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How to Write a Literary Book Review

If you are new to book reviewing, don't panic. Reviewing a work of literature is a bit like writing a school book report, with the key difference that you are not being asked merely to summarize a work but to provide an opinion on that work's worth. Being a book reviewer can be a career. Famous literary critics such as Harold Bloom are essentially expert readers. They assess the esthetic value of literary works, and thus guide others in deciding whether or not to read a book.

Instructions

  1. Reading the Book

    • 1

      Read the book carefully. If it is short enough, read it a second time before you start writing the review. If it's a long book, underline key sections you may want to re-read later, during the writing process.

    • 2

      Determine the genre. Is the book poetry? Fiction? A play? Is the author working within the conventions of the genre, or somehow expanding those conventions?

    • 3

      Take copious notes. These should include pertinent quotes you may wish to use in your review and your thoughts in response to the text.

    • 4

      Determine what the author is trying to say. What is the central theme of the book?

    • 5

      Research the author's life online. What other books did she write? What has been the critical response to her books?

    Writing the Review

    • 6

      Present the findings of your research. Open with interesting facts about the author's biography.

    • 7

      Summarize the plot of the book. If the book is a volume of poetry, give an accurate summation of the themes. Quote frequently to back up your ideas.

    • 8

      Conclude with an opinion. This is your chance to persuade the reader that it is worth his time or to steer him away from the book.

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Literature

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