book review advantages and disadvantages

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Book reviews Structure and language

Book reviews are sometimes used on undergraduate courses, and frequently appear in academic journals. This page considers what a book review is , how to structure one , and provides some language for writing a book review .

What is a book review?

A book review describes and critically evaluates a (usually recent) book. Like any kind of review, for example a review of a film or television programme, it will offer a description of the main points, consider the strengths and weaknesses, and give an overall evaluation, in order to allow the reader to decide whether or not it will be of interest to them and therefore a good investment of their time and money. Book reviews are sometimes used as assignments on undergraduate courses, and are a common component of academic journals. They are typically short pieces of work, around 500-750 words in length. They may sometimes be shorter or longer, but will rarely exceed 1000 words. A book review should not be confused with a book report, which is a relatively short and purely descriptive assignment, common in high school (rather than university) courses.

Structure of book reviews

A book review will usually begin with bibliographic information . This means details such as the name of the book, the name(s) of the author(s), and the publisher. Other details may be helpful, for example date and place of publication, format, edition, number of pages, price and ISBN.

The text of the review should begin with an introduction . As the review will be fairly brief, it is common to begin with an anecdote or quotation which captures the main idea of the book. The introduction will identify the author and title, specify the type of book, and state the book's subject matter. Further background detail to place the book in context may be given, for example previous work by the author in the same field, prior work by other writers in the same field, or information about the book series (if the book is part of a series). The thesis of the book, i.e. its specific contribution, may also be given, along with your own thesis, i.e. your initial appraisal of the work and key observations.

The main body of the review will provide description and critical evaluation of the text. These may be dealt with separately, with description first and evaluation next, or in combination. Although the evaluation is the more important part, the description may still take up half or two thirds of the content of the main body, in order to lay the foundation for the evaluation.

The description of the text will summarise the book. Evidence from the book, such as quotations, may be used to support the points. This part might give information on the following areas, which can later be used as criteria for evaluating the book:

• content of the book (possibly by chapter-by-chapter);
• the author's purpose;
• the intended audience;
• the author's arguments and themes;
• sources used in the book;
• how the book is organised or laid out.

The critical evaluation will present your reaction to the book. You might compare it to other (similar) books in the field, and consider its relative strengths and weaknesses. In this part you may respond to the areas above by considering key questions, as follows, to further highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the book.

• Content of the book . Is everything included? Is there too much information? Is anything essential left out?
• The author's purpose . Has the author succeeded in their purpose?
• The intended audience . Is the book appropriate for the intended audience? Why (not)? Who else might benefit from reading it?
• The author's arguments and themes . How valid or effective are the arguments and themes? Do you agree with the author's opinions? Why (not)?
• Sources used in the book . How strong are the sources? Are there enough?
• How the book is organised or laid out . Is it organised in a logical or useful way? Are there any problems? Is the layout clear and easy to use?

Finally, there should be a conclusion to the book review. This will sum up your thoughts on the book. This means summarising the book's strengths and weaknesses, indicating whether this is a useful book, whether it will make a lasting contribution to its field, whether you recommend it, and who will benefit from reading it.

Note that the above is the structure for a book review for a non-fiction work, which is the most common kind of review for university study. For a work of fiction, a similar approach can be used, though in place of the points for argument and sources, you would consider setting, plot, characters, use of language and voice when describing the book, and consider how effective each of these elements are when evaluating it.

Language for book reviews

It is important is to make sure that your views are distinct from the author's. This can be done by using the author's name, or referring to 'The author' or 'The book'.

The following phrases might be useful for summarising the contents of the book.

• The book is divided into the following parts.
• This text is divided into four main chapters focusing on...
• Section one of the book details...
• The opening chapter focuses on...
• The second section explores...
• Chapter three...
• The next chapter...
• The final chapter...

The following phrases can be used to highlight weaknesses.

• The book would benefit from...
• A nice addition to the book would be...
• The weakest area of the book is...
• The only/main/greatest weakness/drawback of the book is...

The following phrases can be used to indicate a suitable audience for the book.

• The book should appeal to those who...
• This book is applicable to...
• It would be an excellent resource for...
• The book is particularly interesting for...
• The book will be of interest to...
• This book is highly recommended to...
• ... are likely to find the book useful.
• ... would find it valuable.

The following adjectives can be used to give a positive review (negatives of these can be used for a negative review).

• informative
• interesting
• well-organised
• substantial
• comprehensive

Example review

An example book review, as well as exercises for book reviews, can be found in the book Academic Writing Genres: Essays, Reports & Other Genres , part of the EAP Foundation series of books. You can use the form below to download a sample of the book .

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Like the website? Try the books. Enter your email to receive a free sample from Academic Writing Genres .

Below is a checklist for book reviews. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.

Next section

Find out more about research proposals in the next section.

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Go back to the previous section about literature reviews .

Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 27 December 2022.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

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Book Reviews

• Importance of Book Reviews
• Sources for Book Reviews
• How to Write a Book Review

What is a book review and why is it important?

A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is analyzed based on content, style, and merit. It can be a primary source opinion piece, summary review or scholarly review. Books can be reviewed for printed periodicals, magazines and newspapers, as school work, or for book web sites on the internet. A book review's length may vary from a single paragraph to a substantial essay . Such a review may evaluate the book on the basis of personal taste. Reviewers may use the occasion of a book review for a display of learning or to promulgate their own ideas on the topic of a fiction or non-fiction work. ( Wikipedia.org )

Why are book reviews important?

• Book Reviews and Scientist-Practitioner Currency: A Critical Lever Robert G. Jones, John Fleenor & Lynn Summers. The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. Apr 2004. Vol. 41, No. 4; p. 22-25.
• << Previous: Sources for Book Reviews
• Next: How to Write a Book Review >>
• Last Updated: Aug 7, 2024 2:15 PM
• URL: https://libguides.nps.edu/bookreviews

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Book Reviews

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write a book review, a report or essay that offers a critical perspective on a text. It offers a process and suggests some strategies for writing book reviews.

What is a review?

A review is a critical evaluation of a text, event, object, or phenomenon. Reviews can consider books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and many other forms. This handout will focus on book reviews. For a similar assignment, see our handout on literature reviews .

Above all, a review makes an argument. The most important element of a review is that it is a commentary, not merely a summary. It allows you to enter into dialogue and discussion with the work’s creator and with other audiences. You can offer agreement or disagreement and identify where you find the work exemplary or deficient in its knowledge, judgments, or organization. You should clearly state your opinion of the work in question, and that statement will probably resemble other types of academic writing, with a thesis statement, supporting body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Typically, reviews are brief. In newspapers and academic journals, they rarely exceed 1000 words, although you may encounter lengthier assignments and extended commentaries. In either case, reviews need to be succinct. While they vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features:

• First, a review gives the reader a concise summary of the content. This includes a relevant description of the topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose.
• Second, and more importantly, a review offers a critical assessment of the content. This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand.
• Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it.

Becoming an expert reviewer: three short examples

Reviewing can be a daunting task. Someone has asked for your opinion about something that you may feel unqualified to evaluate. Who are you to criticize Toni Morrison’s new book if you’ve never written a novel yourself, much less won a Nobel Prize? The point is that someone—a professor, a journal editor, peers in a study group—wants to know what you think about a particular work. You may not be (or feel like) an expert, but you need to pretend to be one for your particular audience. Nobody expects you to be the intellectual equal of the work’s creator, but your careful observations can provide you with the raw material to make reasoned judgments. Tactfully voicing agreement and disagreement, praise and criticism, is a valuable, challenging skill, and like many forms of writing, reviews require you to provide concrete evidence for your assertions.

Consider the following brief book review written for a history course on medieval Europe by a student who is fascinated with beer:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600, investigates how women used to brew and sell the majority of ale drunk in England. Historically, ale and beer (not milk, wine, or water) were important elements of the English diet. Ale brewing was low-skill and low status labor that was complimentary to women’s domestic responsibilities. In the early fifteenth century, brewers began to make ale with hops, and they called this new drink “beer.” This technique allowed brewers to produce their beverages at a lower cost and to sell it more easily, although women generally stopped brewing once the business became more profitable.

The student describes the subject of the book and provides an accurate summary of its contents. But the reader does not learn some key information expected from a review: the author’s argument, the student’s appraisal of the book and its argument, and whether or not the student would recommend the book. As a critical assessment, a book review should focus on opinions, not facts and details. Summary should be kept to a minimum, and specific details should serve to illustrate arguments.

Now consider a review of the same book written by a slightly more opinionated student:

Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 was a colossal disappointment. I wanted to know about the rituals surrounding drinking in medieval England: the songs, the games, the parties. Bennett provided none of that information. I liked how the book showed ale and beer brewing as an economic activity, but the reader gets lost in the details of prices and wages. I was more interested in the private lives of the women brewsters. The book was divided into eight long chapters, and I can’t imagine why anyone would ever want to read it.

There’s no shortage of judgments in this review! But the student does not display a working knowledge of the book’s argument. The reader has a sense of what the student expected of the book, but no sense of what the author herself set out to prove. Although the student gives several reasons for the negative review, those examples do not clearly relate to each other as part of an overall evaluation—in other words, in support of a specific thesis. This review is indeed an assessment, but not a critical one.

Here is one final review of the same book:

One of feminism’s paradoxes—one that challenges many of its optimistic histories—is how patriarchy remains persistent over time. While Judith Bennett’s Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women’s Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600 recognizes medieval women as historical actors through their ale brewing, it also shows that female agency had its limits with the advent of beer. I had assumed that those limits were religious and political, but Bennett shows how a “patriarchal equilibrium” shut women out of economic life as well. Her analysis of women’s wages in ale and beer production proves that a change in women’s work does not equate to a change in working women’s status. Contemporary feminists and historians alike should read Bennett’s book and think twice when they crack open their next brewsky.

This student’s review avoids the problems of the previous two examples. It combines balanced opinion and concrete example, a critical assessment based on an explicitly stated rationale, and a recommendation to a potential audience. The reader gets a sense of what the book’s author intended to demonstrate. Moreover, the student refers to an argument about feminist history in general that places the book in a specific genre and that reaches out to a general audience. The example of analyzing wages illustrates an argument, the analysis engages significant intellectual debates, and the reasons for the overall positive review are plainly visible. The review offers criteria, opinions, and support with which the reader can agree or disagree.

Developing an assessment: before you write

There is no definitive method to writing a review, although some critical thinking about the work at hand is necessary before you actually begin writing. Thus, writing a review is a two-step process: developing an argument about the work under consideration, and making that argument as you write an organized and well-supported draft. See our handout on argument .

What follows is a series of questions to focus your thinking as you dig into the work at hand. While the questions specifically consider book reviews, you can easily transpose them to an analysis of performances, exhibitions, and other review subjects. Don’t feel obligated to address each of the questions; some will be more relevant than others to the book in question.

• What is the thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? What has the book accomplished?
• What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? What is the approach to the subject (topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive)?
• How does the author support their argument? What evidence do they use to prove their point? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author’s information (or conclusions) conflict with other books you’ve read, courses you’ve taken or just previous assumptions you had of the subject?
• How does the author structure their argument? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
• How has this book helped you understand the subject? Would you recommend the book to your reader?

Beyond the internal workings of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the circumstances of the text’s production:

• Who is the author? Nationality, political persuasion, training, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the biographer was the subject’s best friend? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they write about?
• What is the book’s genre? Out of what field does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or literary standard on which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know. Keep in mind, though, that naming “firsts”—alongside naming “bests” and “onlys”—can be a risky business unless you’re absolutely certain.

Writing the review

Once you have made your observations and assessments of the work under review, carefully survey your notes and attempt to unify your impressions into a statement that will describe the purpose or thesis of your review. Check out our handout on thesis statements . Then, outline the arguments that support your thesis.

Your arguments should develop the thesis in a logical manner. That logic, unlike more standard academic writing, may initially emphasize the author’s argument while you develop your own in the course of the review. The relative emphasis depends on the nature of the review: if readers may be more interested in the work itself, you may want to make the work and the author more prominent; if you want the review to be about your perspective and opinions, then you may structure the review to privilege your observations over (but never separate from) those of the work under review. What follows is just one of many ways to organize a review.

Introduction

Since most reviews are brief, many writers begin with a catchy quip or anecdote that succinctly delivers their argument. But you can introduce your review differently depending on the argument and audience. The Writing Center’s handout on introductions can help you find an approach that works. In general, you should include:

• The name of the author and the book title and the main theme.
• Relevant details about who the author is and where they stand in the genre or field of inquiry. You could also link the title to the subject to show how the title explains the subject matter.
• The context of the book and/or your review. Placing your review in a framework that makes sense to your audience alerts readers to your “take” on the book. Perhaps you want to situate a book about the Cuban revolution in the context of Cold War rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union. Another reviewer might want to consider the book in the framework of Latin American social movements. Your choice of context informs your argument.
• The thesis of the book. If you are reviewing fiction, this may be difficult since novels, plays, and short stories rarely have explicit arguments. But identifying the book’s particular novelty, angle, or originality allows you to show what specific contribution the piece is trying to make.
• Your thesis about the book.

Summary of content

This should be brief, as analysis takes priority. In the course of making your assessment, you’ll hopefully be backing up your assertions with concrete evidence from the book, so some summary will be dispersed throughout other parts of the review.

The necessary amount of summary also depends on your audience. Graduate students, beware! If you are writing book reviews for colleagues—to prepare for comprehensive exams, for example—you may want to devote more attention to summarizing the book’s contents. If, on the other hand, your audience has already read the book—such as a class assignment on the same work—you may have more liberty to explore more subtle points and to emphasize your own argument. See our handout on summary for more tips.

Analysis and evaluation of the book

Your analysis and evaluation should be organized into paragraphs that deal with single aspects of your argument. This arrangement can be challenging when your purpose is to consider the book as a whole, but it can help you differentiate elements of your criticism and pair assertions with evidence more clearly. You do not necessarily need to work chronologically through the book as you discuss it. Given the argument you want to make, you can organize your paragraphs more usefully by themes, methods, or other elements of the book. If you find it useful to include comparisons to other books, keep them brief so that the book under review remains in the spotlight. Avoid excessive quotation and give a specific page reference in parentheses when you do quote. Remember that you can state many of the author’s points in your own words.

Sum up or restate your thesis or make the final judgment regarding the book. You should not introduce new evidence for your argument in the conclusion. You can, however, introduce new ideas that go beyond the book if they extend the logic of your own thesis. This paragraph needs to balance the book’s strengths and weaknesses in order to unify your evaluation. Did the body of your review have three negative paragraphs and one favorable one? What do they all add up to? The Writing Center’s handout on conclusions can help you make a final assessment.

Finally, a few general considerations:

• Review the book in front of you, not the book you wish the author had written. You can and should point out shortcomings or failures, but don’t criticize the book for not being something it was never intended to be.
• With any luck, the author of the book worked hard to find the right words to express her ideas. You should attempt to do the same. Precise language allows you to control the tone of your review.
• Never hesitate to challenge an assumption, approach, or argument. Be sure, however, to cite specific examples to back up your assertions carefully.
• Try to present a balanced argument about the value of the book for its audience. You’re entitled—and sometimes obligated—to voice strong agreement or disagreement. But keep in mind that a bad book takes as long to write as a good one, and every author deserves fair treatment. Harsh judgments are difficult to prove and can give readers the sense that you were unfair in your assessment.
• A great place to learn about book reviews is to look at examples. The New York Times Sunday Book Review and The New York Review of Books can show you how professional writers review books.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Drewry, John. 1974. Writing Book Reviews. Boston: Greenwood Press.

