How to Write a GOOD Book Review

 


Books reviews are extremely important in the life of an author. And while I'm sure that most authors appreciate any good review, believe it or not there's a right way to write one. Before you roll your eyes, this isn't a school lesson and writing a review shouldn't be taxing to the reader. Today, I'll show you how to write a good book review in 4 simple steps.

1. Give a Star Rating. A star rating on it's on really doesn't give potential readers much information. However, when added to a review, it wraps up nicely just what you think about the story (one being the least and five being the greatest). Be sure to select a star rating that's reflective of the review you will provide. There's nothing more frustrating to an author than giving their book three stars and then going on to gush about how much you like the story. 

2. Provide a brief summary WITHOUT giving away the story. Please guys, whatever you do, don't tell important details to the story. Not only does it ruin the book (for some people) others may decided not to purchase it at all. Here's a fake review  I've written which gives a summary without giving away too much.

"Could Have Been is a intriguing tale of love that persists throughout the confines of time. Sean and Nia's love know no bounds, not even death. This book takes a deep dive into what it means to love someone and how far one will go when faced with losing the only thing that ever truly mattered".

Makes sense? Maybe not, because I threw that together off the top of my head - bear with me. Anyways, from the synopsis you know that this is a tale about lovers spanning various lifetimes. There's some type of conflict (which isn't mentioned) and it causes the reader to evaluate love.

3. Tell what you thought about the book. Here's the part where you tell what you thought about the book. Did you like it? Did you not? What parts stood out and what could the author had done better? Here's another example:

"I truly enjoyed the story from beginning to end! Not only did it examine some unique concepts, but it showed just how important love is to the human spirit". 

If you didn't like the book, explain that too. Not only might it help potential readers determine if they want to read the story, but it may give the author something to consider for their next writing session. 

"Although the concept was unique, I felt the story could have been executed better. It felt rushed towards the end and took a turn that I didn't find satisfying at all".

4. Give a recommendation to either buy the book or pass. This will neatly tie your review together. You could say something like: 

"I'd definitely recommend this book to friends. I could also see this being a good read for a Christian Youth group as it examines the many layers of  love."

or

"This book was just OK. If you want to read it, check it out at the local library or wait for it to go sale. I definitely wouldn't read it again". 

A less than glowing review might seem a little harsh to the author, but as long as you're honest and not being downright nasty without cause, it's perfectly acceptable to state your opinion. So there you have it, four steps to leaving a book review that will not only help potential readers but the author as well. Check below to see an example of how the review reads completed. Until the next time, take care!

"Could Have Been is a intriguing tale of love that persists throughout the confines of time. Sean and Nia's love know no bounds, not even death. This book takes a deep dive into what it means to love someone and how far one will go when faced with losing the only thing that ever truly mattered. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end! Not only did it examine some unique concepts, but it showed just how important love is to the human spirit. I'd definitely recommend this book to friends. I could also see this being a good read for a Christian Youth group as it examines the many layers of love."


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