how do i write a critical book review

How to Write Critical Reviews

When you are asked to write a critical review of a book or article, you will need to identify, summarize, and evaluate the ideas and information the author has presented. In other words, you will be examining another person’s thoughts on a topic from your point of view.

Your stand must go beyond your “gut reaction” to the work and be based on your knowledge (readings, lecture, experience) of the topic as well as on factors such as criteria stated in your assignment or discussed by you and your instructor.

Make your stand clear at the beginning of your review, in your evaluations of specific parts, and in your concluding commentary.

Remember that your goal should be to make a few key points about the book or article, not to discuss everything the author writes.

Understanding the Assignment

To write a good critical review, you will have to engage in the mental processes of analyzing (taking apart) the work–deciding what its major components are and determining how these parts (i.e., paragraphs, sections, or chapters) contribute to the work as a whole.

Analyzing the work will help you focus on how and why the author makes certain points and prevent you from merely summarizing what the author says. Assuming the role of an analytical reader will also help you to determine whether or not the author fulfills the stated purpose of the book or article and enhances your understanding or knowledge of a particular topic.

Be sure to read your assignment thoroughly before you read the article or book. Your instructor may have included specific guidelines for you to follow. Keeping these guidelines in mind as you read the article or book can really help you write your paper!

Also, note where the work connects with what you’ve studied in the course. You can make the most efficient use of your reading and notetaking time if you are an active reader; that is, keep relevant questions in mind and jot down page numbers as well as your responses to ideas that appear to be significant as you read.

Please note: The length of your introduction and overview, the number of points you choose to review, and the length of your conclusion should be proportionate to the page limit stated in your assignment and should reflect the complexity of the material being reviewed as well as the expectations of your reader.

Write the introduction

Below are a few guidelines to help you write the introduction to your critical review.

Introduce your review appropriately

Begin your review with an introduction appropriate to your assignment.

If your assignment asks you to review only one book and not to use outside sources, your introduction will focus on identifying the author, the title, the main topic or issue presented in the book, and the author’s purpose in writing the book.

If your assignment asks you to review the book as it relates to issues or themes discussed in the course, or to review two or more books on the same topic, your introduction must also encompass those expectations.

Explain relationships

For example, before you can review two books on a topic, you must explain to your reader in your introduction how they are related to one another.

Within this shared context (or under this “umbrella”) you can then review comparable aspects of both books, pointing out where the authors agree and differ.

In other words, the more complicated your assignment is, the more your introduction must accomplish.

Finally, the introduction to a book review is always the place for you to establish your position as the reviewer (your thesis about the author’s thesis).

As you write, consider the following questions:

• Is the book a memoir, a treatise, a collection of facts, an extended argument, etc.? Is the article a documentary, a write-up of primary research, a position paper, etc.?
• Who is the author? What does the preface or foreword tell you about the author’s purpose, background, and credentials? What is the author’s approach to the topic (as a journalist? a historian? a researcher?)?
• What is the main topic or problem addressed? How does the work relate to a discipline, to a profession, to a particular audience, or to other works on the topic?
• What is your critical evaluation of the work (your thesis)? Why have you taken that position? What criteria are you basing your position on?

Provide an overview

In your introduction, you will also want to provide an overview. An overview supplies your reader with certain general information not appropriate for including in the introduction but necessary to understanding the body of the review.

Generally, an overview describes your book’s division into chapters, sections, or points of discussion. An overview may also include background information about the topic, about your stand, or about the criteria you will use for evaluation.

The overview and the introduction work together to provide a comprehensive beginning for (a “springboard” into) your review.

• What are the author’s basic premises? What issues are raised, or what themes emerge? What situation (i.e., racism on college campuses) provides a basis for the author’s assertions?
• How informed is my reader? What background information is relevant to the entire book and should be placed here rather than in a body paragraph?

Write the body

The body is the center of your paper, where you draw out your main arguments. Below are some guidelines to help you write it.

Organize using a logical plan

Organize the body of your review according to a logical plan. Here are two options:

• First, summarize, in a series of paragraphs, those major points from the book that you plan to discuss; incorporating each major point into a topic sentence for a paragraph is an effective organizational strategy. Second, discuss and evaluate these points in a following group of paragraphs. (There are two dangers lurking in this pattern–you may allot too many paragraphs to summary and too few to evaluation, or you may re-summarize too many points from the book in your evaluation section.)
• Alternatively, you can summarize and evaluate the major points you have chosen from the book in a point-by-point schema. That means you will discuss and evaluate point one within the same paragraph (or in several if the point is significant and warrants extended discussion) before you summarize and evaluate point two, point three, etc., moving in a logical sequence from point to point to point. Here again, it is effective to use the topic sentence of each paragraph to identify the point from the book that you plan to summarize or evaluate.

Questions to keep in mind as you write

With either organizational pattern, consider the following questions:

• What are the author’s most important points? How do these relate to one another? (Make relationships clear by using transitions: “In contrast,” an equally strong argument,” “moreover,” “a final conclusion,” etc.).
• What types of evidence or information does the author present to support his or her points? Is this evidence convincing, controversial, factual, one-sided, etc.? (Consider the use of primary historical material, case studies, narratives, recent scientific findings, statistics.)
• Where does the author do a good job of conveying factual material as well as personal perspective? Where does the author fail to do so? If solutions to a problem are offered, are they believable, misguided, or promising?
• Which parts of the work (particular arguments, descriptions, chapters, etc.) are most effective and which parts are least effective? Why?
• Where (if at all) does the author convey personal prejudice, support illogical relationships, or present evidence out of its appropriate context?

Keep your opinions distinct and cite your sources

Remember, as you discuss the author’s major points, be sure to distinguish consistently between the author’s opinions and your own.

Keep the summary portions of your discussion concise, remembering that your task as a reviewer is to re-see the author’s work, not to re-tell it.

And, importantly, if you refer to ideas from other books and articles or from lecture and course materials, always document your sources, or else you might wander into the realm of plagiarism.

Include only that material which has relevance for your review and use direct quotations sparingly. The Writing Center has other handouts to help you paraphrase text and introduce quotations.

Write the conclusion

You will want to use the conclusion to state your overall critical evaluation.