Hoge, James. 1987. Literary Reviewing. Charlottesville: University Virginia of Press.

Sova, Dawn, and Harry Teitelbaum. 2002. How to Write Book Reports , 4th ed. Lawrenceville, NY: Thomson/Arco.

Walford, A.J. 1986. Reviews and Reviewing: A Guide. Phoenix: Oryx Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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A book review is a thorough description, critical analysis, and/or evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, often written in relation to prior research on the topic. Reviews generally range from 500-2000 words, but may be longer or shorter depends on several factors: the length and complexity of the book being reviewed, the overall purpose of the review, and whether the review examines two or more books that focus on the same topic. Professors assign book reviews as practice in carefully analyzing complex scholarly texts and to assess your ability to effectively synthesize research so that you reach an informed perspective about the topic being covered.

There are two general approaches to reviewing a book:

• Descriptive review: Presents the content and structure of a book as objectively as possible, describing essential information about a book's purpose and authority. This is done by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the study, often incorporating passages quoted from the text that highlight key elements of the work. Additionally, there may be some indication of the reading level and anticipated audience.
• Critical review: Describes and evaluates the book in relation to accepted literary and historical standards and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text and, in most cases, in contrast to and in comparison with the research of others. It should include a statement about what the author has tried to do, evaluates how well you believe the author has succeeded in meeting the objectives of the study, and presents evidence to support this assessment. For most course assignments, your professor will want you to write this type of review.

Book Reviews. Writing Center. University of New Hampshire; Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review. Writing and Style Guides. Libraries. Dalhousie University; Kindle, Peter A. "Teaching Students to Write Book Reviews." Contemporary Rural Social Work 7 (2015): 135-141; Erwin, R. W. “Reviewing Books for Scholarly Journals.” In Writing and Publishing for Academic Authors . Joseph M. Moxley and Todd Taylor. 2 nd edition. (Lanham, MD: Rowan and Littlefield, 1997), pp. 83-90.

How to Approach Writing Your Review

NOTE:   Since most course assignments require that you write a critical rather than descriptive book review, the following information about preparing to write and developing the structure and style of reviews focuses on this approach.

I.  Common Features

While book reviews vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features. These include:

• A review gives the reader a concise summary of the content . This includes a description of the research topic and scope of analysis as well as an overview of the book's overall perspective, argument, and purpose.
• A review offers a critical assessment of the content in relation to other studies on the same topic . This involves documenting your reactions to the work under review--what strikes you as noteworthy or important, whether or not the arguments made by the author(s) were effective or persuasive, and how the work enhanced your understanding of the research problem under investigation.
• In addition to analyzing a book's strengths and weaknesses, a scholarly review often recommends whether or not readers would value the work for its authenticity and overall quality . This measure of quality includes both the author's ideas and arguments and covers practical issues, such as, readability and language, organization and layout, indexing, and, if needed, the use of non-textual elements .

To maintain your focus, always keep in mind that most assignments ask you to discuss a book's treatment of its topic, not the topic itself . Your key sentences should say, "This book shows...,” "The study demonstrates...," or “The author argues...," rather than "This happened...” or “This is the case....”

II.  Developing a Critical Assessment Strategy

There is no definitive methodological approach to writing a book review in the social sciences, although it is necessary that you think critically about the research problem under investigation before you begin to write. Therefore, writing a book review is a three-step process: 1) carefully taking notes as you read the text; 2) developing an argument about the value of the work under consideration; and, 3) clearly articulating that argument as you write an organized and well-supported assessment of the work.

A useful strategy in preparing to write a review is to list a set of questions that should be answered as you read the book [remember to note the page numbers so you can refer back to the text!]. The specific questions to ask yourself will depend upon the type of book you are reviewing. For example, a book that is presenting original research about a topic may require a different set of questions to ask yourself than a work where the author is offering a personal critique of an existing policy or issue.

Here are some sample questions that can help you think critically about the book:

• Thesis or Argument . What is the central thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one main idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world that you know or have experienced? What has the book accomplished? Is the argument clearly stated and does the research support this?
• Topic . What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Is it clearly articulated? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? Can you detect any biases? What type of approach has the author adopted to explore the research problem [e.g., topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive]?
• Evidence . How does the author support their argument? What evidence does the author use to prove their point? Is the evidence based on an appropriate application of the method chosen to gather information? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author's information [or conclusions] conflict with other books you've read, courses you've taken, or just previous assumptions you had about the research problem?
• Structure . How does the author structure their argument? Does it follow a logical order of analysis? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense to you? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
• Take-aways . How has this book helped you understand the research problem? Would you recommend the book to others? Why or why not?

Beyond the content of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the general presentation of information. Question to ask may include:

• The Author: Who is the author? The nationality, political persuasion, education, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the author is affiliated with a particular organization? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they wrote about? What other topics has the author written about? Does this work build on prior research or does it represent a new or unique area of research?
• The Presentation: What is the book's genre? Out of what discipline does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or other contextual standard upon which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know this. Keep in mind, though, that declarative statements about being the “first,” the "best," or the "only" book of its kind can be a risky unless you're absolutely certain because your professor [presumably] has a much better understanding of the overall research literature.

NOTE: Most critical book reviews examine a topic in relation to prior research. A good strategy for identifying this prior research is to examine sources the author(s) cited in the chapters introducing the research problem and, of course, any review of the literature. However, you should not assume that the author's references to prior research is authoritative or complete. If any works related to the topic have been excluded, your assessment of the book should note this . Be sure to consult with a librarian to ensure that any additional studies are located beyond what has been cited by the author(s).

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207;   Motta-Roth, D. “Discourse Analysis and Academic Book Reviews: A Study of Text and Disciplinary Cultures.”  In Genre Studies in English for Academic Purposes . Fortanet Gómez, Inmaculada  et  al., editors. (Castellò de la Plana: Publicacions de la Universitat Jaume I, 1998), pp. 29-45. Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Suárez, Lorena and Ana I. Moreno. “The Rhetorical Structure of Academic Journal Book Reviews: A Cross-linguistic and Cross-disciplinary Approach .” In Asociación Europea de Lenguas para Fines Específicos, María del Carmen Pérez Llantada Auría, Ramón Plo Alastrué, and Claus Peter Neumann. Actas del V Congreso Internacional AELFE/Proceedings of the 5th International AELFE Conference . Zaragoza: Universidad de Zaragoza, 2006.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  Bibliographic Information

Bibliographic information refers to the essential elements of a work if you were to cite it in a paper [i.e., author, title, date of publication, etc.]. Provide the essential information about the book using the writing style [e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago] preferred by your professor or used by the discipline of your major . Depending on how your professor wants you to organize your review, the bibliographic information represents the heading of your review. In general, it would look like this:

[Complete title of book. Author or authors. Place of publication. Publisher. Date of publication. Number of pages before first chapter, often in Roman numerals. Total number of pages]. The Whites of Their Eyes: The Tea Party's Revolution and the Battle over American History . By Jill Lepore. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2010. xii, 207 pp.)

Reviewed by [your full name].

II.  Scope/Purpose/Content

Begin your review by telling the reader not only the overarching concern of the book in its entirety [the subject area] but also what the author's particular point of view is on that subject [the thesis statement]. If you cannot find an adequate statement in the author's own words or if you find that the thesis statement is not well-developed, then you will have to compose your own introductory thesis statement that does cover all the material. This statement should be no more than one paragraph and must be succinctly stated, accurate, and unbiased.

If you find it difficult to discern the overall aims and objectives of the book [and, be sure to point this out in your review if you determine that this is a deficiency], you may arrive at an understanding of the book's overall purpose by assessing the following:

• Scan the table of contents because it can help you understand how the book was organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they were developed [e.g., chronologically, topically, historically, etc.].
• Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?
• From what point of view is the work written?
• Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, or to convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?
• What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? If necessary, review related literature from other books and journal articles to familiarize yourself with the field.
• Who is the intended audience?
• What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? You can evaluate the quality of the writing style by noting some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, accurate use of technical words, conciseness, fullness of development, and fluidity [i.e., quality of the narrative flow].
• How did the book affect you? Were there any prior assumptions you had about the subject that were changed, abandoned, or reinforced after reading the book? How is the book related to your own personal beliefs or assumptions? What personal experiences have you had related to the subject that affirm or challenge underlying assumptions?
• How well has the book achieved the goal(s) set forth in the preface, introduction, and/or foreword?
• Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

III.  Note the Method

Support your remarks with specific references to text and quotations that help to illustrate the literary method used to state the research problem, describe the research design, and analyze the findings. In general, authors tend to use the following literary methods, exclusively or in combination.

• Description : The author depicts scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the reader’s imagination. The description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many details as possible, the way persons, places, and things are situated within the phenomenon being described.
• Narration : The author tells the story of a series of events, usually thematically or in chronological order. In general, the emphasis in scholarly books is on narration of the events. Narration tells what has happened and, in some cases, using this method to forecast what could happen in the future. Its primary purpose is to draw the reader into a story and create a contextual framework for understanding the research problem.
• Exposition : The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue clearly and as impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to describe and explain, to document for the historical record an event or phenomenon.
• Argument : The author uses techniques of persuasion to establish understanding of a particular truth, often in the form of addressing a research question, or to convince the reader of its falsity. The overall aim is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue and aims to convince the reader that the author's position is valid, logical, and/or reasonable.

IV.  Critically Evaluate the Contents

Critical comments should form the bulk of your book review . State whether or not you feel the author's treatment of the subject matter is appropriate for the intended audience. Ask yourself:

• Has the purpose of the book been achieved?
• What contributions does the book make to the field?
• Is the treatment of the subject matter objective or at least balanced in describing all sides of a debate?
• Are there facts and evidence that have been omitted?
• What kinds of data, if any, are used to support the author's thesis statement?
• Can the same data be interpreted to explain alternate outcomes?
• Is the writing style clear and effective?
• Does the book raise important or provocative issues or topics for discussion?
• Does the book bring attention to the need for further research?
• What has been left out?

Support your evaluation with evidence from the text and, when possible, state the book's quality in relation to other scholarly sources. If relevant, note of the book's format, such as, layout, binding, typography, etc. Are there tables, charts, maps, illustrations, text boxes, photographs, or other non-textual elements? Do they aid in understanding the text? Describing this is particularly important in books that contain a lot of non-textual elements.

NOTE:   It is important to carefully distinguish your views from those of the author so as not to confuse your reader. Be clear when you are describing an author's point of view versus expressing your own.

V.  Examine the Front Matter and Back Matter

Front matter refers to any content before the first chapter of the book. Back matter refers to any information included after the final chapter of the book . Front matter is most often numbered separately from the rest of the text in lower case Roman numerals [i.e. i - xi ]. Critical commentary about front or back matter is generally only necessary if you believe there is something that diminishes the overall quality of the work [e.g., the indexing is poor] or there is something that is particularly helpful in understanding the book's contents [e.g., foreword places the book in an important context].

Front matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

• Table of contents -- is it clear? Is it detailed or general? Does it reflect the true contents of the book? Does it help in understanding a logical sequence of content?
• Author biography -- also found as back matter, the biography of author(s) can be useful in determining the authority of the writer and whether the book builds on prior research or represents new research. In scholarly reviews, noting the author's affiliation and prior publications can be a factor in helping the reader determine the overall validity of the work [i.e., are they associated with a research center devoted to studying the problem under investigation].
• Foreword -- the purpose of a foreword is to introduce the reader to the author and the content of the book, and to help establish credibility for both. A foreword may not contribute any additional information about the book's subject matter, but rather, serves as a means of validating the book's existence. In these cases, the foreword is often written by a leading scholar or expert who endorses the book's contributions to advancing research about the topic. Later editions of a book sometimes have a new foreword prepended [appearing before an older foreword, if there was one], which may be included to explain how the latest edition differs from previous editions. These are most often written by the author.
• Acknowledgements -- scholarly studies in the social sciences often take many years to write, so authors frequently acknowledge the help and support of others in getting their research published. This can be as innocuous as acknowledging the author's family or the publisher. However, an author may acknowledge prominent scholars or subject experts, staff at key research centers, people who curate important archival collections, or organizations that funded the research. In these particular cases, it may be worth noting these sources of support in your review, particularly if the funding organization is biased or its mission is to promote a particular agenda.
• Preface -- generally describes the genesis, purpose, limitations, and scope of the book and may include acknowledgments of indebtedness to people who have helped the author complete the study. Is the preface helpful in understanding the study? Does it provide an effective framework for understanding what's to follow?
• Chronology -- also may be found as back matter, a chronology is generally included to highlight key events related to the subject of the book. Do the entries contribute to the overall work? Is it detailed or very general?
• List of non-textual elements -- a book that contains numerous charts, photographs, maps, tables, etc. will often list these items after the table of contents in the order that they appear in the text. Is this useful?

Back matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

• Afterword -- this is a short, reflective piece written by the author that takes the form of a concluding section, final commentary, or closing statement. It is worth mentioning in a review if it contributes information about the purpose of the book, gives a call to action, summarizes key recommendations or next steps, or asks the reader to consider key points made in the book.
• Appendix -- is the supplementary material in the appendix or appendices well organized? Do they relate to the contents or appear superfluous? Does it contain any essential information that would have been more appropriately integrated into the text?
• Index -- are there separate indexes for names and subjects or one integrated index. Is the indexing thorough and accurate? Are elements used, such as, bold or italic fonts to help identify specific places in the book? Does the index include "see also" references to direct you to related topics?
• Glossary of Terms -- are the definitions clearly written? Is the glossary comprehensive or are there key terms missing? Are any terms or concepts mentioned in the text not included that should have been?
• Endnotes -- examine any endnotes as you read from chapter to chapter. Do they provide important additional information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the body of the text? Should any notes have been better integrated into the text rather than separated? Do the same if the author uses footnotes.
• Bibliography/References/Further Readings -- review any bibliography, list of references to sources, and/or further readings the author may have included. What kinds of sources appear [e.g., primary or secondary, recent or old, scholarly or popular, etc.]? How does the author make use of them? Be sure to note important omissions of sources that you believe should have been utilized, including important digital resources or archival collections.

VI.  Summarize and Comment

State your general conclusions briefly and succinctly. Pay particular attention to the author's concluding chapter and/or afterword. Is the summary convincing? List the principal topics, and briefly summarize the author’s ideas about these topics, main points, and conclusions. If appropriate and to help clarify your overall evaluation, use specific references to text and quotations to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new information in the conclusion. If you've compared the book to any other works or used other sources in writing the review, be sure to cite them at the end of your book review in the same writing style as your bibliographic heading of the book.

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Gastel, Barbara. "Special Books Section: A Strategy for Reviewing Books for Journals." BioScience 41 (October 1991): 635-637; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Lee, Alexander D., Bart N. Green, Claire D. Johnson, and Julie Nyquist. "How to Write a Scholarly Book Review for Publication in a Peer-reviewed Journal: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Chiropractic Education 24 (2010): 57-69; Nicolaisen, Jeppe. "The Scholarliness of Published Peer Reviews: A Bibliometric Study of Book Reviews in Selected Social Science Fields." Research Evaluation 11 (2002): 129-140;.Procter, Margaret. The Book Review or Article Critique. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Reading a Book to Review It. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Scarnecchia, David L. "Writing Book Reviews for the Journal Of Range Management and Rangelands." Rangeland Ecology and Management 57 (2004): 418-421; Simon, Linda. "The Pleasures of Book Reviewing." Journal of Scholarly Publishing 27 (1996): 240-241; Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University.

