How to do a Book Review In 7 Steps

Most Important: Do not give away the story!

There are 7 steps in writing a book review.

Step – I

Plan your book review.

Think about your readers. Who would be reading your review? Do you want to do a descriptive review or critical review? The wisest course of action is a middle path. Readers are offended if you simply speak your views about the creative work of another author. At the same time, they don’t merely want the work to be described – they do want your opinion. Our tip – First describe faithfully and then give your opinion.

Step – II

Describe the facts

Book Facts:
What is the title of the book. Field or genre of the book – what type of book is it – e.g. fiction, nonfiction, biography,autobiography, romance, erotica, children’s book etc? Where is it published. What is the price?

Has there been any recent news about the book? Search google.

About The Author: Write a couple of lines about the author. His/her nationality, time period, other works/books/articles. His knowledge and qualifications. Awards he/she has won. The historical or geographical context in which the author lives.

Tip: You can get most of the above information from the book jacket itself or from the back page. Check the back page to see who has already reviewed the book.

Step – III

Essence of the book

What is the author’s style. Does he/she write using difficult words and with long, winding sentences- or does he/she use short sentences with beautiful use of common words? What is unique about the author’s style? Which of the following words would you use to describe the style – complicated, simplicity, clarity, humorous, satirical, harmony, rhythm, metaphors, symbolism, parody?

Are the facts stated in the book accurate? What are the sources used by the author for these facts? Are dates used in the book? Place names? Does the author provide photos, maps, illustrations, charts etc? Is it an extensive study into the subject or is it a superficial treatment? f you don’t agree with the author, then you must provide sources (Wikipedia etc) which substantiate your argument!

Step – IV

Theme, settings, plot, main ideas

This is the fun part. How did the idea for this book come about in the author’s mind? What the goals of the book? You can get some of this information from the preface itself. What is the work’s significance today?

What is the main theme of the book in your opinion? What are some words which you would use to describe the theme – e.g. social history, political history, social, entertaining, educational etc? Is it a new theme or or is a familiar theme with a new twist – e.g Wizard of Oz new movie based on the old story. Is the book a revised edition? What’s new in this compared to the earlier editions? How does this book compare with others within the same genre or with other books by the same author?

Does the author explicitly spell out his theme? For example, in the book “Watergate Scandal”, the author’s theme is limitless ambition resulting in violation of law. What are some additional themes in the book? What are some of the author’s main points? A main point could be something like “You could get slimmer only by changing your lifestyle, not by flash dieting or exercise binges.”

How good of a job does the author do? Does the author effectively convey the book’s theme(s)? Does the author provide logical arguments and facts for his main points? You must determine how the author supports his argument(s). Does he/she do a good job? Do you agree with the argument(s)? What are some areas not covered well – in facts and opnions? Does the author merely describe the facts or does he also provide his own interpretation and opinions? Does he provide an original idea? Is the book or article based on some work he himself has done or is merely a research compilation from existing works?

What is the setting of the book – the atmosphere, scenics etc? What is the plot? How do the elements like surprise, accidental happenings, mystery, suspense, climax and conclusion contribute to the charm of the book?

Step – V

Characters, memorable quotes, key episodes

Who are the main characters in the book? What are their personalities (do the personalities have multiple dimensions?) and do these personalities go through a change as the book or story progresses? From where are these characters drawn? Do your empathize with these characters? Do you like them? How do these characters influence the telling of the story?

Are there any memorable quotes? Any episodes which are specially interesting for you?

Step – V

Review your review!

Is there unity in your review? Are you able to communicate your ideas about the book to your readers? How would the readers benefit from reading your review? What is in it for them? What would be your benefit in writing this review? Why do you write it? What are the parts of the book you did not understand?

Step – VII


Summarize the main idea of the book, the plot, and the major characters. What was the author’s purpose in writing the book and has it been achieved? Why? What is your one single most important impression of the book which you want to convey to your readers?


book reviewAs a blogger or even as an author, learning how to write a good book review is a must have skill.

If you do book reviews on YouTube, you can use the above 7 steps for your book reviews on YouTube videos or podcasts as well.

You can also apply these same 7 steps review process for reviewing videos and movies.

Happy Reviewing!

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