Ms. Gokturk
How to Write a Book Review
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The purpose of a review is to
make your point of view known. You hold the power to make or break whether or
not others will spend the time and money to read a book. YOU MUST CONVINCE PEOPLE of
your valid point by covering all the bases as demonstrated in the following
format. This is a persuasive essay that utilizes literary analysis to make your
point.
Part One:
(Introduction) Describe your overall opinion of the book. Be sure to name the
author of the book and the title. Basically, this section also states whether
or not you liked the book and IN GENERAL TERMS what was good or bad about it. You
should do so in a sophisticated way: create a thesis that incorporates your
point of view with some element of the book.
Also: This is the part of the review
that you include any unusual elements or most striking aspects of the work. For
example, the book was written by an adult who only recently learned to write,
or by a very famous journalist known for her cutting interviews. Examine the book
and decide whether there is anything unusual about it that makes it stand out.
PART Two: (summary) Briefly describe the content of the book in order to get
someone interested, just as a movie rental box or book jacket might appeal to
you. If the book is story-driven, DO NOT GIVE AWAY THE
ENDING! This part should be an overview of the content. It’s also a great place
to incorporate quotes from the book to keep the summary engaging.
***PART Three: (best/worst
part/aspect) This is the bulk of your review. This is where you will use text-based
evidence to illustrate aspects of the writing and story. Quote directly as well as paraphrase. Give
your reader a taste of the style!
Concurrently, give your opinion of the
writing and content. Be sure to give
good as well as bad points. Be clever. This is the literary analysis part of
your review.
PART Four(Conclusion)
You should conclude your review with any final thoughts on the work as a whole.
To WHOM would you recommend this? Why? Please don’t just write a minimal final
thought. Be thorough! Tip: BE careful of saying things like, “This book is
perfect for all teens.” You might exclude an entire audience. Think in terms
that target an audience without excluding other potential readers
TIPS
TO CONSIDER AND INCLUDE IN YOUR REVIEW:
Style
of writing, target audience, previous works, publisher, cost, number of pages, content
summary, best/worst aspects, and overall opinion.
DO
NOT USE “I” and
remember that this is not a 5th grade book report: “I liked the book
I read because….”