by Marilla Mulwane

Created on: December 20, 2009

Book reviews are a great way for interested readers to get a better idea of whether they want to read a certain book or not. The description and the reviews on the back of the book are always going to sound interesting and praise the work. However, that does not necessarily mean what is inside the cover is actually any good.

As a book reviewer there are a few things to keep in mind so that the reader will believe what you say, and take your advice.

-Read the book-

This might sound obvious, but there are a number of people who review books they have not finished reading. They might get half way through, decide they hate it, and then review it. As a reviewer, finish the book, even if you hate it half way through. It might get better. Mainly, finish the book because it will provide a more truthful review that includes every sentence of the book.

-Recap the book in a short paragraph-

Many reviews fill an entire page on just a summary of the book and spend one paragraph on everything else. This is wrong. All the reader needs to do is look at the back cover of the book to know what it is about. As a reviewer, recapping the book, briefly, is just a reminder to the reader of what the book is about that they are interested in.

-Do not reveal the ending-

They have not read the book yet! Do not tell them what will happen. Plain and simple.

-Discuss the characters-

Without going into the storyline too deeply, discuss the characters personalities and their reactions to situations. Were they clichéd characters, seen a hundred times? Were they realistic or way too much like someone's fantasy? Were they believable?

-Discuss the writer's ability-

Spend some time talking about the writer's skills, or lack of, as a writer. Do they have a nice lyrical prose? If the book was a comedy, was the writer actually funny? At the same time, point out any connections the writer has to the book. Did they do a lot of research for the book? If so, did it work and make the story more real? Was any of it based on truth and the writer's own life?

-Discuss who would enjoy the book and why it should be read-

It is possible to get a little personal with a book review. You are giving your opinion. State why you enjoyed it, or hated it, and mention who might like the book the most. That does not mean being stereotypical or racist. If it is a young adult novel, would older people like it as well?

-Do not be afraid to hate the book-

Sometimes books suck. It happens. And writing a review of a bad book is just as important as writing a good review. No one wants to spend money on a book they will hate. However, keep in mind that one person's opinion is different from someone else's. Always mention that it is your personal opinion, provide your logical reasons why you disliked the book, and mention that someone else might disagree with you.

-Keep it short-

People want to spend time reading the book, not the reviews. A quick review gives them what they want and sends them on their way. Generally, 400-500 words is perfect for a book review.

-Be helpful, provide a link-

Adding a link to where the book can be purchased, or information on the publisher and general sale price, makes it easier for the interested reader to find that exact book.

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