Writing Tip

Always Read the Foreword and/or the Preface

If they are included in the front matter, a good place for understanding a book's overall purpose, organization, contributions to further understanding of the research problem, and relationship to other studies is to read the preface and the foreword. The foreword may be written by someone other than the author or editor and can be a person who is famous or who has name recognition within the discipline. A foreword is often included to add credibility to the work.

The preface is usually an introductory essay written by the author or editor. It is intended to describe the book's overall purpose, arrangement, scope, and overall contributions to the literature. When reviewing the book, it can be useful to critically evaluate whether the goals set forth in the foreword and/or preface were actually achieved. At the very least, they can establish a foundation for understanding a study's scope and purpose as well as its significance in contributing new knowledge.

Distinguishing between a Foreword, a Preface, and an Introduction . Book Creation Learning Center. Greenleaf Book Group, 2019.

Locating Book Reviews

There are several databases the USC Libraries subscribes to that include the full-text or citations to book reviews. Short, descriptive reviews can also be found at book-related online sites such as Amazon , although it's not always obvious who has written them and may actually be created by the publisher. The following databases provide comprehensive access to scholarly, full-text book reviews:

• ProQuest [1983-present]
• Book Review Digest Retrospective [1905-1982]

Some Language for Evaluating Texts

It can be challenging to find the proper vocabulary from which to discuss and evaluate a book. Here is a list of some active verbs for referring to texts and ideas that you might find useful:

• account for
• demonstrate
• distinguish
• investigate

Examples of usage

• "The evidence indicates that..."
• "This work assesses the effect of..."
• "The author identifies three key reasons for..."
• "This book questions the view that..."
• "This work challenges assumptions about...."

Paquot, Magali. Academic Keyword List. Centre for English Corpus Linguistics. Université Catholique de Louvain.

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Writing a Book Review

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Book reviews typically evaluate recently-written works. They offer a brief description of the text’s key points and often provide a short appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the work.

Readers sometimes confuse book reviews with book reports, but the two are not identical. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words. If you are looking to write a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Report.

By contrast, book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. They typically range from 500-750 words, but may be longer or shorter. A book review gives readers a sneak peek at what a book is like, whether or not the reviewer enjoyed it, and details on purchasing the book.

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider the elements you will need to included in your review. The following items may help:

• Author: Who is the author? What else has s/he written? Has this author won any awards? What is the author’s typical style?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, romance, poetry, youth fiction, etc.? Who is the intended audience for this work? What is the purpose of the work?
• Title: Where does the title fit in? How is it applied in the work? Does it adequately encapsulate the message of the text? Is it interesting? Uninteresting?
• Preface/Introduction/Table of Contents: Does the author provide any revealing information about the text in the preface/introduction? Does a “guest author” provide the introduction? What judgments or preconceptions do the author and/or “guest author” provide? How is the book arranged: sections, chapters?
• Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: Book jackets are like mini-reviews. Does the book jacket provide any interesting details or spark your interest in some way? Are there pictures, maps, or graphs? Do the binding, page cut, or typescript contribute or take away from the work?

As You Read

As you read, determine how you will structure the summary portion or background structure of your review. Be ready to take notes on the book’s key points, characters, and/or themes.

• Characters: Are there characters in the work? Who are the principal characters? How do they affect the story? Do you empathize with them?
• Themes/Motifs/Style: What themes or motifs stand out? How do they contribute to the work? Are they effective or not? How would you describe this author’s particular style? Is it accessible to all readers or just some?
• Argument: How is the work’s argument set up? What support does the author give for her/findings? Does the work fulfill its purpose/support its argument?
• Key Ideas: What is the main idea of the work? What makes it good, different, or groundbreaking?
• Quotes: What quotes stand out? How can you demonstrate the author’s talent or the feel of the book through a quote?

When You Are Ready to Write

Begin with a short summary or background of the work, but do not give too much away. Many reviews limit themselves only to the first couple of chapters or lead the reader up to the rising action of the work. Reviewers of nonfiction texts will provide the basic idea of the book’s argument without too much detailed.

The final portion of your review will detail your opinion of the work. When you are ready to begin your review, consider the following:

• Establish a Background, Remember your Audience: Remember that your audience has not read the work; with this in mind, be sure to introduce characters and principles carefully and deliberately. What kind of summary can you provide of the main points or main characters that will help your readers gauge their interest? Does the author’s text adequately reach the intended audience? Will some readers be lost or find the text too easy?
• Minor principles/characters: Deal only with the most pressing issues in the book. You will not be able to cover every character or idea. What principles/characters did you agree or disagree with? What other things might the author have researched or considered?
• Organize: The purpose of the review is to critically evaluate the text, not just inform the readers about it. Leave plenty room for your evaluation by ensuring that your summary is brief. Determine what kind of balance to strike between your summary information and your evaluation. If you are writing your review for a class, ask your instructor. Often the ratio is half and half.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Publisher/Price: Most book reviews include the publisher and price of the book at the end of the article. Some reviews also include the year published and ISBN.

When making the final touches to your review, carefully verify the following:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Try to read from the vantage point of your audience. Is there too much/enough summary? Does your argument about the text make sense?
• Should you include direct quotes from the reading? Do they help support your arguments? Double-check your quotes for accuracy.

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13 Common Mistakes in Book Reviewing and How to Avoid Them

Jay a. fernandez is looking to write some wrongs.

It’s easy to see why writing criticism attracts so many authors, aspiring or established, and other students of literature: it offers the opportunity to highlight a love of books while showing off one’s own chops as a writer and thinker. Insightful commentary on the world’s literary life entered the public discourse 2,500 years ago, and it plays a vibrant, vital role in the health of the arts and society today. It’s an admirable, aspirational pursuit that attaches the reviewer to a tradition that trails all the way back to Aristotle.

I love language and admire anyone who takes a run at mastering the linguistic arts. It is a challenging, surprising, rewarding endeavor worthy of its conundrums. Literature may be endlessly elastic, but book criticism has best practices and parameters that are no less potent for being unwritten. It’s a form that can be learned, a skill that can be improved and refined. As a writer and editor for more than 20 years, I’ve noted some prevalent tics that blight otherwise fine critical writing even as they guarantee me a living doing something I love.

It should be noted that my familiarity with these blunders begins with my own early commitment to abusing them. My first real job was as editorial assistant for The Washington Post ’s book reviews section, Book World . This was during the mid-to-late-90s, and I had the great benefit of listening in daily on the literary debates of a brilliant group of book nerds anchored by two critic-editors who had won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism—Jonathan Yardley (1981, while he was at The Washington Star ) and Michael Dirda (1993), both authors themselves. These men and women assigned reviews to the biggest names in literature but were never afraid to suggest necessary changes to improve a piece. They were generous enough to let me try my hand at the craft and steered my early critical work accordingly.

These days, the Internet’s take-all-comers policy has fostered an epidemic of syntactical terrorism. There are too few editorial gatekeepers, and it appears that many smart MFA graduates are absorbing the theory but not the mechanics. It’s also the case that the sheer volume of copy the Internet allows makes it nearly impossible for most editors, even really good ones, to find the time to beat up copy properly and provide comprehensive feedback. This is a shame, because the publication’s reputation suffers when lower-quality writing makes the page, and potentially great critics end up collecting middling clips because their loose writing hasn’t had to absorb the years of sculpting the old system would have insisted upon.

We all wedged ourselves into the racket because we care about language and have swooned at lovely turns of phrase our whole lives. Which means we’re on the same page in wanting the writing—whoever’s it is—to sing. Of course, reading the work of the great critics, from Harold Bloom, Martin Amis, and John Updike to Michiko Kakutani, Doris Lessing, and Susan Sontag, would help immeasurably. But here I offer my own guidelines for steering clear of the most common flaws (we’ll save the rampant grammatical breaches for another essay).

I. Grandiose claims

Beginning a review with a hyperbolic sentiment—I’ve seen openings like, “Author X is a writer who does nothing less than tear through the fabric of time to solve the great mysteries of life”—may sound good, but what does it actually mean? Additionally, it’s grandiose in such a way as to provoke the reader to think of a very short list of authors for whom you could possibly make that claim, a list that does not include Author X, who’s just published his second novel. So before the first sentence or paragraph is over, the reader is already suspicious of your judgment. Bring those extravagant claims down and make sure they are clear and defensible.

Another aspect of this is breadth of knowledge. If you’re going to declare something the best of the year or brilliant beyond imagining, you better have read every other novel released this year and have a record that proves you’re one of the most well-read critics on earth. Humility and restraint work to your advantage. The opposite makes you look foolish.

II. Lack of clarity

Many writers, myself included, are sometimes guilty of linguistic flights of fancy that are sonically and syllabically fabulous but in fact mean nothing whatsoever. To be charitable, the impulse is usually to entertain the reader with surprising, lovely use of language, and for that: bravo . To be less charitable, it’s a nonconsensual, ego-driven effort to force the reader to watch you masturbate your words all over the place. In which case, work on those boundaries!

These lingering word-tangles too often obscure meaning and trap the reader into scanning a sentence seven times just to discern the point you may be trying to make. To assess your luscious handiwork impartially after the initial inspiring flow requires a committed stance against balderdash and blarney. A key red flag is when you feel some part of your brain refusing to take a hard look at that sentence or phrase for fear that you may have to change it. In those cases, reverse-engineer it: rewrite your idea in straightforward third-grade prose and then dress it up a bit from there.

III. Repetitiveness and redundancy

This typically stems from your impulse to make sure the reader cannot possibly miss the incredibly insightful point you’re making. Unfortunately, what the repetition actually signals is your insecurity about the argument, thus undercutting the reader’s confidence in you. From a reader’s perspective, it’s also frustratingly like being forced to tread water in the middle of a nice, fluid swim.

A paragraph that circulates the same idea through several iterations has the stench of a college paper stretching to reach a minimum-page limit. On the plus side, most times you simply don’t realize that you said it perfectly well the first time. Cut the rest and use the valuable real estate for other things. The other possibility is that you’re not quite sure what your point is and have decided to throw a few random jabs rather than work hard to land one solid punch. It’s worth taking an eight count to give it another try.

IV. Casual narcissism

There’s a curious paradox at play with this one, and I see it all the time. Yes, you’re the one reviewing the book. Congratulations! But, for goodness sake, you don’t need to call attention to it.

Put plainly: get yourself out of the piece . For one thing, unless you’re Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie or Michael Chabon you don’t have a status in the lit world that merits a reader’s interest in your broader personal views. So your “I” statements are mostly self-aggrandizing and distracting. Keep the focus on the work at hand. I mean, you’re a writer, so imagine the situation reversed: You’ve spent a year, maybe three, sweating this novel, and a random MFA student spends half his 1,500-word review talking about my this and I that. It’s unseemly, misguided, and, I dare say, disrespectful.

Here’s the other thing: it’s completely unnecessary. Your name is on the piece , usually right at the top! So it follows that every statement is an opinion of yours. Trust me, more authority is communicated through a confident omnipotent voice than through narrow personal asides that the reader has no reason to consider. This is a book review, so remember: your mission is to be of service to readers first and the author second. It’s not a billboard for your personal blatherings, which is a sure sign of amateurism. If it reads as if it’s been written for a blog, then it belongs on a blog.

V. Over-explication of plot

This may be an effort to dodge a lack of confidence in your critical capacities, or it could be a misapprehension of the critic’s mission, but writing a review that is entirely plot description is like describing the precise dimensions of a pool to someone without ever allowing him to jump in the water. It’s both too much and too little at the same time. Your job is not to give a full plot summary of the book. It’s only to set the major plot strands in motion so the reader has enough information to know whether the book is a good fit for her tastes (and thus worth spending time and money on). Think of it like flirtation: you just want to go far enough for the reader to know whether she wants to take the book home.

The other thing to recognize is that these reviews are criticism . Which means that if you’ve spent the whole review on plot then you haven’t assessed the work’s themes, characters, narrative mysteries, dialogue, structure, language, originality, relevance to humanity at large, cultural context, quality as a piece of art, etc. And if that’s the case, why does the reader need you?

Here’s a good, broad rule of thumb: never describe concretely anything in the plot past the midway point in the book. On the other hand, I also see smart writers dive right into the critical deep end and never actually give a cogent description of the book’s plot. Don’t do this, either.

VI. Excessive length

This is a matter of taste, of course, and it’s eminently elastic, especially in the digital age, since you don’t have to write to those pesky page layouts and ad borders print publications have to contend with. But therein lies the problem. Just because you can write a 3,200-word book review doesn’t mean you should. You’ve got to earn that kind of attention, and it’s rare that a reviewer, or the material, merits it.

I’m old enough to have worked when the printed page design meant limits (limits!) on how long articles could run. I contend that this was not just a function of physical space. It was a reflection of value. And ideally the reader trusts both the publication and the writer to make those value judgments for them. It’s hard to see any reason that this should be different for the web.

In fact, the opposite case could easily be made. Readers today have infinite options for reading material throughout the day. You’re asking too much when you present them with thousands of words on one book—unless it’s an A-list writer’s new release or a reassessment of a major classic made newly relevant. And anyway, limits more often than not challenge a writer to be sharper and minimize indulgence in the kinds of bad habits listed here. I think back to my Book World days, and if David Remnick and Margaret Atwood can get it done in 1,000 words then you probably can, too.

VII. Nonsensical arguments

This is not the same thing as lack of clarity, though they can overlap. One involves employing unnecessarily florid language and galloping sentence construction to obscure a perfectly good point, while the other was never a worthy point to begin with. A good way to catch yourself up on these is to have a second reader play devil’s advocate on your prose. Kind of like with debate prep, you want your piece to have answered preemptively any potential questions and challenges from a reader.

There’s a laziness to how many of us create what we think is a clever riff but neglect, or refuse, to vet its logic for fear that we’ll have to drop the killer simile or snarky aside. Our instincts are usually right: the line is a stinker. It takes humility to give your opinions the stress test, but your writing will inevitably improve as a result. Besides, any good editor will call you on it and you’ll have to fix them anyway.

VIII. Self-flattering literary references

This is a particular crutch of younger and newer writers, and it usually stems from an impulse to compensate for insecurity about why you’ve even been allowed to write this review (or, god forbid, it’s because you honestly believe you’re hot stuff in the lit world). I get it, you want to justify being in a position of judgment by establishing your literary bona fides and use the highfalutin reference as a tool to leverage your legitimacy. The thing is, you can spot these a mile away and it typically has the opposite effect.

So I would suggest that you avoid throwing in those references to Heraclitus and Anna Akhmatova unless you’re sure they’re organic. Often they have only the most tenuous relevance to the point at hand. Their only purpose is to show the reader that you are a reviewer with a breadth of knowledge at which the rest of us can only gape in wonder. What they actually show is that you can do a Quotables search for mentions of willow trees (hello, Ophelia!).

IX. Limiting assumptions

Increased diversity and more equitable representation in the lit world are unquestionably positive developments. But even if, for instance, a woman has written the novel, and it’s about women’s issues, and you are in fact a woman (or woman-identified), do not address your review as if no man will ever read the book, or the review. And, obviously, vice versa. The same goes for queer lit.

Most general-interest journals are read by all kinds of people. And I’m sure the book’s author would prefer that you keep the potential readership as broad as possible. Again, let your deft description of plot and sharp analysis of the strengths and flaws of the writer’s work lead the reader to decide for themselves whether the book is going on the Buy Now list.

X. Structural seizures

Creating a pleasing, energizing flow for a piece of writing is a fine art, and book criticism has its own natural patterns. Bookending your piece anecdotally and thematically, with a kicker that cleverly calls back to your opening, is wise and satisfying, while frontloading plot exposition and reserving the back half mainly for critical analysis is a good, blunt structure.

