This is a Good Book

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Last Updated on Monday, 24 October 2011 14:01

Guidelines for writing a book review

A book review is not a summary of the book. Instead it is a critical analysis, looking at the quality and meaning of the story. Begin by briefly stating some details about the book - For eg. the title of the book, its author, first published date, genre, intended readership, any special features

Our younger readers might want to read Book review activities for younger readers

What method has the author adopted for developing the story?

Description: The author describes the background and setting in a way which evokes the readers senses and imagination
Narration: The author tells a story as it happened narrating events sometimes in chronological order sometimes not
Exposition: The author explains a subject in detail, by presenting facts and analysing them.
Argument: The author uses persuasion techniques to convince the reader about the truth or falsehood of a particular situation, thereby influencing the readers belief and actions.

Are there any broader issues that the book raises. If so how has the author approached the issue. Read about the background and assess whether the author has dealt fairly with this. Address this in light of background knowledge about the author

Anything else in particular about the book that makes it interesting, for eg the layout, illustrations etc

Regarding particular genre

Fiction

It is nice to give a summary but should not left the plot out.

Character

1.Where are the characters coming from?
2.What is the author's attitude toward his characters?
3.Are the characters flat or three-dimensional?
4.Does character development occur?
5.Is character delineation direct or indirect?

Theme

1.What is/are the major theme(s)?
2.How are they revealed and developed?
3.Is the theme completely original or familiar and traditional

Plot

1.How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion) handled?
2.What is the relationship of plot to character delineation?
3.How does the plot twists happen? Do they happen by accident or a logical chain of events
4.What are the elements of mystery and suspense?
5.What other devices of plot complication and resolution are employed?
6.Is there a sub-plot and how is it related to the main plot?
7.Is the plot primary or secondary to some of the other essential elements of the story (character, setting, style, etc.)?

Style

1."intellectual qualities" such as simplicity and clarity of writing
2."emotional qualities" of the writing (e.g., humour, wit, satire)?
3."aesthetic qualities" of the writing (e.g., harmony, rhythm)?
4.stylistic devices employed (e.g., symbolism, motifs, parody, allegory)?
5.How effective is dialogue?

Setting

1.What is the setting and does it play a significant role in the work?
2.Has the author succeeded in evoking a sense of atmosphere
3.What scenic effects are used and how important and effective are they?
4.Does the setting influence or impinge on the characters and/or plot?

Biography

1.Does the book give a "full-length" picture of the subject?
2.What phases of the subject's life receive greatest treatment and is this treatment justified?
3.What is the point of view of the author?
4.How is the subject matter organized: chronologically, retrospectively, etc.?
5.Is the treatment superficial or does the author show extensive study into the subject's life?
6.What source materials were used in the preparation of the biography?
7.Is the work documented?
8.Does the author attempt to get at the subject's hidden motives?
9.What important new facts about the subject's life are revealed in the book?
10.What is the relationship of the subject's career to contemporary history?
11.How does the biography compare with others about the same person?
12.How does it compare with other works by the same author?

History and other Nonfiction

1.With what particular subject or period does the book deal?
2.How thorough is the treatment?
3.What were the sources used?
4.Is the account given in broad outline or in detail?
5.Is the style that of reportorial writing, or is there an effort at interpretive writing?
6.What is the point of view or thesis of the author?
7.Is the treatment superficial or profound?
8.For what group is the book intended (textbook, popular, scholarly, etc.)?
9.What part does biographical writing play in the book?
10.Is social history or political history emphasized?
11.Are dates used extensively, and if so, are they used intelligently?
12.Is the book a revision? How does it compare with earlier editions?
13.Are maps, illustrations, charts, etc. used and how are these to be evaluated?

Poetry

1.Is this a work of power, originality, individuality?
2.What kind of poetry is under review (epic, lyrical, elegiac, etc.)?
3.What poetical devices have been used (rhyme, rhythm, figures of speech, imagery, etc.), and to what effect?
4.What is the central concern of the poem and is it effectively expressed?

Lastly, Would you recommend this book or article to others? . If so why ?

Source: http://www.lavc.edu/library/bookreview.htm