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A book review is much more than just summarizing the plot. It is a matter of sharing your experience with others, to help them evaluate whether or not they would be interested in reading it. A good book review includes a definitive opinion, personal experience, and a recommendation for the type of person who would like the book. To learn how to apply these elements when writing your review of a book, see below.

I was inspired to write this blog post by Lynn Talbot, an English teacher from France.

Choose a style

Think about where you will publish your book review. It will help you to decide on your tone of voice and style. If you are planning to publish your book review on social media, or your blog, then you can write it in a “non-formal” way.

However, if you write a book review for a professional journal or website, you should stick to the rules.

When to start writing

I recommend starting writing your first rough draft while reading the book. Consider taking notes, and jotting down some ideas. Once you finish reading the book, these notes will help you a lot. Believe me.

What I usually do is that while reading the book, I highlight interesting parts in the book with a highlighter, and write down some ideas in my notebook.

Before publishing

Looking at what others have written about the book is a good idea. It will help you not to repeat the exact information. Eventually, it is all about authenticity and being different from others.

In addition, if you are planning to publish your book review on social media or your blog, you may ask your friends or followers online what they would like to read.

How long a book review should be

A traditional book review should be between 500 and 750 words. However, if you write for social media, it may be shorter due to the character limit. 

For example, 

• Instagram – 338 – 440 words (2200 characters);
• LinkedIn – 462 – 600 words (3000 characters);
• Twitter (X) – 43 – 56 words (280 characters);
• Facebook – 9724 – 12641 words (63206 characters);
• WordPress — unlimited.

In case you would like to publish your book review in a professional journal or a website, then you should stick to 500 and 750 words.

What to avoid

Here is the list of what you should not include in your book review:

Do your best to avoid spoilers. Most readers do not want to know any elements or descriptions of any piece that reveal details about the book’s plot.

If you know your audience too well, and they love reading spoilers, then you are welcome to include spoilers. In fact, it may add some uniqueness to your book reviews. Personally, I love reading spoilers, and then deciding if I really want to read a book.

What to include

You should include:

• general information (the number of pages in the book, the genre), 
• some information about the author (add credibility)
• plot,
• author’s writing techniques, 
• your impressions (positive and negative ones),
• what emotions you had while reading,
• some quotes could clarify some information, and make your opinion more convincing.

Add a preview of the book

If your book is available on Amazon as an ebook, I think you should add the link to the preview. It will help the readers to decide if they want to buy the book.

Where to read examples of book reviews

So far, I have published two book reviews on my blog:

If you would like to read “formal” book reviews, I recommend you to have a look at these websites:

“Book Review Writing Examples“

Used sources:

Book reviews. The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2024, May 14). https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/book-reviews/

How to write a book review | booktrust. (n.d.). https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/tips-and-advice/writing-tips/writing-tips-for-teens/how-to-write-a-book-review/

How to write A book review. Grammarly. (2023, June 29). https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-book-review/

How to write a book review: Structure, writing tips, template. How to Write a Book Review: Structure, Writing Tips, Template. (n.d.). https://essaypro.com/blog/book-review

Okanovic, D. (2020, June 10). Wie schreibt man eine rezension? – bibguru blog. Bibguru. https://www.bibguru.com/de/blog/rezension-schreiben/