As most people close a finished book, they shove it back on the shelf without a second thought. The story starts to fade in their mind as time passes by, their thoughts on it disappearing. Then one day someone asks them what they thought of that book, only for them to find their mind blanking as most of their thoughts have since slipped from their memory. To avoid that awkward moment, why not write a book review?
Anyone can write a book review, whether it’s just for yourself or to share with others. However, some may be hesitant to write one in the case of not knowing how to go about it. Maybe some are scared that their opinion isn’t valid or that others won’t agree with them. Though, author Luisa Plaja writes, “ Whether you’ve loved the book or not, if you give your honest and detailed thoughts then people will find new books that are right for them.”.
When beginning your review of the book, Plaja recommends you start by giving a few sentences on the book. Make sure it describes the book well enough without giving too much away to potential readers, yet enough to get them hooked on the story. She also says, “ If the book is part of a series, it can be useful to mention this.”, as a way to tell the reader of your review if they should read the others to truly enjoy the story.
To keep the interest flowing after describing the book, move on to talking about the things you loved about the book. Plaja gives examples like, “ Who was your favorite character, and Why?” or “ Did the book make you laugh or cry?”. By listing things you enjoyed about the book, it may bring the readers of the review to look further into the book if they are interested in what you’ve said. Maybe you had a good cry with the book, and a reader was looking for just that.
No matter how much you liked the book, there may always be some things that weren’t to your liking. That’s why the next part of your book review should probably go over the things that you disliked about the book, the parts that you didn’t connect with. “ Did you find it difficult to care about a main character, and could you work out why?” is something that Plaja recommends asking yourself when it comes to the review, among other questions. Sharing the things that you did not like about the book is another way to let your readers know if it is the book for them. Maybe they have similar dislikes and will avoid the book, or maybe they like what you dislike and will check it out.
Finally, you should wrap up the review by writing down your thoughts on the story. “ Summarize some of your thoughts on the book by suggesting the type of reader you’d recommend the book to.” Plaja recommends for this step of the review. Sure you may pick up readers by just sharing your likes and dislikes, however you could pick up more this way.
It’s safe to say that writing a book review isn’t as intimidating as it seems. A book review doesn’t require good writing skills or a good intelligence, anyone can create one. A book review can not only help you get your thoughts out on paper and remember the book you read, but it can also pull others into enjoying the book with you. Who knows, maybe if you get someone to read it from your review, they will review it too.
Source:
