1. Reason for Purchase

   Readers want to know why you picked up the book. What made you want to read the book? Was it on the bestseller’s list? Was everyone else reading the book? Was it written by your favorite author? Was he famous? Did he write other books?

2. Summarize The Book
   

   Basically, put the book in a nutshell. Be succinct!

3. Likes and Dislikes

   What did you like about the book? What caught your eye? What was your favorite section in the book? What kept your attention throughout the book? Explain why. Did you get bored at any point during your reading? There may be some things you did not like about the book. Maybe, there was a lack of detail on a certain topic which you deemed relevant to the book title discussed.

4. Impact of the Book
   

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   Did the book change you in any way? Did the book prompt you into positive thinking or action? I recently read a book entitled “Getting Things Done” by David Allen on time management and productivity. The author advocates a new system to increase personal organization and efficiency. I tried out the system and I feel that I’m more organized, more efficient and more motivated.

5. Author’s Competencies

   What has the author done well? How could the author have done better? Give some comments about the author’s style of writing.

6. Discuss Ideas in the Book

   There may be some issues that interest you. Did you agree with the author on it? Did the author change your perspective on the issue mentioned?

7. Conclude

   In your conclusion, you need to sum up your position. Do you like the book or not?

8. Recommend The Book

   Would you recommend the book to others? Then, inspire them to get the book. If you feel that the book is not worth the read, you may have some other recommendations for your readers. In your opinion, were there any other books which are more exciting or more comprehensive?

9. Be Yourself

   It is very important for you to be natural when writing a book review. Writing a book review may reveal a side of you your readers may not know. They will begin to understand your preferences and judgment. So, be yourself!

10. Read Other Reviews

    I like to read book reviews on Amazon. Some of them are crappy with a one-liner such as “I like the book”.

But there are some very good book reviewers there. After reading a few, there is bound to be some that you like. The style of writing and tone of voice of the reviewer may be to your liking. See who inspires you and try to emulate them. Soon you will develop your own voice.

So, what are you waiting for – write that book review now!