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How to Write a Book Review: The Complete Guide

by Sue Weems | 23 comments

If you've ever loved (or hated) a book, you may have been tempted to review it. Here's a complete guide to how to write a book review, so you can share your literary adventures with other readers more often! 

You finally reach the last page of a book that kept you up all night and close it with the afterglow of satisfaction and a tinge of regret that it’s over. If you enjoyed the book enough to stay up reading it way past your bedtime, consider writing a review. It is one of the best gifts you can give an author.

Regardless of how much you know about how to write a book review, the author will appreciate hearing how their words touched you.

But as you face the five shaded stars and empty box, a blank mind strikes. What do I say? I mean, is this a book really deserving of five stars? How did it compare to Dostoevsky or Angelou or Dickens?

Maybe there’s an easier way to write a book review.

Want to learn how to write a book from start to finish? Check out How to Write a Book: The Complete Guide .

The Fallacy of Book Reviews

Once you’ve decided to give a review, you are faced with the task of deciding how many stars to give a book.

When I first started writing book reviews, I made the mistake of trying to compare a book to ALL BOOKS OF ALL TIME. (Sorry for the all caps, but that’s how it felt, like a James Earl Jones voice was asking me where to put this book in the queue of all books.)

Other readers find themselves comparing new titles to their favorite books. It's a natural comparison. But is it fair?

This is honestly why I didn’t give reviews of books for a long time. How can I compare a modern romance or historical fiction war novel with Dostoevsky? I can’t, and I shouldn’t.

I realized my mistake one day as I was watching (of all things) a dog show. In the final round, they trotted out dogs of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I thought, “How can a Yorkshire Terrier compete with a Basset Hound?” As if he'd read my mind, the announcer explained that each is judged by the standards for its breed.

This was my “Aha!” moment. I have to take a book on its own terms. The question is not, “How does this book compare to all books I’ve read?” but “How well did this book deliver what it promised for the intended audience?”

A review is going to reflect my personal experience with the book, but I can help potential readers by taking a minute to consider what the author intended. Let me explain what I mean. 

How to Write a Book Review: Consider a Book’s Promise

A book makes a promise with its cover, blurb, and first pages. It begins to set expectations the minute a reader views the thumbnail or cover. Those things indicate the genre, tone, and likely the major themes.

If a book cover includes a lip-locked couple in flowing linen on a beach, and I open to the first page to read about a pimpled vampire in a trench coat speaking like Mr. Knightly about his plan for revenge on the entire human race, there’s been a breach of contract before I even get to page two. These are the books we put down immediately (unless a mixed-message beachy cover combined with an Austen vampire story is your thing).

But what if the cover, blurb, and first pages are cohesive and perk our interest enough to keep reading? Then we have to think about what the book has promised us, which revolves around one key idea: What is the core story question and how well is it resolved?

Sometimes genre expectations help us answer this question: a romance will end with a couple who finds their way, a murder mystery ends with a solved case, a thriller’s protagonist beats the clock and saves the country or planet.

The stories we love most do those expected things in a fresh or surprising way with characters we root for from the first page. Even (and especially!) when a book doesn’t fit neatly in a genre category, we need to consider what the book promises on those first pages and decide how well it succeeds on the terms it sets for itself.

When I Don’t Know What to Write

About a month ago, I realized I was overthinking how to write a book review. Here at the Write Practice we have a longstanding tradition of giving critiques using the Oreo method : point out something that was a strength, then something we wondered about or that confused us, followed by another positive.

We can use this same structure to write a simple review when we finish books. Consider this book review format: 

[Book Title] by [book author] is about ___[plot summary in a sentence—no spoilers!]___. I chose this book based on ________. I really enjoyed ________. I wondered how ___________. Anyone who likes ____ will love this book.

Following this basic template can help you write an honest review about most any book, and it will give the author or publisher good information about what worked (and possibly what didn’t). You might write about the characters, the conflict, the setting, or anything else that captured you and kept you reading.

As an added bonus, you will be a stronger reader when you are able to express why you enjoyed parts of a book (just like when you critique!). After you complete a few, you’ll find it gets easier, and you won’t need the template anymore.

What if I Didn’t Like It?

Like professional book reviewers, you will have to make the call about when to leave a negative review. If I can’t give a book at least three stars, I usually don’t review it. Why? If I don’t like a book after a couple chapters, I put it down. I don’t review anything that I haven’t read the entire book.

Also, it may be that I’m not the target audience. The book might be well-written and well-reviewed with a great cover, and it just doesn’t capture me. Or maybe it's a book that just isn't hitting me right now for reasons that have nothing to do with the book and everything to do with my own reading life and needs. Every book is not meant for every reader.

If a book kept me reading all the way to the end and I didn’t like the ending? I would probably still review it, since there had to be enough good things going on to keep me reading to the end. I might mention in my review that the ending was less satisfying than I hoped, but I would still end with a positive.

How to Write a Book Review: Your Turn

As writers, we know how difficult it is to put down the words day after day. We are typically voracious readers. Let’s send some love back out to our fellow writers this week and review the most recent title we enjoyed.

What was the last book you read or reviewed? Do you ever find it hard to review a book? Share in the comments .

Now it's your turn. Think of the last book you read. Then, take fifteen minutes to write a review of it based on the template above. When you're done, share your review in the Pro Practice Workshop . For bonus points, post it on the book's page on Amazon and Goodreads, too!

Don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers! What new reads will you discover in the comments?

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

23 Comments

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin is about a girl that shows no emotion befriending a ice dragon.

I chose this book based on the cover that had a little girl riding a ice dragon, and wondered what is about.

I really enjoyed the interaction the little girl had with the dragon.

I wondered how how the girl’s bond with the dragon.

Anyone who likes a coming of age story set in a fantasy will love this book.

Thanks for sharing your practice, Azure!

You’re welcome.

A interesting, at times perplexing, subject! And one on my mind lately,as I’ve agreed to do a few. I do enjoy giving reviews and am delighted when I can say, “This was a great book!” Or even, “I enjoyed this book.” It gets perplexing when I agree to review a book — and simply don’t like it. Then what to say? I hate to disappoint the writer but I’ve promised to give my honest opinion.

I’ve found some books mediocre and yet I see a dozen other reviewers saying “A great story!” Tastes do vary. But when there are obvious flaws I tend to skip all the best-friend-and-cousin reviewers and find the first person who says, “This writer has a problem with…” Usually there’ll be a number of reviewers who spot the same problems I do.

I like upbeat main characters, but not aggressive, belligerent, and/or self-centered ones. I like to meet in a story the kind of people I’d like to meet in real life— not people I’d avoid if possible. I recently read a book where the main character came across as insipid and the story only mildly interesting. Other reviewers said it was great and I know for this specific audience — readers who want a certain slant to a story — it was quite suitable. So I tried to cut the book some slack. Everyone has their limit as to how much blood and gore, smooching and snuggling, they are willing to read about.

Once I agreed to review a book and would have tossed it after the first chapter — for several reasons. A lot of “writer inserting facts for reader’s benefit”; teach/preach paragraphs; excess of description; attitudes of MCs. Once it’s live on seller’s sites like Amazon, what can you say? The one thing good it had going for it was the story line or theme. With a pro editor’s help it could have been a great story.

As for a review, one book I read lately was “A Clue for the Puzzle Lady” by Parnell Hall. It’s one of those “Stayed up half the night to finish it” books; I think anyone who likes a compelling cozy mystery would probably like it. Downside: I didn’t care for the “Puzzle Lady.” She’s a lush, hangs out at the bar getting sloshed. The upside: her sensible niece has a starring role —trying to keep her aunt on the straight-and-narrow and the mystery keeps you guessing until the end.

Christine, Thanks for sharing your insight! It sounds like you are approached often to review new books. It does make it tricky if it’s a request, especially outside your own preferences. Thanks for chiming in about your process, as I’m sure others will appreciate the perspective too. I’ll have to take a look at the Puzzle Lady– I do enjoy cozy mysteries. Sue

Here’s another cozy mystery book review in case you’re interested. I’m not approached by writers that often, but there are the Story Cartel, Book Bub and Goodreads, all sites where authors ask for review volunteers.

Reel Estate Ripoff by Renee Pawlish

The detective Reed Ferguson is a fan of Humphry Bogart, movie memorabilia of that era, and fancies himself a bit of a Sam Slade. Though not your super-sleuth, rather inept at times, he’s a likeable character. Told in first person, the story has a Philip Marlowe tone to it, but much tamer. Dialogue and story line are well done, the story well plotted and believable. I’d gladly read more stories about this particular gumshoe.

If you like cozy mystery books, I’ll send you a list later, Sue. Love them too and I’ve met many authors who write in this genre. Back on topic– you inspire me again to add some reviews to my Blog. I have been reading and writing many middle grade mysteries for a project! My latest favorite: “The World’s Greatest Detective” by Caroline Carson (who I hope to meet tomorrow in Arlington, VA!) My 12 year old grandson borrowed it and finished it before I could. “It’s the best mystery I ever read, Grandma! You’ ll never guess the ending with unpredictable twists!” What better review could we read. The target audience and I both highly recommend this 2017 mystery.

Adding it to my stack, Beth. Thanks!

Not wanting to sound life an idiot, but willing to risk it here among friends: What exactly is a cozy mystery?

Glad you asked! It’s a subgenre of mystery. The best examples of cozy mysteries are those by Agatha Christie. They usually avoid profanity, excessive gore/ violence, and sex. They focus more on the puzzle, sleuth, and their smaller world. Hope that helps!

Thanks, Sue.

Wonderful article. The first I have read by you. It especially gets those of us who don’t feel we have the formula down for review writing to be introduced to a form we can build upon with experience. You’ve kept it simple but you have given us the main ingredients needed for a good review. I printed this one off to look at the next few times I write reviews. Thank you.

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading and commenting!

I haven’t gone into all this. It’s a matter of time, Joe. I gad about all over the place, not knowing where I am or where I’m going. Within weeks, I’ll be 87. I’ve books of my own that I’d like to see reviewed. Even sorting them out, however, even finding where any of them are, would be a time burden. You see the fix?

Hi Dave, You aren’t alone in feeling the press of time for getting your stories out into the world. May I gently offer this: start with finding and sorting one. If you can’t find it, write it anew. You’ve probably grown in time and perspective since you wrote the first draft, which will make for a stronger story. Good luck. I’m cheering you on!

This is an article for me, because I am happy to receive a rating. I haven’t sold many books. But, at least some thinks that it was worth the time to read. That was refreshing. And, I think I wrote two reviews, so far. It was on Amazon.com. Thank you.

You’re welcome!

Hi, Sue. Thanks for the helpful advice. I did a review on Amazon for the first of a 7-part thriller titled ‘Mosh Pit (The Rose Garden Incident)’ by Michael Hiebert. [Here it is.]

“5.0 out of 5 stars Advance copy review. By A fellow author on September 18, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition I Recommend This Book Strongly

I enjoyed reading this first part of the thriller. The author’s opening chapter/prologue was fast paced, and set me in the middle of the inciting incident along with two of the main characters. After that thrilling opening, I felt the ensuing chapters moved at a more leisurely pace, and was about to grade them as less praiseworthy when I watched a lecture by Brandon Sanderson on YouTube about building three dimensional characters and realised Michael Hiebert had done exactly that by introducing the reader to the minutiae of other characters who had parts to play in the development of the story. So, instead of cardboard cutouts of bland stock characters, the author shows us real people with real concerns that the reader can relate to.and actually care about. I look forward to reading the rest of this intriguing thriller, and highly recommend it to all lovers of well-written, and well-crafted thrillers.”

I also reviewed Part 2 of the series, but that review is too long to post here.

Footnote: The author, Michael Hiebert, was so pleased with my reviews, he recently asked me to beta-read a short story collection he plans to publish in November.

Great review, John! I like how you shared a bit of your process as a reader too, in recognizing what the writer was doing with their characterization. Thanks!

Thank you, Sue.

Five out of five stars When I picked up a copy of “The Girl with All the Gifts,” by M R Carey, at the used book store, I somehow had it in my head that it was a YA dystopian novel along the lines of “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” While I would definitely say that I was not right about that, I wouldn’t say that I was completely wrong. I was, however, completely unprepared for a zombie novel–which is a good thing, cause I wouldn’t have read it, and I’m glad I did. Think “The Walking Dead” meets (why do I want to say ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night”?) “Peter Pan.” I really enjoyed seeing things from, the main character, Melanie’s point of view. Her limited knowledge of her own situation was intriguing, to say the least (and probably why I thought of “The Curious Incident”). I was a bit disappointed when the POV changed to another character’s, but, as the novel progressed, I found myself sympathizing with nearly all the characters–with one exception, and I’ll leave that for you to ponder when you read it. I wondered how much of the science was real, but not enough for me to research it myself. Although, based on other reviews, I guess most of the science about the fungus is real. I also wondered about the fate of the remaining ‘lost boys’ of the cities. If you liked…. well, I don’t know. I’m not typically a fan of things zombie, so I don’t have a comparison, but the book was somewhat similar to “Divergent” and “The Hunger Games” in that the main character goes through a hellluva time and comes out the other side with a plan for her future.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom is a true story about how one man found meaning in life when his doctors gave him a death sentence. Morrie was a college professor who passed on his new found wisdom in the last year of his life to a favorite student, the author, who chronicled his professor’s perspectives on death and dying.

I chose this book because of its philosophical topic, and because it is so well written that the words just jump off the page.

Knowing we are all mortal beings, I especially liked the insights, the tidbits of wisdom imparted by the dying man. Death is a subject that few, if any of us, ever talk about seriously with friends and family. The subject of death is verboten. We deny its existence. And, if we are religious, we pretend we will not really die, but we deceive ourselves and think we will live on in some afterlife existence for all eternity. But the professor, Morrie, learns some valuable life lessons from his impending death, and Mitch Albom was gracious enough to capture them in this short but eminently readable book.

I really liked the book because it is timeless. This true story will impart serious life lessons for all future generations, and will help us gain perspectives on our lives and the relationships with those we love the most.

R. Allan Worrell

Sue, I’ve been meaning to come back since this was first posted to tell you thanks for a great article. I seldom review books for alllllll the reasons you listed. This is a perfect tool and I’ll surely use it. Cathy

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How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to Write a Book Review- A Step-by-Step Guide

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could be improved? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “How to write a Book Review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair: Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “How to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

What is the difference between a book review and a report?

Who is the target audience for book reviews and book reports, how do book reviews and reports differ in length and content, can i write professional book reviews, what are the key aspects of writing professional book reviews, how can i enhance my book-reviewing skills to write professional reviews, what should be included in a good book review.

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Want to write a perfect book review that readers enjoy? Discover how to pen a book review in 6 easy steps. To help you understand, we’ve included amazing examples of book reviews. 

We’ve also answered many questions you might have such as: How long should a book review be? How to start a book review? How to conclude a book review? For beginners, we’ve also mentioned the basic book review format. So without further delay, let’s begin! 

Get a professional review for your book! Learn more

What is a book review? 

A book review is the critical analysis of the book’s content and significance. It includes an evaluation of the plot, character development, and writing style. A good book review highlights the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Reviewers often include quotes to support the opinions mentioned in the book review. A book review is different from a book report which objectively describes the book’s main content. 

Now that we know what is a book review, let’s understand their length. 

How long is a book review? 

The length of a book review can vary, depending on the purpose and the medium used. Book reviews in newspapers, magazines, and journals can range from 500-2000 words. In contrast, book reviews by readers on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook, or Google can range from 50-500 words. 

Now let us see the 6 easy steps to write book reviews. Whether you’re writing book reviews for your assignment or book promotion, these steps will help! 

How to write a book review

• Note down the key points- This is an important step before writing a book review. Jot down your analysis about the characters, themes, plot, and your personal view. Also, note down the book title, author’s name, and any relevant information about the book. 
• Start with a strong introduction- Mention the author’s name, book title, themes, and main characters in the introduction. The introduction should give a very brief book summary without giving spoilers. 
• Analyze the book- Discuss the book’s strong points and weaknesses. This can include your opinion on the narrative pacing, writing style, character development , and structure. You can also compare it with books belonging to a similar genre. To enhance the review, you can also use relevant quotes to support your perspective. 
• Reflect on your experience- Describe how the book makes you feel. Did you find it engaging or was it slow-paced? Were you happy with the climax or did you expect more? 
• Conclude the review- Summarize the important points and end the review with a final evaluative statement about the book. This is where you can state whether you will recommend the book to readers or not. This is an important step in writing a book review. 
• Rate the book (Optional)- Depending on the platform requirements, you can rate the book out of 5 or 10. 

Now that we’ve seen how to write a book review, let’s see five amazing tips to create the perfect book review.

Top 5 tips to create an amazing book review 

Here are the top 5 tips to create the perfect book review: 

• Start with an attractive hook- Begin the review with an intriguing question or statement, capturing the book’s essence. For example, “In ‘The Enchanted Labyrinth’, every page takes you into a magical world of intrigue and wonder. 
• Discuss originality- Write what makes the book unique as compared to other books in the same genre. If the book highlights an unexplored theme or gives a unique take on a common theme, you can mention it in the book review. 
• Analyze worldbuilding- Review the fictional world created by the author (Its depth, complexity and detail). You can discuss how the setting of the story affected your experience as a reader. This is a good practice, especially while reviewing fantasy and science fiction novels. 
• Evaluate key themes- Discuss how the central themes of the story are seamlessly woven into the narrative. You can do this by highlighting how the characters’ relationships and choices reflect the themes. Describe how themes add depth to the story. 
• Edit and proofread- Once you’ve completed your book review, thoroughly check it. Correct any grammatical mistakes , spelling, and word choice errors. 

Book review examples

1. a thousand splendid suns by khaled hosseini .

“A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by Khaled Hosseini, is a profoundly moving story set against the backdrop of Afghan history. This novel tells the tale of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become entwined in a harrowing journey of friendship, suffering, and redemption.

Mariam, an illegitimate child, suffers from stigma and rejection from an early age. Her tragic story evolves when she is forced into an abusive marriage with Rasheed, a brutish shoemaker. Laila, born generations later, is initially a symbol of the new Afghanistan – hopeful and educated. Their shared struggles against the backdrop of Afghanistan crumbling under Taliban rule form the novel’s heart.