You have already discussed the major points the author makes, examined how the author supports arguments, and evaluated the quality or effectiveness of specific aspects of the book or article.

Now you must make an evaluation of the work as a whole, determining such things as whether or not the author achieves the stated or implied purpose and if the work makes a significant contribution to an existing body of knowledge.

Consider the following questions:

• Is the work appropriately subjective or objective according to the author’s purpose?
• How well does the work maintain its stated or implied focus? Does the author present extraneous material? Does the author exclude or ignore relevant information?
• How well has the author achieved the overall purpose of the book or article? What contribution does the work make to an existing body of knowledge or to a specific group of readers? Can you justify the use of this work in a particular course?
• What is the most important final comment you wish to make about the book or article? Do you have any suggestions for the direction of future research in the area? What has reading this work done for you or demonstrated to you?

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How to Write a Critical Book Review

Your review should have two goals: first, to inform the reader about the content of the book, and second, to provide an evaluation that gives your judgment of the book’s quality.

Your introduction should include an overview of the book that both incorporates an encapsulated summary and a sense of your general judgment. This is the equivalent to a thesis statement.

Do NOT spend more than one-third or so of the paper summarizing the book. The summary should consist of a discussion and highlights of the major arguments, features, trends, concepts, themes, ideas, and characteristics of the book. While you may use direct quotes from the book (make sure you always give the page number), such quotes should never be the bulk of the summary. Much of your grade will depend on how well you describe and explain the material IN YOUR OWN WORDS. You might want to take the major organizing themes of the book and use them to organize your own discussion. This does NOT mean, however, that I want a chapter-by-chapter summary. Your goal is a unified essay.

So what do I want, if not just a summary? Throughout your summary, I want you to provide a critique of the book. (Hence the title: “A Critical Book Review.”) A critique consists of thoughts, responses, and reactions. It is not necessarily negative. Nor do you need to know as much about the subject as the author (because you hardly ever will). The skills you need are an ability to follow an argument and test a hypothesis. Regardless of how negative or positive your critique is, you need to be able to justify and support your position.

Here are a number of questions that you can address as part of your critique. You need not answer them all, but questions one and two are essential to any book review, so those must be included. And these are ABSOLUTELY NOT to be answered one after another ( seriatim ). Don’t have one paragraph that answers one, and then the next paragraph that answers the next, etc. The answers should be part of a carefully constructed essay, complete with topic sentences and transitions.

• What is your overall opinion of the book? On what basis has this opinion been formulated? That is, tell the reader what you think and how you arrived at this judgment. What did you expect to learn when you picked up the book? To what extent – and how effectively – were your expectations met? Did you nod in agreement (or off to sleep)? Did you wish you could talk back to the author? Amplify upon and explain your reactions.
• Identify the author’s thesis and explain it in your own words. How clearly and in what context is it stated and, subsequently, developed? To what extent and how effectively (i.e., with what kind of evidence) is this thesis proven? Use examples to amplify your responses. If arguments or perspectives were missing, why do you think this might be?
• What are the author’s aims? How well have they been achieved, especially with regard to the way the book is organized? Are these aims supported or justified? (You might look back at the introduction to the book for help). How closely does the organization follow the author’s aims?
• How are the author’s main points presented, explained, and supported? What assumptions lie behind these points? What would be the most effective way for you to compress and/or reorder the author’s scheme of presentation and argument?
• How effectively does the author draw claims from the material being presented? Are connections between the claims and evidence made clearly and logically? Here you should definitely use examples to support your evaluation.
• What conclusions does the author reach and how clearly are they stated? Do these conclusions follow from the thesis and aims and from the ways in which they were developed? In other words, how effectively does the book come together?
• Identify the assumptions made by the author in both the approach to and the writing of the book. For example, what prior knowledge does the author expect readers to possess? How effectively are those assumptions worked into the overall presentation? What assumptions do you think should not have been made? Why?
• Are you able to detect any underlying philosophy of history held by the author (e.g., progress, decline, cyclical, linear, and random)? If so, how does this philosophy affect the presentation of the argument?
• How does the author see history as being motivated: primarily by the forces of individuals, economics, politics, social factors, nationalism, class, race, gender, something else? What kind of impact does this view of historical motivation have upon the way in which the author develops the book?
• Does the author’s presentation seem fair and accurate? Is the interpretation biased? Can you detect any distortion, exaggeration, or diminishing of material? If so, for what purpose might this have been done, and what effect does hit have on the overall presentation?

These questions are derived from Robert Blackey, “Words to the Whys: Crafting Critical Book Reviews,” The History Teacher, 27.2 (Feb. 1994): 159-66.

– Serena Zabin, Feb. 2003

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A Critical Review: How to Do it Step by Step

Last Updated:  

April 24, 2023

You have been asked to write a critical review of a novel, a painting, a movie, a play, a piece of music... and you don't know where to start? It's not the same as asking "how to write my papers or an academic essay" because a review has a different structure and emphases to pay attention to. But don't panic! Read this post carefully, and you'll learn how to organise and write it step by step. You can also read various sample critiques by other writers to prepare for them better.

Key Takeaways section on how to write a Critical Review

• Understand the purpose : A critical review should summarise and evaluate the work, providing well-argued and justified opinions.
• No standard length : Critical reviews can range from 500 to 800 words depending on the complexity of the work being analysed.
• Five-part structure : Include a title, introduction, summary, critical commentary, and conclusion in your review.
• Create a compelling title : A title should summarise your general opinion; consider writing it after completing the review to capture the essence of your conclusions.
• Offer well-supported evaluations : Your critical commentary should be extensive and supported by arguments, not just simple statements of liking or disliking the work.
• Brief conclusions : Summarise your critical commentary and overall thoughts on the work in a concise manner.
• Prepare before writing : Approach the work without prejudice, take notes, make summaries, and gather relevant information to ensure a successful critical review.

What to take into account when writing a critical review?

The first thing to remember is that it is an expository-argumentative text. Therefore, your critical review must fulfil two objectives:

Summarise the work , i.e., provide an overall view by synthesising its most important aspects.

Evaluate the work , that is, give a personal value judgement about it. Your opinion must be well-argued and justified.

