Writing the Book Review

What it is not: A book report, a summary of the story

What a review does do: tries to explain what the author intended to do, if the author accomplished his goal, evaluates how well the author accomplished his purpose, and provides evidence to support your judgment of the book.

The book review then is a critical analysis of the novel that you have read, using the elements of novel that we just discussed as a guide and framework for your book review. You will discuss how effectively the author used these elements and make judgments about the story and you will provide examples from the novel to support your judgments.

General outline:

Introduction:

Introduce the novel and the author. Present some interesting or significant fact of bit of information that will tie the author to the story or some sort of information that you find unique or interesting.

Provide a clearly stated thesis that states your view on the effectiveness, value, or quality of the novel

Provide a brief summary of the plot to include setting and theme

Introduce main characters; identify them as to the type of character they are: dynamic, static, stock, ect. Their strengths, weaknesses, what motivates them

The analysis of the novel: Describe or explain the conflict in the story

Discuss the Theme of the story: the lesson or insight you gained

Make judgments along the way about each how well each element of the novel was met by the author. Support you judgment by quoting brief passages from the novel. Include these concepts in your analysis:

Judgment about how well written (or not) the narrative was

Is the narrative believable? Why or why not

Did the narrative hold your attention? Why or why not

Would you recommend the novel to your friends? Why or why not

Conclude with a final statement about the worthiness of the fiction