Table of Contents
Why would somebody create a book review template? Shouldn’t a book review come from the mind? Shouldn’t a student know how to create a book review as organically and easily as running a bath? The reason why people create book review templates has nothing to do with intelligence, academic integrity, or learning ability. People create templates because things like essays and book reviews are nothing more than outdated busy work these days.
Book reviews were useful back in the olden days when remembering a bunch of stuff got you top marks, but these days, learning institutions such as colleges and universities are hanging on to written essays like movie lovers hang onto DVDs and refuse to go digital. Book review templates are created to streamline the outdated process of writing book reviews. In an age where students can turn composited Tweets into book reviews, a template helps get the job done and over with in a more efficient manner.
Book Review Template KS1
Each book review is marked via a guide or book review template that teachers and professors have to use. Some of the parameters are a little vague, but if you write about certain things and approach certain subjects, then it becomes easier to mark your work upward. Here are the four areas you should definitely try to cover.
- Plot
What is the book about, and what happens in the book? For example, in “Alice in Wonderland” a young girl enters a crazy world that may be a dream world and maybe a metaphor for complex mathematics or a metaphor for a drug trip.
- Characters
Who is in the book and what is that person all about? For example, in “Alice in Wonderland” it features a young and fairly naive girl, a talking cat, a white rabbit, and a seemingly insane man.
- Your Opinion
Simply offer whatever opinion comes to you. For example, in “Alice in Wonderland,” you may state that the wackiness is just too structured to be a dream or drug-induced metaphor and that you feel the math references are simply too bold to be ignored. The hookah the caterpillar smokes is also of Arabic origin. Also, when the caterpillar says “Keep Your Temper” at the end of his scene, you may recall that Alice never became angry, because the caterpillar was actually making a reference to Temper in Euclidean geometry, which is all about keeping proportions in their correct sizes.
- Recommend
You have to give a reason why you recommend the book. For example, you may recommend “Alice in Wonderland” because it keeps things interesting, it flips common notions on their head, and it features a consistent-acting protagonist in an absurdly inconsistent world, which helps to ground and guide the reader.
Book Review Template KS2
You will probably need a larger and stronger book review template for your KS2 template. But, if you wish to ensure you pass (easily), then follow the four steps given above for KS2. Use the book review template for KS1 as your groundwork. After writing it, you may then use the book review template given below. Enter these elements into your book review, and it will suddenly become a lot harder for your teacher or professor to give you a low score.
- Hook the reader with a question
- Make a strong statement about the book
- Explain the plot
- Describe the book
- State an opinion
- Compare the book with others
- Give some pros and cons about the book
- Make a point about the characters
- Give a conclusion
- Rate the book
Don’t forget that you do not have to give the book a good rating, and you do not have to conclude on a positive note. For example, Michael Crichton’s Jurassic park movie is a great movie, so many people assume the book is just as good, but the book is full of quasi-scientific nonsense that drags the book down. Don’t feel like you have to give a book a good rating just because of popular opinion. Just make sure you give strong reasons as to why you think the book is bad.
Book Review Examples
The power of books to impart wisdom, captivate, and stir the soul is unparalleled. As we flip through the pages, we’re whisked away to distant lands, gifted with fresh perspectives on existence, and our skills in communication and critical thinking are quietly sharpened. Yet, navigating the vast sea of literature is no easy feat, leaving us to ponder which titles are worth our time. Fear not, for book reviews step in as treasured beacons, unmasking the core of a novel, its literary flair, and the overall experience of losing oneself in its pages. To whet your appetite for the world of book reviews, we’ve assembled a trio of eclectic critiques, each shining a light on a different literary gem.
Book Review Example #1
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Great Gatsby,” the 1925 masterpiece of F. Scott Fitzgerald, whisks readers away to the dizzying days of the Roaring Twenties, a time awash in lavish excess and flourishing fortunes. At the heart of the tale lies the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a man seduced by his own dreams as he orchestrates extravagant soirées, all in pursuit of his long-lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
With a keen eye, Fitzgerald weaves a rich tapestry that is at once a searing critique of the American Dream and a dissection of the corrosive forces of wealth and power. In a rhythm that reflects the affluence of its time, the novel pulsates with extravagance, while simultaneously peering deeply into the shadowy corners of the American Dream, revealing the characters’ path to self-undoing.
