They are a way to think more deeply about a book you've read and to demonstrate your understanding.
General elements of a book review:
Introduction
Here you want to provide basic information about the book, and a sense of what your review will be about. You should include:
- Title (underlined)/Author
- Publication Information: Publisher, year, number of pages
- Genre
- A brief (1-2 sentences) introduction to the book and the review.
Body
There are two main sections for this part. The first is an explanation of what the book is about. The second is your opinions about the book and how successful it is.
Explain the author's purpose and/or the main themes of the book. Then you can summarize.
Provide brief descriptions of the setting, the point of view (who tells the story), the protagonist , and other major characters. If there is a distinct mood or tone, discuss that as well.
Give a concise plot summary. Along with the sequence of major events, you may want to discuss the book's climax and resolution, and/or literary devices such as foreshadowing. But be careful not to give away important plot details or the ending.
Analysis and Evaluation
In this section you analyze or critique the book. You can write about your own opinions; just be sure that you explain and support them with examples. Some questions you might want to consider:
- Did the author achieve his or her purpose?
- Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, beautiful?
- What are the strengths and weaknesss of the book?
- What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving, dull?
- Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
Conclusion
Briefly conclude by pulling your thoughts together. You may want to say what impression the book left you with, or emphasize what you want your reader to know about it.
(adapted from http://www.infoplease.com/homework/wsbookreporths.html)
