Writing a book review is hard work, but very enjoyable work.  It logically begins with a critical evaluation of the book you are reading or have just read. You need to pinpoint the quality, meaning and significance of the book and not just retell the story in your own words. The focus of the review is on the purpose; the content of the book from an authoritative perspective of someone who has read the book.

Of course, there is not right or wrong way in which to write a review, because it is a very personal view of the book and reflects the opinion  of the reviewer.  Reviews can be brief or lengthy. So, there are no formulas for writing the review. One can have, at best, guidelines.

• Every review should provide the reader with essential information about the book under review–Name of book, author, first copyright date, type of book, general subject matter, special features, price, ISBN etc.
• The purpose of writing the book should be stated clearly. This may be available in the authors own words in the first few chapters or may be arrived at by the reviewer after reading the book.
• The perspective from which the book is written should be highlighted–first person, stream of consciousness or third person perspective.
• What is the general field of the genre?
• What is the general theme?
• How has it been developed?
• What is the author’s style?
• How did the book impact you?
• Did the book achieve the goal it set out to achieve?
• What are the issues raised by the book?
• Any other relevant information

Finally the review must summarize what you have been saying in the body of your review and give your recommendation to the reader. Should he read the book or not?