Writing a Book Review

The Basics

Rev.

May

201

3Cr

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K. C

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A Book Review is An Essay—Not A Book Report

• It does not just tell a reader the synopsis of a plot • It includes the reviewer’s analysis and

opinion of the book Reviewer’s Opini

on

Essay’s

Thesis

A book review answersWhat is the book’s main idea/ argument?

What is the book about?What is the author trying to convey?Who are the characters involved?What is the central narrative?

Is the book successful? Who is the author? Does he/she know enough to write this?How does this book fit in relation to other books on this

topic?Does the author convince you of the argument?

Plus these questions

What is memorable about this book?Quotes – Topics – Style of writing – Form

Was it a good book?What are the books strengths / weaknesses?What stood out for you about the book?

Would you recommend it to others?

How To Write a Review

• Write with authority• Write in a present tense style and with

confidence• Have a thesis or main idea

• The author skillfully argues…• Ultimately the author fails to…

• Make sure book summation is spoiler free• Include examples from the text• Bibliographic information should precede

(come before) the review

What Does Reviewer Need to Convey?

Info on the Book

(Summary, etc)

Info on the Author

(inc. Intent)

Author’s Argument

(with Analysis)

Opinion of book

(Review’s Thesis)

Evidence to support claims

made

Quotes from text (with page

numbers)

Example Review: Let’s Roll by K H., Carmel, IN

Let’s Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage is a biography written by Lisa Beamer with Ken Abraham. Beamer’s husband, Todd, was one of the brave heroes on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. This is not the typical 9/11 story, though. Already the mother of two boys, Lisa was pregnant when Todd died. Unlike some Americans who dealt with the tragedy simply by despising the terrorists and seeking vengeance, Lisa relied on her faith in God to help her through this horrific experience.

This memoir not only features the life of the Beamer family, it gives shocking details of all the events of that day. Looking back, I never knew what actually happened. Now, after reading Let’s Roll!, I have deeper empathy for those lost lives. This book has made me question my faith, and what my actions would be in a similar situation.

You might be curious as to how the title of the book connects with the story. Throughout Todd’s life, “Let’s roll” was his personal phrase. His sons knew when Daddy said “Let’s roll,” they better be ready to head out the door. “Let’s roll” also happened to be Todd’s last words as he followed through with the plan to attack the terrorists aboard his plane.

I read this book when a friend recommended it, and now I know why she did! You become addicted to it from page one. Beamer uses language that is easy to comprehend yet creates vivid images. You too will return to what you were doing in the moments the terrorists attacked.

All Americans could benefit from reading this book. Too many of us stay hooked on the past, yet Lisa is using this tragedy as a way to move forward. This book taught me to always move on, yet never forget.

from Teen Ink.com

For more examples and information, visit:

http://wheelerschool.libguides.com/bookreviewor

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/bookrev/index.htm