How to write a book review

A book review has two jobs: tell the reader what the book does, and whether it does it well. The best reviews help a reader decide whether to spend their money and time, and they do it without giving the plot away.

What it is

A book review is a critical assessment that describes a book's premise and approach, evaluates how well it achieves its aims, and states who it is for. It is more than a summary and less than an essay.

How to write it

State what the book is before you judge it. In a line or two: genre, premise, and roughly what it attempts. The reader needs context to understand your judgment.

Do not retell the plot. A review that reads like a synopsis spoils the book and tells the reader nothing about quality. Summarise only as much as you need to set up a point.

Judge it against its own ambition. A quiet literary novel and a page-turner thriller should not be judged by the same standard. Ask: what is this book trying to do, and does it succeed?

Give specific evidence. "The middle section drags" is a claim. "The middle section spends three chapters returning to the same argument" is evidence. Specifics make a review credible.

Comment on craft, not just taste. Mention prose, pacing, character, structure, or research where relevant. You do not need to like a book to review it well.

State who it is for. The most useful line in a review: "If you like X, you will like this; if you prefer Y, it may not be for you."

Give a clear verdict. End with a recommendation and, if you use them, a rating. The reader should know what to do.

Avoid spoilers. If you must mention a twist, flag it. Better to leave the pleasure intact.

How to open

Start with the most interesting thing about the book — its premise, a striking choice, or a question it raises. Skip the generic "this book is about the lives of…" opening.

Common mistakes

Writing a summary instead of a review. Revealing the ending. Being vague ("it was good"). Judging a book for what you wanted instead of what it is. Writing only about the author or the plot. No clear recommendation.

Practical tips

• Write the verdict last, once the evidence is in.
• Compare to similar books when it helps the reader.
• Keep it as long as it needs to be and no more.

Checklist

• I said what the book is before judging it.
• I avoided retelling the plot or spoilers.
• I judged it against its own ambition.
• I gave specific evidence for each point.
• I commented on craft and stated who it is for.
• I ended with a clear verdict.