Fitzgerald’s writing pirouettes nimbly on the page, illustrating resplendent scenes of indulgent banquets, sumptuous environments, and the intricate emotional underpinnings fueling the narrative. His work brims with elaborate symbolism and contemplative motifs, compelling readers to wrestle with the delusions of triumph and the emptiness of material wealth.
At its core, “The Great Gatsby” endures as an ageless masterpiece, defying the wear of time, and maintaining relevance in today’s world. Fitzgerald’s narrative prowess is unmatched, his characters deep and bewitching, and the themes of the novel reverberate on both universal and personal levels. For those drawn to literature or longing to explore the winding complexities of the American Dream, this book is an essential read.
Book Review Example #2
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho’s ageless gem, “The Alchemist,” presents the tale of Santiago, a humble shepherd boy pursuing his dream to unearth hidden treasure in Egypt’s ancient pyramids. His expedition is a tapestry of obstacles and vibrant personalities that test his mettle and spirit.
What sets “The Alchemist” in a league of its own is its capacity to enrapture and motivate readers of every stripe. Coelho masterfully weaves spirituality, philosophy, and adventure into a narrative that intrigues the mind and stirs the soul. The story’s core themes of pursuing dreams, unveiling one’s purpose, and discovering the true self transcend boundaries and strike a powerful chord.
Coelho’s prose is both unpretentious and poetic, leaving a lasting impression on its audience. The characters he creates are authentic and relatable, providing a treasure trove of wisdom and insight through their personal journeys. “The Alchemist” is a story that invites multiple readings, each revealing fresh nuances and deeper understanding.
In the final analysis, “The Alchemist” is an essential read for those seeking inspiration, direction, or a mesmerizing tale. This book leaves an indelible mark on the reader’s mind, with lessons that reverberate long after the final page is turned. It comes with the highest of recommendations.
Book Review Example #3
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
As one turns the pages of Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale,” a spellbinding tale unravels, set amidst the turbulent backdrop of Nazi-occupied France during the dark days of World War II. It is through the lives of Vianne and Isabelle, two sisters bound by blood yet divided by their unique strengths and frailties, that we witness the harrowing effects of war and the desperate measures taken to shield loved ones and self from its cruelty.
Hannah masterfully threads an exquisite narrative quilt, immersing her readers within the core of a France ensnared, every inhalation saturated with a blend of apprehension and doubt. Her characters bloom into existence, each bearing a complex web of attributes, a delicate balance of praiseworthy and imperfect qualities. Vianne grapples with her role as a mother and wife, teetering on the edge of duty and defiance, while Isabelle’s audacious spirit propels her headlong into a perilous battle against the Nazi regime.
This stirring narrative is laced with themes of love, sacrifice, and an unwavering resilience that leaves the reader awash in emotion. Its conclusion is as heart-rending as it is inspiring, an indelible mark etched into the reader’s consciousness.
In “The Nightingale,” Kristin Hannah offers a profound exploration of the oft-ignored contributions of women in times of war and the unyielding resilience that emerges in the face of adversity. A literary feast for devotees of historical fiction and tales of human fortitude, this novel is an experience not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Book Review
What is a book review?
A book review is a captivating narrative, an exploration of the hidden depths within the pages of literary creation. It’s a dance between the reader and the written word, an intriguing conversation that unfolds to reveal the soul of the tome. Tantalizingly, it delves into the heart of the story, the characters, and the author’s style, all while maintaining a respectful distance from the perilous cliff of spoilers. A book review, my friend, is a compass that guides future readers, shining a light on uncharted literary landscapes and urging them to embark on their own mesmerizing journeys.
How to cite a book review?
First, begin with the reviewer’s name, then the year in brackets, followed by a charming title in italics. Remember to add “Review of the book” and then the book’s title, comma, and the author’s name. Conclude with the source, a dashing volume(issue), and pages.
What to include in a book review?
Begin by introducing the title, author, and an irresistible hook to pique the reader’s interest. Delve into the heart of the story, touching on themes, characters, and the author’s stylistic choices, all while maintaining a perceptive and discerning tone. Be sure to balance praise with constructive critique, but wrap it up in the warmth of empathy. Finally, let your distinctive voice guide the reader to a thoughtful and genuine conclusion, leaving them eager for their next literary adventure.