How to write a book review

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Poster of the film In the heat of the night, United Artists, Fair use

When was the last time that you wrote a book review?

 This post is about how to write a book review.  You should be able to understand by now the story of the novel, the historical context of the book and the relationships and conflicts among the characters. Also, the significance of the name Virgil.

 
 Genre or types of books
As with different types of films, there are also different types of books. Generally speaking, we can talk about two main types of books, fiction and non-fiction.

 Click on fiction. 
Read the definition and make a list of at least 10 different types of fiction.

 Click on non-fiction.
Read the definition  and do the same as you did with fiction.

 Thinking question
Is the word drama on your list of works of fiction? Is the meaning of "a drama", as a type of book, the same or different from "a drama", as a type of film?
What shall I include in my book review?
Remember there are different ways of writing this type of essay. You'll probably be asked to include the following information in your book review:

 1) Introduction: 

  • Title: What is the title of the book? 
  • Author: Who wrote it? Provide some short biographical details.
  • Genre or type: Is it a work of fiction or non-fiction? 
  • Setting: Where does the story take place? When?
2) Main characters:
  • Who are they? What are they like?
  • What kind of relationships are there? Are there any conflicts?
  • Do you empathize with any of the characters?
3) Plot:
Remember not to tell the whole story, just enough to give the reader an idea of the book.
  • What are the main events? Are the events unusual?
  • How is the plot organized? In parts? In chapters? Is there a clear pattern?
  • Who is the narrator?
  • Does the story progress in a linear fashion (beginning-middle-end) or does it use flashbacks?
  • Is there a twist in the end?
4) Opinion and recommendation:
  • Is it a good story? Why?/Why not?
  • What was it like to read the book? Easy/difficult? Why?
  • How would you describe the story? Amusing? Exciting? Thrilling? Compelling? Moving? Thought-provoking?
  • What is your favourite part of the story? Why?
  • What part of the book would you change?
  • What did you like / dislike about the book? How did it make you feel?
  • Would you recommend the book? Is it worth reading?
  • What score would you give the book?

 Watch this video
Brenda talks about how to write a book review. Answer the following questions:
  1. What information should you include in the first paragraph?
  2. What information should you include next?
  3. What information should you provide if it is a work of non-fiction?
  4. And for a work of fiction?
  5. What should you be cautious about?
  6. What personal opinion should you include?




Read this book review
Follow this link. What do you think of this book review? Is it any good?


Read more reviews
You can browse the goodreads site for hundreds of reviews. 

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