How to Write a Good Book Review

Gary North

July 21, 2012

I recommend writing book reviews. I got my start as a professional writer writing book reviews for a local newspaper.

Here are the steps in writing a good review.

1. Decide on who you are writing it for: age, background, motivartion.
2. Read with the review in mind.
3. Read fast the first time through.
4. Mark sections with a pencil
5. Read it again to spot unique points
6. Look for important points for the review's reader.
7. After you are finished, jot down a few salient points.

Ask these questions:

8. How is this book different from others in the field?
9. How is this book the same as most in the field?
10. How can someone implement this information productively?
11. Are there any significant errors?
12. Are there any significant gaps?
13. How does this book fit into the author's overall work?
14. What are the three most important ideas to remember? (Evernote)
15. What are three key facts to remember? (Evernote)

The idea of the review is to let a reader know if it's worth reading the book. You save him time in making this decision. You make his life easier.