How to Write A Book Review

 Non - Fiction

1. What is a book review?

Webster's Third New International Dictionary defines a book review: n 1: a descriptive and critical or evaluative account of a book.

Critical and evaluative are key words in describing a book review. These two words distinguish a review from a report, which often is little more than a plot outline.

Books usually receive reviews which tend to fall into one of three categories - favorable, unfavorable or mixed (generally favorable but with some reservations expressed). Most reviewers regard a book review as a balanced invitation to others to read a book they have themselves enjoyed, and for the most part found substantially correct in its facts and assumptions.

2. How do I choose a book to review?

When reviewing non-fiction, pick a book on a subject in which you are interested and about which you have some prior knowledge. Otherwise, you will be unable to evaluate the author's qualifications to write on this topic or the truthfulness of his facts.

3. How do I go about writing my review?

First of all, be brief the average book review ranges from 100 to 500 words. Even the most scholarly rarely exceed 1,500 words. Remember, you are not writing a report but a critical evaluation.

Structure your review into a series of paragraphs, each devoted to a single aspect of your criticism. Your first paragraph, especially your opening sentence, should arrest the casual reader and bring him/her to consider the book under review. This paragraph should describe in the briefest terms the aim and scope of the book.

In your next paragraph give the central thesis of the work, and in several following paragraphs expand on the arguments the author offers in support of this thesis. Here you will want to give detailed evidence, perhaps quoting pertinent examples from the book itself.

Still keeping the central thesis clearly before the reader, devote a paragraph or two to what other authors have argued about this thesis, or what you yourself know about the facts the author presents. Then summarize any major errors in the arguments, or objections you may have to the thesis.

In your final paragraph, strive to balance the book's achievements and failures, ending with something about the author and his/her qualifications.