And how long should this text be, you may be wondering. The truth is that there is no standard length. That is, it depends on how long and complex the object of your analysis is (reviewing a short film is not the same as reviewing a three-hour movie). A reasonable measure would be between 500 words minimum and 800 words maximum. But remember - a text must say something, give information, so if your text is short, but you don't think it is necessary to add anything more, don't continue writing! Go to the point and remember: empty text only serves to confuse and divert attention from the main topic.

The structure of a critical review

As we have seen, your review should summarise the work you are analysing and give your opinion about it. To fulfil both objectives, you will have to follow this five-part structure:

• ‍ Title of the review: it should be a title that synthesises your general opinion. For example, if you are reviewing the novel Love in the Time of Cholera, you liked it and what moved you most is how the author narrates a love that resists decades and decades - your title could be something like this: 'Love in the Time of Cholera: the moving tale of a patient love that can do anything. A trick to write the perfect title is to wait until the end of the review since the essence of the title is usually in the conclusions. ‍
• Introduction: this section should be very brief, and in it you will have to introduce the author and the work. In the case of Love in the Time of Cholera, we would briefly talk about Gabriel García Márquez's career and tell that the book is about the love between Florentino, Fermina and Juvenal throughout the years. ‍
• Summary : This third part is broader than the presentation, and it is here where you should go deeper into the theme of the work. It is about choosing those key moments or features that shape the play. Returning to the example of Love in the Time of Cholera, some moments that should be in the expository summary would be the love affair between Florentino and Fermina, her marriage to Juvenal, the death of the doctor, and the reunion with Florentino, since they mark turning points in the story. ‍
• Critical commentary: this point should be the most extensive of all the critical reviews since you must give your opinion about the work, but be careful! it is not enough to say 'I liked it' or 'I didn't like it', but your evaluation must have a basis and be supported by arguments. To do this, you will have to choose the points of the work that most caught your attention and comment on them, saying if you agree with the way it has been presented. And if the work has seemed novel or not, if you think it has maintained coherence from beginning to end, if the characters seem relevant to you, if you think another approach would have been more effective… and why. ‍
• Conclusions: this part should be very brief, and in it you have to summarise your critical commentary and say what you thought of the work in general and how it made you feel.

How to prepare a critical review

To make sure that the writing of your review is perfect, you will have to start preparing it before you start writing while you are enjoying the book.

Approach the works without prejudice! If, for example, you go to a concert thinking you won't like it, you will probably be unfairly negative in your review.

Take notes as you read, watch, listen and observe the work to recover them in your review.

In the case of long works, make summaries of their parts: it will be easier and faster to synthesise the whole.

Make sure you have a good understanding of the work to be able to judge it correctly. To do this, consult information and bibliography about it.

Now that you know how to write it, your next critical review will be a success!

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How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to Write a Book Review- A Step-by-Step Guide

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could be improved? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “How to write a Book Review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair: Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “How to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

What is the difference between a book review and a report?

Who is the target audience for book reviews and book reports, how do book reviews and reports differ in length and content, can i write professional book reviews, what are the key aspects of writing professional book reviews, how can i enhance my book-reviewing skills to write professional reviews, what should be included in a good book review.

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Writing a Critical Review

You are a student at Pomona College and you have been asked to write a critical review. Never mind the fact that you have probably never encountered such a thing, you just so happen to have a million and one other things to do. Fear not, this worksheet will get you through it.

What is a Critical Review?

A critical review, sometimes referred to as a critical book review, is a summary and analysis of the information and argument of a text in light of your own personal opinions. Those personal opinions, however, should be informed by what you have learned in class through readings, lectures, and discussions, along with any guidelines your professor may set.

How do I Write a Critical Review?

So, you have the prompt in one hand and this worksheet in another. Let’s get this critical review underway.

Step 1. Reread

To begin, you need to reread the material that you are supposed to review. How can you effectively critique a text that you can’t remember? Reread, my friend.

Step 2. Identifying Key Information

In order to sift through the mass of information that many readings are riddled with it is helpful to ask yourself a few framing questions.

• Who is the author’s intended audience?
• What major questions did the text address?
• What is the core issue?
• How is the text framed? As a gender analysis? Something else?
• How is it organized?
• Is the argument clearly demonstrated?
• What kind of evidence has the author used? Laboratory or clinical research? Surveys? Expert opinions?
• Have they used facts, opinions, both?
• Is their language or perspective neutral or biased?
• Is there an argument against something?
• Is there a bigger picture?
• Is there another way to examine the subject?
• Why does the author speak of or believe in what they do?
• Is the reasoning behind their argument sound?
• What do you know about this topic? Is it different from what the author is saying?
• Why did your teacher assign this reading?
• Summary of the article:
• You personal critique:
• Are there any questions you have concerning this work and the issue it addresses?
• Where might the discussion proceed?

Step 3. A Critical Review is 1/3 summary 2/3 your critique

As you summarize a text within your critical review, your professor is looking to see how well you have discussed important arguments, trends, ideas, and themes in light of your own thoughts and opinions. That means you are not to spend the whole review talking about what the author said and not following up with what you believe, whether you agree or not.

Remember, college writing insists that you come from behind the author and speak up for yourself.

Your critical review need not be a comprehensive report on the whole text, it just has to discuss a few main issues that you may have agreed, disagreed, or partially agreed/disagreed on.

Now that you have got a few guidelines on how to right a critical review, you can expect to have a solid paper. Remember, you are engaging in a conversation with the author of a text, don’t let the conversation become the author’s monologue! 

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Writing a Critical Review

The advice below is a general guide only. We strongly recommend that you also follow your assignment instructions and seek clarification from your lecturer/tutor if needed.

Purpose of a critical review

The critical review is a writing task that asks you to summarise and evaluate a text. The critical review can be of a book, a chapter, or a journal article. Writing the critical review usually requires you to read the selected text in detail and to read other related texts so you can present a fair and reasonable evaluation of the selected text. 

What is meant by critical?

At university, to be critical does not mean to criticise in a negative manner. Rather, it requires you to question the information and opinions in a text and present your evaluation or judgement of the text. To do this well, you should attempt to understand the topic from different perspectives (i.e. read related texts), and in relation to the theories, approaches and frameworks in your course.

What is meant by evaluation or judgement?

