How to Write a Book Review
Following is some information that you should use as a guide when writing your book report. For the book recommendation list, click here. For a sample book review, click here. For the rubric, please click here. To return to my home page, click here.
Book Review Format
A book review consists of two paragraphs of 8-10 sentences each. The first paragraph is a succinct yet comprehensive plot summary of the book. In the first sentence of the paragraph, you must include the author’s name, the title of the book in italics, and something about the plot. Then add 7-9 more sentences that completely tell your audience about the book (you should give away the ending).
In the second paragraph, pick one of the following topics to develop in the rest of the paragraph (7 sentences), or explore a topic listed in Writers Inc on page 252 or 238. In the second paragraph, you must include examples and two direct quotes from the book to support your opinions. In your conclusion, indicate whether you thought the book was worth reading and why.
Suggested Topics for the Second Paragraph
Following are some topics you may choose to discuss in your second paragraph. Please remember to pick only one topic and develop it thoroughly. You muse use your two quotes from the book in this paragraph to really illustrate the point you are trying to make.
Possible topics for the second paragraph:
1. Character: what techniques does the author use to develop characters? How does the author use action and dialogue to make characters realistic? Did you like the characters? Why?
2. Conflict: What is the conflict? How does the conflict affect the main characters? Did the conflict make the book more compelling? How did the writer create suspense?
3. Title: What is the significance of the title? How did its meaning become clear as you read?
4. Theme: What message did you hear or lesson did you learn? What social issues (racism, tradition, poverty) or concepts (courage, personal growth, trust) did the author address?
5. What connections can you make between your book and your own life? Support with details.
6. Some books offer reflection questions at the end of the book. You may respond to one of these.
Some Helpful Hints for Writing Your Report
When you write about literature, write in the present tense.
- Please do not use second person.
- You may only use the proposed topic sentences one time each.
- Reports are worth 100 points.
- Do not exceed the sentence limit. Quotes do not count as sentences
- All reports must be submitted to Turnitin.com.
- Include a title, parenthetical references, and a works cited section.
Taking Notes As You Read
As you are reading your selected book, it’s a great idea to keep some note-cards or post-it notes inside your book. On the notes, jot down the names of the characters and their key actions. Then, write down the important plot events. You may also want to make note of the setting and the theme or message the author is communicating. Lastly, you should somehow mark the lines from the book that really impact you as a reader.
When you are writing a book report, you need to keep in mind that your audience may be unfamiliar with the book. Therefore, you will want to explain the plot and characters –and even your response to the book – as clearly as possible. So, ask yourself a few questions:
-Have I used quotes and details to support my plot summary and my opinions?
-Have I told enough about the book for readers to understand the plot and my response to it?
-Have I given clearly described, specific reactions and responses to the book?
Material in this last section adapted from Language Network: Writing and Communication Masters
For the book recommendation list, click here. To return to my home page, click here.
