Guidelines for Writing a Book Review

1. At the top of the page, write your name and the date. 2. Skip a line and write the title and author. 3. Paragraph 1: Summarize the plot in tow to four sentences. In your summary, identify the genre. 4. Open this paragraph with a lead that grabs the reader’s attention: a. Pull a short quote from the book. b. Point out a terrific part. c. Tell why the book was tops or why you found it blah. 5. Paragraph 2: Do you or don’t you recommend the book? Give reasons to back up your opinion. The suggestions below will help you develop points to support your position. Address two or three in your review. a. Was it a page-turner? Why? b. Was it hard to concentrate on the story? Why? c. Did you connect to a character or event? Why? d. Do you enjoy this genre? What about this book made you like the genre? e. Did you enjoy the style of writing? Give an example. f. Were there surprised in the story that held your interest? Briefly tell one. g. Did every chapter end with a cliff-hanger? Give an example. h. Was it boring? Why? i. Did your mind wander when reading? Why? j. Was the plot unbelievable? Why? k. Who would enjoy reading it? Why? 6. Maximum length is one handwritten page or three-quarters of a typewritten page, double-spaced.