This is where you decide the strengths and weaknesses of a text. This is usually based on specific criteria. Evaluating requires an understanding of not just the content of the text, but also an understanding of a text’s purpose, the intended audience, and why it is structured the way it is.

What is meant by analysis?

Analysis requires separating the content and concepts of a text into their main components and then understanding how these interrelate, connect and possibly influence each other.

  Next: Structure of a critical review

Essay and assignment writing guide.

• Essay writing basics
• Essay and assignment planning
• Answering assignment questions
• Editing checklist
• Structure of a critical review
• General criteria for evaluating
• Sample extracts
• Annotated bibliography
• Reflective writing
• ^ More support

Organizing Research for Arts and Humanities Papers and Theses

• General Guide Information
• Developing a Topic
• What are Primary and Secondary Sources
• What are Scholarly and Non-Scholarly Sources
• Writing an Abstract
• Writing Academic Book Reviews
• Writing A Literature Review
• Using Images and other Media

Purpose of a Book Review

Note: This information is geared toward researchers in the arts and humanities. For a detailed guide on writing book reviews in the social sciences, please check the USC Libraries guide to  Writing and Organizing Research in the Social Sciences , authored by Dr. Robert Labaree.

When writing an academic book review, start with a bibliographic citation of the book you are reviewing [e.g., author, title, publication information, length]. Adhere to a particular citation style, such as Chicago, MLA, or APA.  Put your name at the very end of the book review text.

The basic purpose of a book review is to convey and evaluate the following:

a.     what the book is about;

b.     the expertise of the author(s);

c.     how well the book covers its topic(s) and whether it breaks new ground;

d.     the author’s viewpoint, methodology, or perspective;

e.     the appropriateness of the evidence to the topical scope of the book;

f.      the intended audience;

g.     the arrangement of the book (chapters, illustrations) and the quality of the scholarly apparatus, such as notes and bibliographies.

Point "c. how well the book covers its topics and whether it breaks new ground" requires your engagement with the book, and can be approached in a variety of ways. The question of whether the book breaks new ground does not necessarily refer to some radical or overarching notion of originality in the author’s argument. A lot of contemporary scholarship in the arts or humanities is not about completely reorienting the discipline, nor is it usually about arguing a thesis that has never been argued before. If an author does that, that's wonderful, and you, as a book reviewer, must look at the validity of the methods that contextualize the author's new argument.

It is more likely that the author of a scholarly book will look at the existing evidence with a finer eye for detail, and use that detail to amplify and add to existing scholarship. The author may present new evidence or a new "reading" of the existing evidence, in order to refine scholarship and to contribute to current debate. Or the author may approach existing scholarship, events, and prevailing ideas from a more nuanced perspective, thus re-framing the debate within the discipline.

The task of the book reviewer is to “tease out” the book’s themes, explain them in the review, and apply a well-argued judgment on the appropriateness of the book’s argument(s) to the existing scholarship in the field.

For example, you are reviewing a book on the history of the development of public libraries in nineteenth century America. The book includes a chapter on the role of patronage by affluent women in endowing public libraries in the mid-to-late-1800s. In this chapter, the author argues that the role of women was overlooked in previous scholarship because most of them were widows who made their financial bequests to libraries in the names of their husbands. The author argues that the history of public library patronage, and moreover, of cultural patronage, should be re-read and possibly re-framed given the evidence presented in this chapter. As a book reviewer you will be expected to evaluate this argument and the underlying scholarship.

There are two common types of academic book reviews: short summary reviews, which are descriptive, and essay-length critical reviews. Both types are described further down.

[Parenthetically, writing an academic/scholarly book review may present an opportunity to get published.]

Short summary book reviews

For a short, descriptive review, include at least the following elements:

a.     the bibliographic citation for the book;

b.     the purpose of the book;

c.     a summary of main theme(s) or key points;

d.     if there is space, a brief description of the book’s relationship to other books on the same topic or to pertinent scholarship in the field.

e.     note the author's affiliation and authority, as well as the physical content of the book, such as visual materials (photographs, illustrations, graphs) and the presence of scholarly apparatus (table of contents, index, bibliography, footnotes, endnotes, credit for visual materials);

f.     your name and affiliation.

Critical or essay-length book reviews

For a critical, essay-length book review consider including the following elements, depending on their relevance to your assignment:

b.     an opening statement that ought to peak the reader’s interest in the book under review

c.     a section that points to the author’s main intentions;

d.     a section that discusses the author’s ideas and the book’s thesis within a scholarly perspective. This should be a critical assessment of the book within the larger scholarly discourse;

e.     if you found errors in the book, point the major ones and explain their significance. Explain whether they detract from the thesis and the arguments made in the book;

f.     state the book's place within a strand of scholarship and summarize its importance to the discipline;

g.    include information about the author's affiliation and authority, as well as the physical content of the book, such as visual materials (photographs, illustrations, graphs) and the presence of scholarly apparatus (table of contents, index, bibliography, footnotes, endnotes, credit for visual materials);

h.     indicate the intended readership of the book and whether the author succeeds in engaging the audience on the appropriate level;

i.     your name and affiliation.

Good examples of essay-length reviews may be found in the scholarly journals included in the JSTOR collection, in the New York Review of Books , and similar types of publications, and in cultural publications like the New Yorker magazine.

Remember to keep track of your sources, regardless of the stage of your research. The USC Libraries have an excellent guide to  citation styles  and to  citation management software . 

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How to Write a Critical Book Review

The NetGalley community loves shouting from the rooftops about books they’ve enjoyed, but it can be tricky to find the right words when talking about a book critically. We want to help NetGalley members craft the best reviews possible, so first, we shared general tips for writing book reviews and audiobook reviews , and now we’re following that up with advice for writing critical book reviews. Where glowing reviews are filled with praise, more often a reviewer will share elements that both did and didn’t work for them as a reader. A critical review isn’t necessarily negative, but rather a valuable source of feedback. Being critical doesn’t have to mean criticizing—the most helpful reviews will critically encourage, with specific details and concrete analysis. Even the “best books” are critically acclaimed because they have been analyzed, flaws and all, and there is still much to celebrate. Read on for our tips and share yours in the comments!

Make your opinion clear This might seem obvious, but if you’re new to writing critical reviews you might be tempted to beat around the bush. Don’t be afraid to be open and honest and say that this book wasn’t for you.