By all means be creative, but the key is for the plot concerns to merge and re-merge with the critical concerns in a way that propels them all forward equally and efficiently in a single, coherent current. A review that has random blocks of plot description dumped here and there, out of order, requires the reader to do too much work sussing out what’s happening. And a review that frontloads a mass of critical analysis leaves the reader lost without a narrative context and characters to apply it to.

XI. Inconsistent pronouns

In making reference to the potential reader of the novel (and reader of the review), too often the reviewer uses a mix of pronouns that is disorienting. If you’re sometimes referencing “you” and sometimes “we” and other times “one” and somewhere else “reader” or “readers,” it’s sloppy and confusing. And then there’s the dreaded “I,” which we talked about earlier. The reader is forced to stop and ask, Who are you talking to again? Is “you” you or me? Why am I included in this “we?”

My thinking is, avoid using second person, and given Point 4 (Narcissism) I again strongly encourage you to keep your “I”s out of it unless you’re Joyce Carol Oates or Michelle Obama. Whenever possible, construct your review using “the reader” or “readers,” or, if you must, “we.” But the bottom line is, be consistent.

XII. Lack of criticism

For all this talk of book criticism, I’ve noticed an alarming lack of actual criticism going on. Too often reviews read like a breathless encomium for the back of a friend’s zine.

First of all, unmitigated praise is logically absurd. Every work of writing has its weaknesses, especially once personal tastes are factored in. It is your job to point to them, in a clear-eyed but tactful (and tactical) fashion that measures the work against reasonable standards for literature and/or its genre. If the prospect of hurting an author’s feelings causes you to hesitate, that’s a good sign that you’re likely to be respectful. If you aren’t willing to run that risk at all, you oughtn’t be reviewing books.

Second, you probably haven’t read 20,000 books, and the small percentage you have read includes maybe a handful of masterpieces. So I would be cautious about describing an obscure first- or second-time novelist’s work in lavish terms better reserved for writers with names such as Dickens and Wharton.

Third, how does it help your reader to gush all over a book with no larger context about how it compares to other works of this type, with no comment on stylistic mannerisms, dialogue, language, pacing, structure, setting, characterization, narrative coherence, or emotional authenticity? Let me put it this way: if you’re fawning I’m yawning.

The corollary to this is that a reflexively malicious pan fueled by creative envy is cruel and disingenuous. Don’t snark all over the place just because you’re in a position to. If the work you’ve been handed is truly that awful you’ll know in the first 50 pages, in which case politely decline the assignment and ask for another.

XIII. Conflict of interest

My bullshit detector goes off periodically when I note biographical, educational, or publication details in a reviewer’s history that show curious crossover with the author whose work he or she is ostensibly critiquing. When the review is a torrent of glowing praise it’s even more suspicious.

This is an easy one. Do not review anything by anyone you know or have had more than glancing contact with in your professional or personal life. The reason for this should be obvious. Otherwise authors may as well get their mothers to write the reviews. This goes for grudges, too. That kind of vengeful ambush is cheap and damages the publication that gave it a forum as much as it does the author and reviewer.

Clearly, social media and the overflowing world of MFA programs, retreats, and workshops allow writers to connect with their fellow strivers more than ever before. This is a wonderful thing, since too many of us are self-doubting isolationists who fear we only have friends for purposes of inspiring strange characters in our fiction. But it also engenders some corrupt quid pro quo masquerading as community support.

So if on the rare occasion that you alert your editor to a pre-existing relationship and you are still tasked with writing the review, then pull the Full Disclosure cord early in the piece. Your reader deserves to know if you have a dog in the fight—and if that dog has been neutered.

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How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to Write a Book Review- A Step-by-Step Guide

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could be improved? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “How to write a Book Review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair: Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “How to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

What is the difference between a book review and a report?

Who is the target audience for book reviews and book reports, how do book reviews and reports differ in length and content, can i write professional book reviews, what are the key aspects of writing professional book reviews, how can i enhance my book-reviewing skills to write professional reviews, what should be included in a good book review.

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Mar 29

17 book review examples to help you write the perfect review.

It’s an exciting time to be a book reviewer. Once confined to print newspapers and journals, reviews now dot many corridors of the Internet — forever helping others discover their next great read. That said, every book reviewer will face a familiar panic: how can you do justice to a great book in just a thousand words?

As you know, the best way to learn how to do something is by immersing yourself in it. Luckily, the Internet (i.e. Goodreads and other review sites , in particular) has made book reviews more accessible than ever — which means that there are a lot of book reviews examples out there for you to view!

In this post, we compiled 17 prototypical book review examples in multiple genres to help you figure out how to write the perfect review . If you want to jump straight to the examples, you can skip the next section. Otherwise, let’s first check out what makes up a good review.

Are you interested in becoming a book reviewer? We recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can earn money for writing reviews — and are guaranteed people will read your reviews! To register as a book reviewer, sign up here.

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

Should you become a book reviewer?

Find out the answer. Takes 30 seconds!

What must a book review contain?

Like all works of art, no two book reviews will be identical. But fear not: there are a few guidelines for any aspiring book reviewer to follow. Most book reviews, for instance, are less than 1,500 words long, with the sweet spot hitting somewhere around the 1,000-word mark. (However, this may vary depending on the platform on which you’re writing, as we’ll see later.)

In addition, all reviews share some universal elements, as shown in our book review templates . These include:

• A review will offer a concise plot summary of the book. 
• A book review will offer an evaluation of the work. 
• A book review will offer a recommendation for the audience. 

If these are the basic ingredients that make up a book review, it’s the tone and style with which the book reviewer writes that brings the extra panache. This will differ from platform to platform, of course. A book review on Goodreads, for instance, will be much more informal and personal than a book review on Kirkus Reviews, as it is catering to a different audience. However, at the end of the day, the goal of all book reviews is to give the audience the tools to determine whether or not they’d like to read the book themselves.

Keeping that in mind, let’s proceed to some book review examples to put all of this in action.

How much of a book nerd are you, really?

Find out here, once and for all. Takes 30 seconds!

Book review examples for fiction books

Since story is king in the world of fiction, it probably won’t come as any surprise to learn that a book review for a novel will concentrate on how well the story was told .

That said, book reviews in all genres follow the same basic formula that we discussed earlier. In these examples, you’ll be able to see how book reviewers on different platforms expertly intertwine the plot summary and their personal opinions of the book to produce a clear, informative, and concise review.

Note: Some of the book review examples run very long. If a book review is truncated in this post, we’ve indicated by including a […] at the end, but you can always read the entire review if you click on the link provided.

Examples of literary fiction book reviews

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man :

An extremely powerful story of a young Southern Negro, from his late high school days through three years of college to his life in Harlem.

His early training prepared him for a life of humility before white men, but through injustices- large and small, he came to realize that he was an "invisible man". People saw in him only a reflection of their preconceived ideas of what he was, denied his individuality, and ultimately did not see him at all. This theme, which has implications far beyond the obvious racial parallel, is skillfully handled. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing. The boy's dismissal from college because of an innocent mistake, his shocked reaction to the anonymity of the North and to Harlem, his nightmare experiences on a one-day job in a paint factory and in the hospital, his lightning success as the Harlem leader of a communistic organization known as the Brotherhood, his involvement in black versus white and black versus black clashes and his disillusion and understanding of his invisibility- all climax naturally in scenes of violence and riot, followed by a retreat which is both literal and figurative. Parts of this experience may have been told before, but never with such freshness, intensity and power.

This is Ellison's first novel, but he has complete control of his story and his style. Watch it.

Lyndsey reviews George Orwell’s 1984 on Goodreads:

YOU. ARE. THE. DEAD. Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. Or in Newspeak "Double Plus Good." Let me preface this with an apology. If I sound stunningly inarticulate at times in this review, I can't help it. My mind is completely fried.

This book is like the dystopian Lord of the Rings, with its richly developed culture and economics, not to mention a fully developed language called Newspeak, or rather more of the anti-language, whose purpose is to limit speech and understanding instead of to enhance and expand it. The world-building is so fully fleshed out and spine-tinglingly terrifying that it's almost as if George travelled to such a place, escaped from it, and then just wrote it all down.

I read Fahrenheit 451 over ten years ago in my early teens. At the time, I remember really wanting to read 1984, although I never managed to get my hands on it. I'm almost glad I didn't. Though I would not have admitted it at the time, it would have gone over my head. Or at the very least, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate it fully. […]

The New York Times reviews Lisa Halliday’s Asymmetry :

Three-quarters of the way through Lisa Halliday’s debut novel, “Asymmetry,” a British foreign correspondent named Alistair is spending Christmas on a compound outside of Baghdad. His fellow revelers include cameramen, defense contractors, United Nations employees and aid workers. Someone’s mother has FedExed a HoneyBaked ham from Maine; people are smoking by the swimming pool. It is 2003, just days after Saddam Hussein’s capture, and though the mood is optimistic, Alistair is worrying aloud about the ethics of his chosen profession, wondering if reporting on violence doesn’t indirectly abet violence and questioning why he’d rather be in a combat zone than reading a picture book to his son. But every time he returns to London, he begins to “spin out.” He can’t go home. “You observe what people do with their freedom — what they don’t do — and it’s impossible not to judge them for it,” he says.

The line, embedded unceremoniously in the middle of a page-long paragraph, doubles, like so many others in “Asymmetry,” as literary criticism. Halliday’s novel is so strange and startlingly smart that its mere existence seems like commentary on the state of fiction. One finishes “Asymmetry” for the first or second (or like this reader, third) time and is left wondering what other writers are not doing with their freedom — and, like Alistair, judging them for it.

Despite its title, “Asymmetry” comprises two seemingly unrelated sections of equal length, appended by a slim and quietly shocking coda. Halliday’s prose is clean and lean, almost reportorial in the style of W. G. Sebald, and like the murmurings of a shy person at a cocktail party, often comic only in single clauses. It’s a first novel that reads like the work of an author who has published many books over many years. […]

Emily W. Thompson reviews Michael Doane's The Crossing on Reedsy Discovery :

In Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl.

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

The Narrator initially sticks to the highways, trying to make it to the West Coast as quickly as possible. But a hitchhiker named Duke convinces him to get off the beaten path and enjoy the ride. “There’s not a place that’s like any other,” [39] Dukes contends, and The Narrator realizes he’s right. Suddenly, the trip is about the journey, not just the destination. The Narrator ditches his truck and traverses the deserts and mountains on his bike. He destroys his phone, cutting off ties with his past and living only in the moment.

As he crosses the country, The Narrator connects with several unique personalities whose experiences and views deeply impact his own. Duke, the complicated cowboy and drifter, who opens The Narrator’s eyes to a larger world. Zooey, the waitress in Colorado who opens his heart and reminds him that love can be found in this big world. And Rosie, The Narrator’s sweet landlady in Portland, who helps piece him back together both physically and emotionally.

This supporting cast of characters is excellent. Duke, in particular, is wonderfully nuanced and complicated. He’s a throwback to another time, a man without a cell phone who reads Sartre and sleeps under the stars. Yet he’s also a grifter with a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” attitude that harms those around him. It’s fascinating to watch The Narrator wrestle with Duke’s behavior, trying to determine which to model and which to discard.

Doane creates a relatable protagonist in The Narrator, whose personal growth doesn’t erase his faults. His willingness to hit the road with few resources is admirable, and he’s prescient enough to recognize the jealousy of those who cannot or will not take the leap. His encounters with new foods, places, and people broaden his horizons. Yet his immaturity and selfishness persist. He tells Rosie she’s been a good mother to him but chooses to ignore the continuing concern from his own parents as he effectively disappears from his old life.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

The Book Smugglers review Anissa Gray’s The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls :

I am still dipping my toes into the literally fiction pool, finding what works for me and what doesn’t. Books like The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray are definitely my cup of tea.

Althea and Proctor Cochran had been pillars of their economically disadvantaged community for years – with their local restaurant/small market and their charity drives. Until they are found guilty of fraud for stealing and keeping most of the money they raised and sent to jail. Now disgraced, their entire family is suffering the consequences, specially their twin teenage daughters Baby Vi and Kim.  To complicate matters even more: Kim was actually the one to call the police on her parents after yet another fight with her mother. […]

Examples of children’s and YA fiction book reviews

The Book Hookup reviews Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give :

♥ Quick Thoughts and Rating: 5 stars! I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to tackle the voice of a movement like Black Lives Matter, but I do know that Thomas did it with a finesse only a talented author like herself possibly could. With an unapologetically realistic delivery packed with emotion, The Hate U Give is a crucially important portrayal of the difficulties minorities face in our country every single day. I have no doubt that this book will be met with resistance by some (possibly many) and slapped with a “controversial” label, but if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk in a POC’s shoes, then I feel like this is an unflinchingly honest place to start.

In Angie Thomas’s debut novel, Starr Carter bursts on to the YA scene with both heart-wrecking and heartwarming sincerity. This author is definitely one to watch.

♥ Review: The hype around this book has been unquestionable and, admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn’t love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing THUG was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) However, with the relevancy of its summary in regards to the unjust predicaments POC currently face in the US, I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. That said, I had an altogether more personal, ulterior motive for wanting to read this book. […]

The New York Times reviews Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood :

Alice Crewe (a last name she’s chosen for herself) is a fairy tale legacy: the granddaughter of Althea Proserpine, author of a collection of dark-as-night fairy tales called “Tales From the Hinterland.” The book has a cult following, and though Alice has never met her grandmother, she’s learned a little about her through internet research. She hasn’t read the stories, because her mother, Ella Proserpine, forbids it.

Alice and Ella have moved from place to place in an attempt to avoid the “bad luck” that seems to follow them. Weird things have happened. As a child, Alice was kidnapped by a man who took her on a road trip to find her grandmother; he was stopped by the police before they did so. When at 17 she sees that man again, unchanged despite the years, Alice panics. Then Ella goes missing, and Alice turns to Ellery Finch, a schoolmate who’s an Althea Proserpine superfan, for help in tracking down her mother. Not only has Finch read every fairy tale in the collection, but handily, he remembers them, sharing them with Alice as they journey to the mysterious Hazel Wood, the estate of her now-dead grandmother, where they hope to find Ella.

“The Hazel Wood” starts out strange and gets stranger, in the best way possible. (The fairy stories Finch relays, which Albert includes as their own chapters, are as creepy and evocative as you’d hope.) Albert seamlessly combines contemporary realism with fantasy, blurring the edges in a way that highlights that place where stories and real life convene, where magic contains truth and the world as it appears is false, where just about anything can happen, particularly in the pages of a very good book. It’s a captivating debut. […]

James reviews Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight, Moon on Goodreads:

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is one of the books that followers of my blog voted as a must-read for our Children's Book August 2018 Readathon. Come check it out and join the next few weeks!

This picture book was such a delight. I hadn't remembered reading it when I was a child, but it might have been read to me... either way, it was like a whole new experience! It's always so difficult to convince a child to fall asleep at night. I don't have kids, but I do have a 5-month-old puppy who whines for 5 minutes every night when he goes in his cage/crate (hopefully he'll be fully housebroken soon so he can roam around when he wants). I can only imagine! I babysat a lot as a teenager and I have tons of younger cousins, nieces, and nephews, so I've been through it before, too. This was a believable experience, and it really helps show kids how to relax and just let go when it's time to sleep.

The bunny's are adorable. The rhymes are exquisite. I found it pretty fun, but possibly a little dated given many of those things aren't normal routines anymore. But the lessons to take from it are still powerful. Loved it! I want to sample some more books by this fine author and her illustrators.

