Learn How to Write a Book Review In No Time

When the student is asked to compete a book review, he should know that there is a slight difference between the report and the review, so, below one can catch the main differences between these two assignments and in the end understand in what way to prepare a book review correctly.

Step One: Read Attentively

The primary student's job is to read the chosen book scrupulously to understand the plot and the problems of the book. The young person is expected to note all the important moments found in the text in order to save time later. One should pay attention to the characters, events, phenomena, descriptions of the weather, problems and other peculiar features of the book. Many students require rereading the book several times, so if one makes notes while reading, he will save more time for writing.

Don’t read reviews written by others before reading a book at least twice. It is important because paying attention to the book reviews written by strangers you will inevitably try to copy their point of view, and see only what they saw when reading the book for the first time. Try reading first, and then assessing what experts have seen in this literary work.
Make lots of notes. It is better to structure them according to the plan of a standard book review. Don’t put everything in one list. Make several lists: one for characters, one for atmosphere, one for literature means used by the author. While reading, you will have thoughts and ideas — fill your lists with them. Don’t assess your ideas at this point, just note them down, you will filter them later.

Step Two: Complete a Detailed Outline

The outline helps one organize his book review logically. The student can divide the text informally into three parts: the introductory (informs the audience about the book), the main part (informs about the peculiarities and details of the book) and conclusion. It is wise to prepare a detailed plan of writing in order not to miss any important point and aspect essential for the quality and objectiveness of the review.

Write an outline that will truly help you. Don’t approach this task formally. A well-thought-out outline is a great help, so it is wise to spare extra time drafting it. If you are not supposed to show it to your professor first, write it the way you like, using simple words.
There should not be “complex” points in your introduction. For example, it should not contain a separate point “write an introduction” through introduction is a separate part of your review. Divide it into several parts first introductory phrase, some sort of a problem statement, mentioning the key details regarding the book, etc. This way you will truly know what to do after what.

Step Three: Concentrate on the Major Chapter

The main part of the review is supposed to be very important, because the student reveals the book from all sides there. First of all one dwells on the historical background of the events described in the text. Obviously, the student tries to connect the history and social reality of that time with the events and characters presented in the book and he understands their problems, emotions and fears. Then, one pays attention to the peculiarities of the characters, their appearance and inner side. He presents the problems illustrated in the text through the characters, their features, behaviour and deeds. While analyzing the problems, one is able to write about the social, economic, political, cultural and other aspects which can be interesting to the readers.

Don’t write too broadly. You are not supposed to unveil every hidden idea you think a writer had put into the plot you analyze. Don’t get stuck mentioning all the social and historical circumstances and allusions. It is boring, takes too much space and often os not completely relevant.
Don’t use too many quotes. Of course, short quotes are necessary to prove your point but don’t get carried away using them. If you need only two, three words from a long sentence — mention them only and don’t forget about the in-text citations.

Step Four: Write about the Style

It is essential to write not just about the plot but about the style of author's writing, because every genre of writing has its own manner of presentation of information, its own standard and canons. One can notice the stylistic devices and other peculiarities which make the text sound better. Moreover, the young person is able to learn something more about the author, his other books and compare the chosen book with his other ones. Finally, it is possible to compare the text with the contemporary books of that time to evaluate its importance just in the moment of its creation.

Make comparisons. You can compare the style of the particular book with other books of the same author or similar works of the different authors.
Don’t be too critical about the style. Students are often tempted to be too negative about the style of the analyzed books, and it is easy to understand — they think it makes them look smarter. Be moderate and write smart.

Step Five: Conclude the Review

The final step is the evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the book. The student has to present his personal point of view about the relevance of the text and its problems and recommend this text to other students or not.