by Nancy Boland

Created on: July 30, 2009

Writing a solid book review

* Before you begin writing, decipher which are your main points and write them down.

* If possible, use one paragraph for each point you wish to make. Not only is this a good way to emphasise a point but it organises your thoughts in a clear way for your readership.

* Try and include the main themes of the book in the beginning of your review. Should they read the book, the reader will want to know what they are letting themselves in for.

* Is the book part of a genre? Does it fit into a category like adventure, romance and fantasy?

* What do you like or dislike about the book's writing style? Is it funny? What is the authors 'voice' like? Does it capture the setting in a particularly vivid fashion?

* Using a few quotes, (preferably short and concise) is a good way of allowing the reader a snippet of the authors writing style. It can also support a point you have made.

* Remember to include your personal opinion of the book, not just what it is about. A plot summary is not going to persuade someone to pick the book up but your persuasive, constructive opinions on whether to read it (or not) may very well.

* Do research about the author and incorporate what you learn into the review. Biographical information can help you formulate your own opinions , and adds depth to your review. For example, a little research into author John Steinbeck will reveal:

* Of mice and men is a novella written by Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck.

* The title of which is taken from Robert Burn's poem, 'To a mouse, reading; "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men."

Every book review is entirely individual, but each successful one consists of similar, key elements.

* Describe the setting of the book.

A book's setting is one of, if not the most - vital component - particularly for a book like 'of mice and men', which is set in the past. Does the author make you feel included in the setting? As you write, remain conscious of the setting and imagery that the author has provided.

* Describe the main characters.

Does the author make you believe in them as people? Are they likeable? Relatable? Consider how your opinion of them affects how you feel about the book. As you discuss the characters use direct examples of particularly poignant things they have said or done to give a sense of their personalities.

* Give your reader a taste of the plot.

Giving basic outlines of the plot allows the reader to decide whether or not they will

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