Publishers Weekly reviews Elizabeth Lilly’s Geraldine :

This funny, thoroughly accomplished debut opens with two words: “I’m moving.” They’re spoken by the title character while she swoons across her family’s ottoman, and because Geraldine is a giraffe, her full-on melancholy mode is quite a spectacle. But while Geraldine may be a drama queen (even her mother says so), it won’t take readers long to warm up to her. The move takes Geraldine from Giraffe City, where everyone is like her, to a new school, where everyone else is human. Suddenly, the former extrovert becomes “That Giraffe Girl,” and all she wants to do is hide, which is pretty much impossible. “Even my voice tries to hide,” she says, in the book’s most poignant moment. “It’s gotten quiet and whispery.” Then she meets Cassie, who, though human, is also an outlier (“I’m that girl who wears glasses and likes MATH and always organizes her food”), and things begin to look up.

Lilly’s watercolor-and-ink drawings are as vividly comic and emotionally astute as her writing; just when readers think there are no more ways for Geraldine to contort her long neck, this highly promising talent comes up with something new.

Examples of genre fiction book reviews

Karlyn P reviews Nora Roberts’ Dark Witch , a paranormal romance novel , on Goodreads:

4 stars. Great world-building, weak romance, but still worth the read.

I hesitate to describe this book as a 'romance' novel simply because the book spent little time actually exploring the romance between Iona and Boyle. Sure, there IS a romance in this novel. Sprinkled throughout the book are a few scenes where Iona and Boyle meet, chat, wink at each, flirt some more, sleep together, have a misunderstanding, make up, and then profess their undying love. Very formulaic stuff, and all woven around the more important parts of this book.

The meat of this book is far more focused on the story of the Dark witch and her magically-gifted descendants living in Ireland. Despite being weak on the romance, I really enjoyed it. I think the book is probably better for it, because the romance itself was pretty lackluster stuff.

I absolutely plan to stick with this series as I enjoyed the world building, loved the Ireland setting, and was intrigued by all of the secondary characters. However, If you read Nora Roberts strictly for the romance scenes, this one might disappoint. But if you enjoy a solid background story with some dark magic and prophesies, you might enjoy it as much as I did.

I listened to this one on audio, and felt the narration was excellent.

Emily May reviews R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy Wars , an epic fantasy novel , on Goodreads:

“But I warn you, little warrior. The price of power is pain.”

Holy hell, what did I just read??

➽ A fantasy military school

➽ A rich world based on modern Chinese history

➽ Shamans and gods

➽ Detailed characterization leading to unforgettable characters

➽ Adorable, opium-smoking mentors

That's a basic list, but this book is all of that and SO MUCH MORE. I know 100% that The Poppy War will be one of my best reads of 2018.

Isn't it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat for every horrific, nail-biting moment of it? This is one of those books for me. And I must issue a serious content warning: this book explores some very dark themes. Proceed with caution (or not at all) if you are particularly sensitive to scenes of war, drug use and addiction, genocide, racism, sexism, ableism, self-harm, torture, and rape (off-page but extremely horrific).

Because, despite the fairly innocuous first 200 pages, the title speaks the truth: this is a book about war. All of its horrors and atrocities. It is not sugar-coated, and it is often graphic. The "poppy" aspect refers to opium, which is a big part of this book. It is a fantasy, but the book draws inspiration from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking.

Crime Fiction Lover reviews Jessica Barry’s Freefall , a crime novel:

In some crime novels, the wrongdoing hits you between the eyes from page one. With others it’s a more subtle process, and that’s OK too. So where does Freefall fit into the sliding scale?

In truth, it’s not clear. This is a novel with a thrilling concept at its core. A woman survives plane crash, then runs for her life. However, it is the subtleties at play that will draw you in like a spider beckoning to an unwitting fly.

Like the heroine in Sharon Bolton’s Dead Woman Walking, Allison is lucky to be alive. She was the only passenger in a private plane, belonging to her fiancé, Ben, who was piloting the expensive aircraft, when it came down in woodlands in the Colorado Rockies. Ally is also the only survivor, but rather than sitting back and waiting for rescue, she is soon pulling together items that may help her survive a little longer – first aid kit, energy bars, warm clothes, trainers – before fleeing the scene. If you’re hearing the faint sound of alarm bells ringing, get used to it. There’s much, much more to learn about Ally before this tale is over.

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One , a science-fiction novel :

Video-game players embrace the quest of a lifetime in a virtual world; screenwriter Cline’s first novel is old wine in new bottles.

The real world, in 2045, is the usual dystopian horror story. So who can blame Wade, our narrator, if he spends most of his time in a virtual world? The 18-year-old, orphaned at 11, has no friends in his vertical trailer park in Oklahoma City, while the OASIS has captivating bells and whistles, and it’s free. Its creator, the legendary billionaire James Halliday, left a curious will. He had devised an elaborate online game, a hunt for a hidden Easter egg. The finder would inherit his estate. Old-fashioned riddles lead to three keys and three gates. Wade, or rather his avatar Parzival, is the first gunter (egg-hunter) to win the Copper Key, first of three.

Halliday was obsessed with the pop culture of the 1980s, primarily the arcade games, so the novel is as much retro as futurist. Parzival’s great strength is that he has absorbed all Halliday’s obsessions; he knows by heart three essential movies, crossing the line from geek to freak. His most formidable competitors are the Sixers, contract gunters working for the evil conglomerate IOI, whose goal is to acquire the OASIS. Cline’s narrative is straightforward but loaded with exposition. It takes a while to reach a scene that crackles with excitement: the meeting between Parzival (now world famous as the lead contender) and Sorrento, the head of IOI. The latter tries to recruit Parzival; when he fails, he issues and executes a death threat. Wade’s trailer is demolished, his relatives killed; luckily Wade was not at home. Too bad this is the dramatic high point. Parzival threads his way between more ’80s games and movies to gain the other keys; it’s clever but not exciting. Even a romance with another avatar and the ultimate “epic throwdown” fail to stir the blood.

Too much puzzle-solving, not enough suspense.

Book review examples for non-fiction books

Nonfiction books are generally written to inform readers about a certain topic. As such, the focus of a nonfiction book review will be on the clarity and effectiveness of this communication . In carrying this out, a book review may analyze the author’s source materials and assess the thesis in order to determine whether or not the book meets expectations.

Again, we’ve included abbreviated versions of long reviews here, so feel free to click on the link to read the entire piece!

The Washington Post reviews David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon :

The arc of David Grann’s career reminds one of a software whiz-kid or a latest-thing talk-show host — certainly not an investigative reporter, even if he is one of the best in the business. The newly released movie of his first book, “The Lost City of Z,” is generating all kinds of Oscar talk, and now comes the release of his second book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” the film rights to which have already been sold for $5 million in what one industry journal called the “biggest and wildest book rights auction in memory.”

Grann deserves the attention. He’s canny about the stories he chases, he’s willing to go anywhere to chase them, and he’s a maestro in his ability to parcel out information at just the right clip: a hint here, a shading of meaning there, a smartly paced buildup of multiple possibilities followed by an inevitable reversal of readerly expectations or, in some cases, by a thrilling and dislocating pull of the entire narrative rug.

All of these strengths are on display in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Around the turn of the 20th century, oil was discovered underneath Osage lands in the Oklahoma Territory, lands that were soon to become part of the state of Oklahoma. Through foresight and legal maneuvering, the Osage found a way to permanently attach that oil to themselves and shield it from the prying hands of white interlopers; this mechanism was known as “headrights,” which forbade the outright sale of oil rights and granted each full member of the tribe — and, supposedly, no one else — a share in the proceeds from any lease arrangement. For a while, the fail-safes did their job, and the Osage got rich — diamond-ring and chauffeured-car and imported-French-fashion rich — following which quite a large group of white men started to work like devils to separate the Osage from their money. And soon enough, and predictably enough, this work involved murder. Here in Jazz Age America’s most isolated of locales, dozens or even hundreds of Osage in possession of great fortunes — and of the potential for even greater fortunes in the future — were dispatched by poison, by gunshot and by dynamite. […]

Stacked Books reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers :

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Malcolm Gladwell’s writing. Friends and co-workers tell me that his subjects are interesting and his writing style is easy to follow without talking down to the reader. I wasn’t disappointed with Outliers. In it, Gladwell tackles the subject of success – how people obtain it and what contributes to extraordinary success as opposed to everyday success.

The thesis – that our success depends much more on circumstances out of our control than any effort we put forth – isn’t exactly revolutionary. Most of us know it to be true. However, I don’t think I’m lying when I say that most of us also believe that we if we just try that much harder and develop our talent that much further, it will be enough to become wildly successful, despite bad or just mediocre beginnings. Not so, says Gladwell.

Most of the evidence Gladwell gives us is anecdotal, which is my favorite kind to read. I can’t really speak to how scientifically valid it is, but it sure makes for engrossing listening. For example, did you know that successful hockey players are almost all born in January, February, or March? Kids born during these months are older than the others kids when they start playing in the youth leagues, which means they’re already better at the game (because they’re bigger). Thus, they get more play time, which means their skill increases at a faster rate, and it compounds as time goes by. Within a few years, they’re much, much better than the kids born just a few months later in the year. Basically, these kids’ birthdates are a huge factor in their success as adults – and it’s nothing they can do anything about. If anyone could make hockey interesting to a Texan who only grudgingly admits the sport even exists, it’s Gladwell. […]

Quill and Quire reviews Rick Prashaw’s Soar, Adam, Soar :

Ten years ago, I read a book called Almost Perfect. The young-adult novel by Brian Katcher won some awards and was held up as a powerful, nuanced portrayal of a young trans person. But the reality did not live up to the book’s billing. Instead, it turned out to be a one-dimensional and highly fetishized portrait of a trans person’s life, one that was nevertheless repeatedly dubbed “realistic” and “affecting” by non-transgender readers possessing only a vague, mass-market understanding of trans experiences.

In the intervening decade, trans narratives have emerged further into the literary spotlight, but those authored by trans people ourselves – and by trans men in particular – have seemed to fall under the shadow of cisgender sensationalized imaginings. Two current Canadian releases – Soar, Adam, Soar and This One Looks Like a Boy – provide a pointed object lesson into why trans-authored work about transgender experiences remains critical.

To be fair, Soar, Adam, Soar isn’t just a story about a trans man. It’s also a story about epilepsy, the medical establishment, and coming of age as seen through a grieving father’s eyes. Adam, Prashaw’s trans son, died unexpectedly at age 22. Woven through the elder Prashaw’s narrative are excerpts from Adam’s social media posts, giving us glimpses into the young man’s interior life as he traverses his late teens and early 20s. […]

Book Geeks reviews Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love :

WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5

SUBJECT: 4/5

CANDIDNESS: 4.5/5

RELEVANCE: 3.5/5

ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5

“Eat Pray Love” is so popular that it is almost impossible to not read it. Having felt ashamed many times on my not having read this book, I quietly ordered the book (before I saw the movie) from amazon.in and sat down to read it. I don’t remember what I expected it to be – maybe more like a chick lit thing but it turned out quite different. The book is a real story and is a short journal from the time when its writer went travelling to three different countries in pursuit of three different things – Italy (Pleasure), India (Spirituality), Bali (Balance) and this is what corresponds to the book’s name – EAT (in Italy), PRAY (in India) and LOVE (in Bali, Indonesia). These are also the three Is – ITALY, INDIA, INDONESIA.

Though she had everything a middle-aged American woman can aspire for – MONEY, CAREER, FRIENDS, HUSBAND; Elizabeth was not happy in her life, she wasn’t happy in her marriage. Having suffered a terrible divorce and terrible breakup soon after, Elizabeth was shattered. She didn’t know where to go and what to do – all she knew was that she wanted to run away. So she set out on a weird adventure – she will go to three countries in a year and see if she can find out what she was looking for in life. This book is about that life changing journey that she takes for one whole year. […]

Emily May reviews Michelle Obama’s Becoming on Goodreads:

Look, I'm not a happy crier. I might cry at songs about leaving and missing someone; I might cry at books where things don't work out; I might cry at movies where someone dies. I've just never really understood why people get all choked up over happy, inspirational things. But Michelle Obama's kindness and empathy changed that. This book had me in tears for all the right reasons.

This is not really a book about politics, though political experiences obviously do come into it. It's a shame that some will dismiss this book because of a difference in political opinion, when it is really about a woman's life. About growing up poor and black on the South Side of Chicago; about getting married and struggling to maintain that marriage; about motherhood; about being thrown into an amazing and terrifying position.

I hate words like "inspirational" because they've become so overdone and cheesy, but I just have to say it-- Michelle Obama is an inspiration. I had the privilege of seeing her speak at The Forum in Inglewood, and she is one of the warmest, funniest, smartest, down-to-earth people I have ever seen in this world.

And yes, I know we present what we want the world to see, but I truly do think it's genuine. I think she is someone who really cares about people - especially kids - and wants to give them better lives and opportunities.

She's obviously intelligent, but she also doesn't gussy up her words. She talks straight, with an openness and honesty rarely seen. She's been one of the most powerful women in the world, she's been a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School, she's had her own successful career, and yet she has remained throughout that same girl - Michelle Robinson - from a working class family in Chicago.

I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.

Hopefully, this post has given you a better idea of how to write a book review. You might be wondering how to put all of this knowledge into action now! Many book reviewers start out by setting up a book blog. If you don’t have time to research the intricacies of HTML, check out Reedsy Discovery — where you can read indie books for free and review them without going through the hassle of creating a blog. To register as a book reviewer , go here .

And if you’d like to see even more book review examples, simply go to this directory of book review blogs and click on any one of them to see a wealth of good book reviews. Beyond that, it's up to you to pick up a book and pen — and start reviewing!

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Pros and cons of writing a book review?

I am a postdoc in a biology department. I am friends with a professor in the philosophy department who is the editor of a Nature journal which publishes book reviews. A 150-page popular science book on biology has just come out and he has asked me to write a 3-page review for it. I would have 6 months to read the book and write the review.

What are the pros and cons of doing this?

An obvious con is that it takes away time from me doing research. There are no obvious pros to me, although it does not seem like much work and it might be 'fun'.

(Wasn't sure what tags to use, if someone has suggestions then please edit.)

• peer-review
• early-career

• How is a Philosopher writing book reviews in Nature magazine? Isn't Nature about biology and maybe physics? –  einpoklum Commented May 30, 2019 at 15:14
• @einpoklum It is a journal published by the Nature Publishing Group –  rhombidodecahedron Commented May 30, 2019 at 15:37

3 Answers 3

There are several benefits of writing book reviews for publication:

• Develop an understanding of the publications that are out there. Just like how reading academic papers affords you the benefit of being abreast with the latest research, writing book reviews allows you the opportunity to learn more about a field.
• Develop a relationship with a journal. Journals need people to write book reviews. It can never hurt to build a relationship with a journal and its editors.
• Develop a profile in the academic community. Book reviews are in no way akin to writing an academic article on a research subject. But they can put your name out there and allow you opportunities to become better known to you academic community.

All told book reviews allow your voice to be heard on a subject.

• 21 It's also a good way to work on improving your writing. –  Brian Borchers Commented May 29, 2019 at 15:40
• 16 It's also an advantage to be able to do a friend a favor. –  henning no longer feeds AI Commented May 30, 2019 at 7:08
• 1 “It can never hurt to build a relationship with a journal and its editors.” Well you can receive spam requesting more of the same until you die or your e-mail address changes, for one. I wouldn't call that part a relationship, relationships are between humans, not between a human and a database of poor souls who were helpful once. –  Pascal Cuoq Commented May 31, 2019 at 19:45

Since Vladhagen only mentions pros, let me list cons also. They may or may not apply to you. Feel free to edit my answer to add more cons.

