Book reviews can be a valuable tool for readers trying to evaluate whether a particular book is worth putting their time into. Book reviews are also a great way for authors to get the word out about their latest creation. Writing book reviews can also be a great exercise in critical thinking and writing for the reviewer. Plus everyone loves to share their opinion.

If you know in advance that you will be reviewing a certain book. Put a little thought into what information may be important for reviewing the book. If it’s a fiction book you may want to familiarize your self with the setting, the characters, and the perspective of the writer.

If it is non fiction you may be interested in what you currently know about the subject and what you would like to learn after reading the book. Also check out the preface or introduction, the about the author section, and the table of contents and book jacket cover.

While you’re reading take particular note of the main concepts of the book. How is the book organized? What points is the author trying to convey? Are the concepts explained well? Are the main points of the book organized in a logical sequence?

If it’s a fiction work; do the characters seem real to you? Are you absorbed in the storyline and the setting of the book? Is it interesting? Are there lessons to be learned? Is the background information of the story line informative? Is it an easy read, or do you have to force yourself to plod through it?

One of the nice things about book reviews is that usually no two reviews are the same. The review reflects the reviewer’s unique perspective. The views and background knowledge of the reviewer are reflected in their opinions of the book. This is a good thing. Don’t be afraid to actually give your opinion of the book.

Did you like it? Was reading this book a worthwhile way to spend your time? What was good? What was bad? Did you come away from the experience with new found knowledge, or a changed opinion? A good review is an honest opinion about what you think of the book.

Once you’ve put some thought into the reviewer mind set, writing the review is the easy part. Look over your notes and the book. Establish some background information. What is the book about? Either summarize the key concepts or the key characters.

Organize your summary in a way that leaves plenty of room for your actual evaluations of the book. Let the readers know what the author was trying to get across and if they actually succeeded. Once again explain a little bit about whether you liked the book and why or why not.

Adapt your unique review to express the point of the book, and your interpretation of it. With some foresight and preparation it should be easy to review just about any piece of work. The easiest part of reviewing a book is actually the writing. So quit procrastinating and get started.