Explain your critiques Once you’ve shared your opinion, it’s time to share what helped inform it. Writing “I didn’t like this” isn’t helpful to fellow readers if it isn’t supported. Whether it was the plot, characterization, or pacing, tell your readers specifically what didn’t work for you, and what could be improved. Spend time considering why, and be as specific as possible.

Readers are sometimes concerned that critical reviews may impact their chances of requests being approved in the future. But publishers learn a lot about what readers want from both glowing and critical reviews. In fact, in our interview with Cynthia Shannon, the Senior Marketing Manager of Food and Lifestyle at Chronicle Books, she shared a story about how critical early reviews of a cookbook helped to change her team’s marketing plan! Read about it here .

Don’t go negative In a critical review, the goal should be to outline the elements that didn’t work for you and why. We’ve all read (and maybe written) a rant review, but our goal as NetGalley members is to craft reviews that are valuable to the publisher, author, and fellow book advocates. Be thoughtful and respectful about the work and the author. Aim for meaningful, not mean. Focus on the merits of the book, rather than the author as an individual.

Talk about the positives A critical review helps to express your view of a book. It’s a way to help the right reader discover the book, but also a way to let readers who have similar tastes as yours know they can steer clear. Make sure you highlight any elements that you did enjoy, big and small.

Make a sandwich When formatting your review, think about a sandwich—a little cushion on the top and bottom with the meat in the middle. Start with a short summary of the book, then share your thoughts and critiques, and finally end with anything you did enjoy and a consideration of the types of readers who may be a good fit for this book.

Imagine the alternatives It’s helpful for publishers to hear what elements didn’t work for readers, but also to see how readers felt the book could’ve been improved. Were there simply too many POVs where one would’ve sufficed? Did the characters feel flat in an intricately built fantasy? Share your expectations for what the book could have been.

Steer clear of spoilers It can be a challenge to explain your critiques without spoilers, but there are tricks for getting around it. For example, instead of ruining the twist ending, you could talk about how it felt rushed, involved too much suspension of disbelief, or wasn’t satisfying. Respect your fellow readers by staying away from spoilers , because even if a book didn’t work for you, they may decide to experience it for themselves.

Consider your audience Are you a bookseller considering a title for purchase? Are you a librarian who recommends books to patrons? A teacher building your classroom library? A blogger sharing your latest read with your followers? As an influential reader, your review should reflect the audience you’re writing it for.

Recommend to the right readers Reading is a personal experience. A five-star read for you could be a DNF (did not finish) for your closest friend. Reflect on the book you’ve read and decide if you believe this book would be better suited for a specific reader. For example, a 2-star fantasy that didn’t work for you due to the level of gore might work better for fans of Game of Thrones .

On the other hand, if you believe the book contains problematic content that could be harmful to all readers (for example books that perpetuate racism, homophobia, or ableism), be sure to share that in your review. Including potential trigger warnings can also be valuable.

Rating system Professional reviewing platforms like NetGalley provide readers with a pre-set rating system . When crafting your review, consider how your critical thoughts impact your rating so that your message is clear and consistent. A critical review paired with a four star rating may be confusing to the publisher, author, and fellow readers. Find a balance that accurately reflects your opinion.

Remember the value of critical reviews On NetGalley, your reviews help shape a publisher’s idea of who you are as a reader. In our interview with Forever publicist Estelle Hallick , she spoke about the importance of reviews of all kinds: “I want our reviewers to be honest. Giving a book a critical review won’t mean you aren’t qualified to receive other books for review; if anything it makes it easier for us to understand what kind of books you do enjoy.”

While a critical review of an ARC or galley may not always directly impact change in the finished book, your feedback can still help to shape the author’s next work, the sorts of books a publisher acquires in the future, the style of covers, and more. Critical opinions are just as valuable as positive ones.

Proofread, proofread, proofread Reread your review after you’ve finished writing it. Then reread it again. Be sure to check facts or quotes you share, the spelling of character and author names, and any pronouns used. This way everyone who reads your review can focus on the message you’re sharing, rather than getting hung up on distracting typos or grammatical errors that hurt your credibility.

Share thoughtfully As a NetGalley member, sharing reviews is second nature. Don’t forget that the target audience for your reviews are fellow readers. In addition to submitting your feedback via NetGalley , tagging the publisher in a review is a great way to show them your appreciation for the copy they sent you, but don’t tag the author in your critical review. ​It’s common practice on social media to tag authors when recommending their books, but most prefer not to be tagged in critical reviews, since that is a direct (and very public) communication. Let publishers decide which critiques should be passed along to the author.

Don’t stress Writing reviews takes time. Transforming your thoughts, emotions, and notes into a thoughtful review is no easy task. Don’t be afraid to take a break and come back to writing when you’re ready. Remind yourself why you love reading and reviewing, and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Check out our tips on fighting reviewer writer’s block here!

Check out the  netgalley review guidelines  and  tips for writing and submitting feedback  to publishers. , netgalley tips.

The Different Ways to Access Books on NetGalley

How to Review Books Across Different Platforms

Tips for Making Your Social Media Accounts More Accessible

Everything You Want To Know About Requesting Books on NetGalley

What to Do When You DNF a NetGalley Book

10 Things You Should Include in Your NetGalley Profile

Join the #NetGalleyBingo Summer Reading Challenge!

Tips for Promoting Your NetGalley Reviews on Social Media

Answering NetGalley Members’ FAQs About ARCs

10 Things You Might Not Know About NetGalley

Kelly Gallucci

Kelly Gallucci is the Executive Editor of We Are Bookish, where she oversees the editorial content, offers book recommendations, and interviews authors and NetGalley members. When she's not working, Kelly can be found color coordinating her bookshelves, eating Chipotle, and watching way too many baking shows.

This is an extremely helpful article. Sometimes you come across a book that needs help, and I blame the Editor, Proofreader, never the Authors. This article will help me focus on what specifically went wrong, and how to convey that to the publisher. I appreciate these types of articles from Netgalley. Thank you, Carolintallahassee

A very good overview of writing a critical review. The lowest rating I give is two stars for the author’s effort. Thank you bookish.

