You’ve just read a book, and you want to tell the world what you thought of it. Your mind is swirling with ideas and emotions. But as soon as you sit down to write your review, you forget everything you’ve just read.
So, what needs to go in a review?
All of the information needs to be relevant. Every word needs to count when you have such a limited space. Here are 20 things worth considering when you’re writing your book review.
Consider where your review will be published. Who will be reading it, and what will they want to know about a book before buying it?
Put yourself in the perspective of the intended audience, even if you are not a part of it.
Define the primary genre, then find elements of other subgenres that may not have been immediately identifiable.
If the writing was unclear, note this. If you didn’t understand it, other readers probably won’t either.
If the characters weren’t compelling in the slightest, the story likely fell flat. If you noticed this, include it in your review. (This is primarily a consideration in fiction and memoir.)
Without a compelling plot, any work involving a storyline will lose the reader’s attention. If you got bored, make it clear in your review.
If it was difficult to believe anyone would talk like the characters in the book, the characters themselves were probably difficult to imagine.
At its core, a book (unless purely informational) is a story. If a story fails to be credible, the book cannot succeed at being a book.
Was anything said that you found interesting, thought-provoking, or tear-jerking? Note these strong moments in your review! (If this quote spoils a surprise moment in the book, include a warning at the beginning of your review.)
Credibility is important an any genre. If one piece of false information is presented, readers will lose trust in the entire book.
If it includes illustrations, note if they are eye-catching or bland. Pay special attention to this if you are reviewing a children’s book.
Many readers want to be aware of this kind of content before picking up a book. Even if it doesn’t bother you, note anything that may be questionable to other readers.
Describe how the author approaches the reader. Is the tone comedic, conversational, professional, or aloof?
Consider why this book was written and what the author intends to convey to the audience.
Now consider how the answer above came across. Was it clear, or did you have to “dig” for it?
What makes this author the only person who could write this book? Do they have a certain education or experience that makes them unique?
This extra material, though not necessary, is good to know about before picking up the book.
What other titles have the same style as this one? Compare it to other books to give your audience a better idea of what it is like.
Did this book make you think more deeply about any academic or moral topics?
What specific audience would enjoy this book? Is it worth the time for others to read it?
