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Writing a Review
A true review describes, analyzes, and evaluates the quality, meaning, and significance of a story, poem, or book. It should not retell, and it is not a book report or a summary. A review is a commentary. Although no "right" way to write a review exists, some essential information is needed in each. Fiction and non-fiction works have differences not only in the content but also what components should be in a review. Let's look as some suggestions to consider when writing a review for a book of fiction. I will use elements from reviews of one of my books in the examples.
First of all, do not give away the full story, climax, or ending of the writing. Do use occasional quotes to support or explain points made in the review.
The first paragraph should include the title of the writing and the author's name. If a book, sometimes publishing information such of ISBN, publisher, type of book, and general subject matter is noted. This information is needed for fiction or nonfiction works.
Example of a first paragraph: The Base Stealers Club, by V. Gilbert Zabel, follows the progress of a middle-school-aged baseball team as it plays its way to a championship. A part of the team also help solve a mystery plaguing the community. Published by 4RV Publishers, ISBN: 978-1-84728-220-0, the book appeals to those who interested in sports, mystery, and adventure.
Other points to be covered, in different paragraphs, are as follows:
Characters: Are the characters flat or round? A round character is multiple dimensional. Round characters make a story line more interesting and believable; therefore, the analysis of the author's use of three-dimensional characters or flat characters is important.
Example of character portrayal: Ryan Scott not only is an excellent athlete, but he also cares about others. He helps find the thief in the story; then he wants to help the young man who stole money from locker rooms. An instance where he acted as peace maker on the team is shown in the following excerpt:
Ryan stood beside Colby, slipping his arm across the shorter boy's shoulders. "Hey, Colby, settle down. Josh is just repeating what he heard. I've heard my dad say the same thing about some criminals." With a slight smile, Ryan turned to Josh. "Josh, what does the preacher say about forgiving? What have we learned in church about forgiving others?"
Theme: The theme of a book may not be written word for word, but the review should note how the author reveals or develops the theme or themes. Mention whether you, as the reviewer, agree or disagree with the author's theme(s) and why.
Example of theme: The author gives support for moral values and actions through the book. Yet, the message isn't preachy or blunt, but the theme flows throughout the story. The author's opinions are solid and are ones that young readers need to realize and learn to accept.
Plot: Are the various elements of plot handled well? The elements of plot include introduction, conflict, climax, and conclusion.
Example of plot: The Base Stealers Club introduces the conflict, the problem in the first two chapters of the book, both the start of the games leading to a successful season and the missing money in locker rooms. The suspense intensifies as the team plays and tries to help find the thief. The climax is unique, as is the reaction of team members.
Author information: V. Gilbert Zabel, who also writes under the name Vivian Gilbert Zabel, for adult level books, played baseball and softball and helped coach a baseball team. Her interest and background in the sport, as well as with children, can be found in the pages of this book.
Give a brief summary of the book: Give an overview, but do not give away the complete plot, climax, or conclusion.
Example of summary: The Jonesville Chargers, a baseball team of middle school-aged boys, pursues championship dreams and the solution of a mystery plaguing their team.
Give your opinion of the book: Tell how the book affected you. Say whether or not the book is interesting, entertaining, or memorable. Would you recommend the book to readers? Why or why not?
Example of opinion: I enjoyed The Base Stealers Club because I became swept up in the chronicling of a team's season, games and attempt to find a thief. This book will appeal to readers aged ten to fifteen who love baseball. Young sports fans will be better for having read the book.
Important note: Having correct grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and other components of good writing are as important in a review as in writing a book. Reviews are a form of writing.
The suggestions can be arranged differently or combined, and some others can be added. Some can be eliminated, but most of the information needs to be somewhere in the review.
Anyone can write a competent review with a bit of practice. |
Writings from Writing.Com
A few items about reviews and reviewing:
Author requests reviews:
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Words from Our Readers
I'm glad readers enjoyed the article about Dana Stabenow's ideas with my added thoughts for promotion. I'm hoping the ones I'm implementing work. I set up a website for my novel at http://Stolen.yolasite.com.
Budroe 
Thank you for more marketing advice, Vivian. Book selling, marketing, and presentation to the public is, regardless of publisher, the author's responsibility. Thank you for this important reminder.
LJPC - the tortoise
Hi, Vivian! Thanks for being our 'inside man' and sharing all the interesting info from the con. The publishing adventures of Dana Stabenow were fascinating. Your newsletter was full of great ideas, links, and tips -- much appreciated. *Smile* -- Laura
Joshiahis
The other side of the quest to become a published author is always murky and scary to me. You spend so much time advancing your skill that you forget that getting the words on paper is only part of the battle. Thank you simplifying this part of the puzzle for us.
*Reading*
~Lee
WordDazz90
I just started an account at writing.com. for the longest time I've been developing a novel..but whenever my thoughts drifted to publication, I drew a blank. This newsletter has given a lot of useful information and ideas.
NickiD89 
Thanks for sharing Dana's promotion strategies. I've got to say, in the five months I've spent building a platform through my blog , I've experienced the potential power behind a strong online presence. And, I've got a list of debut authors' titles I look forward to buying as soon as the books are released -- all by authors whose blog I now follow and who follow mine. I don't think it's ever too early to work on promoting yourself and your work. Great newsletter!
sarahreed
Thanks so much for the advice and ideas on promoting a book. I'm working on revising my novel, Flight of Love, and I plan to self-publish, so I'll be doing all the advertising on my own. It's good to know that it's not impossible to get your name out there. Hard work, yes, but I can handle that. 
Briar Rose
Thanks for letting us in on Dana's tips so we could all benefit from her talk! I hope to need these one day! 
I know that promoting is one of the most difficult part of writing (and we all thought actually writing and then revising over and over was). However, we can learn and use other people's ideas as well as our own. Good luck, everyone, with promoting your writing.
Good bye for another month. May your writing flurish.
Viv |
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For Authors: June 09, 2010 Issue [#3779]
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