Hosseini’s writing is evocative, capturing the stark realities in Afghanistan while also highlighting the profound resilience of his characters. The author masterfully portrays the emotional landscapes of Mariam and Laila, making them vividly relatable.

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” is more than a story of survival; it is a testament to the unyielding strength of human connection and endurance. This book is a must-read, not only for its storytelling brilliance but for its deep exploration of the often-unheard voices of Afghan women. It’s a heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful novel that stays with you long after the last page.

Now let’s see another example of a book review. 

2. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman 

“A Man Called Ove ” by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming novel that takes readers on an emotional journey of its titular character, Ove. At first glance, Ove appears to be nothing more than a grumpy old man. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that there is so much more to Ove than meets the eye.

The novel skillfully explores themes of loss, grief, and the human capacity for change. Ove’s journey is one of rediscovery and redemption, as he learns to open his heart to the people around him. Backman’s writing is both poignant and humorous, capturing the essence of human relationships and the power of community.

Ove is a character who is easy to relate to, with his quirks making him all the more endearing. As we delve into his past through flashbacks, we understand the events that shaped him. These glimpses provide depth and complexity to his character, making him incredibly three-dimensional.

The supporting characters are equally charming and well-developed. Parvaneh, the pregnant neighbor, and her family are a refreshing contrast to Ove’s gruff exterior. Their interactions with Ove are both heartwarming and hilarious, playing an important role in his transformation.

What makes “A Man Called Ove” truly exceptional is its ability to elicit a wide range of emotions from its readers. It can make you laugh out loud on one page and bring tears to your eyes on the next. The story is a testament to the importance of human connection.

In conclusion, “A Man Called Ove” is a beautifully written novel that explores the themes of love, friendship, and the capacity for change. Fredrik Backman’s storytelling is both touching and humorous, and his characters are unforgettable. For those who appreciate heartwarming stories that inspire the soul, this book is a must-read.”

After seeing these book review examples, let’s see a simple book review template you can use. 

Book review template

The following template highlights a basic book review format and book review outline. You can use this template for reference. 

We hope this book review template and book review examples have inspired you to start writing. Now that you’ve understood how to write a good book review, you can begin brainstorming. Want to get a polished, professional book review? At PaperTrue, our team of experts can help you craft the perfect review for your book. Get in touch with us and forget all stress about how to do a book review. 

You can also take advantage of our self-publishing services like editing, book cover design, securing an ISBN, and creating a copyright page. This ensures that your book is ready for publication. Whether you want a simple edit or an end-to-end service package, we’re here to help! 

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Book Reviews

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write a book review, a report or essay that offers a critical perspective on a text. It offers a process and suggests some strategies for writing book reviews.

What is a review?

A review is a critical evaluation of a text, event, object, or phenomenon. Reviews can consider books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and many other forms. This handout will focus on book reviews. For a similar assignment, see our handout on literature reviews .

Above all, a review makes an argument. The most important element of a review is that it is a commentary, not merely a summary. It allows you to enter into dialogue and discussion with the work’s creator and with other audiences. You can offer agreement or disagreement and identify where you find the work exemplary or deficient in its knowledge, judgments, or organization. You should clearly state your opinion of the work in question, and that statement will probably resemble other types of academic writing, with a thesis statement, supporting body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Typically, reviews are brief. In newspapers and academic journals, they rarely exceed 1000 words, although you may encounter lengthier assignments and extended commentaries. In either case, reviews need to be succinct. While they vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features:

• First, a review gives the reader a concise summary of the content. This includes a relevant description of the topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose.
• Second, and more importantly, a review offers a critical assessment of the content. This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand.
• Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it.

Becoming an expert reviewer: three short examples

Reviewing can be a daunting task. Someone has asked for your opinion about something that you may feel unqualified to evaluate. Who are you to criticize Toni Morrison’s new book if you’ve never written a novel yourself, much less won a Nobel Prize? The point is that someone—a professor, a journal editor, peers in a study group—wants to know what you think about a particular work. You may not be (or feel like) an expert, but you need to pretend to be one for your particular audience. Nobody expects you to be the intellectual equal of the work’s creator, but your careful observations can provide you with the raw material to make reasoned judgments. Tactfully voicing agreement and disagreement, praise and criticism, is a valuable, challenging skill, and like many forms of writing, reviews require you to provide concrete evidence for your assertions.

Consider the following brief book review written for a history course on medieval Europe by a student who is fascinated with beer:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600, investigates how women used to brew and sell the majority of ale drunk in England. Historically, ale and beer (not milk, wine, or water) were important elements of the English diet. Ale brewing was low-skill and low status labor that was complimentary to women’s domestic responsibilities. In the early fifteenth century, brewers began to make ale with hops, and they called this new drink “beer.” This technique allowed brewers to produce their beverages at a lower cost and to sell it more easily, although women generally stopped brewing once the business became more profitable.

The student describes the subject of the book and provides an accurate summary of its contents. But the reader does not learn some key information expected from a review: the author’s argument, the student’s appraisal of the book and its argument, and whether or not the student would recommend the book. As a critical assessment, a book review should focus on opinions, not facts and details. Summary should be kept to a minimum, and specific details should serve to illustrate arguments.

Now consider a review of the same book written by a slightly more opinionated student:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 was a colossal disappointment. I wanted to know about the rituals surrounding drinking in medieval England: the songs, the games, the parties. Bennett provided none of that information. I liked how the book showed ale and beer brewing as an economic activity, but the reader gets lost in the details of prices and wages. I was more interested in the private lives of the women brewsters. The book was divided into eight long chapters, and I can’t imagine why anyone would ever want to read it.

There’s no shortage of judgments in this review! But the student does not display a working knowledge of the book’s argument. The reader has a sense of what the student expected of the book, but no sense of what the author herself set out to prove. Although the student gives several reasons for the negative review, those examples do not clearly relate to each other as part of an overall evaluation—in other words, in support of a specific thesis. This review is indeed an assessment, but not a critical one.

Here is one final review of the same book:

One of feminism’s paradoxes—one that challenges many of its optimistic histories—is how patriarchy remains persistent over time. While Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 recognizes medieval women as historical actors through their ale brewing, it also shows that female agency had its limits with the advent of beer. I had assumed that those limits were religious and political, but Bennett shows how a “patriarchal equilibrium” shut women out of economic life as well. Her analysis of women’s wages in ale and beer production proves that a change in women’s work does not equate to a change in working women’s status. Contemporary feminists and historians alike should read Bennett’s book and think twice when they crack open their next brewsky.

This student’s review avoids the problems of the previous two examples. It combines balanced opinion and concrete example, a critical assessment based on an explicitly stated rationale, and a recommendation to a potential audience. The reader gets a sense of what the book’s author intended to demonstrate. Moreover, the student refers to an argument about feminist history in general that places the book in a specific genre and that reaches out to a general audience. The example of analyzing wages illustrates an argument, the analysis engages significant intellectual debates, and the reasons for the overall positive review are plainly visible. The review offers criteria, opinions, and support with which the reader can agree or disagree.

Developing an assessment: before you write

There is no definitive method to writing a review, although some critical thinking about the work at hand is necessary before you actually begin writing. Thus, writing a review is a two-step process: developing an argument about the work under consideration, and making that argument as you write an organized and well-supported draft. See our handout on argument .

What follows is a series of questions to focus your thinking as you dig into the work at hand. While the questions specifically consider book reviews, you can easily transpose them to an analysis of performances, exhibitions, and other review subjects. Don’t feel obligated to address each of the questions; some will be more relevant than others to the book in question.

• What is the thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? What has the book accomplished?
• What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? What is the approach to the subject (topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive)?
• How does the author support their argument? What evidence do they use to prove their point? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author’s information (or conclusions) conflict with other books you’ve read, courses you’ve taken or just previous assumptions you had of the subject?
• How does the author structure their argument? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
• How has this book helped you understand the subject? Would you recommend the book to your reader?

Beyond the internal workings of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the circumstances of the text’s production:

• Who is the author? Nationality, political persuasion, training, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the biographer was the subject’s best friend? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they write about?
• What is the book’s genre? Out of what field does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or literary standard on which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know. Keep in mind, though, that naming “firsts”—alongside naming “bests” and “onlys”—can be a risky business unless you’re absolutely certain.

Writing the review

Once you have made your observations and assessments of the work under review, carefully survey your notes and attempt to unify your impressions into a statement that will describe the purpose or thesis of your review. Check out our handout on thesis statements . Then, outline the arguments that support your thesis.

Your arguments should develop the thesis in a logical manner. That logic, unlike more standard academic writing, may initially emphasize the author’s argument while you develop your own in the course of the review. The relative emphasis depends on the nature of the review: if readers may be more interested in the work itself, you may want to make the work and the author more prominent; if you want the review to be about your perspective and opinions, then you may structure the review to privilege your observations over (but never separate from) those of the work under review. What follows is just one of many ways to organize a review.

Introduction

Since most reviews are brief, many writers begin with a catchy quip or anecdote that succinctly delivers their argument. But you can introduce your review differently depending on the argument and audience. The Writing Center’s handout on introductions can help you find an approach that works. In general, you should include:

• The name of the author and the book title and the main theme.
• Relevant details about who the author is and where they stand in the genre or field of inquiry. You could also link the title to the subject to show how the title explains the subject matter.
• The context of the book and/or your review. Placing your review in a framework that makes sense to your audience alerts readers to your “take” on the book. Perhaps you want to situate a book about the Cuban revolution in the context of Cold War rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union. Another reviewer might want to consider the book in the framework of Latin American social movements. Your choice of context informs your argument.
• The thesis of the book. If you are reviewing fiction, this may be difficult since novels, plays, and short stories rarely have explicit arguments. But identifying the book’s particular novelty, angle, or originality allows you to show what specific contribution the piece is trying to make.
• Your thesis about the book.

Summary of content

This should be brief, as analysis takes priority. In the course of making your assessment, you’ll hopefully be backing up your assertions with concrete evidence from the book, so some summary will be dispersed throughout other parts of the review.

The necessary amount of summary also depends on your audience. Graduate students, beware! If you are writing book reviews for colleagues—to prepare for comprehensive exams, for example—you may want to devote more attention to summarizing the book’s contents. If, on the other hand, your audience has already read the book—such as a class assignment on the same work—you may have more liberty to explore more subtle points and to emphasize your own argument. See our handout on summary for more tips.

Analysis and evaluation of the book

Your analysis and evaluation should be organized into paragraphs that deal with single aspects of your argument. This arrangement can be challenging when your purpose is to consider the book as a whole, but it can help you differentiate elements of your criticism and pair assertions with evidence more clearly. You do not necessarily need to work chronologically through the book as you discuss it. Given the argument you want to make, you can organize your paragraphs more usefully by themes, methods, or other elements of the book. If you find it useful to include comparisons to other books, keep them brief so that the book under review remains in the spotlight. Avoid excessive quotation and give a specific page reference in parentheses when you do quote. Remember that you can state many of the author’s points in your own words.

Sum up or restate your thesis or make the final judgment regarding the book. You should not introduce new evidence for your argument in the conclusion. You can, however, introduce new ideas that go beyond the book if they extend the logic of your own thesis. This paragraph needs to balance the book’s strengths and weaknesses in order to unify your evaluation. Did the body of your review have three negative paragraphs and one favorable one? What do they all add up to? The Writing Center’s handout on conclusions can help you make a final assessment.

Finally, a few general considerations:

• Review the book in front of you, not the book you wish the author had written. You can and should point out shortcomings or failures, but don’t criticize the book for not being something it was never intended to be.
• With any luck, the author of the book worked hard to find the right words to express her ideas. You should attempt to do the same. Precise language allows you to control the tone of your review.
• Never hesitate to challenge an assumption, approach, or argument. Be sure, however, to cite specific examples to back up your assertions carefully.
• Try to present a balanced argument about the value of the book for its audience. You’re entitled—and sometimes obligated—to voice strong agreement or disagreement. But keep in mind that a bad book takes as long to write as a good one, and every author deserves fair treatment. Harsh judgments are difficult to prove and can give readers the sense that you were unfair in your assessment.
• A great place to learn about book reviews is to look at examples. The New York Times Sunday Book Review and The New York Review of Books can show you how professional writers review books.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Drewry, John. 1974. Writing Book Reviews. Boston: Greenwood Press.

Hoge, James. 1987. Literary Reviewing. Charlottesville: University Virginia of Press.

Sova, Dawn, and Harry Teitelbaum. 2002. How to Write Book Reports , 4th ed. Lawrenceville, NY: Thomson/Arco.

Walford, A.J. 1986. Reviews and Reviewing: A Guide. Phoenix: Oryx Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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• How To Series

How to Write a Book Review in 7 Steps

Book reviews are a great way to connect with fellow bibliophiles. A well-written review can help you discover new books, find bookish communities, and spark cultural conversations. When writing a book review, you want to share what you felt about a particular work—why you liked or disliked it—without spoiling it for future readers. Ultimately, the goal of writing a book review is to help readers decide whether to read the book themselves.

Let’s take a look at seven steps to help you write a reliable book review.

1. Read the Book

How can you write a review of a book you’ve never read? Alternatively, why would someone want to read a review by someone who has never read the book? The first and arguably most important first step to writing a book review is to read the entire book. Be attentive to your reading experience and note what captured or lost your attention.

2. Take Notes

Once you’ve finished reading the book, go back and take brief, purposeful notes. What are the major events of the book and what were their effects on you as a reader?

Here are some guidelines that can help lay the foundation for your review:

• Explain how the book as a whole affected you.
• Explain how the author evokes an emotional response.
• Explain the relationship between form and content.
• Explain the function of each character in the novel.
• Explain the characters’ relationships to one another.

3. Summarize the Book

All book reviews should include some kind of summary. You’ll want to inform readers of what the book is about without giving too much away. To accomplish this, here are some things to include in your summary:

• How is it categorized by the publisher?
• How is the book structured?
• Who is the target audience?

4. Form an Opinion

Your opinion is the crux of your book review. Be specific! Don’t just say if the book was good or bad, but explain why . Support your opinion with specific examples from the text and move from passing judgement to a thorough explanation.

5. Contextualize the Book

You can often obtain this information from looking at the book’s cover and introduction. Otherwise, you may need to do a little research. Spend some time relating this book to similar works by the author or from the same genre to further your explanation and judgement of it.

Some important questions to consider include:

• What genre does the book fall into?
• Is it the first of its kind or an imitation?
• Is this the author’s first book or fifteenth?

6. Avoid Spoilers

Please, for the love of literature, don’t ruin the book for others. A good book review does not give away the book’s plot twists or endings but piques the interest of future readers. If you absolutely have to give something away about the book, at least mark your review with a fair warning.

7. Review Your Review!

Hooray! You’ve finished writing your review. Now’s the time to step back and revisit your work. You may have to edit your review to add or remove details. Here are some questions to ask during your revisions:

• Did you explain every major aspect of the book?
• What was your target audience?
• Did you write this for a class with specific criteria—or for a fan magazine whose audience already knows this type of book well?
• Did you make a clear claim about your opinion of the book? Do you support your claim with evidence?

For a more in-depth review on how to write a book review, visit eNotes’ How To Series .

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Independent Book Review

A Celebration of Indie Press and Self-Published Books

How to Write a Great Book Review

"How to Write a Great Book Review" by Joe Walters is a writer's resource for brainstorming, planning, drafting, and editing the best book reviews. Check it out for tips & tricks from our book review editor.

by Joe Walters

There are so many ways to write a great book review.

But it all starts with careful and attentive reading. 

Read every word on every page, and if you don’t understand something, read it again. Back in college, I read things I didn’t understand but continued moving forward because that’s what I did in high school, in grade school, in class all the time. You’re taught to use context clues and follow along.

You have my permission to stop doing that. (Tell your teacher to blame me).

If you don’t understand something, read it again. If you still don’t understand it, try writing down what happens in each and every scene. A scene could be a full chapter, a paragraph, or a few paragraphs. I had to do this with Le Morte D’Arthur when I was in school, and I actually ended up loving it by the end, regardless of the hard to decipher Olde English spellings.

Just because you’re a slow reader doesn’t mean you’re a bad one.

Before you learn how to write great book reviews, understand this…

People write book reviews for different reasons. Sometimes they want to publish their writing in a publication (like a newspaper, magazine, or Independent Book Review ). Sometimes they have to write a book review for school. Sometimes they want to build a platform on Goodreads, or they want to support indie authors by leaving the review on Amazon.

If you’re writing a book review for school, my first recommendation is to combine this treasure trove of a blog post with the specifics of what your teacher is asking you to do on their rubric. They may want analytical points that go beyond the 50% marker because they don’t care for spoilers, while reviewing for publication might want it to be spoiler-free.

The kinds of reviews I’m talking about? These would put you in a good position to publish your book reviews on blogs, magazines, and platforms like Goodreads or Amazon .

Your first big question :

Should you take notes while you read? 

Maybe? Probably? It’s up to you in the end, but I’d recommend it, especially if you’re just starting out.

If you take notes while you go, you can not only pinpoint comments in specific locations in the book regarding how you’re feeling about it (so that you can write about it later), you can also highlight some of your favorite quotes in the book. 

Adding quotes directly from the text can add some intrigue (and length) to your book review. It’s one thing to hear that the book has great prose; it’s another to see it for yourself.

After reading the book

Sleep on it. Not literally (unless it’s comfy, I guess?). 

The main point here is to just give yourself some time to stew on it. How is it sitting with you now that you’ve read the ending? Now that you understand what the author really wanted to do? 

Then, imagine a scenario where you are talking to another reader about it. 

How would you start the conversation? How would you set the story up so that they understand the characters and the plotline and where it goes from there?

The good news is that you’re not just babbling to your friend about it (although that’s cool too). Unlike a conversation, with a review, you will have time to revise and edit instead of just spouting out all the things you have to say.

But still, it’s good practice. You will figure out what is most important to talk about simply by imagining this friend’s perspective— wait, did I tell them about the revolt yet? The love interest? They’re gonna need to know who the hell Puck is before I get to why it’s so good.

How do you write great book reviews without reading some examples first? You can’t. So check these out before you go any further: Book Review: Rock Gods & Messy Monsters and Book Review: The Devil Pulls the Strings .