“Focus on the merits of the book, rather than the author as an individual.” I agree that we have to always remember that we are reviewing the book and not the author. Sometimes, though, I do acknowledge the author’s merits as well, especially when it’s obvious that the work went through thorough research and study. Merging facts into fiction is tricky if you don’t know what you are talking about.

A helpful article that will help me to convey to the publisher where a certain book might need help. Thank you, wondermommy22

How do you tag a publisher? When I review for a Netgally book, it says it goes to Amazon and Barnes and noble. I never post on any other site. Thank you!

This is very helpful. I find it is tricky to give critical reviews, but I feel that I must be honest, as that is the point of reviewing books. I keep in mind that the author has spent many long hours writing their book, so I do try not to be overly negative. It is useful to know that publishers welcome this approach, and I will continue to try to be kind, accepting that a particular book may not be to my taste, but will appeal to other readers.

Thank you for the tips. I really don’t like sharing too much of a story as to not spoil the setup the author has played in building characters. Thank you for the additional advice.

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How to Write a Critical Book Review

By Kevin Nelson/ Writing a critical book review is quite easy although for most people it’s the contrary, they have a problem distinguishing a book review from a book report.

Book reviews are meant to inform on what the book entails, and your personal opinion on the book in general based on the evaluation that you’ve done. Take note that a “critical book review” doesn’t necessarily refer to a negative review. Actually, it gives an evaluation that points out both the good and the bad.

Book reviews don’t merely give a summary, that wouldn’t be described as being a book review. They have the “critique” aspect attached to it. This, therefore, means that other than the summary, you need to add a touch of your opinion, reaction, and response to the book’s contents. Not everyone has a knack for writing a critical book review; it requires a lot of time and patience. Take an example of the number books reviewed by the New York Times per week, on average, they receive between 750 and 1000 books from a number of publishers. Reading through all those books will definitely take lots of time. However, this isn’t reason enough to push you away if you have a passion for reading and are capable of writing reviews.

Here’s a guide to go about writing a critical book review:

Reading through the Book

Why read the book.

Before making any remarks on any book, you need to thoroughly and critically go through the text. Yes, you need to read and reread until you have a thorough understanding of what the author is trying to communicate. It would be a grievous mistake to make a review that doesn’t tally with information contained in the book.

What Information Will You Be Looking At As You Read?

Before reading the text, list down the questions that you expect will be answered. Some of the questions would include:

• When and why was the book authored?
• What information are in the book’s contents?
• Who forms the audience?
• What is the level of accuracy of the information presented by the author?
• How well has the information been backed by evidence (only if evidence has been cited)?
• Who is the author, what other works are under his belt, his background, the qualifications and the affiliations he holds?

You’ll need to take notes while reading the book for review purposes

You’ll need to take notes as you read, paying close attention to the preface, introduction, summaries, and abstracts. They are some of the areas that will give you insight into what the author was trying to accomplish writing the book.

What Next After Reading?

The notes you wrote during your read come in handy at this stage. They make it possible for you to make an analysis and therefore, you can proceed to write your review. Your notes can also assist you with assessing the readability of the book . Not very many people have grasped readability of a text, accessing sites offering essay writing services can help with understanding the concept.

Structuring Your Review

Critical book reviews, whether short or long all take a similar format. It will be divided into 3 sections containing an introduction, body, and conclusion. The body will contain the summary and critique. Short book reviews are often a page long and are between 100-500 words while long reviews are often 4 pages with a maximum of around 1500 words.

Before proceeding to write the review, make sure that you’ve included:

• The title of the book
• Where the book was published
• The date that particular edition was published
• The total number of book pages

The Introduction

The introduction, in this case, is an equivalent of a thesis statement . What this simply means is that the introduction will give a summary while at the same time show readers your overall judgment on the book. It’s often a paragraph for short texts such as journal articles, or 2, and some cases 3 paragraphs for long book reviews. Some of the information that will be included in this paragraph will include:

• A brief explanation of the text topic
• Purpose of the text and its significance
• A summary of your key findings or arguments

While concluding the introduction, you can include a statement on your overall view, impression or evaluation of the book. Often, a blend of positive and negative, though in some instances they are one sided, leaning to either side. Another aspect that can be included is a brief remark on the author’s other works and how they relate to the text under review or other texts within the same niche.

The body contains both the summary of the text and critique.

It’s not about merely making a summary of the main points. You’ll be required to explain the text in detail using a couple of examples and in your own wordings. Often, the summary is limited to a 1/3 of the body. It’s also a chance to highlight how the text has been organized, and show your readers what the author of the book intended as revealed throughout the text.

The Critique

Thoroughly critique the book before making your opinion known

This is the main section of the critical book review. It’s in this section that you’ll get to give an evaluation to the strengths and weaknesses of the text, and its contribution. You’ll need to identify the most important to the less important points of your review, highlighting them in that order. You can include proposed recommendations, and any other conclusions you may have arrived at with regards to the text.

These are the main points to include in the body:

• The main ideas, and detail on authors intentions
• Proof that supports your critical book review
• Strengths and weaknesses evaluation of the text

A good review makes reference to other articles to support arguments made.

The Conclusion

Be objective in your review and have fun at the same time

A rather brief paragraph that basically restates your overall judgment on the text, any recommendations that you may have and further explanations on how you arrived at your review. You need to make a sound and fair review, achievable through clearly providing backing to the review conclusion reached at.

Fairness is a crucial aspect, as in most cases that review is what stands between a book’s success and failure. It, therefore, wouldn’t be prudent to mislead your readers with your reviews. However, a negative review may be a good source of publicity for a lesser known author. For a renowned author, it will do the opposite.

A good review with the New York Times Book review gives authors hope for publication of their books, although most of the books published are for white males. This was in 2011/2012 when the population of the whites was at 72%of the total population .

Evaluation Language

To satisfactorily write a good review that will be accepted and understood, you’ll have to use a particular language. Basically, look at the choice of words you use to give your analysis.

“This argument is not entirely convincing, as…furthermore it rationalizes the…”

“    The beginning of…provides an informative overview into…” and so on

Writing a critical book review isn’t rocket science. It’s quite easy as shown above. However, one needs to be objective and make a fair judgment when presented with a book for a critical review. It takes patience to read and re-read text to be able to thoroughly grasp the message being passed across by an author, but also a fun and easy process once you master the skill.

