Question:
How do I write a book review?
Write Your Own Review!
Have you read a book you really enjoyed? One that was special to you, one you told your friends about? Tell the world! Write your own book reviews, and publish them on your website, or better yet, submit them to review publications to reach a wider audience. Pass your enthusiasm on to others, so that they can enjoy the book as well ... you might even gain a moment of fame when your review is published for others to read! Begin your review by listing: Title Author Publisher Publisher´s Address ISBN number You can also include the price, date of publication, and page count. All this information is available right in your book, on the publisher´s page (usually the first left-hand printed page). Then list: "Your Name" reviewer You can include your e-mail or snail mail address (usually not required, but helpful) Now, write your review. Tell your readers why you think it was a great book and what you liked about it. This can include your opinion on the skills of the author, a brief excerpt from the book, a synopsis of the plot, why you liked the book, and other information you feel would interest the reader. If it´s a book of poetry, include a poem; if it´s a joke book, include your favorite joke ... a cookbook review could feature a sample recipe. Try to be concise, but let your enthusiasm for the book shine through. Avoid "spoilers" ... don´t give away the ending, or provide too much detail. If you wish, you can also provide information about the author, including his or her other books. Where to publish? Check with your local library. Many libraries put out review newsletters and would be pleased to have your contribution. Put the review up on your own website, or submit it to other review websites ... or send it to me (BookGuru@lifetips.com) and be published right here in Book-tips!
Publish Your Review Online!
Here are a few of the best places to publish online ... click on the link and go for it! Amazon.com Just locate your chosen book on the Amazon site, scroll down to the review area, and click on "write an online review." Check over their requirements, then cut-and-paste your review and information. If you manage to be the FIRST person to review a book at Amazon, you could be eligible for a $50.00 prize! The Midwest Book Review The Midwest Book Review is a respected book review site featuring thousands of reviews and a vast amount of book information. Join their ranks by submitting your review via e-mail to MWBOOKREVW@aol.com. If they use your review, they will send you an official tear sheet for your records. Barnes and Noble BN´s submission system for reviews is much like Amazon´s. Just locate your book in their online catalog, and click on "Write Your Own Review." Be sure to read their rules. The BookCart The BookCart is always glad to receive reviews from its users of any paperback books you may have read and enjoyed. Join up for FREE paperbacks ... and send your reviews via e-mail to librarian@thebookcart.com. Don´t forget to visit the site often, to swap your own books and get FREE books (you pay only shipping). Book-tips Of course, you can always submit your review to me, right here at Book-tips. Just e-mail it to BookGuru@lifetips.com. Language Arts for Kids Children and young people can submit book reviews to this site ... it´s also a great place to find reviews of books kids enjoyed!
How to Write a Book Review
When it comes to writing book reviews, there are a few standard elements that always need to be in place. Knowing and having a basic understanding of these elements is the best way to get your book review off to a good start. The first element that is necessary and that should open your review is a short summary of the plot. This can include any ideas or lessons you learned, any main characters, any plot twists that won’t ruin the story, and any other plot elements that may help the reader understand what you are talking about. You can also include a brief biography of the author to help establish credibility and expertise. Next you need to have a basic argument, was the book good or bad, did it meet the goals that were set by the author, did the book make sense, and so on. After you have determined your argument, you need at least three pieces of supporting data to back up your claim. Say for instance you read a book and you said that the main character was too scared and that it hindered the reading of the story, finding three instances in which the main character was scared or unable to do something because of fear would be a great way to support your central argument. Having ample information to help support your argument is very nearly the only way that you can convince your readers that your interpretation is correct or at least well supported. The last thing that you need is a conclusion that wraps up your argument and brings the reader back to the central focus which should always be the book that you are reviewing. This conclusion will tie up your argument, bring readers back to the book, and offer a bit of food for thought for readers to take away from your review.
Book Frequently Asked Questions
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Science Fiction for Young People
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