How to write a first draft of a great book review:  .

“Some people call it verbal diarrhea. I just call it word shit.” – Wanderlust (2012)

Regardless of what you call it, let the words spill out. Write about what happens in the book, how you feel about it, and why. Just write.

If you start out with the skeleton of a structure, it could be even easier to draft. Here’s what we share with our reviewers for our 400+ word reviews:

• “An evocative psychological thriller that explores the influence of trauma on the human mind and soul” – Robyn-Lee Samuels, Book Review: A Cabin in the Woods
• “A tender, inventive memoir that grapples with the unexpected loss of a child” – Tucker Lieberman, Book Review: An Ambiguous Grief
• “The laugh-out-loud antics of three unlikely pilgrims headline this poignantly told humorous novel.” – Frank Pizzoli, Book Review: The Jesus Nut
• Part 1: Introduce the characters & goals of the book early on.
• Part 2: Write an enticing summary up until about the 50% marker
• Part 3: How the author/book succeeded. Be specific & use examples. If you said that it has great characters, tell me who they are and what’s great about them.
• Part 4: What you did not like about the novel (if applicable). If not applicable, use this paragraph to indicate another thing that the author/book did well.
• Part 5: Closing comments, recommendation, and overall feeling about the novel.

Self-editing your book review

You’re not done yet. I’m sure you’ve already written a great book review, and everyone else in the world would applaud you for it, but—wait, actually, no.

No you didn’t. Not yet.

I have not read it obviously, but I feel pretty confident in saying your first draft can be improved upon. Please read your review from the top to the bottom, asking yourself questions like:

• Did I write in present tense to describe the happenings in the plot?
• Did I italicize the book title but use quotation marks for stories or essays within the book?
• Does this sentence communicate exactly what I am trying to say in as few words as possible? Are there filler words that could be removed without impacting the clarity of the sentence?
• Do I avoid cliche and speak honestly and originally about this book?
• Do I tell the story in a linear fashion up until about the 50% marker?
• Did I accidentally include any spoilers?
• Are the words I use to praise the book really saying anything? Avoid empty words and phrases like “interesting” and “relatable”
• Do I have a good mix of summary, praise, and (if applicable) criticism?
• If I added a quote from within the book, would it help make my case or entice readers into buying it?
• Do I use evidence to back up why I am saying this character is so great? Evidence for why the pacing worked?
• How’s my last line? Is it as catchy and clear as it could be? Am I leaving the reader with some of my best work?

What I love about great book reviews

They don’t always follow the rules.

I edit book reviews for a living, and I share tips like the ones I’ve shared here with my reviewers, but sometimes, they write reviews that look far different from my guided outline and are about as wonderful as I could ask for. They are clear, they are honest, they are poetic, they are so many things at once. 

Reviewing is an art form. It’s important to know the foundations of a great book review, but like great art, sometimes it takes writers stepping out of boundaries to really do something amazing.

Here are a couple examples of reviews that threw my outline out the window but absolutely nailed the execution: Book Review: Obit and Book Review: Anthropica .

Thanks for checking out our tips for how to write a great book review! If you would like to apply to write for IBR, fill out the submission form on this page .

About the Author

Joe Walters  is the founder and editor-in-chief of Independent Book Review and a book marketing specialist at Sunbury Press. When he’s not doing editorial, promoting, or reviewing work, he’s working on his novel and trusting the process. Find him @joewalters13 on Twitter.

Thank you for reading Joe Walters’s blog post “ How to Write a Great Book Revie w!” If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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5 comments on “ how to write a great book review ”.

Cool. Thanks. Working on one for the Catholic Worker as we type.

Great post! Your emphasis on the importance of careful reading and taking notes while reading is spot on. I appreciate the practical tips you provided for writing book reviews. Keep up the good work!

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The piece i read was and is really helpful. But i have questions to ask. More like i need clarity on certain things i read from Joe Walters’ piece. I do not know how to contact him. Not a fan of twitter. Searched for him on Facebook but came up with nothing. So, if there is another way to contact him, i will appreciate.

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Tips for Writing a Book Review

As many avid readers know, book reviews can be magical. Not only are they book recommendations, they’re also bridges to our fellow bookworms all around the world. Reviews offer a chance to share your thoughts with other readers and to keep track of your own musings on the books on your shelf, but many find that writing a review isn’t as easy as it seems. To help our NetGalley members craft the best reviews possible, we’ve put together a list of 12 tips for how to write a book review. Whether you’re reviewing books on NetGalley or your personal blog and social media accounts , these steps are sure to help take your reviews to the next level.

Describe the plot First things first: Your readers will want to know what the book is about. But describing the plot needs to be a fine balance in a book review. You want to share just enough to hook the reader without giving too much away and without veering into book report territory. Give a bit more background on the plot outlined on the book’s jacket, and focus on any elements that you feel particularly strongly about or you think that your readers will want to be aware of. If you’re reviewing an audiobook, you’ll need to also talk about the narrator, pacing, and more. You’ll find our tips for writing audiobook reviews here .

Avoid spoilers Spoilers—enemy number one of readers everywhere. Most readers take spoilers very seriously, but they continue to pop up in book reviews. Often, spoilers can be tempting to share because they are frequently the elements that gave the reviewer an intense reaction (a sudden twist, a shocking death, a surprise unveiling). But make sure you don’t rob any of your readers of that genuine emotional reaction or discovery. Unless your reviewing platform offers a way to hide spoilers, avoid them completely or at least add a “spoiler alert” warning to your review.

Consider content warnings Content warnings can help readers be aware of elements of a book that might trigger traumatic memories, cause anxiety, or are generally upsetting. Providing them in a review is a helpful way of giving readers a heads up about what they’re in for so they can make a healthy and informed choice about whether or not they want to engage with that book.

Find the hook There are two hooks to think about when writing a book review. First, how to make a reader stop scrolling and read your entire review. Second, in cases of positive reviews, how to convince them to pick up the book. Don’t wait until the middle of your review to try to catch the reader’s attention. Try to hook them from the very first sentence. Think about what made you pick the book up, and use that to inspire your own way of writing about it.

Make your opinion clear This tip might seem obvious, but sometimes a reviewer may get caught up in describing the plot and forget to offer their own insight. We recommend making your thoughts clear as early as possible and throughout the review. As you describe the plot, share your opinion on the things that worked or didn’t when it comes to the writing, characters, and events of the book. Tell readers why they should (or shouldn’t) pick this book up.

Find your voice Readers choose to follow certain reviewers because of similar reading taste, but also because they enjoy their review style. Celebrate your uniqueness in your book reviews. Provide the insight only you can offer. This is an opportunity to share your passion with other readers, so make it personal. Don’t be discouraged if this doesn’t happen immediately. Rewrite, hone your voice, and keep reviewing. Your signature style will develop as you go.

Rating system Ratings help to give readers an immediate sense of how you felt about a book. If you review on a personal blog, decide on the rating system that works for you and make sure you clearly explain how it works to your readers. Professional reviewing platforms like NetGalley provide readers with a pre-set rating system . NetGalley’s system pairs stars with a likelihood of recommending the book to fellow readers. Think about how the way you personally rate books fits into their system. For example, if you give half stars on your blog (or in your mind!) but the platform doesn’t have half-stars as an option, decide if those should be rounded up or down.

Consider the reviews you’ve read Browse through NetGalley to read reviews and find examples that you think are effective. Ask yourself what it is that you like about the review, and find ways to showcase those same elements in an original way in your own. Maybe you’re swayed by great pull quotes, thorough plot summaries, or a review with a strong voice. Do you love reviews that are conversational, like you’re talking with a friend? Do you want a bit of humor in your book recs? Or do you prefer a serious tone, to convey how much thought you’ve put into your feelings about the book? These are all techniques you can use to make your own reviews even more successful.

Explain both praise and critiques When it comes to book reviews, it’s important to explain both your praise and critiques of a book so that other readers get the whole picture. For example, don’t just say that the book has great characters—explain what makes them great. Don’t tell readers that the book was boring—explain which elements failed to capture your attention. This will help readers to understand your point of view and decide for themselves whether or not this is a book that they might enjoy. Thoughtful praise and critique often can also be a great starting point for a continued conversation about a book. Click here to read our tips for writing a critical book review !

Think about the audience Let readers know if this is a book you’d recommend, and to whom. Not every book is suited to every reader, so you’ll want to be specific about who is likely to enjoy it. For example, you’d recommend  A Game of Thrones  to fans of historical fantasy, not urban fantasy. But it may also be a great recommendation for those who love a good political thriller. Keep in mind that even if a book didn’t fit your personal reading tastes, there’s a chance it may appeal to other readers and your review could help them discover it.

Proofread before posting The fastest way to lose credibility with your audience is to have a typo-laden review. Give your entire review a final read before posting to catch any spelling or grammar errors, including checking facts you share, the spelling of author and characters names, pronouns used, and any quotes you use. The last thing you want is for a reader to stop following your reviews because you accidentally kept calling the main character Jay Catsby.

This is also a great time to add a disclosure statement! The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires readers to disclose if they received a review copy of a book. In reviews, members should include a simple line like, “Thank you (name of publishing company) for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.”

Have fun! Reviewing can be a labor of love, but it’s a job that should always bring you joy. If you ever find yourself feeling burned out, take a break and remind yourself of why you started reviewing in the first place: to share your love of books with readers all over the world.

Looking for fresh and creative review formats? We’ve got you covered!

Check out the  netgalley review guidelines  and  tips for writing and submitting feedback  to publishers. , netgalley tips.

The Different Ways to Access Books on NetGalley

How to Review Books Across Different Platforms

Tips for Making Your Social Media Accounts More Accessible

Everything You Want To Know About Requesting Books on NetGalley

What to Do When You DNF a NetGalley Book

10 Things You Should Include in Your NetGalley Profile

Join the #NetGalleyBingo Summer Reading Challenge!

Tips for Promoting Your NetGalley Reviews on Social Media

Answering NetGalley Members’ FAQs About ARCs

10 Things You Might Not Know About NetGalley

Kelly Gallucci

Kelly Gallucci is the Executive Editor of We Are Bookish, where she oversees the editorial content, offers book recommendations, and interviews authors and NetGalley members. When she's not working, Kelly can be found color coordinating her bookshelves, eating Chipotle, and watching way too many baking shows.

Great summary. I write quite a few book reviews and this has helped me think more about what I should emphasize and how to phrase my comments. I like the reminder to have fun, too! Thanks!

I have seen it written in many places that book reviews should be impersonal. Keep the focus on the book, not on the reviewer. Probably good advice if one is looking to make a living at it. But I often find that a personal touch adds a lot. Not all books will touch those individual nerves, or connect to one’s life experiences, but I have found that when books do, incorporating those elements gives my reviews considerable extra punch. Also, I have found them among the most fun to write.

Excellent points! Thanks!

This looks great!

Thanks for the great tips on writing book reviews. I often wonder what would make my review stand out or really express my feelings about a book. I totally agree about careful proofreading before being posted. I am also turned off if a reviewer has grammatical errors, misspellings, and exhibits poor writing habits. I also agree that a good review should give the reader a little glimpse into the personality of the reviewer! ❤️????

Great tips and very helpful suggestions!

Loved this article ????

Very useful article. Thank you!

Thank you so very much for the tips! Been doing reviews for over a year now and I’m getting better at it! One thing do hate is your not dc king a book report! I try and getting better,I don’t want to know a bunch when reading a reviewing but ,just enough I say to wet my whistle! I never thought about using the humor think I will try that when it’s warranted! Thanks again,will let you know if I think I am improving ,lol,can’t get any worse than I am now!!Maybe when I write one I will have you look at it for me. I will send you a copy!!

The tips are good and helpful. As I read other reviews I do get insights into way to present my views. But I refrain from being too much of a critic in respect to the author’s effort in writing so many pages. Thanks for the tips.

I’m trying to write my 1st ever review and to be honest I’m nervous. I really like the author and the book was amazing, so I’m worried about letting the author down. These tips are going to be invaluable, so thank you.

Thank you very much, this was very helpful in helping me get started! I’m so excited!

Thank you for these great and helpful hints for writing a book review. I am new to book reviewing online but have been giving book reviews in the 5 libraries I have worked in, over the past 20 years, as an Assistant Librarian. I have loved reading since 1st grade and have tried to pass that passion on to family, friends, and strangers! I write brief reviews on BookBub and GoodRead, while keeping a list of all the books I have read. Sincerely, Ramona

This was very helpful! Thanks

Write a book that is not only going to fill your pocket but is also going to satisfy your mind and heart. In essence, to write an amazing book, you must be an amazing, passionate author.

Lots of good tips on writing a review. I don’t agree on including a summary of the story in my reviews. A summary can be found on the jacket front fly or on various websites. I believe a review should include the rest of the items you mentioned and should be my personal viewpoint of the book. Then the reader can make their own decision on whether or not to read the book.

I agree with you, Kathy C., about foregoing the summary of the story in the book review. Not only is this information available on the book jacket or online description, but reading review after review that begins with a summary becomes tedious. I’m really more interested in what people think about the book rather than their summary of the plot. I definitely agree with all the other tips offered. Thanks for your helpful thoughts!

I understand that you want to your reviewers to put some thought into their reviews. I read a lot of books (200 plus a year, not including the ones I don’t finish). I review most of them and I get a lot of positive comments on my reviews. The reason why is I am honest, and I explain to the readers how this books relates to events in my life. The response is that readers respect my reviews because I have a worldly view and have experienced events that most people have not. For example, I wrote a review about Mohammed Ali biography and the author include a lot of current events that were going on during that time. This was when I was a teenager, and I remember those events and Ali’s life relevant to me because he was reacting to what was going on at that time. So yes you can write a long review, and describe the plot, but if you can’t explain how the book makes you feel then you have lost your audience.

I’m finding out what is proving difficult in writing reviews is that some books have almost the same theme/plot. For me, it’s like watching an exciting weekly TV series that engages me and I want to continue until the season ending. I really can’t complain about the authors because I tend to pick my favorites. Any ideas on how to write a good review?

Yolie McLaughlin

Thank you for this article! I have a brand new book blog and reading thru these tips gave me a few ideas to keep me on track while writing a review. I do like that the information is conveniently separated so I can just glance at the topics when I need to. I’ll be saving this for ease of reference. Thanks again!

Just wondering about book covers we love, do we mention that in the review? Some book covers are just beautiful, and some are fairly ordinary. If a cover really makes an impact should we also give credit in our review of the book?

Thanks for your insightful tips, Cheers Jools

Great question! While it isn’t necessary to talk about a book’s cover in your review, if it had a particularly positive impact on you it’s definitely worth mentioning. You can also use the Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down option on all book pages to show your love for favorite covers, or by selecting that it’s what drew you to the book when making a request!

Thank you for these tips. I will try to leave reviews in accordance with these suggestions that will be a credit to the company and to the authors that have shown confidence in my commitment to be a reliable and honest reviewer.

I appreciate your wonderful and practical book review writing advice. Although I’m new to book reviews on the internet, I have 20 years of experience as an assistant librarian and have reviewed books in 5 different libraries. Since the first grade, I have loved reading, and I have made an effort to share my enthusiasm with friends, family, and strangers. I maintain an inventory of all the books I’ve read and post succinct reviews on BookBub and GoodRead.

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How to Write a Book Review Tips

Book reviews are like guiding lights in the world of literature, helping readers navigate through countless stories. But writing a good review isn't just about summarizing a book – it's about making your thoughts resonate with the audience. 

Whether you're a writer, a critic, or someone who loves books, knowing how to prepare a book review can enrich your reading experience and contribute to the literary community. 

In this article, experts of our book review writing service break down the key elements and tips for compelling book reviews that spark conversation and excitement.

What Is a Book Review

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, where the reviewer discusses its content, themes, and overall impact. It typically includes a summary of the book's main points, the reviewer's analysis and opinions, and a recommendation for potential readers. The goal is to inform others about the book's strengths and weaknesses, helping them decide if it’s worth reading.

Later in the article, you’ll find a quality book review example for your inspiration and motivation. If you’re in a hurry, try our cheap essay writing service that covers all types of academic papers.

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How to Write a Book Review: Step-By-Step

Writing a book review might seem complex, but in reality, the process can be divided into only three steps:

Summarize the Book's Content

Book reviews summarize the source's content by providing a brief and clear overview of the main plot, key characters, and central themes without giving away any spoilers. This helps readers understand the essence of the book and sets the stage for your analysis and evaluation.

Actionable Tips:

• Read the Book Thoroughly: Ensure you grasp the full story, including subplots and character development.
• Highlight Key Points: Note down significant events, character arcs, and main themes as you read.
• Be Concise: Keep your summary short and to the point, focusing on the most important aspects.
• Avoid Spoilers: Do not reveal major plot twists or the book’s ending.
• Use Your Own Words: Write the summary in your own language to maintain originality and avoid plagiarism.
• Provide Context: Include the book’s genre, setting, and relevant background information to help readers understand the summary.
• Focus on Clarity: Ensure your summary is easy to read and understand, avoiding complex language or unnecessary details.

Feeling tired already? Maybe you should use our book report writing services and give yourself a break until tomorrow.

Analyze and Evaluate

You’re always halfway through writing a book review! Next, you have to critically examine its elements, such as the writing style, character development, plot structure, and thematic depth. This step is where you share your personal insights and opinions, providing evidence from the text to support your views.

Conclude with a Recommendation

We’re almost reached the finishing line of the how to write a book review race. Conclude your review of a book with either a summary, recommendation, or addressing readers directly. This step provides a clear and concise verdict based on your analysis, helping potential readers decide if the book is right for them.

Dive into literary analysis with EssayPro . Our experts can help you craft insightful book reviews that delve deep into the themes, characters, and narratives of your chosen books. Enhance your understanding and appreciation of literature with us.

Book Review Structure

A book review outline usually follows a structured format with an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Introduction

This section introduces the book, mentioning its title, author, genre, and publication details. It gives a brief overview of the book's premise and main themes to provide context for the reader.

The main body offers a detailed analysis and critique of the book. It's divided into paragraphs focusing on specific aspects such as plot, characters, and writing style. Each paragraph provides evidence from the book to support the reviewer's analysis.