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Writing a Book Review

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Book reviews typically evaluate recently-written works. They offer a brief description of the text’s key points and often provide a short appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the work.

Readers sometimes confuse book reviews with book reports, but the two are not identical. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words. If you are looking to write a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Report.

By contrast, book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. They typically range from 500-750 words, but may be longer or shorter. A book review gives readers a sneak peek at what a book is like, whether or not the reviewer enjoyed it, and details on purchasing the book.

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider the elements you will need to included in your review. The following items may help:

• Author: Who is the author? What else has s/he written? Has this author won any awards? What is the author’s typical style?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, romance, poetry, youth fiction, etc.? Who is the intended audience for this work? What is the purpose of the work?
• Title: Where does the title fit in? How is it applied in the work? Does it adequately encapsulate the message of the text? Is it interesting? Uninteresting?
• Preface/Introduction/Table of Contents: Does the author provide any revealing information about the text in the preface/introduction? Does a “guest author” provide the introduction? What judgments or preconceptions do the author and/or “guest author” provide? How is the book arranged: sections, chapters?
• Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: Book jackets are like mini-reviews. Does the book jacket provide any interesting details or spark your interest in some way? Are there pictures, maps, or graphs? Do the binding, page cut, or typescript contribute or take away from the work?

As You Read

As you read, determine how you will structure the summary portion or background structure of your review. Be ready to take notes on the book’s key points, characters, and/or themes.

• Characters: Are there characters in the work? Who are the principal characters? How do they affect the story? Do you empathize with them?
• Themes/Motifs/Style: What themes or motifs stand out? How do they contribute to the work? Are they effective or not? How would you describe this author’s particular style? Is it accessible to all readers or just some?
• Argument: How is the work’s argument set up? What support does the author give for her/findings? Does the work fulfill its purpose/support its argument?
• Key Ideas: What is the main idea of the work? What makes it good, different, or groundbreaking?
• Quotes: What quotes stand out? How can you demonstrate the author’s talent or the feel of the book through a quote?

When You Are Ready to Write

Begin with a short summary or background of the work, but do not give too much away. Many reviews limit themselves only to the first couple of chapters or lead the reader up to the rising action of the work. Reviewers of nonfiction texts will provide the basic idea of the book’s argument without too much detailed.

The final portion of your review will detail your opinion of the work. When you are ready to begin your review, consider the following:

• Establish a Background, Remember your Audience: Remember that your audience has not read the work; with this in mind, be sure to introduce characters and principles carefully and deliberately. What kind of summary can you provide of the main points or main characters that will help your readers gauge their interest? Does the author’s text adequately reach the intended audience? Will some readers be lost or find the text too easy?
• Minor principles/characters: Deal only with the most pressing issues in the book. You will not be able to cover every character or idea. What principles/characters did you agree or disagree with? What other things might the author have researched or considered?
• Organize: The purpose of the review is to critically evaluate the text, not just inform the readers about it. Leave plenty room for your evaluation by ensuring that your summary is brief. Determine what kind of balance to strike between your summary information and your evaluation. If you are writing your review for a class, ask your instructor. Often the ratio is half and half.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Publisher/Price: Most book reviews include the publisher and price of the book at the end of the article. Some reviews also include the year published and ISBN.

When making the final touches to your review, carefully verify the following:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Try to read from the vantage point of your audience. Is there too much/enough summary? Does your argument about the text make sense?
• Should you include direct quotes from the reading? Do they help support your arguments? Double-check your quotes for accuracy.

Michael Milton

Michael Milton and Faith for Living, Inc.

June 6, 2018

How to Write a Critical Book Review

The theological student is required to write book reviews. This paper is designed to give structure and guidance to the student in this vital pursuit. The goal is not merely technical, however. Instead, the author lays out a plan of reading and responding that takes the student into a more in-depth discovery of the given book for pastoral application and ministry.

Introduction

What is a critical book review?

There is an art, if not science, to the academic pursuits of reading. No one has summarized this activity better than the late Dr. Mortimer Adler in his essential work, How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading. In the course of your theological-higher-education-learning-experience, you will be asked, repeatedly, to conduct a review of a selected book and to write a report. This white paper is prepared to help you to write that paper.

The critical divisions of a Critical Book Review are observation, response, conclusion.

Observation

Using the tools of Adler’s How to Read a Book will guide you in this necessary first-stage of a Critical Book Review. The essential variables of a critical book review include at least the following:

• Locating the proposition or thesis of the book.
• Ascertaining the author’s intent.
• Learning about the author and his or her relationship to the subject of the book.
• Considering the chapter flow of the book.
• Identifying the genre of the book.

The gathering of all of these facts about the book is only the first step in conducting a critical book review. The second step involves you, your experiences, and your response to the book. The essential elements of this response include:

• Critical thinking about all or part of the facts of the book.
• These steps should help you to provide your conclusion or a p ractical or pastoral application of the book.

Let’s think through each of these three elements of response in a critical book review.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Critical thinking involves questioning. [/perfectpullquote]

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves what it says: careful consideration of the factual elements that you located; and your response, supported by examples or references. You are making a case as to whether the author achieved some measure of effectiveness in the book (according to your perception of his or her own goals of writing the book). Critical thinking involves questioning. Thus, questions related to the factual elements of the book would include:

“Is the thesis clear in this book? Why or why not? Provide an example.”

“Can we appropriately ascertain the author’s intent in the book? Did she clearly state that intent? Did he state the intent but failed to achieve his mission?” You are evaluating the factual elements, in this case, as it relates to the author’s intent for the book.

“Is the subject matter familiar to the author?” Or, to put it another way, “Is the author a subject matter expert on the topic of the book? How so? How did this interplay with the other factual elements that you located?”

“Did the chapter flow of the book unfold the author’s ideas?” “Get the chapter flow of the book support or detract from the premise of the book? How so? Provide support for your answer.”

