1. Start with a concise and spoiler-free summary of the content.
Reading the book’s synopsis will help with this. As a general rule, try to avoid writing in detail about anything that happens from about the middle of the book onwards. If the book is part of a series, it can be useful to mention this, and whether you think you'd need to have read other books in the series to enjoy this one.
2. Talk about what sets this story apart from the others.
There may be many memoirs on the market today, but this one may have touched you because _______________, etc. You could try answering a couple of the following questions:
3. Mention anything you disliked about the book
Talk about why you think it didn't work for you. For example:
4. Speak from your heart.
Honest reviews help the author as well as prospective readers. In the case of a book review, you’ll want to talk about how you felt when you finished reading the book. Did you want the book to continue because you couldn’t bear to part with the characters because they were written so well? Consider your overall reaction. What contributed to that reaction? For fiction, you might look at plot, characterization, setting, theme, and point of view. Also consider whether the book is fiction or nonfiction. Consider use of language, subject matter, and, if it’s an issue for you, editing problems. Certainly, organization, development, and clarity may be the basis of your review of nonfiction. On the other hand, Poetry is such a personal expression; there are many things that may inform your opinion—sensory details, rhythm, structure, etc.
5. You don’t need to include the details that are already provided, unless it makes it special.
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. If you say “this book is about John Smith’s amazing life” when the book is clearly being marketed as a memoir, it will seem redundant.
6. Look at the questions other people are writing.
Look at the other reviews. Review the comments on the book. If there’s a way for you to include commentary about those concerns, do so in your review. (ie: if a book received a 1 star review from someone stating the author was whining about their life while writing their memoir, you may want to include a sentence about how you felt concerning the author’s storytelling.)
7. Round up your review.
Summarize some of your thoughts on the book by suggesting the type of reader you'd recommend the book to. For example: younger readers, older readers, fans of relationship drama/mystery stories/comedy. Are there any books or series you would compare it to?
Use your writing skills to make your reviews interesting and informational. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and read something you wouldn’t usually chose or try a product you haven’t considered before. Reviewing is a fun way to try new things and it’s the best way to thank an author!
Amazon/Goodreads Reviews
Revised April 2021
Resources:
Book Trust, Women on Writing, New Mexico Book Association, The Writing Center
Reading the book’s synopsis will help with this. As a general rule, try to avoid writing in detail about anything that happens from about the middle of the book onwards. If the book is part of a series, it can be useful to mention this, and whether you think you'd need to have read other books in the series to enjoy this one.
2. Talk about what sets this story apart from the others.
There may be many memoirs on the market today, but this one may have touched you because _______________, etc. You could try answering a couple of the following questions:
- Who was your favorite character, and why?
- Did the characters feel real to you?
- Did the story keep you guessing?
- What was your favorite part of the book, and why?
- Were certain types of scene written particularly well - for example sad scenes, tense scenes, mysterious ones…?
- Did the book make you laugh or cry?
- Did the story grip you and keep you turning the pages?
3. Mention anything you disliked about the book
Talk about why you think it didn't work for you. For example:
- Did you wish the ending hadn't been a cliffhanger because you found it frustrating?
- Did you find it difficult to care about a main character, and could you work out why?
- Was the story too scary for your liking, or focused on a theme you didn't find interesting?
4. Speak from your heart.
Honest reviews help the author as well as prospective readers. In the case of a book review, you’ll want to talk about how you felt when you finished reading the book. Did you want the book to continue because you couldn’t bear to part with the characters because they were written so well? Consider your overall reaction. What contributed to that reaction? For fiction, you might look at plot, characterization, setting, theme, and point of view. Also consider whether the book is fiction or nonfiction. Consider use of language, subject matter, and, if it’s an issue for you, editing problems. Certainly, organization, development, and clarity may be the basis of your review of nonfiction. On the other hand, Poetry is such a personal expression; there are many things that may inform your opinion—sensory details, rhythm, structure, etc.
5. You don’t need to include the details that are already provided, unless it makes it special.
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. If you say “this book is about John Smith’s amazing life” when the book is clearly being marketed as a memoir, it will seem redundant.
6. Look at the questions other people are writing.
Look at the other reviews. Review the comments on the book. If there’s a way for you to include commentary about those concerns, do so in your review. (ie: if a book received a 1 star review from someone stating the author was whining about their life while writing their memoir, you may want to include a sentence about how you felt concerning the author’s storytelling.)
7. Round up your review.
Summarize some of your thoughts on the book by suggesting the type of reader you'd recommend the book to. For example: younger readers, older readers, fans of relationship drama/mystery stories/comedy. Are there any books or series you would compare it to?
Use your writing skills to make your reviews interesting and informational. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and read something you wouldn’t usually chose or try a product you haven’t considered before. Reviewing is a fun way to try new things and it’s the best way to thank an author!
Amazon/Goodreads Reviews
- Reviewers should submit their reviews to Amazon and Goodreads. You can simply copy and paste your blog review or provide a shortened version with a link back to the blog entry for more blog traffic. For Amazon reviews, the last sentence in your review should be – This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This is an Amazon requirement.
- Be sure your review matches your star rating. It looks odd if you have nothing positive to say about a book you’ve rated as five stars.
Revised April 2021
Resources:
Book Trust, Women on Writing, New Mexico Book Association, The Writing Center
