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One type of writing isn't covered very much: book reviews. Yes, there are product reviews on Writing.Com, but often those are not critical reviews with support for the reviewer's opinion. Maybe the following editorial will help all of us be better reviewers, whether on the site or for other publications.
Next week's editor is Holly Jahangiri 
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Writing a Book Review - Fiction
A book review describes, analyzes, and evaluates the quality, meaning, and significance of a book. It should not retell, and it is not a book report or a summary. A review is a commentary. Although no “right” way to write a review exists, some essential information is needed in each. Fiction and non-fiction books have differences not only in the content but also what components should be in a review. Let’s look as some suggestions to consider when writing a book review for a book of fiction. I will use one of my books in the examples.
First of all, do not give away the story, climax, ending of the book. Do use occasional quotes from the book to support or explain points made in the review.
The first paragraph should include the title of the book and the author’s name. Sometimes publishing information such as ISBN, publisher, type of book, and general subject matter is noted.
Example of a first paragraph: The Base Stealers Club, by V. Gilbert Zabel, follows the progress of a middle-school-aged baseball team as it plays its way to a championship. A part of the team also help solve a mystery plaguing the community. Published by 4RV Publishers, ISBN: 978-1-84728-220-0, the book appeals to those interested in sports, mystery, and adventure.
Other points to be covered, in different paragraphs, are as follows:
Characters: Are the characters flat or round? A round character is multiple dimensional. Round characters make a story line more interesting and believable; therefore, the analysis of the author’s use of three-dimensional characters or flat characters is important.
Example of character portrayal: Ryan Scott not only is an excellent athlete, but he also cares about others. He helps find the thief in the story; then he wants to help the young man who stole money from locker rooms. An instance where he acted as peace maker on the team is shown in the following excerpt: Ryan stood beside Colby, slipping his arm across the shorter boy’s shoulders. “Hey, Colby, settle down. Josh is just repeating what he heard. I’ve heard my dad say the same thing about some criminals.” With a slight smile, Ryan turned to Josh. “Josh, what does the preacher say about forgiving? What have we learned in church about forgiving others?”
Theme: The theme of a book may not be written word for word in the book, but the review should note how the author reveals or develops the theme or themes. Mention whether you, as the reviewer, agree or disagree with the author’s theme(s) and why.
Example of theme: The author gives support for moral values and actions through the book. Yet, the message isn’t preachy or blunt, but the theme flows throughout the story. The author’s opinions are solid and are ones that young readers need to realize and learn to accept.
Plot: Are the various elements of plot handled well? The elements of plot include introduction, conflict, climax, and conclusion.
Example of plot: The Base Stealers Club introduces the conflict, the problem, in the first two chapters of the book: both the start of the games leading to a successful season and the missing money in locker rooms. The suspense intensifies as the team plays and tries to help find the thief. The climax is unique, as is the reaction of team members.
Author information: How does the author's background help with the content of the book, or does it? Giving some information about the author, which can be found in the book or through research, many times helps one better understand the book.
Example of author information: V. Gilbert Zabel, who also writes under the name Vivian Gilbert Zabel, for adult level books, and Granny Zabel, for children’s books, played baseball and helped coach a baseball team. Her interest and background in the sport, as well as with children, can be found in the pages of this book.
Give a brief summary of the book: Give an overview, but do not give away the plot climax or conclusion.
Example of summary: The Jonesville Chargers, a baseball team of middle school-aged boys, pursues championship dreams and the solution of a mystery plaguing their team.
Give your opinion of the book: Tell how the book affected you. Say whether or not the book is interesting, entertaining, or memorable. Would you recommend the book to readers? Why or why not?
Example of opinion: I enjoyed The Base Stealers Club because I became swept up in the chronicling of a team’s season, games, and attempt to find a thief. This book will appeal to readers aged ten to fifteen who love baseball. Young sports fans will be better for having read the book.
Important note: Having correct grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and other components of good writing are as important in a review as in writing a book. Reviews are a form of writing.
The suggested components of a book review can be arranged differently or combined, and some others can be added. Some can be eliminated, but most of the information needs to be somewhere in the review.
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A Few Words from Our Readers
johnjohnny
Great newsletter Vivian! I enjoyed your thoughts on imagery. It is the thing that most draws me to writing and reading poetry. I have always been fascinated by the mind's ability to paint a beautiful and/or vivid portrait by just reading a few well chosen words or phrases. I also loved your mentioning the need to step back for a couple of days and re-visit our work. It took me quite a while before I realized how important that is in my writing. After coming back, new fresh ideas pop up, and weaknesses can be spotted and strengthened.
John
Very few people can truly jot something down and find that it's perfect. That's why we need to "revisit" our writings. I'm glad you enjoyed what I had to say, John.
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monty31802
A very enjoyable newsletter Viv. If we can get all you advise into our poem, we have a real good write usually.
Monty
Thank you, Monty. All any of us can do is try and work to improve. That's part of being a writer, learning all the time.
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susandudzinski
Vivian...this newsletter is packed with insightful information. In particular, I found two of your remarks worth reiterating..."Well-written poetry evokes smell, touch, sound, and/or taste" and "keep our images concrete, not abstract". Good rules to stick to. I think in its raw state, a poem being formulated in the poet's mind is at the start intangible, and the challenge is to get in down on paper tangibly so that a reader can hold it, touch it, feel it, experience it as their own. The suggestions you make is what will add the dimension required to create from a writer's imagination a palitable poem for a reader. Thanks for refeshing our minds. Sometimes it seems a writer can't be reminded enough. Take care, Sandy.
As I said to Monty, we all need to keep learning in order to be better. You certainly are correct about the challenge.
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darkin
Wonderful newsletter Viv. I love to read poems that come alive in my mind's eye.
Darkin
Thanks, Darkin. I agree with you about wanting to read poetry that comes alive.
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Daizy May 
Good morning Vivian, I was scrolling down the page to commend you on your newsletter, when I saw you had included one of my poems this week. I feel honored to be included by someone of your poetic abilities. Thank you.
I also like seeing your picture at the end of the newsletter. It feels like I am talking to you in person.
Now to the newsletter. This is very helpful. We need to be reminded that other people can't read our minds, just our words. So, the words need to reflect what is in there (our mind).
Thanks for a job well done! Nancy
Thank you, Nancy. Yes, letting the reader know what we mean, what we're thinking is up to us.
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alecnuma
Would you go so far as to say that poetry writing involves a semi-controlled permanent brainstorming which seeks to avoid preconceptions and clichés? I would. Whatever piece others compliment me for is usually the result of an elaboration process that went out of control, at least partially.
Thank you for the newsletter.
Alec Numa
I don't consider my poetry brainstorming as such because I look for just the right words and phrases to picture what I mean. I might start with some level of brainstorming, but the finished product is much more.
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Until next month, I hope you find that your writing and reading enjoyment increases.
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For Authors: February 07, 2007 Issue [#1527]
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