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The conclusion summarizes the reviewer's overall thoughts and impressions of the book, restating key points and the main argument. It often includes a recommendation for potential readers and may provide final reflections or insights about the book's significance.

Book Review Template

Here's a basic structure you can follow every time you’re tasked with such an assignment:

Extra Tips for Writing Better Book Reviews

Here are 11 extra tips for writing better book reviews:

• Look for essay topics that are interesting personally for you.
• Consider your audience and what they might want to know about the book.
• Be mindful not to give away major plot twists or endings that could ruin the reading experience for others.
• Use quotes or examples from the book to support your analysis and critique.
• Express your opinions openly, but respect the author and their work.
• Think about the book's historical, cultural, or social context when evaluating its themes and messages.
• Paint a vivid picture of the book's qualities using descriptive language to engage your readers.
• Acknowledge the book's strengths and weaknesses to provide a balanced review.
• Aim to be concise and to the point, focusing on the most important aspects of the book.
• Let your enthusiasm for the book shine through in your review to captivate your readers.
• Gain insights from reading other reviews to see different perspectives and approaches to reviewing books.

Book Review Example

As promised at the beginning of the article, we’d like to share a good example of a book review as it should be done by students either in school or college:

Final Thoughts

Book reviews empower students to become active participants in the literary conversation. They learn to contribute their unique perspectives and interpretations to the broader discourse. With a custom term paper writing service , learners can become true educational powerhouses who never miss deadlines.

Through critical engagement with literary sources, students develop a deeper understanding of complex themes and issues, honing their ability to think analytically and empathetically. At the end of the day, aren’t these two skills that every educated individual should possess? 

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How To Write A Book Review?

What to include in a book review, what is a book review.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Added new infographics.
• Updated writing tips.
• Added new example.
• How to write a book review | BookTrust. (n.d.-b). https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/tips-and-advice/writing-tips/writing-tips-for-teens/how-to-write-a-book-review/
• Book Reviews – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2024, May 14). The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/book-reviews/
• Research Guides: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments: Writing a Book Review. (n.d.). https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/assignments/bookreview  

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The only book review templates you'll ever need.

Whether you’re trying to become a book reviewer , writing a book report for school, or analyzing a book, it’s nice to follow a book review template to make sure that your thoughts are clearly presented. 

A quality template provides guidance to keep your mind sharp and your thoughts organized so that you can write the best book review possible. On Reedsy Discovery , we read and share a lot of book reviews, which helps us develop quite a clear idea what makes up a good one. With that in mind, we’ve put together some trustworthy book review templates that you can download, along with a quick run-through of all the parts that make up an outstanding review — all in this post! 

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Book review templates for every type of review

With the rapid growth of the book community on Instagram, Youtube, and even TikTok, the world of book commentary has evolved far beyond your classic review. There are now many ways you can structure a book review. Some popular formats include:

• Book reports — often done for school assignments; 
• Commentary articles — think in-depth reviews in magazines and newspapers; 
• Book blog reviews — short personal essays about the book; and
• Instagram reviews — one or two-paragraph reviews captioned under a nice photo. 

But while the text in all these review styles can be organized in different ways, there are certain boxes that all good book reviews tick. So, instead of giving you various templates to use for different occasions, we’ve condensed it down to just two book review templates (one for fiction and one for nonfiction) that can guide your thoughts and help you nail just about any review. 

⭐ Download our free fiction book review template  

⭐ Download our free nonfiction book review template  

All you need to do is answer the questions in the template regarding the book you’re reading and you’ve got the content of your review covered. Once that’s done, you can easily put this content into its appropriate format. 

Now, if you’re curious about what constitutes a good book review template, we’ll explain it in the following section! 

Elements of a book review template

Say you want to build your own book review template, or you want to customize our templates — here are the elements you’ll want to consider. 

We’ve divided our breakdown of the elements into two categories: the essentials and the fun additions that’ll add some color to your book reviews.

What are the three main parts of a book review?

We covered this in detail (with the help of some stellar examples) in our post on how to write a book review , but basically, these are the three crucial elements you should know: 

The summary covers the premise of the book and its main theme, so readers are able to understand what you’re referring to in the rest of your review. This means that, if a person hasn’t read the book, they can go through the summary to get a quick idea of what it’s about. (As such, there should be no spoilers!) 

The analysis is where, if it’s a fiction book, you talk more about the book, its plot, theme, and characters. If it’s nonfiction, you have to consider whether the book effectively achieves what it set out to do. 

The recommendation is where your personal opinion comes in the strongest, and you give a verdict as to who you think might enjoy this book. 

You can choose to be brief or detailed, depending on the kind of review you’re writing, but you should always aim to cover these three points. If you’re needing some inspiration, check out these 17 book review examples as seen in magazines, blogs, and review communities like Reedsy Discovery for a little variation. 

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Which additional details can you include?

Once you’ve nailed down the basics, you can jazz things up a little and add some personal flavor to your book review by considering some of these elements:

• A star-rating (the default is five stars but you can create your own scales); 
• A bullet-point pros and cons list; 
• Your favorite quotation from the book; 
• Commentary on the format you read (i.e., ebook, print, or audiobook);
• Fun facts about the book or author; 
• Other titles you think are similar.

This is where you can really be creative and tailor your review to suit your purpose and audience. A formal review written for a magazine, for instance, will likely benefit from contextual information about the author and the book, along with some comment on how that might have affected the reading (or even writing) process.

Meanwhile, if you’re reviewing a book on social media, you might find bullet points more effective at capturing the fleeting attention of Internet users. You can also make videos, take creative pictures, or even add your own illustrations for more personal touches. The floor is yours at this point, so go ahead and take the spotlight! 

That said, we hope that our templates can provide you with a strong foundation for even your most adventurous reviews. And if you’re interested in writing editorial reviews for up-and-coming indie titles, register as a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery !

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How To Write A Book Review (With Examples) — FAVBOOKSHELF

A book review is a form of critical literary analysis that includes a description of the book summary and a critique of various aspects of the book. It is one of the things new readers look to determine if the book is worth reading. We’ll discuss in depth how to write a book review with examples.

Also, a review gives the reader a deeper insight into the book and helps determine the success of the text, i.e., a good review can ensure a good reception of the book, while a bad one could hurt it.

Being a book reviewer is an exciting job. It is a new and fresh way to express opinions that matter to the world and set a precedent for the book.

To write a good book review, a reviewer should consider several points when reading and writing the review. We will discuss these points with examples of how to write a good book review.

What to consider while reading a book?

The plot is one of the most critical aspects of reading a book. When you read a book, you get to know what it is about, the main plot, and the main focus of the book. To understand it better, the reviewer must pay attention to the story.

In my experience, it is always tricky to follow the story for at least two chapters when starting a new book. Wait until you get the point of the story. Then, take your time and reread some parts if you have to. This increases the likelihood that you will find a better understanding of the plot and storyline. Look for details necessary to the plot and must be included in the summary.

#2 Character Development

Characters, small or large, play an essential role in a book. In other words, it can be said that any reader is incomplete without feelings. This brings us to the second most crucial point to consider when reading a book: character development. To analyse this, the easiest way is to answer the following questions:

Who is the protagonist?

How does a character change from the beginning to the end of the book?

What are the reasons for this change?

What is the chemistry between different characters?

Have the characters developed emotionally/mentally?

You can find out the book’s character development level by answering these simple questions. It also helps to point out the facts that could have been changed to ensure better character development in the book.

#3 Praise and Criticism

When you read a book, please have a pen and paper handy to note any positive or negative aspects of the book. Whether it’s the plot, the pacing of the story, the language, objectionable content, or any other essential parts, your review is a place to share your thoughts honestly, so don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Critique wisely; your readership will be able to grow.

#4 Nature of Content

Another essential aspect to remember when reading the book is the nature of the content. This may include themes, profanity, religious content, sexual content, etc.

The nature of the content helps determine the likely age group of the readers and assists in writing age-appropriate content for the readers. Therefore, reviewers often need to pay more attention to this aspect.

Creating age-appropriate content is essential and can be done only when you understand the nature of the content.

Ethics to write a book review with examples 

Different reviewers have different writing styles. Some are widely accepted, others not so much. What makes them so different? Here are the standards that every reviewer must follow.

#1 Avoid writing in all caps. 

Using capitalised words is not usually tolerated when writing reviews, emails, messages, etc., as it gives readers the impression that the writer is shouting. This can be offensive and lead to a decline in your readership.

When writing a review, capital letters may only be used at the beginning of new sentences and in other exceptional cases. This is the most widely accepted ethical standard followed by reviewers worldwide.

#2 No profanity 

Another point to consider when writing a book review is profanity. Using profanity can draw a lot of criticism from readers and hurt your book review. So, instead of harsh words, you can use subtle tones to express dissatisfaction in your book review.

Avoid using borderline swear words (such as “duh”) in the review to cover up all the instances when your reader might take offence to the language.

#3 Be diplomatic

When reading a book, you may need help finding the content satisfactory. In these cases, you can use subtle language to express your opinion. For example, in my previous reviews, I learned that one must use diplomacy to cover any unpleasant aspect.

For example, instead of saying, “I found the book slow and boring,” you could write, “The dragging plot makes for a mediocre reading experience.” See the difference? The first sentence seems harsh, but the second does not contain the tedious aspect of the book.

By being diplomatic, you can tone down the unpleasantness and replace it with content that will benefit readers.

#4 Level of professionalism 

Please don’t use overly friendly language in your review. A book review may contain your thoughts and opinions, but it is still a professional text. You can use a professional tone mixed with a personal style when writing your checks. This could help expand your readership and make your review popular.

For example, the sentence ” I liked how the author used a fast-paced story in the book” comes across as personal rather than professional. So instead, you can write, “The fast-paced storyline is one of the commendable aspects of the book.” How does that sound to you? Hold back on personal comments and save them for reviews. Remember that the summary of the book does not need private comments.

Tips you should know on how to write a good book review, with examples:

As anyone with experience knows, book reviews play an essential role in the success of a book. It helps you share your thoughts and opinions with other readers. A good review can build a solid reader base; a poorly written review can significantly affect the book’s reception. We will know how to express your thoughts professionally, improve your reader base, and learn how to write a book review with examples.

#1 Quotes and summary

Think hypothetically. You are asked to read an article about a book. What would you look for? For me, the answer is simple. I would look for a catchy opening line that would grab my attention. Now the question is, how do you do that?

Before you start writing, look for an appropriate quote or a few lines that describe the book you are reviewing. When readers visit your site, they usually see the paragraph or a few lines from the review and decide whether to read the entire article or skip it.

The presence of quotes in your book review, which are otherwise insignificant, can significantly impact your article and increase your chances of attracting a larger readership.

#2 Avoid spoilers

How would you feel if you were watching a new movie and someone came up to you and told you how it ended? It hurts. It takes all the fun out of it for you. It’s similar to books and book reviews. Readers usually only appreciate it when there are no spoilers in reviews.

For example, in a thriller, you know that a central character dies, significantly impacting the story. In this case, could you write the review around the level and avoid mentioning the surface in great detail? This way, you can explain the book’s important events without saying the character’s involvement.

In short, if you want your article to be successful, you should not include spoilers.

#3 Clarity in content

Clarity is another important factor when writing a book review. When writing a book review, you should ensure that the sentences are clear and easy to understand. This can be achieved by keeping your sentences short and contextual.

For example, you explain part of the book and then want to move on to the characters. “This brings us to another aspect of the book.” This sentence needs to clarify precisely what you are talking about. So instead, it is ” About character development of the characters ..” This sounds clearer than what you’d like to talk about. Clarity makes for a smooth reading flow, avoids confusion, and makes your review more engaging.

#4 Be honest

One of the most common errors I have seen in reviews is glossing over the words. What readers are looking for in a study is honesty. They want your honest opinion about whether the book is worth reading. If you do not like the book, say so. Then let them decide if they should consider your opinion. An over-the-top review with only optimistic points for an average book could hurt your review.

If you have trouble describing your dissatisfaction with the book, visit other sites like Goodreads.com and read the comments section to gather more information.

#5 Know your audience

Before you begin the first draft of the review, please take a moment to ask yourself a question. Who will read my review? This will give you a clear idea of the language you want to use.

For example, if you are writing a review for a children’s book, you must use language that any middle school child can understand. Another example might be this article. Reviewers are professionals and have an extensive vocabulary. To keep readers engaged, I need to keep my points simple and progressive so that they interest people.

#6 Explain both praise and criticism

This is where your notes come in. The points you noted as you read can become an essential part of this section. Praise and criticism reflect the quality of the book’s content. Make sure to cite your points carefully.

Another essential thing to remember is that when you describe your points, make sure they are connected. For example, use a gentle and polite tone to explain the harsh negative issues and word down the positive points to make the reviews sound more diplomatic.

#7 Explain essential plot points

The summary of the book should include a few significant and essential plot points which make up most of the book. Again, do not add any matter which might give away a critical twist in the book. Connect the ends and summarise the book in a paragraph or however convenient.

#8 Proofread before posting

Another essential point to consider before publishing an article is proofreading. You may often find that many things still need to be corrected, even after editing. In this case, go through the entire piece again so that the necessary corrections can be made and readers will find the article satisfactory.

#9 Conclusion

After you have finished the article, you should round it off with an apt conclusion. Essentially, the decision means a summary of what was in the review. Make sure that you briefly summarise all the main points. The most important part of a conclusion is the last line. In conclusion, the previous sentence must summarise the article in a few words.

For example, you can phrase the last line, “Overall, it’s a nice book that provides an exciting reading experience.” This line is the ultimate statement of positive or negative criticism of the book.

The rating determines the quality of a book’s content and whether it is worth reading. The rating is usually done on a 5-point scale or a 10-point scale. Therefore, it is essential that the rating matches the reviews.

The rating scale is the first thing readers pay attention to. So make sure the rating is given after weighing the positive and negative reviews. The rating is explained in detail in the next section.

#11 Recommendations

The last and most important part of a book is the recommendation part. It is based solely on your personal experience and reflects your book taste.

If you would like to design an exceptional recommendation, please read the article’s next section.

How does the rating scale work?

While searching for a book on the internet, you have probably encountered various texts with ratings of 5 or 10. These scales are the most common tools used in book reviews to determine a book’s success. High ratings are usually associated with high-quality content of the book. In other words, the higher the ratings, the more positive the feedback from readers. Here are the most commonly used rating scales and what they mean. Rating is essential if you want to write a good book review; we will learn that with examples.

1- The book is not satisfactory

2- The book contains below-average content

3- The book has an average content

4- the book has a good-quality range and is widely read

5- the book has exceptional quality content

When you give the rating in the book review, the main thing you should do is to make sure that it is consistent with the content of the study. In other words, the rating should be given after weighing the positive and negative points in the review. Reviews reflect your thoughts about the quality of the book’s content. So, consider all aspects before rating the book, and you can write a good book review. I hope you’ll find our examples helpful.

How to write an exceptional recommendation section ?

The recommendation section is one of the essential parts to remember while you write a book review, and we will discuss it with examples. But, first, it would be best to keep a few things in mind to write a commendable recommendation section.

For a book to be easily accessible to readers, you must indicate the genre to which the text belongs. Some examples of genres are romance novels, historical novels, science fiction, young adult fiction, etc. By finding the appropriate genre of the book, you can let readers know what to expect.

There are many cases when you are stuck and need help deciding on the genre of the book. In this case, please focus on the main plot and what it describes. Otherwise, you can read other book reviews and find out the genre of a similar book.

#2 Similarity with books by other authors

Look for similar stories by other authors. In many cases, readers will be happy to receive a recommendation for a similar story. For example, if you are reviewing a book of Gothic literature, say The Thirteenth Tale , you can recommend other books of Gothic literature such as Rebeca , Wuthering Heights , etc.

There are cases where you can recommend other books by the same author that follow a different plot but have similar aesthetics. For example, the recommendation for The Kite Runner might include A Thousand Radiant Suns , another book by the same author.

#3 Information about the author

A recommendation section should include information about the author. For example, the books published and the writing style. Mentioning the author in the recommendation section can get readers interested in more of the author’s books and give them the fame they deserve.

#4 Age of reading audience

It is essential to determine the appropriate age range for the reading audience. There are many factors to consider. For example, mature topics, profanity, sexual and erotic content, and religious content can significantly affect the age limit.

For example, a book with themes such as murder and kidnapping with lots of blood and erotic content may not be appropriate for children and teens. In this case, a supplement to the recommendation section indicating the preferred age limit for readers with an explanation is helpful.

#5 Readers’ interests

Last but not least, consider the reader’s interest and mention it in the review. For example, add, “This book is perfect for lovers of fantasy adventure with a touch of contemporary romance.” The information may change depending on the genre of the book, but it is perfect as a closing line for the recommendations section and probably for the entire review.

Example of a book review (fiction)

Perilous Obsession by Geoffrey M. Cooper is a fantastic medical thriller novel. The book tells the story of Dr. Brad Parker and his partner, Agent Karen (FBI), who investigates a seemingly straightforward murder case that turns into something sinister. As they investigate a death by overdose, Dr. Parker suspects something is happening within the organisation.

Unfortunately, things worsen when the two doctors involved in the incident are found dead. When it turns out to be a ring of sex traffickers, it’s up to Dr Parker and his trusted partner Karen to unravel the mystery and bring justice to the victims and perpetrators.

The fast-paced plot helps create an appropriate environment of distrust. In addition to this statement, the excellent plot development makes this book even more compelling and exciting. The shocking twists and turns throughout the book will have the reader biting their nails in anticipation.

Why should you read this book?

Although the book deals with issues such as sex trafficking, the erotic and profane content is minimal. An equally satisfying ending follows the sombre tone of the story. What is also fascinating about the book is that the detailed plot leaves no gaps in the story, bringing it full circle.

Overall, this medical thriller provides a unique reading experience. The presence of themes such as murder, rape, and sex trafficking make this book a preferred reading experience for an adult audience. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for readers who love mystery and thriller novels.

Example non-fiction

Tree Magic: The Path of Druids, Shamans, and Mystics by Iva Kenaz is a well-written book that explores nature’s connection to the spiritual world and its significance in history. From the legendary Tree of Life to the Axis Mundi and the interdimensional portals, this book explores tree magic’s mythological and philosophical background. In addition, it opens up many new and exciting facts about this subject. The book’s first part tries to solve the mystery of the World Tree and the Tree of Life.

The different deities and the ancient connection between nature and the human species are wonderfully read with the help of myths worldwide. The second and third parts of the book then focus on the practical applications of tree magic and a guide to understanding the magical trees and their meanings. This beautiful anthology has an apt ending that fits the magical tone of the book.

The book strikes a balance between the mythological facts and the magical realism of tree magic. With a touch of astrology through the connections of constellations and nature, the author creates a beautiful landscape without any boundaries. One reason that encourages people to read this book is to expand their spiritual knowledge and bring them closer to trees and nature. However, apart from the scenery and the successful formatting, there are some cases where the mythological facts need improvement.

Also, there are many instances where the gods deviate from the original form, as mentioned in other mythological sources. These errors aside, the formatting of the book is masterfully done. In addition, the lack of profanity and the purely spiritual content make this book a perfect read for adults. Overall, it is a delightful book that will provide a comforting reading experience for readers interested in mythology and tree magic.

Book reviews are essential for people to express their opinions about texts and form a community with like-minded readers. I hope you get all the answers to your question on How to write a book review, and our examples were helpful. You can create unique content and expand your readership using the simple points above.   

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How To Write A Great Book Review

Writers Write shares writing resources and writing tips. In this post, we share ideas on how to write a great book review .

A book review falls into the categories of Comment, Opinion, and Columns. When writing a review you are expressing your opinion and you should assess the book honestly.

Think about the tone you are going to use for the review. Read: 155 Words To Describe An Author’s Tone

The tone you use will go a long way to creating a mood , which will greatly affect the reader of your reviews.

Remember to be fair. You can be witty, but you should never be nasty. Never rant because you feel strongly about something. Sometimes, you can get away with an argument if you amuse and inform.

The Mechanics

• Choose a genre you enjoy reading.
• Include the correct title, author, imprint, and ISBN number.
• Write about the plot of the book in present tense, for example, say ‘Debra wakes up…’ and not ‘Debra woke up…’.
• Give your opinion in first person , for example, say ‘ I enjoyed’ and not ‘The reader will enjoy’.
• Write in clear, plain English. Never write in a literary style. It simply shows your inexperience.
• The length varies according to the publication’s specifications. Generally, 180-300 words is a good length.
• Please check readability statistics . They should be above 60%.

The Seven Elements Of A Great Book Review

• Give a brief outline of the plot. Do not include the ending .
• Mention the genre .
• Is it the author’s first book? If not, what else has he or she written? How does this one compare?
• Discuss the characters. The protagonist and the antagonist must be mentioned. Are they three-dimensional? Are they believable?
• Do you think the book is well written? Describe why you think it is or isn’t. It could be engaging, delightful, or inspiring. It could be staid, boring, or contrived.
• Was it what you expected it to be?
• Would you recommend it? If yes, why? If no, why not?

If It’s Bad…

If the book is horrible, a good way to deal with it is by using the ‘sandwich’ technique. Start by saying something good, fill in the middle with the negative information, and end with a positive comment.

Always remember the review is not about you. It’s about the book.

The Format We Use

Read more about how we rate books here: The Writers Write Book Review Format

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Top Tip : If you want to learn how to write a book, sign up for our online course .

If you enjoyed this article, read:

• Why You Need To Read More Books
• The 7 Critical Elements Of A Great Book
• 9 Literary Terms You Need To Know

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• Book Reviews , Writers Write Book Review , Writing Tips from Amanda Patterson

2 thoughts on “How To Write A Great Book Review”

I’ve been thinking of starting a blog of book reviews, and this has some good points to consider. I’m aiming at around 500 words, which isn’t too overwhelming. Was wondering if you might have advice for non-fiction as well? Thanks!

Why give ISBN? Should book reviews only be for new books? I enjoy reviewing older books too, but I realize those reviews aren’t as useful to readers who want new book recommendations. 150-200 words, huh? I sometimes go two pages. It’s hard to balance review (what the readers want – why should I read this or not read this) with analysis (what I want – intellectual exercise, thoughts, reflections, meditations, memories, and tangents… things that will help me remember what my experience of reading was years after the fact) I guess that’s why I don’t get many views. XD If you want to give me some advice or see what mine looks like, my book review site is http://www.kurobanabookblog.com

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25+ Book Review Templates and Ideas to Organize Your Thoughts

Danika Ellis

Danika spends most of her time talking about queer women books at the Lesbrary. Blog: The Lesbrary Twitter: @DanikaEllis

View All posts by Danika Ellis

When I was a kid I loved reading, but I hated book reports. It felt impossible to boil a book down to a few lines or even a page of writing. Besides, by the time I had to write the report, I had already forgotten a lot. It never ceases to be painful to try to pull my thoughts and opinions out of my head and put them on the page, especially in a coherent way.

As an adult, I continue to usually find writing book reviews painful . And yet, I maintain a book blog with reviews of all the (bi and lesbian) books I read. Why? For one thing, I want to raise the visibility of these books — or, in the case of a book I loathed, warn other readers of what to expect. It helps me to build community with other book lovers. It’s also a great way to force myself pay attention to how I’m feeling while I’m reading a book and what my thoughts are afterwards. I have learned to take notes as I go, so I have something to refer to by the time I write a review, and it has me notice what a book is doing well (and what it isn’t). The review at the end helps me to organize my thoughts. I also find that I remember more once I’ve written a review.

Once you’ve decided it’s worthwhile to write a review, though, how do you get started? It can be a daunting task. The good news is, book reviews can adapt to whatever you want them to be. A book review can be a tweet with a thumbs up or thumbs down emoji, maybe with a sentence or two of your thoughts; it can also be an in-depth essay on the themes of the book and its influence on literature. Most are going to fall somewhere between those two! Let go of the idea of trying to create the One True Book Review. Everyone is looking for something different, and there is space for GIF-filled squee fests about a book and thoughtful, meditative explorations of a work.

This post offers a variety of book reviews elements that you can mix and match to create a book review template that works for you. Before you get started, though, there are some questions worth addressing.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Book Review Template

Where will you be posting your book reviews.

An Instagram book review will likely look different from a blog book review. Consider which platform you will be using for your book review. You can adapt it for different platforms, or link to your original review, but it’s a good starting point. Instagram reviews tend to be a lot shorter than blog reviews, for instance.

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Will you be using the same template every time?

Some book reviewers have a go-to book review template. Others have a different one for each genre, while another group doesn’t use a template at all and just reacts to whatever each book brings up.

Heading or no headings?

When choosing which book review elements to mix and match, you can also decide whether to include a header for each section (like Plot, Characterization, Writing, etc). Headers make reviews easier to browse, but they may not have the professional, essay-style look that you’re going for.

Why are you writing a review?

When selecting which elements to include in your review, consider what the purpose is. Do you want to better remember the plot by writing about it? You probably want to include a plot summary, then. Do you want to help readers decide whether they should read this book? A pros and cons list might be helpful. Are you trying to track something about your reading, like an attempt to read more books in translation or more books by authors of color? Are you trying to buy fewer books and read off your TBR shelf instead? These are all things you can note in a review, usually in a point-form basic information block at the beginning.

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Book Review Templates and Formats

Essay-style.

This is a multi-paragraph review, usually with no headers. It’s the same format most newspapers and academics use for book reviews. Many essay-style reviews use informal categories in their writing, often discussing setting, writing, characters, and plot in their own paragraphs. They usually also discuss the big themes/messages of a story. Here are some questions to consider when writing an essay-style review:

What is the author trying to do? Don’t evaluate a romance novel based on a mystery novel’s criteria. First try to think about what the book was attempting to do, then try to evaluate if they achieved it. You can still note if you didn’t like it, but it’s good to know what it was aiming for first.

What are some of the themes of the story? What big message should the reader take away? Did you agree with what the book seemed to be saying? Why or why not?

How is this story relevant to the world? What is it saying about the time it was written in? About human nature? About society or current issues? Depending on the book, there may be more or less to dig into here.

What did this book make you think about? It may be that the themes in the book were just a launching off point. How did they inspire your own thinking? How did this book change you?

A Classic Book Review

This is probably the most common kind of book review template. It uses a few criteria, usually including Setting, Writing, Characters, and Plot (for a novel). The review then goes into some detail about each element, describing what the book did well, and where it fell short.

The advantage of this format is that it’s very straightforward and applies to almost any fiction read. It can also be adapted–you will likely have more to say about the plot in a mystery/thriller than a character study of a novel. A drawback, though, is that it can feel limiting. You might have thoughts that don’t neatly fit into these categories, or you could feel like you don’t have enough to say about some of the categories.

Pros and Cons

A common format for a Goodreads review is some variation of pros and cons. This might be “What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like” or “Reasons to Bump This Up Your TBR/Reasons to Bump This Down On Your TBR.” This is a very flexible system that can accommodate anything from a few bullet points each to paragraphs each. It gives a good at-a-glance impression of your thoughts (more cons than pros is a pretty good indication you didn’t like it). It also is broad enough that almost all your thoughts can likely be organized into those headings.

This is also a format that is easily mix and matched with the elements listed below. A brief review might give the title, author, genre, some brief selling points of the novel, and then a pros and cons list. Some reviews also include a “verdict” at the end. An example of this format:

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill

🌟 Fantasy All-Ages Comic 💫 Adorable pet dragons ✨ A diverse cast

Pros: This book has beautiful artwork. It is a soothing read, and all the character are supportive of each other. This is a story about friendship and kindness.

Cons: Don’t expect a fast-moving plot or a lot of conflict. This is a very gentle read.

Another approach to the review is not, strictly speaking, a book review template at all. Instead, it’s something like “5 Reasons to Read TITLE by Author” or “The # Most Shocking Plot Twists in X Series.” An advantage of this format is that it can be very to-the-point: if you want to convince people to read a book, it makes sense to just write a list of reasons they should read the book. It may also be more likely to get clicked on–traditional book reviews often get less views than more general posts.

On the other hand, listicles can come off as gimmicky or click-bait. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the book matches this format, and whether you are writing this out of genuine enthusiasm or are just trying to bend a review to be more clickable.

Your Own Original Rating System

Lots of reviewers decide to make their own review format based on what matters to them. This is often accompanied by a ratings system. For instance, the BookTube channel Book Roast uses the CAWPILE system:

CAWPILE is an acronym for the criteria she rates: Characters, Atmosphere, Writing, Plot, Intrigue, Logic, Enjoyment. Each of those are rated 1–10, and the average given is the overall rating. By making your own ratings/review system, you can prioritize what matters to you.

My favorite rating system is Njeri’s from Onyx Pages , because it shows exactly what she’s looking for from books, and it helps her to think about and speak about the things she values:

A “Live Tweet” or Chronological Review

Another format possibility is live tweeting (or updating as you go on Goodreads, or whatever your platform of choice is). This has you document your initial thoughts as you read, and it’s usually informal and often silly. You can add what you’re loving, what you’re hating, and what questions you have as you go.

This is a fun format for when you’re reading a popular book for the first time. That way, other people can cackle at how unprepared you are as you read it. This requires you to remember to always have your phone on you as you read, to get your authentic thoughts as they happen, but it saves on having to write a more in-depth review. Alternately, some people include both a “first impressions” section and a more in-depth analysis section in their final review.

Get Creative

There are plenty of book review templates to choose from and elements to mix-and-match, but you can also respond in a completely original way. You could create a work of art in response to the book! Here are some options:

• Writing a song , a short story, or a poem
• Writing a letter to the author or the main character (you don’t have to send it to the author!)
• Writing an “interview” of a character from the book, talk show style
• Making a visual response, like a collage or painting
• Making a book diorama, like your elementary school days!

Mix-and-Match Elements of a Book Review

Most book reviews are made up of a few different parts, which can be combined in lots of different ways. Here is a selection to choose from! These might also give you ideas for your own elements. Don’t take on too much, though! It can easily become an overwhelming amount of information for readers.

Information

Usually a book review starts with some basic information about the book. What you consider basic information, though, is up for interpretation! Consider what you and your audience will think is important. Here are some ideas:

• The title and author (pretty important)
• The book’s cover
• Format (audiobook, comic, poetry, etc)
• Genre (this can be broad, like SFF, or narrow, like Silkpunk or Dark Academia)
• Content warnings
• Source (where did you get the book? Was is borrowed from the library, bought, or were you sent an ARC?)
• Synopsis/plot summary (your own or the publisher’s)
• What kind of representation there is in the novel (including race, disability, LGBTQ characters, etc)
• Anything you’re tracking in your reading, including: authors of color, authors’ country, if a book is in translation, etc

Review Elements

Once you’ve established your basic information, you’re into the review itself! Some of these are small additions to a review, while others are a little more time-intensive.

Bullet point elements:

• Rating (star rating, thumbs up/down, recommend/wouldn’t recommend, or your own scale)
• Who would like it/Who wouldn’t like it
• Read-alikes (or movies and TV shows like the book)
• Describe the book using an emoji or emojis
• Describe the book using a gif or gifs
• Favorite line(s) from the book
• New vocabulary/the most beautiful words in the novel
• How it made you feel (in a sentence or two)
• One word or one sentence review
• Bullet points listing the selling points of a book
• BooksandLala’s Scary, Unsettling, and Intrigue ratings, for horror
• World-building, for fantasy and science fiction titles
• Art, for comics
• Narration, for audiobooks
• Romance, for…romance
• Heat level, for erotica

Visual elements:

• Design a graphic (usually incorporating the cover, your star rating, and some other basic info)
• Take a selfie of yourself holding the book, with your expression as the review
• Make a mood board
• Design your own book cover
• Make fan art

Elements to incorporate into a review:

• Quick/initial thoughts (often while reading or immediately after reading), then a more in-depth review (common on Goodreads)
• A list of facts about the book or a character from the book
• Book club questions about the book
• Spoiler/non-spoiler sections
• Research: look up interviews with the author and critique of the book, incorporate it (cited!) into your review
• Links to other resources, such as interviews or other reviews — especially #OwnVoices reviews
• A story of your own, whether it’s your experience reading the book, or something it reminded you of

This is not a complete list! There are so many ways to write a book review, and it should reflect your own relationship with books, as well as your audience. If you’re looking for more ways to keep track of your reading, you’ll also like 50+ Beautiful Bujo Spread Ideas to Track Your Reading .

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How to Write and Get Great Reviews — With Examples of a Book Review

by Ezra Barany · Published April 25, 2012 · Updated February 5, 2019

A lot of authors think that getting many five-star ecstatic reviews will help make more book sales, so they get their family and friends to post rave reviews. The problem is that browsing readers can detect false praise a mile away, so if you just help guide the reviewer on how to sound authentic, your reviews will in fact help you make more sales of your books.

When I evaluate a book that looks good, the first reviews I look at are the one-star reviews. I carefully scrutinize what the reviewer writes.

Why do I start at the one-star reviews? Because I’ve already got the impression the book may be worth getting, so I want to know what’s wrong with the book. You know the expression, “Too good to be true?” I come to a book that looks promising while thinking of that expression.

Since the one-star review doesn’t make the author happy, I know the reviewer’s not a close friend or relative of the author, so whatever the reviewer has to say may be more trustworthy. Also, I like reading one-star reviews because it can be fun to see someone ruthlessly tear a book apart if they do it with wit and humor.

If I get the impression that the reviewer is being biased or unfair, or their reason for not liking the book is insignificant, then I might look at the two-star reviews, and I’ll soon go to the four-star and five-star reviews.

Ideally, you want a review that combines both the excitement of how good your book is with the honesty and credibility of a one-star reviewer.

What Makes a Good Review?

Like I said, when people see five-star reviews with praise, they often think the reviewer is a friend of the author. Browsers of books will then dismiss those reviews as being biased. So actually, those are not good reviews. The best reviews are ones that sound sincere and come from a place of authentic criticism.

From beginning to end, here’s what a good review should have :

1. Typical Reading (To show where the reviewer is coming from)

The reviewer should explain where they’re coming from. Do they usually read science thrillers? Erotic romance? Knowing what the reviewer usually reads helps us know through what lens they’re looking when they comment on a book.

2. Pleasantly Surprised (To show that the reviewer can be trusted)

If the reviewer says they knew the book was going to be great because the author is their son, we won’t trust the review. But if the reviewer says they didn’t think the author or the book would be all that interesting, we feel like the reviewer has confided in us.

“I was pleasantly surprised” is a great comment. When a reviewer says she wasn’t expecting much and was pleasantly surprised, that tells us we can trust her. She’s being honest. As prospective buyers of the book reading her review, when we learn that we can trust the reviewer, we’ll be willing to read what else she has to say.

3. Reader’s Experience

Phrases like “I couldn’t put the book down,” or “It had me routing for the heroine,” are very useful. The overall experience is a great way to convey not only the value of the book but also what experience one can expect when reading it.

4. Specific Praise

It’s good to have content like, “This was a good book, I liked it a lot.” But it’s better to have specifics. “The writing was captivating,” “The characters were believable and I cared about them,” “The plot had so many twists and turns I couldn’t put the book down.” Specific praise helps browsing readers get a better sense of why your book is so good.

5. The Worst Problem (Back to the trust) + 6. The Best Part of the Book (To counter the one problem)

Why mention the worst problem about the book? By allowing the reviewer to reveal the worst problem of your book you gain two things. The superficial advantage is that the browsing reader will trust the review more. (We assume that anyone that mentions something bad about the book is being completely up front.)

The best advantage of revealing the worst problem with the book is that you reduce the risk of having someone who dislikes your style of book read it and give a harsh review of it. Is the problem that the characters are too stereotypical? Any reader who hates stereotypical characters will avoid the book and the only readers the book attracts will be ones who don’t mind stereotypical characters.

Better to prepare readers on what the biggest problem of your book is so they can decide if they’re willing to dismiss the problem and enjoy everything else your book has to offer.

Robert Cialdini, a man who got a degree in the psychology of influence, pointed out to me that one method of influence is to call out the worst part of the product and then hit them with the best. Have you heard the commercial for L’Oreal products? “It’s expensive, but you’re worth it!” so the reviewer should list the biggest problem, such as “I thought the characters could have been described better,” and then end with the best part about the book to show why the big problem doesn’t matter: “But the journey the story took me through was worth it.”

