The Snowflake Chronicles

Writing a Review of a Poetry Book

Notes from How to Write a Review of a Poetry Book by Kara Page1

Read the entire book slowly and immediately upon finishing write a description of how it made you feel.

Compose an introduction containing the title, author, publisher, and other important statistical information. In this introduction, include a biography of the author's writing life.

Paragraph about the books overall style and mood. Answer the question 'Did the poet have a recurring theme?" Look over the poems again to find examples of the recurring theme and quote a few lines to emphasize your point.

Paragraph answering these questions: (1) "What is the poet's style?" (2) "Why do you think the poet chose this style?" (3) "What are some of the literary devices the poet used?" and (4) Are these devices effective?"

Paragraph(s) about how you feel about this book of poetry. Write this critically without being rude, if you find something negative give an example. No generalizations, rather be specific when it comes to verse and line. Be honest without being insulting.

Footnotes
1  http://www.ehow.com/how_6916321_write-review-poetry-book.html