Book Review

A book review is an evaluation of books or literary pieces based on their content, merit, style and other properties. Also referred to as a book report, a book review is a form of book analysis or literary criticism usually published in printed serials (journals, newspapers, magazines, etc.) and on websites.

The length of a book review depends on the book review writer. It can be composed of just one paragraph or an elaborate essay with descriptive details. A book review is usually based on personal taste, though some book review writers make use of socially accepted and recognized criteria in their evaluation. A book review in a literary periodical is usually intended to share one's opinion on a literary piece, though there are book review pieces that are more of plot summaries than book analyses.

Book review is usually written by a student (who is required to write it in school), a literary expert or a book enthusiast. It is meant to develop one's reading comprehension and analytical skills. A book review writer has to describe book content and theme, figure out the book's thesis statement and analyse if the author was able to effectively communicate its intended meaning, serve its purpose and portray its thesis statement. In some cases, a book review writer even has to do additional research in his or her analysis.

Aside from literary pieces, basically any book can be the subject of a book review. Text books are also usually reviewed so as to identify whether they are sufficient and appropriate for school use or not.

A book review on a particular book can be found in serials such as newspapers, literary journals and magazines. They can also be found on the Internet. Special book review databases are also hosted by some libraries and websites to help readers figure out which books are best to read. It is important to note, however, that care is much needed in reading and considering a book review, because not all book review articles are good evaluation pieces. Those that are published in scholarly journals and literary magazines are usually more advisable to read, as they are better screened and facilitated by "literary authorities".

Good book reviews usually contain essential book information such as book title, author, original copyright date, book type, book subject matter, price, ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and other special features. They usually describe the book author's purpose in writing and publishing the book, the book's intended audience, content, authenticity, effect on the writer, theme, thesis, narration, exposition, argument and other vital book information.