As you've noted, It takes away time from your research. Moreover, it can also take time away from other important things like preparing for teaching or preparing for meetings, talks etc. As some researchers feel the need (or the pressure!) to do the same amount of "real work" (i.e. research) every week regardless of what else they have to do, it could also take away free time and/or time you could spend with your partner, children, friends or hobbies. Especially if you procrastinate and do all the work in the last week. Don't underestimate the amount of work such a review is!

(I assume the review is public, not private.) Depending on the attitudes of the people in your field, you could step on someone's toes : If you write something, some people may not like what you have written, get angry and you could lose reputation with them. Of course, you can also make the authors themselves angry if you write something bad about the book or show some misunderstanding in the review.

If the book is controversial, so will your review be ; you can probably not do anything right with the review. I heard about a math research book (in Model Theory, I think) where the author inserted in every chapter a (unrelated) pornographic/sexual picture. I wouldn't want to be a reviewer of this book -- it's hard to do such a review right, especially if the author is much more well-known than you. For a popular science book, scientists often argue about whether a book is "too scientific written" or "too less scientific written".

It can be hard and dull to read a book carefully for a long time, especially if the author does not write too well.

Readers who buy/read the book because of your review **may get angry if they don't share your opinion. So many times I wanted to learn from books where the reviews said they were "didactically well written" only to find out that the reviewer had no idea about didactics and the book was not didactic at all.

You may lack the knowledge about (some of) the topics the authors write about.

• People may look at your CV and think of you as unproductive because you "wasted" your time with this review. Unfortunately, those people exist -- on this site, there are even stories about hiring people who see good teaching evaluations as negative! Of course, one could say "those people are stupid, I don't want to work for them anyway" -- in reality, in academia one often does not have so many choices (especially if you are not geographically flexible).
• You are make a commitment to complete the review . While most people are hopefully understandable, some people might not like it if you cannot finish your review because of something more important to you which might come up (new position, new partner, new children, sickness). Most likely, reneging is worse than not accepting to do the review.

Of course, some of those points may not apply to you but I found it important to list them all anyway.

• 7 What is the name of the book you mentioned ? –  Our Commented May 30, 2019 at 6:40
• 1 The book with the pornographic pictures is the self-published French edition of Bruno Poizat's Groupes Stables . The English translation, published by the American Mathematical Society, omits them. (Poizat is a model theorist, which is probably what user109301 was thinking of; his other well-known book is Cours de théorie des modèles / A Course in Model Theory .) –  David Richerby Commented May 30, 2019 at 18:32
• 7 " the author inserted in every chapter a (unrelated) pornographic/sexual picture " I'm almost afraid to ask, but what would be related pornographic images to Stable Groups? –  TripeHound Commented May 30, 2019 at 21:55
• 6 @TripeHound Models engaging in group activities in a stable? –  Roman Odaisky Commented May 30, 2019 at 23:53
• 7 Writing a review for a controversial book can be a very strong pro instead of, as you say, a con. There are several scientists who are known to the wider public mostly because of their acerbic reviews of controversial books. Yes, this can go either way but it’s definitely not unambiguously negative. –  Konrad Rudolph Commented May 31, 2019 at 11:06

One small advantage is that you get a copy of the book "for free" (admittedly not really worth it in terms of the time you'd put into writing the review) ... This is more of an advantage for expensive technical books that you'd like to own.

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The Literature Times

Advantages Of Book Reviews

As most of us, who are indulged in the literary field on a regular basis often gets to see that the Authors goes overwhelmed when it comes of their ‘Book Reviews’ and why shouldn’t they? After all, anyone would love to hear a few words of praises or even some amount of critics as well for the work, which they had done by spending so much of their time and effort. Moreover, writing involves a lot of heart too so yes; completing a manuscript is a very emotional journey for the Authors, most of the times!

Well, now I guess you can imagine why the Authors gets so much overwhelmed when it comes to the reviews for their books. Being an Author myself, I too feel that the readers and the dear friends, professors and the family members to whom I had given my books to read, should go ahead review my work after reading. Since, every Author would like to hear the readers’ perspective!

Moreover, why an Author would not like to know about the things, which the readers had loved in the book as well as the areas of improvement in the writing, in order to make them a better a Writer, before their next release! Trust me, making the Authors aware of their plus points and their minus points are the least, what the readers can do, after reading the books.

So, why not understand the major benefits of the book reviews and have a better understanding of this matter before anyone of us puts down the book after reading, that too without reviewing that piece of writing. Advantages of Book Reviews –

1) Decreases Risks to the Readers: Book reviews make books a known quantity. They decrease the risk to readers that a particular book will be not what they had in mind at all. In fact, book reviews help potential readers become familiar with what a book is about, give them an idea of how they themselves might react to it and determine whether this particular book will be the right book for them right now. Book reviews save readers time, prepare them for what they will find and offer them a greater chance of connecting with a particular book, even before they read the first page!

2) Greater Visibility: Book reviews give books greater visibility and a greater chance of getting found by more readers. On some websites, books that have more book reviews are more likely to be shown to prospective readers and buyers as compared to books with few or no book reviews. Book reviews also help amplify your book’s reach among book clubs, bookstores, blogging communities and other opportunities to gain attention from new readers. For an author, book reviews can open doors to new and bigger audiences.

3) More Sales: Have you ever heard the phrase “Success begets success?” Or the term “social proof?” Books that have a lot of book reviews appear to be popular books. It’s human nature for people to be curious about what looks popular and want to check it out for themselves. As a result, a good number of book reviews can help lead to a snowball effect of book sales. In other words, the presence of book reviews can help validate the worthiness of a book and establish who the book’s audience is. Then once validated, other similar people are much more likely to want to join their peers and buy that same book.

Knowing this, some authors try to game the system by outright buying or inventing book reviews. However, that is not a good approach at all. Do not do it. It is not right and you are better than that. Soliciting real reviews from real people can help you as an Author achieve more sales in a completely ethical way.

4) Helps in Understanding Readers’ Tastes: Reading through the reviews written about your books can really help you better understand what it is your readers are looking for. Answering questions like, what are your readers enjoying about your work? What do they think is missing? In addition, what do they connect with? Can do a lot for helping you understand your audience.

This kind of insight into your work can help if you are stuck in your writing, work on weaknesses, and motivate you. Reviews can also show you where there might be miscommunications between you and the reader, such as an aspect of the book that is too subtle or confusing and therefore not getting through to the readers. ‘Reviews enable the author to have direct communication with their readers and help ensure that they are writing the best books for themselves and their audience!’

5) Helps Authors to improve their Craft: Getting feedback on your writing is incredibly beneficial and integral part of the writing process. It enables you to continue to grow as an author while getting feedback specifically from your target audience. Getting good feedback on your work is wonderful and can help you see what you are doing well and keep you inspired and motivated, but constructive feedback is just as helpful, if not more so, in improving your craft and pushing you to grow as a writer.

As long as you can remember not to take any of the comments personally and read them with the earnest desire to work on your writing. Look at 2-4-star reviews in particular. These reviews are more likely, to be honest, and helpful. 1-star reviews especially are more likely to be less insightful, a troll or someone who is not your target audience.

When writing a book, you always want to get feedback from the readers; book reviews can offer a broader range perspective than just your friends. Reviews offer feedback that is insightful and points out things that are hard to see on your own. Edging you ever closer to writing that next best seller.

Written By NEEL PREET – Author of the Books, Voice From The East (2016); Journey With Time Place And Circumstances (2018) & Indian Defence Files (2021).

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Book Review

Book reviews are documents that people see in different fields, including educational institutions and professional roles in an industry or organization, centering on providing feedback. Use book reviews to help middle school kids to college students construct proper formats for their next activity or project in literature, writing according to APA styles.

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What is a book review, 10 types of book reviews, fiction book review.

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Comparing academic sources postgraduate study skills.

Some of the sources you might use are listed below, along with a summary of their strengths and limitations.

Strengths:  Text books can present a focused view of a key issue. In producing a text with a specific theme, the author has drawn on a range of sources and synthesised these into a set of coherent arguments. Text books often highlight the key features of lengthier pieces of work, and also provide you with the full bibliographic references of the primary material.

Multi-themed text books, for example overviews of areas such as organisational behaviour or accountancy, are useful in presenting a broad view of a field of study, the relationships between theoretical perspectives, the views of different authors, and the models and tools that they produce. They give you the 'edited highlights' tour of the field and help you to feel comfortable and confident in your learning.

This is also the case with books that focus on a particular outcome: for example research methods books. Here the authors guide you through the process, drawing on the key issues, key authors and key perspectives to help you.

Limitations:  Text books that focus on a particular issue may present a very particular view. Each academic author has their own perspectives, views and positions, and these are reflected in their texts. Some authors do acknowledge alternative perspectives, while using well-reasoned debate informed by the wider literature to support their own views.

Text books which cover a great range may suffer from the decisions made in selecting what to include, and so present a partial rather than a complete picture.

A general problem with text books is in the age of the information they contain. Book publishing can take anything up to two years, so even in a new book the information may be out of date.

Academic journals

Strengths:  Academic journals are a favoured source of academic information. They usually offer a more current view than do text books, and have credibility due to the process of peer review, under which journal articles ('papers') submitted by researchers are evaluated by experts in the field before being published.

They also approach the subject matter in a particular way. Journal articles are seen as being either theoretical or empirical.

• Theoretical articles use reasoned debate to present new or alternative ways of thinking about a subject, or offer a critique of existing ways of thinking.
• Empirical papers use new research to illuminate a subject in different ways, to offer new insights or a critique of the existing ways of thinking.

Both these approaches are based on the principle of drawing on well-constructed argument and critique informed by the literature, which is at the heart of study at postgraduate level.

Limitations: Whilst academic journals can present new and varied perspectives, some do this in rather inaccessible language. Your tutor can direct you to relevant and comprehensible journals.

Although academic journals are generally more current than text books published at the same time, it is worth remembering that some journals have a two-year waiting list for papers to be published.

Professional journals

Strengths: Professional journals are produced by the bodies that oversee practice in a range of professions, for example institutions such as CIPFA, CIPD, RIBA and the BMA. These journals uphold the standards of the profession, and checks are made on the credibility and the authenticity of the information being presented.

Because they are produced for a practitioner audience they are written in a language which is usually quite accessible, certainly to anyone familiar with the terminology. Professional journals also have shorter lead times, and so more contemporary perspectives can be found.

Limitations: The language used in professional journals can be a problem if you are totally new to a particular field of study. Professional journals may follow a particular way of thinking. People schooled in a profession tend to see things in a similar way. By implication, articles published in professional journals tend to match what is acceptable to the profession. Journals may choose not to publish articles which they feel challenge the accepted norms and values.

Government literature

Strengths: Literature produced by a government is often a good source of information. Data is gathered by reliable means and data analysis is subject to rigorous checks. Research is often well funded and can therefore offer the results of projects done at scale.

Although much of the research undertaken relates to the public sector, the data produced and the research findings are often applicable to wider contexts. Government-produced literature can also offer longitudinal studies (studies repeated over a period of time) which other researchers, because of funding implications, find quite difficult to do.

Government departments undertake reviews of recent research on topics of current interest, which may give a useful overview of major findings and also indicate which journals and research groups are active in a particular field.

Limitations: The limitations of government-produced literature relate in a broad sense to any secondary information that you might draw on in your studies. The data has been gathered for a particular purpose and has been analysed to meet the specific needs of that project. Then a decision has been made about which parts of the research findings should be published. Often what we see is the 'edited highlights' which, when one thinks of the political nature of government, may favour one particular view over another.

Organisational literature

Strengths: Organisational literature is produced within an organisation to help its managers make decisions or communicate with the stakeholders. Organisational literature can also give you information over time. For example, by studying the published financial reports over a number of years, you can follow the comparative success and failures of a company.

Limitations: As with government literature, the information may be structured to represent a very particular view, especially where the information is made available for view by competitors, accrediting bodies or the public. Organisations want to present a certain view of themselves, and this may mean revealing some pieces of information but not others.

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Advantages and disadvantages of literature review

This comprehensive article explores some of the advantages and disadvantages of literature review in research. Reviewing relevant literature is a key area in research, and indeed, it is a research activity in itself. It helps researchers investigate a particular topic in detail. However, it has some limitations as well.

What is literature review?

In order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of literature review, it is important to understand what a literature review is and how it differs from other methods of research. According to Jones and Gratton (2009) a literature review essentially consists of critically reading, evaluating, and organising existing literature on a topic to assess the state of knowledge in the area. It is sometimes called critical review.

A literature review is a select analysis of existing research which is relevant to a researcher’s selected topic, showing how it relates to their investigation. It explains and justifies how their investigation may help answer some of the questions or gaps in the chosen area of study (University of Reading, 2022).

A literature review is a term used in the field of research to describe a systematic and methodical investigation of the relevant literature on a particular topic. In other words, it is an analysis of existing research on a topic in order to identify any relevant studies and draw conclusions about the topic.

A literature review is not the same as a bibliography or a database search. Rather than simply listing references to sources of information, a literature review involves critically evaluating and summarizing existing research on a topic. As such, it is a much more detailed and complex process than simply searching databases and websites, and it requires a lot of effort and skills.

Advantages of literature review

Information synthesis

A literature review is a very thorough and methodical exercise. It can be used to synthesize information and draw conclusions about a particular topic. Through a careful evaluation and critical summarization, researchers can draw a clear and comprehensive picture of the chosen topic.

Familiarity with the current knowledge

According to the University of Illinois (2022), literature reviews allow researchers to gain familiarity with the existing knowledge in their selected field, as well as the boundaries and limitations of that field.

Creation of new body of knowledge

One of the key advantages of literature review is that it creates new body of knowledge. Through careful evaluation and critical summarisation, researchers can create a new body of knowledge and enrich the field of study.

Answers to a range of questions

Literature reviews help researchers analyse the existing body of knowledge to determine the answers to a range of questions concerning a particular subject.

Disadvantages of literature review

Time consuming

As a literature review involves collecting and evaluating research and summarizing the findings, it requires a significant amount of time. To conduct a comprehensive review, researchers need to read many different articles and analyse a lot of data. This means that their review will take a long time to complete.

Lack of quality sources  

Researchers are expected to use a wide variety of sources of information to present a comprehensive review. However, it may sometimes be challenging for them to identify the quality sources because of the availability of huge numbers in their chosen field. It may also happen because of the lack of past empirical work, particularly if the selected topic is an unpopular one.

Descriptive writing

One of the major disadvantages of literature review is that instead of critical appreciation, some researchers end up developing reviews that are mostly descriptive. Their reviews are often more like summaries of the work of other writers and lack in criticality. It is worth noting that they must go beyond describing the literature.

Key features of literature review

Clear organisation

A literature review is typically a very critical and thorough process. Universities usually recommend students a particular structure to develop their reviews. Like all other academic writings, a review starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion. Between the beginning and the end, researchers present the main body of the review containing the critical discussion of sources.

No obvious bias

A key feature of a literature review is that it should be very unbiased and objective. However, it should be mentioned that researchers may sometimes be influenced by their own opinions of the world.

Proper citation

One of the key features of literature review is that it must be properly cited. Researchers should include all the sources that they have used for information. They must do citations and provide a reference list by the end in line with a recognized referencing system such as Harvard.

