WRITING A BOOK REVIEW

2NAFebruary, 2013

Writing a book review

A book review describes, analyzes and evaluates.

The review conveys an opinion, supporting it with evidence from the book.

What is a book review?

While reading, consider

Title

Characters &plot

What does it suggest? What was the story about?

Who are the main characters? Are they credible? What do they do in the story?Do the main characters run into any problems?Adventures?Who is your favourite character and why?

After reading

Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?

Have you ever done or felt some of the things, the characters did?

Your personal experience

Your opinionDo you like the book?

What was your favorite part of the book?

Do you have a least favorite part of the book?

If you could change something, what would it be? MODALS

After reading

Would you recommend this book to another person?

What type of person would like this book?

Your recommendation

Vocabulary

FascinatingMovingBrilliantHilariousGripping

Well-written

FascinatingMovingBrilliantHilariousGripping

Well-written

A detective storyA romantic novel

An adventure story

A science fiction novel

A historical novelA humorous story

A thriller

A detective storyA romantic novel

An adventure story

A science fiction novel

A historical novelA humorous story

A thriller

GreatSkilled

ObservantGifted

PerceptiveEntertaining

GreatSkilled

ObservantGifted

PerceptiveEntertaining

Types of book Adjectives to describe the story/book

Useful Language

What I liked

What I liked most was .....

The thing I liked most was ...

I was pleasantly surprised by ..........

It would appeal to .....

If you get a chance to ....

What I disliked

What I disliked most was .....

I was disappointed by ......

I was disappointed with .....

I was very disappointed by .....

I was very disappointed with ....

An example

Twilight

Review

Twilight is the story of Edward and Bella’s romance. Forget any vampire romance you have read before, Twilight is so unique it is almost like it is in its own genre.  The book is marketed at Young Adult readers but, in my opinion, it will satisfy both teenagers and adults alike.

The story is told in first person from the perspective of Bella, so the reader only ever knows what she knows, making Edward and his family a mystery that is slowly unravelled throughout the book.  Even by the end of the book I was still thirsting for more of the Cullen family back story.  Bella herself is a well written and realistic character, shy and lacking in confidence, her sarcastic inner voice narrates the story for the reader.

Review

Twilight is the story of Edward and Bella’s romance. Forget any vampire romance you have read before, Twilight is so unique it is almost like it is in its own genre.  The book is marketed at Young Adult readers but, in my opinion, it will satisfy both teenagers and adults alike.

The story is told in first person from the perspective of Bella, so the reader only ever knows what she knows, making Edward and his family a mystery that is slowly unravelled throughout the book.  Even by the end of the book I was still thirsting for more of the Cullen family back story.  Bella herself is a well written and realistic character, shy and lacking in confidence, her sarcastic inner voice narrates the story for the reader.

1. Introduction1.What novel

2.Type of novel3.who for

2. Main character1.Name

2.First person3.Opinion

3. Style1. descriptive

Review

The romance between Edward and Bella is both touching and compelling.  There is a feel to their impossible love, yet at the same time they are both unwilling to give up hope.   

I have heard Twilight described as “a vampire story for people who don’t like vampire stories” and I strongly agree with that.  This book really has something for everyone.  Young adult readers, vampire fans or romance readers will all find Twilight to be an appealing story. The book is quite long but don’t let that put you off reading it because each page is to be savoured.  Believe me, this is one book that you won’t want to end. (240 words)

Review

The romance between Edward and Bella is both touching and compelling.  There is a feel to their impossible love, yet at the same time they are both unwilling to give up hope.   

I have heard Twilight described as “a vampire story for people who don’t like vampire stories” and I strongly agree with that.  This book really has something for everyone.  Young adult readers, vampire fans or romance readers will all find Twilight to be an appealing story. The book is quite long but don’t let that put you off reading it because each page is to be savoured.  Believe me, this is one book that you won’t want to end. (252 words)

4. PlotImpossible love

Fight love

5. Opinion & Conclusion

Your turn…

Book Review

Write 120-180 words in an appropriate style.

Your teacher has asked you to write a review for a novel you have read recently.

The best reviews will go in the school magazine.

Review the book giving your opinion and saying whether or not you would recommend it.