7. Recommend

When the reviewer ends by saying she’d recommend the book to others, it’s an opportunity to clarify the kinds of readers who’d love the book. By stating something like “I would recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal romance,” the reader can immediately know if they fall in the category of people who would like the book.

(You can edit before posting.)

Examples of a Book Review

Here are examples of a book review pulled from combinations of actual reviews I received for  The Torah Codes with the corresponding numbered parts of a good review:

(1.) I’m not much into the subject matter that the title suggests. (2.) I was a little concerned that this book was going to have an agenda about Torah codes, but I was pleasantly surprised. (3.)  The Torah Codes has a compelling story line and was actually hard to put down. (4.) The character Nathan is likable and often very funny, and the action kept me turning the pages. (5.) I must nitpick on one issue, though. Sophia, the main female character, is a Tarot card reader, which although an interesting twist to add, I would have liked the real meanings of the cards to have been used, not strange ones that are never used. (6.) This however, probably won’t affect the majority of the audience, so it’s definitely not something that should deter anyone from reading the book. This is a fun, quick-paced story that will not disappoint. (7.) It’s a fun book to share with a special friend.

How do you get the reviewer to write a well-written review?

When you request a review, offer to send them guidelines. If they respond by saying they are open to guidelines, list the above seven parts as questions for them to answer.

• What books do they usually read or like to read?
• What pleasantly surprised them about your book, and what experience did they have reading it?
• What specifically worked for them? The characters? The plot? The writing? How so?
• Also, what was the biggest aspect they didn’t like?
• And what one thing, the biggest praise they have for the book, made the aspect they didn’t like meaningless?
• Lastly, who would they recommend the book to?

Send them a few examples so that they get the idea. Also, I believe browsing readers like to read short reviews. So tell them it’s okay to keep it at about 300 to 500 words.

For those extra busy readers who are open to having you write the review for their approval, practice by writing one for your own book in the comments below! Include a link to where we can get your book!

Tags: examples of a book review ezra barany getting reviews how to get book reviews how to write a book review writing reviews

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Thanks for the help…i’m always worried that i will not say what needs to be said! 🙂 This will give me some ideas of what’s needed and what’s not. I won’t listen all the time but this can help me decide when i do need to follow the rules for the good of the book.

[…] your platform. Nick Thacker advises writing guest posts to sell more books, and Ezra Barany tells how to write and get great reviews, complete with example book […]

You present a nifty formula.

Perhaps I should try it out on a couple of books on Amazon tomorrow to see if it works for me?

Very helpful and realistic advice. It’s just hard to imagine encouraging people to write a 1-star review. I hope they can still give the 5-stars of enthusiasm they seem to have for my compelling memoir “The Woman in the Photograph,” yet give an honest evaluation of their experience. Thanks for your wisdom.

I found that reading glowing 5-Star reviews can be deceiving, and if I’ve read the book and know the thing actually stinks, I’m assured these people are friends. What I don’t like is doing reviews for someone and them refusing to let me put in a 3-Star review or lower. Like Ezra said, those are the honest ones.

The Post is very helpful, especially points 5 and 6. I also look at the least favorable reviews first, to get a sense of expectations that the reader may have, that for whatever reason did not come to fruition. Thanks for sharing these great guidelines!

You’re so welcome, Mary! I hope you’ll consider writing some book reviews for WritersFunZone!

I agree with Mary. This was a very helpful article and has helped me understand how to write a better book review without going into a long analysis which I don’t have time to do for every book I read.

So glad to hear it, Ann! I look forward to your reviews.

This is very helpful..not all post gives a detailed article Kindly post more ..I’m much delighted Just started to read books as i know it would be of much help to an individual..I’m not a that smart but hoping to put in my best

Merli, I’m glad you found it helpful.

I have always struggled with just the right things to say for a book review, wanting it to be relevant and helpful to the reader. This list of criteria is the perfect structure and has inspired me to write some reviews where I have been hesitating. Thank you!

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Book Review Examples

Posted by Stephanie Chandler | Dec 5, 2019 | AMAZON OPTIMIZATION - MEMBERS ONLY , Blog , MARKETING - MEMBERS ONLY , Nonfiction Book Marketing | 0

We’ve rounded up some real-world examples that demonstrate well-written book reviews. Feel free to share this post with people from your own tribe who can benefit from studying how simple reviews should be written on Amazon and beyond.

Book Review Examples (From Amazon and edited/modified as needed)

Educated is a moving and powerful memoir. The author grew up in a survivalist family in Idaho, as the youngest child. She was not homeschooled—instead, she simply didn’t go to school at all, due to her father’s mistrust of public schools. In an effort to escape abuse, she decides to go to college, and by her force of will, does well enough on the ACT to get into Brigham Young University. This memoir is a story of her internal struggle—to believe her own version of her life and to have the strength to break away from her past. It gives a glimpse into a way of life that most of us will never know, and it’s an inspiring story of one woman’s ability to change her future. Read this book now!

Rising Strong by Brene Brown is a thorough and thought-provoking page-turner. This book takes a seeker on a journey to self-discovery; not only by providing helpful tools that encourage curiosity and introspection, but by also taking the reader’s hand and walking step-by-step through real life examples. The author’s willingness to be candid and vulnerable throughout allows for a beautifully relatable transformation. She shares knowledge, understanding and experience in a masterful book that can enrich readers’ lives in many ways. Don’t pass this book by; it’s well-worth your time.

Jim Collins’s Good to Great shows how American companies struggle to get out of the “B zone” of mediocracy and become the best. He compares and analyzes good companies against the great ones with data, charts, and graphs. He also shows how “Level 5” leaders respond to chaos when monopolies become exposed to competition, and gives readers practical tools for responding to a wide variety of challenging business situations. There are many lessons to be discovered here and I believe that everyone in business should read this book.

Jenny Lawson is the voice so many of us have been looking for years. In Furiously Happy, she is brutally and unflinchingly honest. You will cry with her, not only because the stories are heartbreaking, but because you see yourself or someone you love in her words. You will laugh with her to the point that you are cackling out loud and people think that you’re insane. But the most important message she teaches readers is that it’s okay to be broken. It’s okay to not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel because everything will eventually be okay. There is a whole tribe of people out there just like you, and she is their leader. Read it. Pass it on. Buy it for a friend. Seriously, you will love this book.

James Clear’s Atomic Habits is different because it covers an enormous amount of ground in the larger area of self-improvement while seamlessly tying all these ideas back into the central theme of habits.One of the core concepts in Atomic Habits is to focus on the small improvement. The impact a 1% improvement per day can make may appear negligible at first, but Clear makes a compelling argument that in the case of habits, thinking small produces the biggest results over time.

“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement,” explains Clear. Over the months and years, the accumulated effect of small habitual daily behaviors is staggering. Clear’s book is intensely practical, giving you a huge toolkit of organized and named strategies you can apply immediately to create and strengthen positive habits and stop the negative ones. The book is conversational, and includes many interesting stories, making it easy to read – and hard to put down (I read it cover to cover in one day). It’s possible this might become your most highlighted personal improvement book because every page is packed with memorable and quotable gems of advice. Highly recommended.

If you’re looking for a better understanding of how your mindset affects your opinions , self-worth, outlook on the world, personal limitations and the trajectory of your life, read Carol Decker’s Mindset now. There are many case studies in the book about celebrities, corporate leaders, and sports legends displaying the different mindsets, and these real-world examples make for a fascinating read. If you want to learn more about yourself and those around you, this book will be a great investment in your success.

Have you written a review for a book you’d like to share with us? We’d love to see more examples in the comments below!

About The Author

Stephanie Chandler

Stephanie Chandler is the founder of the Nonfiction Authors Association and Nonfiction Writers Conference , and author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan . A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine. Visit StephanieChandler.com to learn more.

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In the realm of academic writing, one must tread with precision, grounding arguments in robust research, and conveying thoughts in a formal, polished tone. Just as one scrutinizes a research paper, reviewing a book demands an equally rigorous and systematic approach. A book review not only assesses the content of a book but also allows readers to understand its significance in the broader context of literature and scholarship.

What Is a Book Review Example?

Ever picked up a book and wondered if it’s worth the read? That’s where a book review steps in. Think of it as a friend giving you the lowdown on a story they’ve just read. It’s more than just saying, “It’s good” or “I didn’t like it.” A proper book review dives into the heart of the book. It talks about the journey the characters go on, the twists and turns of the plot, and the big ideas the writer is trying to share. Instead of just skimming the surface, it offers a deeper look, giving those considering the book a heads-up on what awaits them. Whether you find them in a classroom assignment, a fancy literary magazine, or your favorite weekend read, these reviews are like mini-guides helping readers decide their next bookish adventure.

Why Do Students Need to Write Book Review Examples?

Reading a book is like going on a personal adventure. Each page can make you feel different emotions, and you get lost in another world. But when students write a book review, it’s like taking that adventure to the next level.

Writing a book review is not just about summarizing the story. The idea is to push students to dive deeper, challenging them to analyze every facet of the book — from the author’s underlying messages and the twists and turns of the plot to the motivations driving the characters. Through this exercise, they don’t just passively absorb the story; they interact with it, dissect it, and form opinions about it.

Such a critical book review example, beyond being assignments, acts as a sharpening stone for students’ minds. They encourage a more active form of reading, urging students to think critically and consider how a particular book fits into the broader picture. Through this journey, students move beyond just being consumers of stories; they become active participants in them!

The Difference Between Various Genres

Genres, the various flavors in the literary world, offer readers a myriad of experiences, tailored by the unique conventions and characteristics inherent to each. Each genre is an invitation to a distinct realm, with reviews acting as previews of these vast universes.

Consider fantasy, a genre teeming with magic, mythical creatures, and far-off lands each in its own time and place. A review centered on a fantasy novel might delve into the intricacies of its world-building, pondering over the realms and races crafted from scratch. It’ll question the credibility of its magic system and the depth and richness of its history and lore. It’s about immersing in an entirely different reality, stitched together by imagination.

Move to the suspenseful corridors of detective fiction, where shadows hold secrets and every character is a suspect. Reviews for detective novels often hinge on the layered mysteries, the intellectual prowess of the investigator, and the heart-stopping, unexpected revelations that punctuate the narrative. It’s the art of deduction, of chasing clues and unveiling truths.

Then, there’s the tender realm of romance, where hearts, emotions, and relationships take center stage. A review of a romance novel is often tinted with discussions about character chemistry, the depth and rawness of their emotions, and the beautiful dance of love and heartbreak orchestrated by the narrator. It’s about exploring the spectrum of human emotions, from the fluttering butterflies of a first glance to the profound pain of unrequited love.

Science fiction, historical, horror – the list is endless. Each genre offers its unique palette of experiences, challenges, and emotions. Consequently, reviews must honor these distinctions, offering potential readers a genuine snapshot of the journey that awaits them in every book.

What Should a Book Review Sample Contain?

Crafting a meaningful book review requires more than just voicing one’s preferences; it demands a systematic and comprehensive breakdown of the book in question. This deconstruction serves as a roadmap for potential readers, guiding them in their decision-making process.

To begin with, the Introduction sets the stage. Here, the reviewer introduces the book’s core premise and provides insights into the author’s primary objectives. It’s a window into the book’s soul, offering readers a tantalizing glimpse of the journey they might undertake.

The heart of the review lies in the Content Analysis. This section plunges into the depths of the book, meticulously dissecting its various components – the plot’s intricacies, the character’s motivations and development, the backdrop against which the events unfold, and the unique narrative voice adopted by the author.

Following this deep dive is the Critical Evaluation. Armed with insights from their analysis, the reviewer offers a balanced assessment, weighing the book’s strengths against its shortcomings. This section isn’t about mere likes or dislikes but an informed, reasoned critique.

Concluding the review, the Conclusion encapsulates the reviewer’s final verdict. Here, the overarching sentiments are crystallized, guiding readers on whether embarking on this literary journey would be a time well-spent or a venture they might wish to skip.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare to Write a Book Review

The art of writing academic book review examples is an involved process, demanding not just a deep understanding of the book in question, but also an organized approach to translating those insights into words. Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help navigate this task with finesse.

Selecting the Right Book

Your initial choice of a book is pivotal, obviously, the most important. The process begins long before you even start reading. Aim to choose a work that either aligns with your existing interests or challenges your typical reading habits. Exploring unfamiliar terrains can sometimes provide the most profound insights. This genuine investment or curiosity in the content frequently results in a review that isn’t just thorough but brimming with authenticity. Remember, passion and enthusiasm are palpable, even in written words.

Immersive Reading

As you begin the reading journey, it’s essential to let the narrative envelop you entirely. Avoid skimming or rushing through chapters. Instead, savor each segment, allowing yourself to fully connect with the characters, settings, and plot developments, creating a new idea for your review each time. Such a reading experience ensures you grasp the nuances that the author intricately weaves, enriching your final analysis.

Note-taking

Keep a dedicated notebook or digital document to record your evolving reactions. As characters develop, plots twist and themes emerge, jot down these observations. Don’t just capture the significant moments; sometimes, subtleties can profoundly impact the overall narrative. Also, earmark impactful quotes; they can be powerful allies when substantiating your points during the review process.

The end of the book is not the end of your task. Post-reading reflection is a critical phase. Ponder on the overarching message, the emotions it stirred, and its position within its genre. Was there a unique angle or perspective it presented? Such introspection helps in understanding the narrative’s broader context and its personal impact on you.

Research the Author

Familiarize yourself with their previous works, personal experiences, or historical context during the time of writing. Such knowledge often reveals underlying themes or motivations in the narrative, adding depth to your review and more context about the narrator.

Structuring the Review

Use your notes and reflections as a foundation, and build a clear structure for your review. Ensure it flows seamlessly, covering everything from the introductory overview, detailed analysis, and personal opinions, to a succinct conclusion. A well-structured review aids the reader in understanding both the narrative and your perspective.

Writing with Intenet Penning down the review isn’t just about summarizing the book in the first place. Your intent should be clear – to present a balanced overview, emphasizing both the strengths and weaknesses of the narrative. As you articulate your thoughts, your primary goal should be to encapsulate the essence of the story and guide potential readers on what awaits them.

Should You Give Out Spoilers When Writing a Book Review?

The question of whether to include spoilers in a book review has long been a contentious one, sparking animated debates among bibliophiles and reviewers alike. On one hand, providing detailed information can arm potential readers with a clearer sense of what to anticipate, enabling them to make informed decisions about whether a particular narrative aligns with their tastes. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that, in some cases, knowing pivotal plot points in advance can even enhance the reading experience, allowing the reader to focus on the nuances of character development, theme exploration, and the author’s craft.

On the other hand, many firmly believe that a book’s magic lies in its element of surprise. Unearthing twists organically, as the author intended, allows readers to experience the full spectrum of emotions — from shock to revelation — in their raw, unadulterated form. By this logic, revealing significant spoilers is akin to unwrapping someone else’s present; the thrill of the unknown is unjustly taken away.

Given these polarized views, the middle ground becomes essential. A well-crafted review should be similar to a movie trailer, offering enough to pique interest while withholding just enough to ensure the story remains fresh and intriguing. It’s a tightrope walk, balancing the need to discuss the book’s content and themes without revealing so much that the narrative’s core mysteries are laid bare.

Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the reviewer. But it’s always wise to ensure that potential readers are offered a glimpse, not a roadmap, to the heart of the story, preserving the magic of discovery.

The Specifics of Writing a MLA Format Book Review Example

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is one of the widely accepted citation styles in academic circles, and understanding its nuances is paramount when drafting academic book reviews. Here’s a deeper dive into the specifics.

Citation of the Book

At the outset, the reviewer must correctly cite the book. For instance, a book authored by John Smith titled “Literary Wonders” published in 2021 would be cited as: Smith, John. Literary Wonders. Publisher, 2021. This citation provides a standardized reference point, allowing readers to easily locate and verify the source material.

Paragraph Structure

Unlike casual reviews, MLA formatted book reviews favor structured paragraphs. Start with an introduction that offers a brief overview of the book’s main themes, followed by middle paragraphs dissecting various elements like plot, character development, and thematic content. Conclude with a summation of your overall thoughts and critique.

Formatting Rules

MLA has distinct formatting guidelines. Reviews should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The font, typically Times New Roman, should be set to 12-point size. Page headers with your last name followed by the page number should be inserted in the top right corner.

Direct Quotations

If quoting directly from the book, ensure proper in-text citations. For instance, if quoting a line from page 45 of John Smith’s “Literary Wonders,” it should appear as: “Quoted text” (Smith 45).

Consistency

It’s not merely about adhering to rules but ensuring consistency throughout the review. If you’re italicizing book titles in the beginning, maintain that throughout. Consistent application of rules reflects attention to detail and academic rigor.

Familiarizing oneself with these concrete points ensures not only adherence to academic standards but also lends credibility and professionalism to one’s work. As students strive for academic excellence, mastering the art of MLA formatted book reviews can prove to be an invaluable skill in their scholarly journey.

Tips on How to Write an Engaging Book Review

An engaging book review does more than convey an opinion; it inspires the reader. Remember, your goal is to guide, enlighten, and perhaps, entice your reader to embark on the same literary journey you experienced. Here are some tips to make the process easier for you.

Craft a Compelling Introduction : Start with an attention-grabbing sentence or a quote from the book. Your introduction should provide a taste of the book’s essence and hint at your overall impression. It sets the tone for the entire review.

Be Objective Yet Passionate : While it’s essential to maintain a degree of objectivity, especially if there are elements of the book you didn’t like, it’s equally crucial to let your genuine feelings about the book come through. Your passion can be infectious, drawing readers to the book or cautioning them effectively. Descriptive and emotive language can vividly convey the atmosphere of the book. Instead of saying, “The book was thrilling,” you might say, “The book sent shivers down my spine with every unexpected turn.”

Stay Concise but Detailed : A great review isn’t necessarily a long one. Focus on the most impactful elements of the book, diving into details that stood out, without meandering into unrelated territories. Discuss how the book made you feel and why. Was there a moment that made you tear up or laugh out loud? These personal touches can resonate strongly with potential readers.

