The contents of a book review can vary widely based on the audience, the genre, and where the review is published. However, there are a few basic elements that are applicable to most critical book reviews
- General Information
All book reviews should contain some key information for the audience. This includes, of course, title, author, genre, plot outline and publisher. - Personal Reactions
This portion of your review should detail how the story or book affected you. This is the place where you would explore personal connections, prior experiences with the author or subject matter, and perhaps even talk about misconceptions or pre-exisiting perceptions you may have brought into the review with you. - Recommendations
Many book reviews will end with the writer's recommendation on the text. Declare your personal take on the novel, and elaborate on your recommendation (or non-recommendation, as the case may be.) This is the place to make any declarations or statements on the overall value and quality of the text.
Based on your targeted publication, you may have to change up or add to these basics, but they should provide a good starting point for the writer who wants to get into this particular genre of critical reviewing.
Sample Book Reviews:
