As a current or future college student, you may be asked to write a book review as a class assignment. When written well, book reviews can not only inform but also inspire others to read the book. There is no universal book review template or formula for how to write a book review; because every book is unique, every book review can be, as well. However, you can use the following tips to excel in your book review assignments as you work toward your language-related degree.

A book review is an essay that analyzes a book. A book review may explore a fiction or nonfiction book, or a compilation of short stories, essays or poems. Most book reviews aren’t the same as book reports. Whereas a book report explains what happens in the book, a book review typically evaluates the work through a critical lens.

Students are often asked to write book reviews in high school and college for the purpose of practicing their literacy skills and soft skills. Examining the book through a critical lens provides opportunities to refine one’s critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills, for example.

If you’re curious about how to improve writing skills while in school, book reviews are one possible avenue. Writing the review itself is a chance to practice one’s writing skills. 

Sometimes, professionals may write book reviews, as well, either for inclusion in a literature-focused publication or for academic reasons. For example, those who work in academia or other scholarly fields may write a book review to practice analytical and communication skills, to gain academic publishing experience and to expand the body of knowledge in the field.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

What can you do with an English degree? One activity you may do that draws upon your professional writing skills is to write a book review, either for school or for pleasure. Follow these general steps to get started:

Read the Book With a Critical Lens

Before you can write the review, you’ll need to read the book. First, it’s worth requesting clarification from your professor as to whether you should write a descriptive or a critical book review.

If you’re writing a descriptive review, you’ll actually be writing a book report by summarizing the book’s plot, themes and characters. If you’re writing a critical review, you’ll be writing a more typical book review that analyzes the book.

Next, start reading. While reading, pause now and then to evaluate the plot, character development and themes. Be able to articulate what the author does well and what they should have strengthened.

Identify the Core Argument and Themes

While you’re reading, you’ll need to identify the main argument and themes. In other words, what was the main goal that the author was trying to accomplish? In your opinion, did the author accomplish it? Why or why not? (Be specific.)

In some cases, a book is best analyzed in context. For example, if you’re reviewing a novel written by a political prisoner who lived in 18th-century France, the main point of the novel is likely to be vastly different from a novel written by a tech entrepreneur living in the 21st century.

In other words, consider the time and place, as well as the major events that the author has experienced. You may need to do a little research to learn more about the author and their time period, as well as their geographical region. Note that a discussion of the author’s experiences and the context of the time period isn’t always warranted; only include this in the review if it’s relevant to the book itself and to your analysis.

Take Organized Notes While Reading

Each time you encounter something noteworthy while reading, you should write down the page number next to your notes. This allows you to easily return and review that particular passage while you’re writing your review.

In particular, take notes about the following:

• How the book begins, proceeds and concludes
• The main themes of the book
• The setting
• The characters, how they change and how the author develops them throughout the story
• The plot, its major plot points and significant subplots

You’ll also want to note any plot holes or inconsistencies in the book that don’t make logical sense.

Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

After you’ve critically examined the book, you can develop your thesis statement for your book review. Your thesis statement should capture the main idea of the book, or what it’s about. It should also summarize how well you feel the author accomplished their goal.

Your thesis statement may sometimes explain why the book is important, such as whether it offers social commentary applicable to current trends and events.

Next, it’s time to start fleshing out your book review. Although there is no universal book review template, your essay is likely to follow much of the same structure as any other school essay that you write while working toward your English language degree. It will have an introduction, thesis, body and conclusion.

Book Review Introduction

Begin by providing the book’s bibliographical information. This includes the title, author’s name, publisher and date of publication. If the book was published a long time ago and the historical context is relevant to the book, the introduction is a good place to explore that. You should also provide a brief summary of the book by introducing the plot and main characters, but avoid giving any spoilers.

Book Summary Without Spoilers 

After providing a brief summary in the introduction, you should flesh it out. Describe the plot, characters, themes, motifs and style. Explain the author’s argument.

Try to avoid giving away too much, however. If your readers would like to enjoy the book for themselves, they won’t want to read spoilers in your essay.

Critical Analysis and Evaluation

The summary and the critical analysis do not need to be two separate sections. Rather, it’s often a good idea to interweave them. While you’re describing the plot, for example, you can also offer your own critical analysis of it. Explain what works and what doesn’t for this book.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Like any other essay, your book review needs a conclusion. The conclusion may sum up the main points of your review and the book itself, highlighting the best and worst attributes of the book. It should also explain whether you would recommend this book to others.

While you’re learning how to write a book review, you may wish to follow these tips for better critical analysis and writing:

• Use plenty of examples from the book to illustrate the point you’re making. Use short quotes if appropriate, but don’t use too many quotes.
• Try to maintain a balanced tone. A book review isn’t objective, but it should consider all sides of an issue.
• Use an engaging hook in your book review’s introduction.
• When developing your recommendation, consider the type of reader this book may appeal to, such as fans of science fiction or historical fiction.

A few mistakes are common in book reviews. Use the following tips to avoid those mistakes and learn how to improve writing skills:

• Keep the analysis relevant. Avoid discussing or analyzing extraneous details, such as book blurbs (endorsements) and the cover art.
• Avoid the “interesting” trap. After writing, scan your book review for any usage of the word “interesting” and eliminate it. Instead, specifically state what you found interesting about the book. For example, instead of writing “It was an interesting read,” write something like this: “The author didn’t shy away from exploring a potentially divisive and controversial topic, but rather offered an unusual perspective from which to consider the issue.”
• Be specific. The word “interesting” isn’t the only vague word to avoid in your book review. Avoid writing general statements, such as “The book wasn’t good.” Instead, write something like: “The author’s writing style left something to be desired for many reasons, including the repetitious word choice, flat dialogue and generic descriptions of place and time.”

If you enjoy book reviews and other writing assignments as you work toward your degree, you might consider exploring language-oriented careers. Consider these examples:

Literary Agents

There are many career opportunities within the publishing field, including that of a literary agent. Literary agents specialize in representing writers, such as helping them obtain publishing contracts and negotiating the terms of those contracts. They play an instrumental role in the development of an author’s career.

Acquisition Editors

Publishing houses have multiple types of editors with different responsibilities. Acquisition editors don’t actually do much editing. Rather, they review submissions from writers and literary agents to determine which manuscripts could be potential bestsellers that the publishing house should purchase.

Developmental Editors

Developmental editors work closely with authors to help them with the “big picture” issues of their books. For example, instead of correcting grammar and syntax, a developmental editor will guide the author in creating a more enticing plot, more believable characters and a more immersive fictional world. 

English Teachers

Beyond publishing, there are plenty of language-oriented careers to consider. You might pursue a career as an English teacher, for example. English teachers do more than help students learn proper grammar; they can spark their students’ imagination and unleash their creativity.

Within this field, there are typically no strict licensure requirements. Careers such as court interpreters or clinical professionals may require additional certifications that vary by state.^{(See disclaimer 2,3)}

There are multiple paths you might take to pursue a language-related career. One way to enhance your career qualifications is to earn an additional credential beyond your bachelor’s degree, such as the Graduate Certificate of Completion in English at Grand Canyon University.

If you don’t yet have a degree, GCU offers a wide assortment of language-intensive degree options. These include the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing for New Media degree, which explores everything from creative writing to grant writing to technical writing and beyond.