A book review analyzes and evaluates a book, including the author's argument and whether they are successful in conveying their main ideas. It goes beyond just summarizing the plot by including the reviewer's own opinion. A good book review answers questions about the book's central themes, characters, narrative, and strengths and weaknesses, and evaluates whether the author convinces the reader and knows enough about the topic. It should be written with authority and confidence, include examples and quotes from the text, and recommend whether others would find the book worthwhile.

1. Writing a
Book Review
The Basics
Rev.May2013CreatedbyK.Covintree

2. A Book Review is An Essay
—Not A Book Report
• It does not just tell a reader the synopsis
of a plot
• It includes the reviewer’s analysis and
opinion of the book
Reviewer’s
Opinion
Essay’s
Thesis

3. A book review answers
 What is the book’s main idea/ argument?
 What is the book about?
 What is the author trying to convey?
 Who are the characters involved?
 What is the central narrative?
 Is the book successful?
 Who is the author?
 Does he/she know enough to write this?
 How does this book fit in relation to other books
on this topic?
 Does the author convince you of the argument?

4. Plus these questions
 What is memorable about this book?
 Quotes – Topics – Style of writing – Form
 Was it a good book?
 What are the books strengths / weaknesses?
 What stood out for you about the book?
 Would you recommend it to others?

5. How To Write a Review
• Write with authority
• Write in a present tense style and with
confidence
• Have a thesis or main idea
• The author skillfully argues…
• Ultimately the author fails to…
• Make sure book summation is spoiler free
• Include examples from the text
• Bibliographic information should precede
(come before) the review

6. What Does Reviewer Need to
Convey?
Info on the
Book
(Summary, etc)
Info on the
Author
(inc. Intent)
Author’s
Argument
(with Analysis)
Opinion of book
(Review’s
Thesis)
Evidence to
support claims
made
Quotes from
text (with page
numbers)

7. Example Review:
Let’s Roll by K H., Carmel, IN
Let’s Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage is a biography written by Lisa Beamer with Ken Abraham.
Beamer’s husband, Todd, was one of the brave heroes on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. This is not
the typical 9/11 story, though. Already the mother of two boys, Lisa was pregnant when Todd died. Unlike
some Americans who dealt with the tragedy simply by despising the terrorists and seeking vengeance, Lisa
relied on her faith in God to help her through this horrific experience.
This memoir not only features the life of the Beamer family, it gives shocking details of all the events of that
day. Looking back, I never knew what actually happened. Now, after reading Let’s Roll!, I have deeper empathy
for those lost lives. This book has made me question my faith, and what my actions would be in a similar
situation.
You might be curious as to how the title of the book connects with the story. Throughout Todd’s life, “Let’s roll”
was his personal phrase. His sons knew when Daddy said “Let’s roll,” they better be ready to head out the
door. “Let’s roll” also happened to be Todd’s last words as he followed through with the plan to attack the
terrorists aboard his plane.
I read this book when a friend recommended it, and now I know why she did! You become addicted to it from
page one. Beamer uses language that is easy to comprehend yet creates vivid images. You too will return to
what you were doing in the moments the terrorists attacked.
All Americans could benefit from reading this book. Too many of us stay hooked on the past, yet Lisa is using
this tragedy as a way to move forward. This book taught me to always move on, yet never forget.
from Teen Ink.com

8. For more examples
and information, visit:
http://wheelerschool.libguides.com/bookreview
or
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/bookrev/index.htm