Critical thinking leads to theological reflection on this book you are reviewing.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] Theological reflection is a high cognitive-level activity that seeks to connect the relationship(s) between your observation of the factual elements of the book with the more abstract notions about God, humanity, life, work, and so forth.[/perfectpullquote]

Theological Reflection

Theological reflection is one of the most important disciplines to cultivate during your time at university or in seminary. Theology and religious studies students who become either members of the clergy or a faculty will use theological reflection daily. Indeed, theological reflection is an expected area of the Christian life. Theological reflection is a high cognitive-level activity that seeks to connect the relationship(s) between your observation of the factual elements of the book with the more abstract notions about God, humanity, life, work, and so forth. Or this exercise might lead to appropriating the thesis and flow of the selected volume with some point in Biblical history or human existence. All theological reflection necessarily begins with formulating diagnostic questions:

“Did you locate a common theological theme that tied the chapters of the book together into one larger theological narrative?   What is that theological theme and give an example of your reflection.”

“Did you discover numerous theological themes and were they connected? Was there a sense of disunity? Where the theological themes concealed within the text, or were they apparent? Provide examples for your response. Was this effective? Why or why not?”

“Relate the story of the book to the meta-narrative of Scripture. Where does the thesis of this book lie in the covenant of God and the mission of God in the world?”

You have read and researched the book before you so that you have located the factual elements of the book and given a response. Your response has involved critical thinking, theological reflection. Now, it is time to move to the final step in a Critical Book Review.

Your Conclusion (s)

The third and final division of a critical book review is the conclusion. This conclusion is not a rehashing of the author’s findings. This conclusion is your own. As a result of observation and response, you prepare yourself to apply critical thinking and theological reflection to bring about final comments on the book. A proper conclusion seeks to connect the book to some area of life, work, or ministry.

You have made a critical assessment of the factual elements of the book. You have located and interacted with theological concepts in the book. Your questions about the book in both accurate observation and theological reflection have led you to your conclusion or conclusions. Your Critical Book Review started with observations. It moved to a place of questions. Your review now ends with propositions. For example, your findings may include statements such as these:

“In summary, the author not only achieved her stated goals in writing the book but introduced the reader to questions about God’s grace in the midst of suffering. Indeed, this book will be of practical help to Christians going through times of affliction. This work will also be a solid pastoral resource for the practitioner.”

“By the end of my consideration of both the factual elements of the book and my theological reflection on the book I must conclude with these observations:

I did not find the book ‘practical for the Christian life’ for the pastoral ministry, in the way that we usually mean. However, the book is more about an examination of theological concepts and abstract ideas. To the degree that the author intended to cultivate thinking and discussion, perhaps there is some robust application after all: the use that I bring from the book is   to take the time to meditate upon Biblical truths without any pressure to immediately apply them.   Is there not virtue is merely thinking? Beyond the utilitarian approach to that requires implementing some lessons of a book, I believe there is an opportunity, here, for reflection. In this, the author has succeeded.  There is, after all, spiritual benefit from meditation”.”

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The conclusion fuses observation and response with the bonding agent of reason.[/perfectpullquote]

A Critical Book Review is a research paper that demonstrates the student’s experience of learning during interaction with a selected book. This exercise in research includes observation of factual elements of the book, a response to the book with critical thinking and theological reflection. Both of these steps lead to a conclusion where the student can make application to some area of human existence or even provide thoughts on something altogether different from that which we might call “practical.” The conclusion is always “the student’s conclusion.” From the professor’s standpoint, the conclusion fuses observation and response with the bonding agent of reason.

A critical book review aims to actuate “deeper learning” in the course by interacting with the ideas of others. The critical book review goes beyond Mayor reading — an exercise wholly worthy in its own right — and moves to a place of connecting a person with an idea and allowing that person to respond. In this, we trust there is a genuine experience of learning.

Select Bibliography

Adler, Mortimer J., and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading. Revised edition. New York: Touchstone, 1972.

Johnson, Marshall D. “A Short Guide to Writing Research Papers in Biblical Studies and Theology” (n.d.): 16.

Trupiano, Rose. “Research Guides: Theology & Religious Studies: Article Search.” Accessed May 24, 2018. https://libguides.marquette.edu/c.php?g=36663&p=232883 .

“A Brief Guide for Writing Theological Reflection Papers.” Michael Milton , August 13, 2014. Accessed May 24, 2018. https://michaelmilton.org/2014/08/13/a-brief-guide-for-writing-theological-reflection-papers/ .

“Books on Writing.Pdf,” n.d. Accessed May 24, 2018. https://divinity.duke.edu/sites/divinity.duke.edu/files/documents/writing-center/Books%20on%20Writing.pdf .

“Find Information.” Accessed May 24, 2018. http://www.erskine.edu/library/find-information/ .

“Google Scholar.” Accessed May 24, 2018. https://scholar.google.com/ .

“How to Recognize Peer-Reviewed Journals.” Accessed May 24, 2018. http://www.angelo.edu/services/library/handouts/peerrev.php .

“How to Write a Theological Paper (John M. Frame).” Accessed May 24, 2018. http://www.proginosko.com/docs/frame_theol_paper.html .

“Michael A Milton, PhD | Erskine College and Theological Seminary – Academia.Edu.” Accessed May 24, 2018. http://erskineseminary.academia.edu/MichaelMilton .

“Resource Links for Theology and Religious Studies.” Michael Milton , March 10, 2007. Accessed May 24, 2018. https://michaelmilton.org/reformed-and-evangelical-links-2/ .

“Seven Questions about Books, Life, and Ministry with Michael Milton.” Servants of Grace . Last modified September 27, 2017. Accessed May 24, 2018. http://servantsofgrace.org/seven-questions-books-life-ministry-michael-milton/ .

“What Is A Peer-Reviewed Article? – Evaluating Information Sources – LibGuides at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY.” Accessed May 24, 2018. http://guides.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/c.php?g=288333&p=1922599 .

“What Is Theological Reflection and Critical Thinking and How Do I Use It in a Graduate-Level Research Paper?” Michael Milton , October 30, 2017. Accessed May 24, 2018. https://michaelmilton.org/2017/10/30/what-is-theological-reflection-and-critical-thinking-and-how-do-i-use-it-in-a-graduate-level-research-paper/ .

“Writing the Weekly Research Paper.” Michael Milton , July 24, 2016. Accessed May 24, 2018. https://michaelmilton.org/2016/07/24/writing-the-weekly-research-paper/ .

RESOURCES FOR THE JOURNEY

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