.
After 300+ reviews & finding Amazon dropped my ratings (I guess because it a change in their rating system- it happens), I decided my Reviewing Days were done. Learning to Blog now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, didn’t know Amazon did that. Not surprised though, they do some weird stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! The bigger the organisation the weirder it gets (I should know I worked 40+ years in the UK Civil Service!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the dot point outline Jean. I can get the basics written but then wonder what else would be necessary so your comprehensive list will come in very handy. best wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked it. I loved finding the info too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the basic information. I’m sure that writers will find it helpful when writing a review. You viewpoint gives us good basic, common sense tools to follow. This makes the process easy and simple.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simple is the only way for me to remember. LOL Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked the post. 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Susan Faw and commented:
Awesome tips for leaving your first, or fiftieth book review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Susan for the reblog!
LikeLike
I wrote about this not too long ago.https://cowpasturechronicles.com/2016/01/05/you-asked-what-is-the-criteria-for-rating-books-in-a-review/. Most people don’t know how to do a good review. I’m still learning, myself. Good post, Sis. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
LikeLiked by 1 person
After having written over 310 reviews on Amazon, I believe I know how to write a good review.
There are several kinds of reviews prevalent on sites like Amazon, and they run the gamut from quick one sentence jobs to those are filled with spoilers [giving away the plotline/detailed information about the book].
The real function of a review is to whet a potential reader’s interest in the book; that they wind up buying. One of the things I try to do in my review is to personalize it or to give a reference to a movie or even a song which someone reading the review can relate to. Another important to do in trying to write a good review is to come up with an eye-catching title for your review.
If anyone is interested in interviewing, please feel free to contact me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, after that many you must be great at reviews. One day maybe I’ll find writing a review that easy.
LikeLike
Writing reviews is like the old story. The more you write them the easier it will become.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, I never cared for practicing. LOL
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Indie Lifer and commented:
Great tips for writing a book review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog Val!
LikeLike
Reblogged on The Life & Times of Zoe the Fabulous Feline…..excellent advice from Jean. If I had written a book, I’d ask her to review it for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet, thanks Zoe. Write a book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure about a book but I do write shorts….and guess where they are published monthly? Yep, on our favorite Ape’s site! :::::Cheshire grin:::: Thanks again, Jean, I really appreciated this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on publishing! Yep, he’s my fav ape. LOL
LikeLike
😉 Thanks for posting, Jean!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Life & Times of Zoe the Fabulous Feline and commented:
I have a feeling that Jean really knows how to write a book review! Love the silver lining theme in this post. And I completely agree about the “critique”….the time for that is during story development, if you’re privy to it; if you’re not but you want to review a book, remember that the book is not only pages with text but full of the heart and soul of its writer. One can be honest but still kind and gracious with just a little bit of effort!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said Zoe. I think in this day of anonymity with the internet people, forget how little effort it takes to be kind. A little sugar takes the bitter from medicine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ape!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome Jean, you give great guidelines 👍😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m bad at writing book reviews. Usually, I devolve into fangirl gushing. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL been there done that. 🙂
LikeLike
All good points, Jean! As with most things, practice makes perfect. If you are reviewing on amazon, the plot has been covered many times by other reviewers. I try to focus on the “takeaway” and meaning of the book. I alway try to be positive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, the “takeaway” is what other readers want to know. Thanks
LikeLike
Review, don’t critique. I always critique! I think a book review should evaluate the book as well besides giving all that pertinent info.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writers and readers alike want honest reviews. However, after a book is published it is too late for a critique. A critique is an in-depth evaluation of the manuscript so that the writer can make necessary changes. Such as punctuation, character development, etc. While, a review is your impressions (good or bad) of the book. Readers rely on your “takeaway” to decide if they will like it or not.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I see now what you mean. Thank you, Jean!
LikeLiked by 1 person