How To Write A Book Review Even If You’re Not A Writer

Dean Lewis

July 29, 2025

Writing a book review may seem like an intimidating task, especially if you’re not a seasoned writer. However, expressing your thoughts on a book is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By breaking down the review process into manageable steps, you can write a thoughtful review that others will appreciate.

In this article, we will guide you on how to write a book review, including examples to make the process easier.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is your personal analysis of a book that shares your thoughts and reflections on its themes, characters, and writing style. It’s not just a summary of the plot but a detailed response to the book. When you write a book review, you give insights that help readers decide if they should pick up the book.

Structuring Your Book Review

A well-structured book review is key to delivering your thoughts clearly. Though there is no rigid format, there are common components you can include to guide your readers through your thoughts. Here is a simple outline to follow:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the book. Include the title, author, and genre. Mention why you picked up the book and what you expected from it.
• Plot Summary: Without revealing any spoilers, summarize the plot. Focus on what the book is about, not the details of the story. If the book is part of a series, mention that and if previous books are necessary for understanding it.
• What You Liked: Discuss what worked for you. Did the characters feel real? Was the pacing just right? What emotional responses did the story evoke? Share any memorable moments that stood out to you.
• What You Didn’t Like: It’s important to be honest. Mention what didn’t work for you. Did the book feel too slow? Were there plot holes or a lack of character development?
• Conclusion: Wrap up your thoughts. Would you recommend this book? Who would enjoy it? This is also a great place to include a rating if you’d like.

Tips on Writing an Effective Book Review

When you sit down to write a book review, keep in mind a few useful tips that will elevate your critique:

• Be Honest but Respectful: If you liked or disliked the book, being respectful in your criticism shows maturity. Offer explanations for why you feel a certain way.
• Focus on Analysis Over Summary: Readers don’t need a recap of the plot. Instead, dive deeper into the elements that made the book successful or not. Look at the writing style, themes, and character development.
• Keep it Concise: A book review should be focused on key points. Avoid rambling, and stick to what’s most important. You want to inform the reader, not overwhelm them.
• Support Your Claims: Whenever you make a point about the book, support it with evidence. For example, if you say a character is well-written, explain why with specific examples from the text.
• Avoid Spoilers: The goal of your review is to pique the interest of potential readers. Avoid sharing key plot details or spoilers that could ruin the experience for others.

Writing a Book Review Example

Here’s a simple example to give you an idea of how to structure your review:

“The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides tells the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband and then stops speaking altogether. The novel is a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

I particularly enjoyed the plot’s pacing, which gradually built tension, making it hard to put the book down. However, I felt that the ending was a bit predictable. Despite that, I would recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy unexpected twists.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Book Review

Even experienced reviewers sometimes make mistakes in their reviews. Below are common issues to avoid when writing your own:

• Spoiling the Book: Revealing the ending or major plot twists defeats the purpose of a review. Readers want to be intrigued, not handed all the answers.
• Making It All About You: A good review should be balanced. While your opinion is important, it’s about the book, not about you. Stay focused on the book itself and how it made you feel.
• Too Much Detail: While discussing characters and themes is important, don’t overwhelm the reader with unnecessary details. Stick to the most important points and keep it engaging.

How to Write a Book Review Example for Specific Genres

Each genre has its own set of conventions that you might want to focus on when reviewing a book. For instance, in mystery novels, the plot’s structure is often key. For romance novels, you might focus more on character relationships or Education and Literature. By recognizing these elements, you can write more targeted and relevant reviews.

• Mystery/Thriller: In this genre, plot twists are important in keeping the reader engaged. A well-executed twist will turn the entire narrative on its head, forcing readers to rethink what they knew. Suspense is another key element; it’s what keeps readers on the edge of their seats, never quite sure what will happen next.
  
  Was the pacing fast enough to maintain this sense of urgency, or were there moments that dragged? Was the mystery compelling and complex, giving just enough clues without giving everything away?
• Fantasy/Adventure: World-building is the heart of any good fantasy or adventure novel. A well-crafted world immerses readers, offering a place so unique it feels tangible. Did the author build a detailed, imaginative world that felt authentic, or did it rely too much on cliches? The integration of magical systems and mythical creatures should feel seamless, enhancing the plot rather than distracting from it.
• Romance: Romance novels thrive on the emotional connection between characters. The chemistry between the main characters is vital to creating an engaging narrative. Did their relationship feel natural, or was it forced and unrealistic?
  
  Was there a strong emotional journey, where the characters grew and developed over time, or did they remain stagnant throughout? A satisfying romance requires a resolution that ties together the characters’ emotional arcs.
• Historical Fiction: Historical fiction blends the past with the present, making history come alive. One of its main strengths lies in how well the author integrates historical facts with fictional elements.

Did the book teach you something new about the time period, or did it simply recreate well-known events? Was the historical context accurate, or did it take liberties that undermined the authenticity of the story?

The characters in historical fiction should feel like products of their time. Did the author succeed in creating realistic characters that responded to historical events in a believable way? It’s also vital to evaluate how the historical elements contribute to the plot.

Why Book Reviews Matter

Book reviews are not just a way to share your thoughts; they play a vital role in the reading community. They help readers decide if a book is worth their time and money. Reviews also give feedback to authors, helping them grow and improve their work. A thoughtful review can spark discussions, inspire others to read, and bring attention to lesser-known books.

How Prugu Helps You Share Your Book Reviews

At Prugu, we encourage people to share their opinions and insights about the books they’ve read. Our platform, designed to promote user-generated content, allows you to post detailed book reviews for others to see.

Whether you are an avid reader or someone who just finished their latest read, Prugu gives you the opportunity to connect with other book lovers and share your thoughts.