Home › SCHS Writing Guide ›

Writing a Review

A REVIEW

If you are asked to review a non-fiction work, fiction, a poem, a short story, a film,  or a non-fiction work like a biography or autobiography, follow this pattern.

Introduction

In the first sentence or two, include the title of the book, the author and the main idea of the entire book.

           Little Women by Louisa May Alcott recounts the girlhood experiences of Jo March and her three sisters. 

The Body

For a fiction book, summarize the main plot without giving away a surprise ending (like in the Sixth Sense) or referring too specifically to events that caused you to cry, scream, or sit at the edge of your seat.

For biographies, highlight the chief incidents of the subjects life and the importance of these events.

For non-fiction, indicate the subject of the book (dating, marriage, prayer etc), and the theme of the book. Think about the approach the author takes. Is it a narrative of thier life's experiences, is it a devotional, is it a series of 'how to' chapters?

The Evaluation

Give your thoughts about the text, whether they are favourable or unfavourable. Tell how the book influenced your thinking, imagination or goals in life. Use examples from the book, such as quotes, to support your statement.

Refer to stylistic choices, like literary devices, imagery, and reading level. You may also encourage your readers to read this text or read with caution.

 

Read these examples:

Fiction :    "Trapped Between Two Worlds"

Nonfiction:   "A Preventable Tragedy"

Mini-Reviews:

Music:  "A Night Without Armor"

Film: "Life is Beautiful"

 
A CRITICAL REVIEW

 In senior grades you will be asked to go beyond the typical book review and spend more time on explaining why you liked or disliked the text, and the specific elements in the text that contribute to its success or failure.

Here is how you may go about writing a critical book review

Read the book.

Be familiar with the text. Read it carefully. Think about it. Get a good understanding of the author’s purpose, the plot, etc.

 

Evaluate the work.

Before, during and after you read, ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the author’s purpose? Did he/she fulfill that purpose?
  • Does the work show planning? Is the plot clear and well-organized? Is the book cluttered with needless events and details or does it flow smoothly?
  • Does the author write in a clear, stylish and effective manner? Does the author’s style ( the way he says things) fit the mood of the story?
  • Do the characters and setting come alive? Do the characters and their activities seem real or flat?
  • Was the text missing anything and if so what?
  •  Did the text make you think about something you have never thought of before?
  •  How does this text relate to others you have read/seen?
  •  Was there anything in the text that you disagreed with? What and why?
  •  Could the theories of the text be used to explain any other phenomena?
  •  Did you enjoy the text?
  • Does the thesis (theme) relate to the reader?
  • Can the reader learn anything from this text?
     

 Write the review.

Introduction 

Identify the title and author of the work, as well as the type of text- (fiction, biography, information etc) Include your thesis statement, which reveals your attitude toward the book and give the main ideas to be developed in the review. Your thesis should include your evaluation of the book as well as the reasons why you give the book either a favourable or an unfavourable evaluation. Compare these thesis statements:

POOR

“I didn’t like this book. Something about it bothers me.” (vague; no   reasons given)
BETTER

“Despite an exciting plot, this book is not quite satisfying because it gives an inaccurate picture of life in Upper Canada before Confederation. (Specific reason given)
POOR

“I think this is a good book. I really enjoyed it.” (Vague: Why is it a good book? Why did you enjoy it? )
BETTER

“Every page in this book shows C.S Lewis’ mastery as an imaginative writer, but I think the things which make the book especially enjoyable are the lively dialogue, the vivid descriptions, and the convincing characterization.” (Specific reasons given why you liked the book)

Summary

Give a brief summary of the work. See above

Proof of thesis

In the third paragraph, you must show your reader that your evaluation of the book (good, bad, weak) is fair and accurate. Using the questions under point two as a basis for your evaluation, prove your thesis by using examples from the book itself. If you accuse the work of being inaccurate, give an example of the author’s inaccuracy. If you like the author’s planning, show how the plot demonstrates his organization. If you praise the work’s vitality, quote an especially vivid passage. Above all, be specific. Give specific details.

Conclusion

The concluding paragraph is a general restatement of the thesis. You may also predict whether or the not the work will continue to be popular in the years to come, or encourage or discourage people from reading the book.

 

 Read an example of a critical book review.  

Novel:   "The Beast of Fear"

Essay:   "Fast Food and Planetary Problems"

Finishing Touches

Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town Review