Book Reviews

Yes, I'm an author, but I'm also an avid reader who reviews most of the books I read. Here are a few pointers I've learned. I hope they help.

Some DOs:

1.     Do pay attention while you read. Take some mental notes on such things as: What aspects of the book capture your attention? Are you being entertained? Do you like the characters? Do you dislike a certain character? Do the characters react to each other and what is happening in a natural manner? These mental notes will help make the review-writing easier.

2.     Do focus on the book’s effect on you as a reader right up front. As you begin writing your review, explain the emotions you experienced as you read the story. How did you feel about the characters? Were they likable, relatable, authentic, plastic, forced, etc? Did the story make you think? Did the story/characters stick with you after you finished the book? Why did you like the story, or why didn’t you like the story?

3.     Optional: Sum up the story itself. In a sentence or two, tell what the story is about. This should be a “nutshell” account, brief and as vague as possible so as not to reveal too much detail. More on this later. Most times, I skip this step simply because the book description already gives an ample summation of the story.

4.     Do summarize. In the last sentence or two, offer up a final word of praise or criticism. Would you read other books by this author? Would you recommend this book to your friends? Will you read this book again sometime in the future?

Some DON’Ts

1.     Don’t be mean-spirited. Even if the plot makes me want to toss the book across the room, there’s no need to be nasty. If I don't like a book, I try to use calm logic to intelligently express my feelings about a book. I've realized that the reviews I leave for public display say a lot about who I am as a person.

2.     Don’t reveal too much. Let’s talk about spoilers. What’s a spoiler? It’s just what its name implies—a bit of information that spoils the reading experience for others. Think about it. If someone reveals the ending of a movie are you likely to go see the film? I’m not. From a reader’s perspective, spoilers completely destroy my book-reading pleasure. If a book’s product description states that the heroine has a secret, revealing that secret in your review ruins the pleasure of learning that important plot point for other readers. Likewise, if the book is about tragedy, don’t reveal the details of the tragedy; allow other readers to discover that for themselves. Offering a blow-by-blow account of a book’s plot is a big no-no, in my personal opinion. It’s possible—and preferable—to offer a brief recap without revealing too much. 

There you have it—my simple suggestions for writing book reviews. I hope you found them helpful.