To conclude this article, it can be said that a literature review is a type of research that seeks to examine and summarise existing research on a particular topic. It is an essential part of a dissertation/thesis. However, it is not an easy thing to handle by an inexperienced person. It also requires a lot of time and patience.

Hope you like this ‘Advantages and disadvantages of literature review’. Please share this with others to support our research work.

Other useful articles:

How to evaluate website content

Advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary research

Advantages and disadvantages of simple random sampling

Last update: 08 May 2022

References:

Jones, I., & Gratton, C. (2009) Research Methods for Sports Shttps://www.howandwhat.net/new/evaluate-website-content/tudies, 2 nd edition, London: Routledge

University of Illinois (2022) Literature review, available at: https://www.uis.edu/learning-hub/writing-resources/handouts/learning-hub/literature-review (accessed 08 May 2022)

University of Reading (2022) Literature reviews, available at: https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/literaturereview/starting (accessed 07 May 2022)

Author: M Rahman

M Rahman writes extensively online and offline with an emphasis on business management, marketing, and tourism. He is a lecturer in Management and Marketing. He holds an MSc in Tourism & Hospitality from the University of Sunderland. Also, graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BA in Business & Management Studies and completed a DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Life-Long Learning Sector) from London South Bank University.

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Pros and Cons of Each Point of View

By Claire Merchant

When beginning to write a story, one of the first things you need to consider is the point of view to tell it from. Today, I’m going to tell you a bit about the three styles — first person, second person, and third person, and tell you a little about some of the pros and cons of each.

First Person: Walking-in-their-shoes style. [Me, I, my]

This is a favourite for fiction writing. It is a story as told by the main character as if we are inside their head, walking in their shoes, and living their life with them.

Example: “I walked through the creepy passage way, feeling uneasy at what would await me at the end. As I came to a stop, I assessed my options. To my right was a thorny maze, which made a shiver run down my spine. It looked like it was something out of a fairy-tale, although, I wasn’t sure if a happy ending was waiting for me on the other side. I swallowed and looked to my left, where an opening of pure darkness glared at me. If I cleared my mind, I might be able to get through it, but as I stood there, I instantly thought of the worst that could await me. The darkness could house anything that taunted my imagination, and that thought alone locked my joints in place. I didn’t particularly want to make the choice, but I knew I needed to make a decision. There was no going back now.”

Pro: It enables the reader to see, think, and feel what the character is feeling, so they really feel like they are learning with the character, and are persuaded to react in a similar fashion to what happens.

Con: The reader only knows as much as the one character, so unless the character experiences something, the reader won’t know about it. First person is also quite subjective so can be restricting, since it’s only told from one perspective. Some might also say that readers can assume that characters telling a story in first person also survive what lies ahead (however, I’ve read and written first person stories where they don’t).

Books in 1 st Person: The Hunger Games, Divergent Trilogy, Vampire Academy, Twilight Saga

Second Person: Reader-is-a-character style. [You, your, yours]

Second person point of view is often overlooked in fiction, as it can be a tricky one to perfect. This type of story is written in the present tense, where the reader is the main character and is addressed by the second person pronoun. In children’s literature, the most common second person stories are choose-your-own-adventure books where, at the end of the page, it offers the reader a choice as to how they want to proceed.

Example: “You come to the end of a passage way, to your right is a maze of thorns which looks inescapable, to your left is a blackened corridor that could be concealing anything. You need to make a decision. Turn to page 16 to go right or page 19 to go left.”

Pro: The reader has control over what happens, less constrictive for a writer who pictures multiple endings, more personalised for readers, first hand with relationships, memories, or experience.

Con: It can be limiting for fiction, and can be difficult to write as they offer different options.

Books in 2 nd Person: Choose Your Own Adventure

Third Person : Fly-on-the-wall style. [She, he, they]

This is another popular choice for fiction writers, where there is a narrator telling the story about what they see in present tense or through retelling of past events (like in journal excerpts, etc). The narrator in third person stories can either know everything about everyone in the story or one that is limited to only knowing about one character, and follows how they react, feel, and think about events and experiences.

Example: “She walked through to the end of the passage way and looked to her right. She frowned at the thorny maze, which looked impossible to her. She wasn’t a fan of mazes. She felt panicked enough being in hallways that she didn’t recognise, never mind it having walls of thorns. She rubbed her face, smudging her eyeliner as she looked to her left to see a pitch-black corridor. Her mind started to race at what could be waiting for her in the darkness. A bead of perspiration trickled from her hairline to her cheekbone. She wasn’t enthusiastic about either of her choices, but as she took a deep breath, she closed her eyes and made her decision.”

Pro: The reader can be privy to more than what the characters know, and be told how more than what one character is feeling. The writer has more freedom so the story can move between characters to tell more about what is happening. More objective, reliable, and honest, and can also build more tension when it comes to who will survive.

Con: There can be less intimacy for the reader in third person—readers are watching and listening, rather than feeling as if they are in the story themselves. Depending on how many characters are the focus, there is a risk of confusion or not allowing the reader to connect with some characters.

Books in 3 rd Person: Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Peter Pan

It’s important to note that although there are pros and cons to using each point of view, there is no one that is more effective than the others. After all, it depends on the story you’re telling. You’ll find that each writer has a preference to which they feel most comfortable with. I really enjoy writing in first person, because I think there’s a lot to be said about a subjective point of view. I love writing in a way that puts someone else in another’s shoes. That said, there’s nothing stopping me from writing their story from each of the other perspectives and seeing what happens. Maybe that’s something to try next time you start on a story idea!

Happy writing, everyone! C x

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16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Books

Books have been a fundamental part of human civilization for centuries, serving as a gateway to knowledge, entertainment, and personal growth. 

Reading might be one of the oldest habits for personal development. While reading is often praised for its myriad benefits, the act of delving into books is not devoid of drawbacks.

In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of books, shedding light on the impact they have on our lives. 

We’ll underline the importance of maintaining a reading habit.

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Advantages of Books

• Knowledge Acquisition : Books serve as a rich source of information, providing in-depth knowledge on a wide range of subjects. They are valuable for learning and education.
• Portable and Accessible : The benefit of book reading. Books are portable, allowing readers to carry them anywhere. Additionally, they are widely accessible, with libraries and bookstores available in many communities.
• Long-Lasting : Physical books can withstand the test of time, making them durable and allowing for long-term preservation of information. Hence, books may become antiques in the future.
• No Need for Technology : Unlike digital media, books, especially good books, don't require batteries or electronic devices enhancing the reading experience. They can be read anywhere, even in areas with no electricity.
• Cognitive Benefits : Reading books has cognitive benefits, such as improving vocabulary, concentration, and critical thinking skills.
• Deep Engagement : Reading a book often requires focused attention, leading to a deep and immersive experience, allowing readers to engage with the material more thoroughly.
• Various Genres and Formats : Books come in various genres and formats, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
• Collectible and Aesthetic Value : Many people appreciate the physical aspect of books, collecting them for their aesthetic value, cover art, and the joy of having a personal library.

Disadvantages of Books

• Space and Weight : Physical books can take up a significant amount of space, and carrying multiple books can be cumbersome, especially when traveling.
• Cost : While public libraries offer free access, purchasing books can be expensive, particularly for hardcovers or specialized editions.
• Static Content : Once printed, the content of a book remains static. However, books always hold the charm of tangibility. Unlike digital content, books can't be easily updated or revised, potentially leading to outdated information.
• Environmental Impact : The production of paper for books has environmental implications. However, the benefits of reading physical books might still make them a popular choice. Deforestation and energy consumption are associated with the paper industry.
• Limited Interactivity : Books lack the interactive elements found in digital media. There's no multimedia integration in books like in digital media, and readers can't easily interact with the content beyond reading.
• Accessibility Challenges : Some individuals with visual or physical impairments may face challenges accessing printed books. While efforts are made to produce accessible formats, it's not always straightforward.
• Distribution Time : The time it takes to distribute and make good books available to a wide audience can be longer compared to digital content, which can be instantly accessible online.
• Storage and Maintenance : Maintaining a large collection of good books requires proper storage to prevent damage from elements like moisture, pests, or decay.

Advantages and disadvantages of reading

When weighing the pros and cons of reading, it’s evident that mental stimulation ranks among the prominent advantages. Engaging with written material stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive functions and expanding intellectual capacity.

Conversely, a potential downside lies in the lack of physical activity associated with prolonged reading sessions, which may lead to a sedentary lifestyle if not balanced with adequate exercise. 

Furthermore, extensive reading habituates individuals to an enhanced vocabulary and a broader scope of knowledge, amplifying the mental benefits but potentially resulting in social detachment due to disparities in conversational ability.

What are the advantages of reading books?

The advantages of reading books encompass an array of enriching experiences and personal development. 

Through books, individuals can seek escapism and relaxation, immersing themselves in captivating narratives that provide respite from everyday challenges. T

he reading experience from good books always provides a unique pleasure.

Therefore, keep reading. 

Moreover, consistent reading fosters improved focus and concentration, honing essential skills that transcend the realm of literature. 

Additionally, the empathetic nature of storytelling facilitates the development of emotional intelligence, nurturing a heightened sense of empathy and understanding towards others.

What are the disadvantages of reading books?

Despite the numerous benefits associated with reading, it is essential to acknowledge the potential drawbacks. One significant concern is the impact on eyesight. 

Prolonged periods of reading, especially in improper lighting conditions, can strain the eyes and contribute to visual discomfort. 

Additionally, the sedentary nature of reading can lead to a lack of physical activity, potentially impacting overall well-being.

Furthermore, while books offer a wealth of knowledge and information, they may sometimes lack direct practical application to real-world scenarios, posing a potential disadvantage for some individuals.

Importance of books in our life

Books play a pivotal role in shaping the fabric of our society, with their significance extending across various domains. 

The books like classics have influenced generations. In the realm of education, books serve as invaluable tools for knowledge dissemination, enabling individuals to delve into diverse subjects and broaden their intellectual horizons. 

Furthermore, the impact of books on cognitive development cannot be understated, as they contribute to the nurturing of critical thinking skills and analytical acumen. 

Additionally, books facilitate cultural preservation and diversity by chronicling the rich tapestry of human experiences and preserving heritage for future generations.

Are there any cons of reading books instead of using other mediums?

While the advantages of reading are substantial, it’s imperative to consider the potential drawbacks, especially in comparison to other mediums.

One notable concern is the tendency towards social isolation and reduced interaction, particularly in the case of avid readers who may prioritize solitary reading pursuits over social engagements. 

Moreover, the environmental impact of paper production for physical books poses a significant drawback, contributing to deforestation and ecological strain.

Additionally, the limited accessibility of books for some individuals, particularly in resource-constrained regions or for individuals with visual impairments, presents a notable disadvantage.

Conclusion of Advantages and Disadvantages of Books

In conclusion, the habit of reading books, whether in paperback, e-book, or audiobook formats, offers a plethora of benefits that extend far beyond mere entertainment.

Books provide valuable information, helping readers explore new places and gain insights into various aspects of life. Engaging with books can teach us valuable life lessons, enhance problem-solving skills, and serve as a stress buster.

The written word, exemplified by works like “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” not only imparts wisdom but also allows readers to find solace and connect with the experiences of others.

Reading books is a powerful antidote to information overload, providing a focused and immersive experience that goes beyond the instant gratification often associated with movies or interactive media. Elon Musk’s recommendation to “read a lot of books” underscores the importance of this habit in developing a prosperous life. In a world where multitasking is prevalent, opening a book not only allows readers to disconnect from the digital realm but also engages multiple senses, offering a unique and enriching experience.

So, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, every book holds the potential to not only help us escape but also to lead us towards personal triumph and growth. To start reading is not just a simple act; it’s an investment in oneself that pays dividends in knowledge, understanding, and a well-rounded life. 

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19 Incredible Advantages & 11 Lesser-Known Disadvantages Of Reading Books

Looking for the advantages and disadvantages of reading books?

You are in the right place!

Billionaires and entrepreneurs read a lot of books each year.

Your teachers and parents advise you to read more books.

Even governments dedicate a considerable portion of their budget to the education sector.

The question is:

Should you read more books?

Is reading books even healthy?

I’m an avid reader. And last year alone, I read more than 90 books (still counting). 

So far, I have read more than 300 books on diverse topics and summarized more than 120 out of them .

What I’ve realized is:

This habit of reading has both pros and cons.

And in this article, I’m going to discuss all the advantages and disadvantages of reading books.

In fact, the benefits of reading overpower the cons of reading, so much so that I even published a guide on how to make a reading habit .

But just because I love reading books, I’m not going to hold back and only show you why reading books is the only solution.

I’ll also elaborate on the subtle problems that occur when you read so much.

Alrighty, so without further ado, let’s get started!

Advantages Of Reading Books

If you have ever wondered why reading is important, read all the following advantages carefully.

I’m sure your perspective about reading books will change.

These are the advantages or benefits of reading books:

1. Improve Focus And Concentration

Reading books require attention.

When you read books with consistency, your muscles of concentration grow. That’s how reading books improve your focus and concentration.

Bill Gates reads 50 books per year . And just look at his concentration.

To achieve your goals, you need laser-sharp focus.

The truth is, it’s incredibly hard to focus and concentrate on a goal for months or even years.

So start reading books. Gradually, your focus and concentration power will improve.

2. Improve Vocabulary

To put your ideas into the right words or express yourself exactly the way you want to, you need a large enough vocabulary.

Especially in countries where English isn’t the native language, people face difficulties speaking English.

More often than not, they struggle to find relevant words while framing sentences during a conversation. This happens because they don’t have enough words in their active vocabulary.

Reading books exposes an individual to a bazillion of new words…

Using which one could improve his vocabulary set and thus bring variety to his sentences while expressing himself through speaking or writing.

3. Improve Creativity

Creativity is nothing but a combination of different ideas.

And books are all about ideas.

The best part: books contain ideas that originate from experienced people.

When you develop a habit of reading books, you work on your idea-generation muscle, too.

That means your creative muscle becomes more robust.

There is a reason that all writers are avid readers, and most readers (if not all) start writing eventually.

Also, exposure to different opinions, thoughts, and perspectives allows you to reach multiple conclusions.

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4. Provide Inspiration

Are you feeling down in your life?

Do you feel that your life is being wasted at your job?

Are you procrastinating on important things?

Well, look no further; start reading self-improvement books.

Books are one of the most significant sources of inspiration.

How? You could read the biography of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, etc., and get an idea of their mindset and thought processes.

What’s more?

Books provide you with long-term inspiration, unlike motivational videos you watch on YouTube.

Here are some of my motivational book summaries:

• Be Obsessed Or Be Average [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”1101981059″ value=”button”] ]
• Talent Is Never Enough [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”B00IJ0KV7A” value=”button”] ]

5. Provide Perspective

I remember reading:

• The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”1982137274″ value=”button”] ]
• Rich Dad Poor Dad [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”B00DO8NUIO” value=”button”] ]  

These books changed my life by changing my perspective on it.

One of the easiest ways to have an epiphany or eye-opener moment is to read a book that has changed the lives of millions of people.

Of course, there are shitty books out there.

But some books are no less than gold.

For example, Napoleon Hill did years of research to write Think and Grow Rich .

Another example:

Tim Ferris interviewed nearly two hundred world-class performers for his podcast and then combined his learnings into a single book, Tools Of Titans .

Books change your paradigm and allow you to see reality from different angles and thus reach your own conclusion.

6. Help You Make Friends

Humans love to build communities. Reading books might make you new friends who share the same interests as you.

You won’t believe how many people love reading books on the planet earth – interests might differ, though.