Address the Author’s Style : Every author has a unique voice. Whether it’s poetic prose, sharp wit, or gripping suspense, highlight the nuances of the author’s writing style and how it complements the narrative. If there are elements you didn’t appreciate, present them alongside the book’s strengths. This balanced approach assures readers of your credibility.

End with a Strong Conclusion : Summarize your thoughts and give a final verdict. Would you recommend the book? Who would you recommend it to? This provides a neat closure to your review. Pose a question at the end of your review or share a personal anecdote related to the story. Engaging the reader can turn your review from a monologue into a conversation, fostering a deeper connection.

Proofread and Revise : A well-written review, free from grammatical errors and typos, not only enhances readability but also showcases professionalism and respect for both the author and your readers.

Incorporating these tips ensures that your book review isn’t just informative but also compelling, guiding potential readers in their literary choices with grace and authority.

What is an example of a book review?

An example of a book review would be: “In Harper Lee’s seminal work, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, the essence of the American Deep South in the 1930s is vividly captured through the eyes of young Scout Finch. Lee weaves a tale that is both a poignant coming-of-age story and a searing indictment of racial prejudice. With characters like the honorable Atticus Finch and the enigmatic Boo Radley, Lee crafts a narrative that is as gripping as it is enlightening. The novel’s exploration of morality, class, and the loss of innocence is both timely and timeless.”

What are the 5 parts of a book review?

The five parts of a book review are introduction, summary, analysis, personal opinion, and conclusion. Each serves its own purpose and shouldn’t be overlooked in the process.

What is a simple book review?

A simple book review is a concise evaluation of a book, highlighting its main plot, characters, and the reviewer’s opinion. Instead of diving deep into analysis, it offers a snapshot for readers to quickly understand the book’s essence and the reviewer’s feelings. For example, “John Green’s ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ is a touching tale of two teenagers battling cancer, exploring love, life, and loss. A must-read for those who cherish heartfelt stories.”

How do you start a book review sentence?

Starting a book review sentence can be approached in various ways. Try quoting a memorable line from the book: “As George Orwell famously wrote, ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others’…”

Also, you can consider making a general statement about the genre or theme: “Historical fiction often transports us to eras long gone, but…” And finally, sharing a personal reflection: “Having always been fascinated by space exploration, reading Andy Weir’s ‘The Martian’ was an exhilarating experience for me…”

What makes a good book review?

A good book review offers a balanced perspective, combining objective analysis with personal reflection. It’s well-structured, beginning with an introduction and ending with a conclusion, offering readers clear insights into the book’s content and its significance. Furthermore, a good review avoids major spoilers, provides context and evaluates the book’s strengths and weaknesses. It also delves into the emotional and intellectual impact of the book, guiding potential readers on whether it might resonate with them. Authenticity, clarity, and a genuine passion for literature shine through in a well-crafted review.

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

How to Ask for Book Reviews (& Why You Should)

March 9, 2023 by Guest Contributor

By Liz Alterman

You’ve written a book. Congratulations! Now for the next hurdle—gathering those all-important ratings and reviews .

When my novel, The Perfect Neighborhood , was released last July, I quickly learned how critical these are. Leading up to my launch, I reached out to a nearby library to see if they’d consider it for their book club. Before I could even offer to donate copies or attend the meeting, I was promptly told to call back when I had more than one hundred, four-star ratings. Ouch!

For many authors, myself included, knowing that people took the time to read your words feels like a gift in itself. Can you really ask them to take more time out of their busy lives to write and post a review? Yes, you can, and here’s why you must.

First, reviews and ratings serve as a form of social proof. The more you have—especially positive ones—the more likely readers are to give your book a try.

As Scott Blackburn , author of the southern crime thriller It Dies With You, pointed out, publishers are doing less and less promotional work in an increasingly crowded market, making book reviews crucial—especially for debut authors.

“ Even now, I often find myself scrolling Goodreads and Amazon, looking for new material to read, and more times than not, the quality and quantity of a book’s reviews will guide my decision on what to buy,” said Blackburn. “Do those criteria mean a book will be a guaranteed hit? Absolutely not. That’s all subjective. Did those reviews help the authors behind those books? Most definitely.” 

Second, while having plenty of reviews and ratings may encourage readers to take a chance on your book, there’s another reason they’re important.

“In order to qualify for certain promotions on Amazon and BookBub, you need to have 50 or 100 reviews on Amazon,” explained Andrea J. Stein , author of the novel Typecast, and a book publicist by profession. “Also, the more reviews you have, the more the algorithm will promote your book.”

So, How Do You Make the Ask?

For plenty of authors, asking readers for reviews and ratings can feel awkward, almost like fishing for compliments.

“Many authors struggle with this aspect of self-promotion because they feel rude or pushy when asking for reviews,” said Blackburn. “If this is the case for you, keep this in mind: in a world where a majority of shopping is done online, people encounter reviews and ratings on a daily basis, which means they understand why those things are so important.” 

So how does Blackburn handle it? Approach these requests with kindness and professionalism, he advised.

“Simply let people know how much reviews help and how appreciative you are to get them,” he said. “This could be done in a blanket post on social media or in a casual conversation with a reader.”

His go-to script? “If you have time, I’d really appreciate a review.”

“If the person you ask isn’t comfortable with—or simply doesn’t know how—to write a book review, it’s good to remind them that clicking a star rating only takes seconds, and those can be just as helpful,” Blackburn added.

Stein offered her strategy. “Whenever someone tells me they loved my book, my immediate response is to ask if they could post a review on Amazon,” she said. “If it’s in response to an email, I’ll tell them that they can just use the same text they used in the email as their review.”

You can also ask that they paste that same text on various retailer and review sites to boost your book on multiple platforms.

Stein added that she’s never had anyone say anything but “yes,” and most often, they keep their word.

“When I send an ARC to a potential reviewer, I simply thank them for their interest and wish them ‘happy reading!’” she said. “I then follow up to confirm they’ve received the ARC and to ask if they know when they’ll be able to read/review the book. I always point out that reviews can be short. I don’t want people to feel they’re expected to write an essay.”

Blackburn offered additional strategies, such as creating a social media post like: “I’m sitting at 97 reviews. If you read my novel, I’d love for you to help me reach 100 reviews.”

“I’ve had success with similar posts,” he said. “At minimum, it’s a reminder to readers to leave a review, and more than that, people love to be a part of a milestone. I’ve even seen authors host giveaways when they hit review milestones.” 

Author and humorist Julie Vick shared an innovative, quieter but just as effective strategy.

To spread the word about her book, Babies Don’t Make Small Talk (So Why Should  I?): The Introvert’s Guide to Surviving Parenthood , Vick connected with stewards of Little Free Libraries (LFL) and also left her book in LFLs in her area. In each copy, she placed a sticker encouraging readers to leave a review. She shared the text she included:  

“This book was donated to a Little Free Library for you to enjoy. If you enjoyed reading it, I would love it if you could leave a review on a retailer’s site or Goodreads (you don’t have to have bought a book there to leave a review).”

If friends or family haven’t had a chance to read your book yet, they can still give the work a boost by marking it “to-read” on Goodreads. How does it help? When someone checks that box, all of their Goodreads friends will see your book on their homepages, increasing its free exposure.

Courtesy Counts

Vick said that as she asked readers to rate her book, she was always conscious to “not bombard people with requests.”

Blackburn agreed there’s a line between being persistent and being pushy and said there’s no need to publicly seek reviews daily, but if you’ve recently launched a book or your reviews begin to slow, don’t be afraid to ask.

“I’ve also tried to just be a good literary citizen in terms of reviewing other authors’ books,” said Vick. “So when I read a book that I enjoy, I try to review it on one of the sites. This can often lead to reciprocal reviews from other authors you know without you having to ask.” 

Blackburn echoed the importance of returning the favor. “If you’re asking for reviews,” he said, “make sure you’re leaving reviews for your fellow authors.”

If you’re not seeing those reviews and ratings pile up, don’t panic.

“It’s also important to keep in mind that less than 15% (often less than 10%) of people review or rate the books they read, so there’s no need to panic if you’ve sold 500 books and you’re nowhere near 100 reviews,” said Blackburn. That’s totally normal.” 

While asking for ratings and reviews may feel uncomfortable, much like writing itself, once you’ve done it you’ll be glad you did. Chances are, they’ll help your book find more readers and, ultimately, isn’t that what writers want?

Liz Alterman  is the author of the suspense novel,  The Perfect Neighborhood .  the young adult novel,  He’ll Be Waiting , and the memoir,  Sad Sacked.  Liz lives in New Jersey with her husband and three sons. When she isn’t writing, Liz spends most days reading, microwaving the same cup of coffee, and looking up synonyms.

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Reader Interactions

March 15, 2023 at 4:40 pm

Brilliant stuff. I can’t wait to share for Writer Wednesday. Thank you for your insight.

March 16, 2023 at 9:14 am

Thanks so much, Elias! I’m so glad you found it helpful!

March 10, 2023 at 5:15 am

I think that the words ‘book review ‘ are scary for some people. They think of the book reviews they had to do at school. It’s different when Amazon asks for a review of something else. There are no connotations. I’ve taken to asking for a comment instead of a review. This implies a sentence or two. I usually ask them to say if they liked the book or not, and what they liked or disliked about it.

March 10, 2023 at 6:37 am

That’s such a great idea. I think the idea of leaving “a comment” seems a lot less daunting than “writing a review.” I’m going to try this!

Thanks for suggesting it!

March 9, 2023 at 5:51 pm

Thanks so much for this helpful post, Liz! I’m a bit of a marshmallow when it comes to asking for favors. The examples you gave of great ways to request a review or turn it into a celebration when you’re close to a certain number of reviews will be a huge help when I need them.

The Little Free Library idea is brilliant in so many ways, too! I didn’t realize they have an app.

March 9, 2023 at 9:57 pm

Thanks so much! Yes, I love this idea—and Little Free Libraries in general.

I’m a marshmallow too but hoping this motivates me to be braver!

March 9, 2023 at 10:05 am

Great advice here, Liz. I have definitely seen the social strategy of being close to a milestone number of reviews encourage readers to get the number to the milestone, and it’s definitely smart to ask someone to leave a review if they like the book. I sometimes forget to do this, and so it’s a good reminder. 🙂

March 9, 2023 at 10:13 am

Thanks so much, Angela! I thought that was great advice from Scott as well. I often joke that I’m going to have to write, “ask for a review!” on my hand because I rarely remember in the moment!

Happy writing!

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Sin and I by Travis Hupp is an evocative collection of poetry that explores the nuanced intersections of faith, rebellion, and self-acceptance within a context marked by personal and societal turmoil. Split into thematic sections—Anger, Politics, Metaphysical, Despair, Hope, and Love—Hupp’s work is a dynamic journey navigating through raw emotions and profound reflections. Hupp’s style is marked by raw, unfiltered language and vivid imagery that encapsulate the complex nature of his experiences and observations. The author’s direct and often confrontational tone creates an intimate and immediate connection with the reader. Hupp does not shy away from brutal honesty, a defining trait of the collection. The emotional spectrum of the collection ranges from rage and resentment to hope and love, making his style both volatile and tender.Sin and I plunges readers into Hupp’s personal battles and societal critiques. The central themes include the fight against blind conformity, the...

Featured Reviews

Journey's Arcane

Eda Scott |

Journey’s Arcane by Eda Scott is an intriguing narrative blending mystery, romance, and a dash of supernatural lore. The story follows Nora Carter, a young woman escaping the toxic grip of her family with the mission of preserving a historical property in Journey, Manitoba. Her journey is laden with personal revelations, family confrontations, and unexpected romantic entanglements, especially with the enigmatic bartender Leon. The book opens with a beautifully detailed description of Nora's nostalgic drive to this quaint town, setting the scene for a mix of small-town charm and personal reflection. Eda Scott's writing vividly paints the town of Journey, capturing its beauty and the emotional undertones of Nora's journey.Nora's character development is impeccable, and readers will love to follow her as she transitions from someone burdened by her family's narcissistic tendencies to a woman discovering her strength and capacity for love. The interactions with her family—particularly...

Featured Literary Fiction Reviews

Don Tassone | Literary Fiction

Don Tassone's Drive is an engaging narrative that is also a compelling metaphor for life. Nick Reynolds is a highly successful yet deeply troubled food company executive. He is a man who is hard to deal with at work and a man who doesn't seem to have a strong sense of what is essential. He is so absorbed by himself and feared by his employees. He doesn't enjoy a strong relationship with his wife and children. When he screws up at work, his boss asks him to take some days off, so he sets off alone from his home in Chicago for Bar Harbor, Maine. What happens on the road will blow the minds of readers as Nick Reynolds discovers that the road can be the best form of intersection between his highest dreams and his deepest fears. Follow this character through a journey in which the road reveals a lot about him and prompts a journey toward self-discovery, healing, and redemption. Nick Reynolds is not a likable protagonist at the outset. He is a bully, feared by his employees, and estranged fr...

Featured Children - Fiction Reviews

Let's Work Smarter

Katharine Mitropoulos | Children - Fiction

Let's Work Smarter by Katharine Mitropoulos follows the delightful tale of a group of animal friends working together to refurbish their old playground, Harmony Lane. On a beautiful day at the Harmony Lane farmers market, friends Mole, Bunny, and Mouse sell their delicious goods—apple pies, fresh carrots, and tiny treats—to raise money for their project. Their efforts are rewarded when Mayor Zebra announces they've reached their fundraising goal. The next day, team leader Mouse organizes the friends into groups: Kangaroo, Frog, and Kitten are tasked with planting flowers; Bunny, Giraffe, and Bear with painting the fence; and Mole, Grasshopper, and Cheetah with cleaning the sandbox. Initially, the tasks proved to be chaotic and overwhelming. The flower planting team struggles with dirt, the sandbox team faces an uphill battle clearing leaves and sticks, and the painting team finds precision difficult. Exhausted and disheartened, the friends find themselves no closer to completion b...

Featured Non-Fiction - New Age Reviews

YOU'VE GOT THE MAGIC, WHO NEEDS A GENIE?

Corbie Mitleid | Non-Fiction - New Age

You've Got the Magic: Who Needs a Genie? by Corbie Mitleid is a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in the metaphysical and holistic industry. As a seasoned expert in the field, Corbie shares her years of experience and hard-earned wisdom on becoming a sought-after metaphysical professional. The book contains practical advice, real-world examples, and a refreshing, relatable, no-nonsense approach. The book is divided into five parts, each covering a different aspect of building a successful career as a metaphysical practitioner. Corbie covers everything from the basics of choosing the right fairs to design tips for the booth. She also discusses the importance of self-care, professionalism, and ethics, providing valuable insights for readers who want to maintain high integrity in their work. Corbie's ability to make complex concepts accessible and easily understood is remarkable. Her writing is fluid and conversational, and the confidence in her voice fills the book's pages. Corbie...

Featured Fiction - Coming of Age Reviews

Bright Midnights

LS Delorme | Fiction - Coming of Age

LS Delorme's Bright Midnights: A Dark Paranormal Love Story is a gorgeous addition to the Limerent Series, offering a rich blend of metaphysical sci-fi and romance. In this enthralling narrative, we follow the plight of 17-year-old Amelie, laden with a mysterious gift that attracts others to her. But those who get to her present dangers, so she must shield herself by constructing barriers in her mind. From the outset, Amelie's life is fraught with challenges beyond typical teenage angst. Her unique ability to draw others toward her sets her apart; while she draws others to her, she can also feel lonely. Her safe place is her dreams, and when she encounters the mysterious Clovis, whose secrets intertwine with hers, a forbidden attraction is born between the two, an attraction that will fuel the tension that moves this story forward. Delorme creates intricate plot twists, compelling characters, and a looming sense of foreboding, intelligently presenting a thought-provoking exploration...

Michael J. Nercessian |

The Dowry: A Novel by Michael J. Nercessian is a distinct dive into an unsettling, somewhat dystopian world that is equal parts sci-fi and social commentary, through the lens of his protagonist, Talis, Nercessian charts the harrowing quest for societal acceptance and personal fulfillment in a futuristic society where traditional order, technology, and human nature collide. Overpopulation has turned reproduction into a privilege, and Talis and Lark's marriage is unraveling under the weight of their unmet longing for a child. As they navigate a society where the right to parenthood demands an unimaginable dowry, they must face the extremes to which humanity will go for love, identity, and survival. With the stakes stacked against them, do they stand a chance of mending their marriage and having a child?The book’s strengths are its ability to meld sharp, thought-provoking prose with a well-crafted narrative. Nercessian introduces readers to a world where human reproduction is tightly cont...

Featured Fiction - Literary Reviews

The Reign of the Anti-Santas

Colin Dodds | Fiction - Literary

The Reign of the Anti-Santas by Colin Dodds is a unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a world where the holiday spirit collides head-on with corporate greed, scandal, and societal change. The story is narrated by Elvin, an elf with a front-row seat to the evolution and devolution of Christmas. Elvin's journey begins when he unwittingly accompanies Santa Claus on a Christmas Eve trip, setting the stage for a decades-long adventure filled with intrigue and danger. Dodds creates a narrative that includes Santa's secret affairs, the PR scandal that catapults Rudolph to fame, and the encroachment of humanity on the North Pole. What makes this book truly captivating is its imaginative world-building. Dodds constructs a fully realized universe of elves with a rich history and culture. Readers are treated to an exploration of the elves' interactions with humans and their transformation into pine trees at the end of their lives. This unearthly a...

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SunBôw TrueBrother (Lulu.com)

Contemporary Shamanic Journeys: Spiritualist Pacifism and Wisdom Keepers by SunBôw TrueBrother is a comprehensive and deeply personal book. It is the third installment in the Contemporary Shamanic Journeys series, which chronicles the author's spiritual and shamanic experiences from the 1980s to the present day. The book is a testament to the author's commitment to spiritual activism, pacifism, and wisdom keeping as he shares his stories, reflections, and insights from his journeys across North America, Europe, and beyond. The book is divided i...

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Michael J. Nercessian (Independently Published)

The Dowry: A Novel by Michael J. Nercessian is a distinct dive into an unsettling, somewhat dystopian world that is equal parts sci-fi and social commentary, through the lens of his protagonist, Talis, Nercessian charts the harrowing quest for societal acceptance and personal fulfillment in a futuristic society where traditional order, technology, and human nature collide. Overpopulation has turned reproduction into a privilege, and Talis and Lark's marriage is unraveling under the weight of their unmet longing for a child. As they navigate a s...

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Eda Scott (Atmosphere Press)

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In the expansive canvas of human existence, words stand out as powerful tools for communication, connection, and transformation. Books, as timeless repositories of the written word, possess the unique ability to shape and transform our lives profoundly. This article explores the compelling influence that books hold, investigating how the potency of words can make an enduring impact on our minds, hearts, and life trajectories.Portals to Alternate RealitiesAt the core of the transformative power o...

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7 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

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Today is the first day of summer, and what better time to read a handful of books about adventures — or misadventures? Our recommended titles this week include Kevin Fedarko’s “A Walk in the Park,” his good-natured romp about encountering bad nature on a trek through the Grand Canyon, along with David Nicholls’s novel about a happier hiking trip, Nicholas Kristof’s memoir of life as a roving reporter and Kassia St. Clair’s look at an epic intercontinental car race in the early days of the automobile. (You can’t even call it a road race, because along much of the route roads were nonexistent.)

On a more sober note, we also recommend Kim A. Wagner’s meticulously researched history of a forgotten military atrocity and Steven Johnson’s reconstruction of an era when anarchists and police forces duked it out in a battle of wits (and dynamite). In fiction, don’t miss Morgan Talty’s rich debut novel, “Fire Exit,” about a man exiled from the only land and culture he has ever known. Happy solstice, and happy reading. — Gregory Cowles

A WALK IN THE PARK: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon Kevin Fedarko

Two friends — the adventure writer Fedarko and the photographer Pete McBride — decide to walk the length of the Grand Canyon. What could go wrong? As this wildly entertaining book demonstrates, everything you can imagine, and then some. Fedarko takes us for a ride that’s often harrowing, frequently hilarious and, always, full of wonderful nature writing.

“Fedarko doesn’t describe awe; he induces it, with page-turning action, startling insights and the kind of verbal grace that makes multipage descriptions of, say, a flock of pelicans feel riveting and new.”

From Blair Braverman’s review

Scribner | $32.50

THE INFERNAL MACHINE: A True Story of Dynamite, Terror, and the Rise of the Modern Detective Steven Johnson

From the 1880s to, roughly, 1920, anarchists were considered America’s greatest terror threat. And in telling the stories of Emma Goldman, Alexander Berkman, Peter Kropotkin and the policemen who pursued them, Johnson makes it clear that his real protagonist is dynamite itself. While this functions as a lively history of an era in its own right, it’s also a timely meditation on the nature of violence, protest and American society.

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Surface Laptop review: Microsoft’s best MacBook Air competitor yet

Microsoft and qualcomm finally deliver the hardware windows on arm needed..

By Tom Warren , a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.

Photography by Chris Welch

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The new Surface Laptop isn’t just a refresh. It’s Microsoft’s first clamshell laptop with Qualcomm chips inside, and it represents Microsoft’s most serious attempt yet at a transition to Windows on Arm. The company’s previous efforts at Arm-based Windows machines were flawed, with poor app compatibility and sluggish performance. Now, Microsoft is trying again to finely balance processing power and battery life in a way that only Apple has achieved in laptops so far.

This time around, Microsoft has nailed it. Everything about the new Surface Laptop feels way better. Microsoft has not only closed the MacBook Air gap but also raised the bar for what you should expect from a Windows laptop that starts at $999.99.

This new Surface Laptop is also one of the first Copilot Plus PCs , which leverage AI-focused chips to usher in an era of artificial intelligence features inside Windows. The flagship AI feature, Recall , is designed to let you recall memories and moments by taking screenshots of nearly everything you do on your PC. This controversial feature isn’t launching just yet , as Microsoft is reworking its security over concerns raised by researchers . That leaves unanswered some big questions about the future of Microsoft’s AI efforts in Windows that will have to wait.

While Microsoft loaned me a $2,099.99 15-inch Surface Laptop model with 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor, I purchased a $999.99 13.8-inch base model with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and the less-powerful 10-core Snapdragon X Plus. I fully expected the $999.99 option to disappoint me, as Surface base models have been really underpowered in the past. Instead, I’m keeping the $999.99 Surface Laptop because I’ve been so impressed with the phenomenal battery life over the past week.

Inside and out, Microsoft has made a lot of changes to the Surface Laptop 7th Edition that are subtle but don’t amount to a huge redesign. The most noticeable is the slightly larger 13.8-inch LCD display, which now has smaller bezels at the sides and top. The display’s corners have been rounded, and it supports HDR with Dolby Vision and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The 15-inch model also has smaller bezels and rounded corners.

I’m glad that the bezels have finally been addressed, but I do wish this screen had some type of antireflective coating. Now that the summer has finally arrived in the UK, I’ve noticed plenty of reflections while using this laptop. Cranking up the brightness counters the reflections, but I’d just prefer a coating, personally.

Microsoft has also managed to integrate an upgraded 1080p front-facing camera into the top of the display without having to put a notch in. The image it produces is surprisingly good for a laptop — enough that a friend even asked me what camera I was using during a video call. This camera also has Windows Hello support so you can log in to the Surface Laptop with just your face.

Microsoft has also finally added a precision haptic trackpad, so you get consistent click feedback anywhere on the large touchpad surface. It’s fully customizable, and the haptics are so subtle on this new trackpad that when I briefly switched back to a Surface Laptop 4, it felt like the older trackpad was broken. The trackpads on the 13- and 15-inch Surface Laptop 7th Edition models are the same size, so you’re getting a nice and big trackpad either way.

The keyboard is largely the same as prior Surface Laptop models, with the exception of a new Copilot key. It’s the first big change to Windows keyboards in 30 years, but all the key does is launch a Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Copilot. It’s far less functional than the Copilot integration that already existed in Windows 11, and I’m not entirely sure why Microsoft has made Copilot less useful on these new Copilot Plus PCs that have a dedicated button for the AI assistant.

Surface Laptop 7th Edition (13.8-inch) specs as reviewed:

• Display:  13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz LCD touchscreen
• CPU:  Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (10-core)
• GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
• RAM:  16GB LPDDR5x
• Storage:  256GB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Webcam:  1080p Surface Studio Camera
• Connectivity:  Wi-Fi 7; Bluetooth 5.4
• Ports:  2 x USB-C USB 4 with DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, headphone jack, Surface Connect charging port
• Weight:  2.96 lbs.
• Dimensions:  11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches
• Battery:  54 Whr
• Price:  $999.99

The Surface Laptop 7th Edition also has a second USB-C port this time around, which is ideal if you want to charge over a USB-C port and still connect an accessory. Both USB-C ports are compatible with USB 4, and there’s even a USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 port if you haven’t quite moved into the USB-C era. Both the 13.8- and 15-inch models can also charge through the dedicated Surface Connect port. Microsoft has kept the 3.5mm headphone jack, and there’s a microSDXC card reader on the 15-inch model. 

On the $999.99 13-inch model I’ve been testing, Microsoft picked Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip. It has two fewer CPU cores than the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite and lacks the dual-core boost option found on the two higher-end X Elite models, which dynamically adjusts the processor frequency on up to two cores to get more power when the CPU needs it. It has the same GPU and NPU otherwise, and all Surface Laptop 7th Edition models include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support.

Microsoft has also ditched the alcantara fabric options for the Surface Laptop this time around. It’s all metal now, with four color options to choose from: sapphire blue, a golden dune, and the regular black and silver options. The fancy color options aren’t available on the base $999.99 model, which only ships in silver.

The 15-inch model starts at $1,299.99 with a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. If you want the X Elite on the 13.8-inch model, it starts at $1,399.99, though you do get 512GB of storage.

Windows on Arm and performance

Ahead of this review, I went back to the original Surface Pro X from 2019 for a few days to see where Windows on Arm was at. The last time Microsoft did a big Windows on Arm push, ARM64 support was terrible. Microsoft and Qualcomm have both been pushing software developers to support native Arm apps over the past couple of years, and things have noticeably improved. Chrome, Slack, and Spotify now all have native apps.

Native apps like Chrome feel great on this new Surface Laptop. Whereas the Surface Pro X always felt underpowered, Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X Plus and Elite are far more capable of delivering the responsiveness you’d expect from a modern laptop. My time using the base Surface Laptop 7th Edition felt like any regular Intel- or AMD-powered laptop. Performance in everyday tasks also felt the same, though that experience could be mixed if you’re not in native ARM64 apps.

Discord always ran terribly on the Surface Pro X, but it’s definitely improved with the Prism emulator here. I still find a slight lag navigating between servers and some occasional stuttering, though. Discord tells me there are no plans for an ARM64 app right now but says that could change in the future if adoption of these Qualcomm-powered laptops becomes meaningful.

It’s not all perfect, though. Adobe doesn’t have an ARM64 version of Premiere Pro ready just yet, so it has blocked the installation of Premiere Pro on the X Elite, but it forgot to do the same for the X Plus initially. That allowed me to test a heavyweight app with Microsoft’s updated Prism emulator. Prism is designed to allow any regular Windows apps to run on these new Copilot Plus PCs, regardless of whether a developer has an optimized and native ARM64 app.

While Photoshop is ARM64 and feels responsive, I can understand why Adobe blocked the emulated Premiere Pro experience. I tried to edit a 20-second 4K video file, and the interface stuttered along, with playback skipping frames regularly. I gave up even trying to export the file as it was chugging along slowly with an expected completion of nearly five minutes. I ran the same export on my gaming PC with an RTX 4090 and Intel Core i9-14900K, and it exported in seven seconds.

That’s not a fair comparison, but if you’re looking into one of these Qualcomm-powered laptops and you have a creativity or productivity app that you rely on daily, especially if it relies on GPU power, make sure an ARM64 version is available. Thankfully, the vast majority of other apps that I use daily have an ARM64 version or perform well enough on the new emulator.

Microsoft also made a lot of big claims about MacBook Air-beating scores in benchmarks like Geekbench and Cinebench. The Surface Laptop 13-inch Snapdragon X Plus model beat both the MacBook Air M3 13- and 15-inch models in Geekbench 6 multicore and Cinebench 2024 multicore tests. The MacBooks comfortably beat the Surface Laptops in single-core performance in Cinebench and Geekbench, though, with the 15-inch MacBook Air around 11 percent ahead of the 15-inch Surface Laptop in Geekbench single core and around 15 percent ahead in Cinebench single core. These benchmarks show that the Surface Laptop can be better than the MacBook Air at sustained performance in apps.

I ran a bunch of Blender tests, but the 3D app wouldn’t pick up the Snapdragon X Plus or Elite’s GPU, so the render was completed by CPU only and was much slower as a result. A 3DMark test also only ran emulated on the Surface Laptop, so the MacBook Air M3 was able to pull ahead by more than 30 percent in the result. The older Cinebench R23 only ran emulated on the Surface Laptop, but the 15-inch model with the X Elite still managed to outperform the 15-inch MacBook Air M3 by around 8 percent in the multicore test, with the MacBook Air more than 40 percent faster in the single-core test.

Microsoft also claims that its range of Copilot Plus PCs will be “58 percent faster than a MacBook Air M3,” but this is based on tests like Cinebench 2024, where I saw 55 percent faster performance on the 15-inch Surface Laptop over the 15-inch MacBook Air M3 in the multicore benchmark.

All of these benchmarks provided a good opportunity to hear the fans spin up or to feel the Surface Laptop getting toasty. It’s the only time I’ve ever heard the fans, and even at full speed, they’re not unbearable. The fans do give the Surface Laptop that extra headroom that the MacBook Air doesn’t have. During my regular use, I never felt the Surface Laptop heating up noticeably, either.

While the fans weren’t an issue, I did run into a couple of problems during my Surface Laptop testing. The 13-inch model failed to wake up from sleep once, where it was just a blank screen before it rebooted. It generated a crash dump that I shared with Microsoft, and the company was able to reproduce the problem and is working on a fix. I also noticed that the Windows Hello camera can be slow to wake after a long period of standby, which is something Microsoft is also looking to improve in a future update. “We are working on a solution that we’ll make available as soon as possible,” says Microsoft spokesperson Blake Manfre.

Battery life

All of this performance doesn’t come at the cost of battery life, thankfully. I’ve largely been using the 13-inch model over the past week, and the battery life has been phenomenal. On the first day, I was working outside with 100 percent screen brightness, downloading multiple Steam games, attending video calls, and working in Photoshop regularly. I managed to get around seven hours of battery life in total.

Then, in the evening, after topping up the battery, I used the Surface Laptop at 50 percent brightness inside for around four hours, and it only drained 25 percent. I closed the lid at 11PM with 72 percent battery and woke the laptop up at noon the next day. It turned on instantly with 70 percent still remaining. On lighter days when I was mainly using Slack, WhatsApp, Discord, and Chrome for a mixture of work tasks, I managed seven hours with 70 percent battery left. The last time I charged the 13-inch model was Friday, and I used it regularly over the weekend. I still had 27 percent battery on Monday morning. I can’t remember the last time I could trust a Windows laptop to go to sleep and not drain the entire battery or to be able to last the entire workday.

Much like the performance side, you really need to be using ARM64 native apps to get the best battery life, though. Using demanding emulated apps will eat through battery life a lot faster, so your battery life mileage is going to vary depending on the way you work and the native apps available. For me, this battery life has been transformative — allowing me to leave the house without a charger. I can even get from zero to 80 percent charge in an hour on the 65W Surface Laptop charger (which only comes with the larger 15-inch model). A capable USB-C charger will also deliver the same.

Windows AI 

For all the improvements in battery life and performance, the Surface Laptop is also a Copilot Plus PC with a neural processing unit (NPU) for new built-in AI features in Windows . Microsoft has made a big deal about these, with Recall supposed to be the flagship feature on these new laptops. Recall has been delayed due to security concerns , and it’s a delay that has overshadowed the entire launch of Copilot Plus PCs. It’s why you’re only reading this review now and not on launch day last week.

What’s left of the AI-powered Windows 11 features aren’t nearly as controversial as Recall, but they’re also not that compelling. Cocreator lets you create images in Paint through a text prompt and by drawing what you want to see. Because the Surface Laptop 7th Edition no longer supports the Surface Slim Pen, this feature feels a lot less useful than it is on the new Surface Pro.

Microsoft is using local AI models for the Cocreator feature, and the results aren’t always that great as a result. I asked it to create a dog sitting on a beach with a ball, but after I sketched the outline of a dog, Cocreator refused to pick up my doodle of a ball, so I just got a lonely dog on a beach that looked very AI-generated. Paint also has a built-in image creator that uses DALL-E, and the results there are far more impressive.

Bizarrely, Microsoft has also added an image creator feature to the Photos app, which uses local AI models instead of the cloud-based DALL-E feature found in Paint. It uses a local Stable Diffusion model, so it’s quick to generate images on the Surface Laptop, but you’ll need an internet connection since Microsoft uses Azure to check your prompts and make sure you’re not trying to generate something bad. You’ll need an internet connection for the Cocreator feature, too, for the same reason. 

AGREE TO CONTINUE: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition

To start using the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition, you’ll need to agree to the following:

• Windows Software License Terms: Windows Operating System and Terms of Use
• Manufacturer’s Limited Hardware Warranty and Agreement

You can also say yes or no to the following:

• Privacy settings (location, Find My Device, sharing diagnostic data, inking and typing, tailored experience, advertising ID)

That’s two mandatory agreements and six optional agreements.

The most impressive new AI-powered addition to Windows is translation in Live Captions. I can now easily watch foreign language YouTube videos or any live video and get captions that are instantly translated into English. You don’t need to click through a bunch of buttons to get this working, just launch Live Captions and it does it automatically. It’s rather magical, and while the translation isn’t always 100 percent perfect, it’s good enough to help you muddle through a video. I don’t think I’d rely on it for calls just yet, though.

All of these new AI features leverage the new NPU chip, so they’re not hitting the CPU or GPU. I think freeing up the CPU and GPU will be important for Recall once we get a chance to try it, as it can run in the background and use the NPU to process snapshots. It also sets Copilot Plus PCs up for a potential world of AI-powered apps and Windows features that can also use the NPU. It’s not a big deal for now, but it’s nice to have. If you believe Microsoft, it could eventually transform Windows.

I’ve fallen in love with the Surface Laptop over the past week of using it. The battery life has blown me away, and the performance has mostly felt like using a regular thin and lightweight laptop. It no longer feels like Windows on Arm is being held back by underpowered hardware and major software issues. 

But to really make this new Surface Laptop work at its best, you still need native ARM64 apps. That situation is a lot better than it was a few years ago, with more of the top apps now native, but if you still need to run emulated ones, performance will vary depending on how complicated the application is, and battery life will be impacted, too. 

I don’t doubt that Premiere Pro will run a lot better when it finally comes to Windows on Arm later this year, but I think there will still be other app compatibility issues that some people will run into. There’s also the legacy of Windows on Arm emulation not being great, so some app developers have just blocked their apps from even running emulated on ARM64. Google Drive for desktop refuses to install with an error that says, “This Windows architecture is not supported.” It’s the same for many VPN apps, and if you need custom drivers for an old USB accessory, it’s unlikely those drivers are available.

Games also don’t “just work” on the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus, despite Qualcomm’s assurances . The Surface Laptop isn’t a gaming laptop, so I wasn’t expecting much here, but I couldn’t get Shadow of the Tomb Raider to stop crashing until I put it into full-screen exclusive mode and lowered the settings. I also tried Microsoft’s new DLSS competitor (Auto SR) with Cyberpunk 2077 , and all it did was force the resolution to 1024 x 768. I ran into similar issues with Auto SR in other games, which is probably why it’s only officially limited to a small handful of titles.

If you don’t venture beyond the top Windows apps, you’ll probably have a great experience like I did in terms of performance and battery life. For anything more, you’ll need to check to make sure your apps are compatible and run well. If this latest Windows on Arm push is as successful as Apple’s M1 silicon, that’s an issue that should eventually disappear.

Microsoft has created a great MacBook Air competitor here. At $999.99, the base-model 13-inch Surface Laptop is $100 less than Apple’s M3 laptop, with Microsoft offering 16GB of memory instead of 8GB. If all you’ve ever wanted is a Windows-powered MacBook Air, that’s pretty much what you’re getting.

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