You could also read How To Win Friends And Influence People or other such books to master communication skills.

7. Fun To Read

What makes books addictive is that they’re fun to read. How wonderful is it to learn great insights from successful people by turning a few pages?

Sometimes they tell you stories that entertain you. While at other times, they teach you lessons.

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Reading is an entirely different experience:

From the outside, it looks like you’re just sitting and reading words and sentences.

But readers know from the inside that they’re having fun, which is no less than the pleasure you get while doing a party.

Reading isn’t boring. It just looks boring.

Okay, I agree. Some books are boring…

But most of the time, they’re fun to read.

Here are some of my best book summaries that you will enjoy reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”1847941834″ value=”button”] ]
• The Voice Of Knowledge by Miguel Ruiz [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”1878424548″ value=”button”] ]

8. Help You Improve Your Professional Life

There are many books like So Good They Can’t Ignore You , Atomic Habits , How To Win Friends And Influence People , etc., which can help you build a successful career over time.

Tell me any skill, and I can tell you a book that talks about it!

What makes successful people different is that they know things that an average person doesn’t.

So if you’re looking to improve your professional life, find books that teach you to be successful at your work.

Because books contain researched and valuable information that might help you.

It’s important to understand that not all books would be helpful to you. But does it really matter?

You only need one idea to change your life.

Who knows, you could even start your business someday by reading books like Zero To One or The $100 Startup .

The possibilities are endless.

If you are interested in learning about business, check out the following book summaries:

• The 1-Page Marketing Plan [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”1989025013″ value=”button”] ]
• The 360 Degree Leader [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”0785260927″ value=”button”] ]

9. Help You Build Discipline

I couldn’t stress enough how important discipline is in life. And most non-fiction books like Chop Wood Carry Water say the same thing.

According to The Power Of Habit , certain habits spill into other areas of our life.

For instance, your habit of reading books every day might help you go to the gym without fail by avoiding procrastination.

That’s because habits are patterns in our brains. In other words, habits are also our muscles which you could train and use in different aspects of life.

10. Elevate Your Writing Skill

Reading helps a lot in writing.

The idea here is simple:

Both reading and writing is simply an act of interacting with words. The more you read, the more words you consume.

Ultimately, that reflects in your writing.

Check this out to make your writing persuasive : Book Summary: The Adweek Copywriting Handbook

11. Make You Rich

(The word ‘rich’ is subjective here.)

Wealthy and successful people read many books and suggest to others the same.

Books give you knowledge. And one can’t become rich if he doesn’t have knowledge about money.

For instance:

Rich Dad Poor Dad and The Richest Man In Babylon explain how important it is to learn more about wealth-creation and how to make your money work for yourself.

If I hadn’t read those books, I wouldn’t have realized how asset building can help me become affluent over time.

The thing is:

You won’t become rich just by reading finance books. You’ll have to work for it.

People like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates invest in themselves by reading books.

So if you want to become great like them, read quality books and improve your mindset.

Here are some of the best books on personal finance that will help you build wealth and manage it efficiently.

12. Teach You About Personal Growth

There is an entire genre of personal development in books. (If it didn’t, this blog might not even exist.)

You can read various types of books under this genre:

• Personal Finance
• Productivity

Notice the word “teach” here. This means that books will only teach you. To get results, you’ll have to work for it.

13. Improve Productivity

Time is of value. It is the only thing you won’t be able to get back. Once it’s gone – it’s gone.

Many books will teach you how to use your time efficiently.

For example, The One Thing by Gary Keller taught me why I should focus on only one thing at a time and stop multitasking to avoid context switching.

By reading books and applying the lesson in your daily life, you can become more productive.

Also read : How to Be More Productive in Life: Easy Actionable Guide (32 Hacks)

14. Develop Your Personality

When you exude strong character with confidence, your personality shines. By reading books based on psychology, you understand what goes on in people’s minds and why they do what they do.

Also, books build your character by conditioning it with high-quality ideas.

And those beliefs, ultimately, turn into your action.

Intelligent people judge you by your actions, not by what you say. When you take the right action, it shows your personality.

15. Make You Calm And Peaceful

When you become wiser than your peers, you start to save your energy and use it to do meaningful things.

Wisdom allows you to see through bullshit.

Ultimately, you become more calm and peaceful.

Often, people get agitated when they fail to handle their problems in life. Books supply you with enough knowledge to become capable of dealing with any circumstance.

There are numerous books that teach you about Stoicism and other such philosophies.

Books like The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari even show you techniques that monks use to stay calm and focused on their goals.

16. Improve Your Imagination

Fiction books are best suited for that. Every story takes you on an adventure.

The authors like JK Rowling can make you feel the character and make it look as if they are alive and right in front of you.

By reading storybooks, you can improve your imagination.

Imagination gives you the power to create.

If you want to learn how you can leverage the incredible power of imagination, I highly recommend that you check out these book summaries:

• The Power Of Intention [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”8190565524″ value=”button”] ]
• The Alter Ego Effect [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”0062838636″ value=”button”] ]

17. Turn You Into An Idea-Machine

Every time you read a book, your brain muscles get a workout.

And with each workout session (book reading session), those muscles become more potent.

Result? Gradually, you start turning into an idea machine.

What does idea-machine mean? It’s simply your brain becoming able to produce many quality ideas in a day.

There is a difference between random thoughts and ideas.

Most people generate random thoughts which are suitable for nothing. But a few people can generate high-quality ideas throughout their day (e.g., entrepreneurs) that move the world.

Want to learn how to generate billion-dollar ideas? Check out the following resources:

• Steal Like An Artist [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”1523516321″ value=”button”] ]
• Where Good Ideas Come From [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”1594485380″ value=”button”] ]

18. help you remember and learn better

There is a reason why the world’s most complex topics like religion and spirituality are often discussed in books.

Just think about it:

What’s easier: watching a course or reading a book?

Most people are lazy these days. So, they prefer watching a course over reading a book.

But there is a limitation to consuming videos.

You can’t stay with an idea for long. You will have to match your speed with the video.

Sure, you can turn the playback speed to 2x. But still, you can only spend so much time pondering over an idea.

Books function as a gym for our minds.

When you read, you put in the extra effort. If the idea being read is complex, you can spend as much time as you want until you fully comprehend it.

I have noticed that the ideas read in a book stick longer in my mind.

Or it may be possible that I’m an avid reader, and that’s the reason it happens to me.

Anyway, you are always free to choose whether you want to read a book or watch a video.

We live in the age of videos… So if you want to watch animated summaries of some of the best non-fiction books, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel .

19. Books allow you to pass on your legacy

Let’s face the truth:

We will all die someday.

( Related : Die With Zero Book Summary )

So, when you write and publish a book, it lives on for years.

Genius people who are no longer with us have passed their wisdom through books to future generations.

And we should be grateful to them, shouldn’t we?

Growth would slow down if we didn’t have access to ancient discoveries.

Books are one of the best ways to document ideas.

Sure, these days, we have the Internet.

But think about the time when we didn’t have such a thing.

We didn’t have this technology to freely share information with the world with the click of just a few buttons.

Even today, if you write a great book and publish it, people will read it in the future.

That’s the fantastic side of being an author. You can pass on your learnings from your experience.

You might say, “But what does all this has to do with reading books. How will it benefit me?”

The answer is:

When you read books, especially books packed with wisdom, you realize the privilege you have if you can read books.

And only after that, you’ll understand what I’m trying to say.

It’s hard to put in words…

But overall, reading books will improve your life.

Disadvantages Of Reading Books

Reading books has its downsides too. (In life, most things come at a price.)

Now, I’ll discuss all the disadvantages of reading books. I’ve personally faced most of them. That means I’m not making them out of thin air.

Anyway, let’s get started.

1. Consume Time

Oh man, I wish I could fix this.

I fail to read more than four books a month, no matter how hard I try. Reason? One needs time to read books.

Well, you can also listen to audiobooks, but that’s a different approach. Let’s stick to the context of this article.

Why does it take so much time to read books?

It’s a no-brainer. Most books have more than 150 pages. Being humans, there is a limit to how fast we can read.

Read too fast, and you might miss important details in the book. Read too slow, and it’ll take forever to finish that book. So most people read at a speed that suits them.

To those who say they can finish a book in an hour, I’ll say, “Seriously? Are you certain that you aren’t missing fine details?”

Still, you can’t deny that books consume a lot of time.

But in the end, reading books isn’t about how fast you can read. It’s about how effectively you read and how much you actually apply in your life.

2. Require Will Power

It isn’t really a downside of reading books. It’s a prerequisite.

Book reading isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some people can’t read more than one page.

For some people, reading is one of the most boring activities in the world.

Yes, reading books could be painful if you’re not used to reading many books.

3. Burn Money Fast

If you look at Amazon, the paperback version of books is usually expensive for most readers, considering I’m an Indian.

Heck, e-books and audiobooks are even more costly.

I won’t say buying books is an utter wastage of your precious money.

The reality is that some books are over-hyped. They have no substance in them, and they waste money if bought.

If you’re buying books for putting a show in front of your friends, I’d suggest that you better not purchase them.

That way, you’ll only end up wasting your money.

You can read and watch the book summaries and reviews of 100 plus books before buying them for free. Just search the book’s name in the search box, and if I’ve written a summary for it, it’ll show up in the results.

4. Eat Up Storage

It barely consumes any space when it comes to storing books on your hard drive.

That’s because those books are usually in EPUB, Pdf, or Mobi format. In other words, a PDF version of a book, in my opinion, will only consume less than 20 MB (maximum).

But when it comes to physical books, as the number of books increases, the burden of organizing and storing them on a shelf also increases.

Some people even love to collect books, while others sell them.

But you can’t hide from the truth that storing physical books and organizing them could be a pain in the behind.

Note :   This is why people prefer the audiobook or the e-book format these days.

5. People Call You A Nerd

This might sound stupid and isn’t a big deal. But yes, it affects too.

When people see that you read far too much, they start calling you a nerd in their minds.

They think:

“What’s the point of reading that much? What a nerd!”

Depending on the type of friends you have, some might go overboard and make you a thing of gossip. Luckily, this doesn’t happen often.

6. Weaken Your Eyesight

A lot of reading might put glasses on your nose.

When we read books, we fix our eyes on the letters close to us.

Doing it for a long time sometimes causes short-sightedness.

When you become short-sighted, you risk losing the ability to see far objects clearly.

7. Cause Infocrastination

Infocrastination is the sum of Information and Procrastination.

Infocrastination = Information + Procrastination

This happens while reading self-help books. Some people find escape through such types of books.

How many people do you think have become rich after reading “Think And Grow Rich”?

How many people do you think start a startup after reading “Zero To One”?

Very few, right?

So what happens with most people? They keep procrastinating.

Because big goals require big actions.

Either way, it’s up to you what you do after buying a book.

8. Make You Unhealthy

Sitting for long hours can cause many diseases.

Often people read books by sitting on a chair. This sedentary lifestyle creates many problems like Diabetes or Obesity.

One solution might be to take breaks every half an hour while reading and take a walk for 2 minutes along with some stretching.

9. Cause Confusion Sometimes Due To Contradicting Opinions

Sometimes two books might have contradicting ideas, which can f*ck with your mind.

For example, The Magic Of Thinking Big says that you should ‘think big.’ On the flip side, Think Small says that you should ‘think small.’

Now, what should you do? Should you ‘think big’ or ‘think small’?

Here is another example:

If you go according to the philosophy of Steve Jobs, you should follow your passion.

But Cal Newport, in his book So Good They Can’t Ignore You , argues that ‘follow your passion’ is the worst advice.

Now, what should you do?

Should you follow your passion or not?

Here is one more:

All the self-help books like Awaken The Giant Within talk about positive self-help.

But on the other hand, Mark Manson talks about negative self-help in his book The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck .

Books are often full of contradicting ideas.

This isn’t an issue for those who barely read a book every year.

But to those like me, who read at least one book every week, this issue could be baffling.

10. Make You A Dopamine Junkie

Sometimes you might have an “Aha” moment while reading a book.

That “Aha” moment is simply the result of a dopamine rush in your head.

People often get addicted to this high.

It’s a rare case.

But I believe it’s possible.

Often people pick a book to find an escape from their dull life filled with problems.

Reading books and always craving an epiphany might make you a dopamine junkie.

11. Some books are part of propaganda

This is the darkest side of reading books that nobody talks about.

I won’t take the name of any book here.

But some books are made for the sole purpose of brainwashing young minds.

There are marketing books whose only goal is to sell you an expensive course in the end.

Also, some religious books ask you to believe in mythical ideas and submit to authority blindly.

There are good ones too…

You don’t have to believe in this, though. This is my personal opinion.

But since I read a lot of books, I have become wise enough to decide which book to read and which to avoid.

Remember that not all books lead you to the truth.

The books that help you improve your life, bring you to reality, and help you deal with the hardships of life are the most practical ones.

And I recommend that you read more of such books.

Don’t buy all the mythical and fantasy ideas that some books share.

Stick to the LOGIC .

Reject all that is not TRUE .

Always do a “background check” of the author or publication before buying any book.

Be skeptical before you accept any idea.

I highly recommend that you check out these book summaries if you are a truth-seeker:

• Freedom From The Known by J Krishnamurti [ Read Summary | [amazon fields=”0060648082″ value=”button”] ]

List of All the books Mentioned In This Article

I’ve prepared a list of all the great books that I have mentioned throughout this article so that you don’t waste time searching for them.

[amazon box=”1847941834,0062899147,1471167518,1785041274,9391019749, 1878424548, 0060648082, 1523516321, 1594485380, 8190565524, 0062838636, 0785260927, 1989025013, 1101981059, B00IJ0KV7A, B00DO8NUIO, 0671646788, 1782439234, 1937879488, 1400069289″ template=”table”]

From the points discussed above, you can conclude that reading books have pros and cons. Its pros outweigh its cons, though.

If you take care of its cons, nobody can stop you from achieving big goals.

Reading is a superpower. (And “with great power, comes great responsibility.”)

If you want to develop a reading habit, try Blinkist for days absolutely FREE.

What is Blinkist? It’s a non-fiction book summary app with many wonderful insights and author podcasts.

Start Blinkist 7-Days Risk-Free Trial

And if you are someone who would like to listen to audiobooks instead of summaries on Blinkist, try Amazon’s Audible .

Try Audible 30-day Free Trial and Get 2 Free Audiobooks

Try Audiobooks.com 30-day Free Trial and Get 3 Free Audiobooks

I highly recommend both of these.

Now You Tell Me

Did you like this article on the advantages and disadvantages of reading books?

Did I miss any point?

Or do you have any point to add to this?

Do you face infocrastination too?

What struggles do you face while reading a book?

Tell me in the comment section below. And most important – keep reading.

Please don’t hesitate to share this article with others. Thanks in advance!

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The Brain Behind Wizbuskout.com

I am Shami Manohar, the founder of WizBuskOut. My obsession with non-fiction books has fueled me with the energy to create this website. I read at least one book every week on topics such as business, critical thinking, mindset, psychology, and more.

My mission is to educate and empower individuals with the knowledge that works in real life.

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2 thoughts on “19 Incredible Advantages & 11 Lesser-Known Disadvantages Of Reading Books”

Reading is a great habit.There us no better way to know things other than reading. In my considered opinion READER= LEADER. Note: Hard copy reading is better than ‘kindle’ or online reading.Hard copy reading has plethora of benefits !

Indeed Pratap. When we read hard copy, more of our senses are involved, which leads to better interpretation. And yes, undoubtedly, reading is a superpower.

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