How To Write a Simple Book Review: It’s easier than you think!

I was looking for a book to guide me on how to write a simple book review so I can help other readers. After reading another book which recommended lengthy writing and summarising the book, I read this one, which encouraged me to write simple reviews. The book is short, easy to read, and practical. In only one day after reading the book, I started writing a review starting with this book. Thank you, Allyson, for your help.

I have never been comfortable writing book reviews. This book offered helpful advice on writing them, and offered motivation for writing them. And obviously I wanted to review it, lol.

Ii often write reviews of books. I have read but have sometimes struggled to do so. It is important to me that I am always truthful with my comments and that I give people who read my reviews something helpful when it comes to purchasing a book. My concerns about not being able to meet my own standards often prevent me from submitting a review.This book explains the importance of book reviews as well the different kinds of reviews in an easy to understand manner. The author offers examples and templates to help potential book reviewers understand how to develop their own guidelines for writing a review as well as a basis for choosing which star rating to assign.All of this,, and more, was presented in a succinct as well as easy to read and understand fashion. Everyone who reads books needs to read this one before starting to read anything else.

A very well written encouraging guide with references "How To Write A Simple Book Review: Calling All Readers" authored by British novelist Allyson R. Abbott can be helpful to both the experienced reviewer and those who have yet to post their first review.Using Amazon as a platform, Abbott fully explains in Amazon star and rating system mostly using "50 Shades of Gray" E.L. James as an example, while I usually find data info rather dull, it is a good idea to understand these basics. All types of review are covered: from the old school style book reports, to a formal literary review, to a basic simple review. While Abbott encourages all reviews on books: even those that are one word, to a few sentences. While it is true all reviews are important to authors and readers, I think there should be a division between reader comment and reader review. The difficulty of actually getting reviews is well documented, 2 reviews can be expected for every 100 books given away on average, Abbott relates her own experience of 543 of her short story download.To be especially encouraging to new reviewers, Abbott touched only briefly on the negative aspect of review. Confusion over the Amazon star rating system, only scratches the surface. Authors who only want 4*-5* ratings for their 3* books will always be an issue, honest opinion should be valued and respected, as long as the review is ethically written and doesn't bash or attack an author or his/her work I have avoided posting fair comprehensive review on Amazon, to avoid probable unhelpful clicks, Goodreads only allows "likes" and this is better for new reviewers. Abbott discusses the book blogs, which are fun to read, I also agree with her observation that writing review gives the reader "closure" after finishing a book. There is much to consider after reading this recommended guide ~ 3* GOOD.

Writing a review on a book about how to write reviews sounds like the start of a bad joke, but Allyson R. Abbott brought to light so many aspects of the book industry I had never considered I can't imagine having read "How to Write a Simple Book Review" without leaving a word of thanks to the author. As a reader, I do wonder if authors care what I think about their work or whether I leave a "Good job!" on one of their pieces I particularly enjoyed yet don't have a whole lot of "intelligent commentary" to leave in exchange for my enjoyment. The fact sites such as Amazon actually make an author's work more or less visible based on the sheer number of reviews -negative or positive- is surprising to me.I want more writing from authors I enjoy so if they get more visibility which leads to more profit which leads to more return on their writing investment? That should lead to me getting more of their writing! I can't see that as anything other than a win-win situation.Writing a review as a form of closure to having finished the book is also a new concept to me. I often have the "book hangover" effect where I have to sit and digest the last read I finished before I can even contemplate starting another book -even one by the same author- so I liked Abbott pointed out reviewing can give me the opportunity to put my thoughts into words to shorten the period of time I spend dwelling on my last read. I like the idea my personal views could be meaningful to another reader too. I'll admit I've bought a book based on a particularly good review. I found Abbott's suggestions about leaving a "gut reaction review" very helpful since that's what I really look for in a review on a book I am considering spending money on.Overall, I'd give 5 stars to How to Write a Simple Book Review for making reviewing easy to understand in terms of importance to authors as well as readers, accessible to everyone, and fun as a process to enhance the experience of reading.

I enjoyed this book. Allyson has given me the confidence to give reviews on the books I have finished reading.

The book provides answers to what is a book review and why it is important to beginners . It provides basic templates and pattern for beginners to follow to commence with reviewing a book. Recommended for beginners.

The opening of Section 4: Tips on How to Write a Review. Allyson quotes Roger Ebert;‘In my reviews, I feel it’s good to make it clear that I’m not proposing objective truth,but subjective reactions; a review should reflect the immediate experience.’Allyson suggests in the same section and many others that all authors want is ‘a response, a hint, or a few words.’ She also explains how important your review is for other readers and for yourself, the reader.On the next page she explains how to make notes on your kindle to help you to review a book. She also directs her readers to a program on the web which helps to check for errors. She also advises that if your review is full of errors and spelling mistakes, you will not be taken seriously. I found this useful.Allyson writes as if she is standing with you teaching you how to do a review. She also sets out many examples of how to develop your own review process.As a new reviewer, I found your book very helpful. Allyson, thank you very much! I also found a couple of typos in your book, (smile). I am definitely going to follow you.BonnieKBreakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

5 StarsHow to Write a Simple Book Review: It’s Easier Than You Think is an incredibly interesting and helpful guide by Allyson R. Abbott. The book explains the different types of reviews, the grading/rating system, personalising reviews, why reviews are so important for authors, and all about the process of writing a review- even offering suggestions and templates to make the whole process easier. The book will help you decide what to write and how much you want to write- in a simple and easy to understand manner.Ms. Abbot explains that reviewing books needn’t be daunting or difficult. She explains that starting of small, and as with most anything we learn, practice will make you more confident.I found this guide to be very easy to understand, thought-provoking, informative and really helpful. I recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about books and the authors who create those books. This guide will simplify the whole reviewing process, explain the misconceptions, and give you an insight and understanding of the whole publishing/promoting/reviewing process. But ultimately, Ms. Abbott leaves you with the knowledge that a book review is an opinion, your opinion counts, and there is no right or wrong review.Thank you, Ms. Abbott!

This is a great ongoing reference book. This book is helping me gain confidence to write reviews and has lessened procrastinating getting about actually starting to write one. It is ok to write the only way I know how: Plain, simple and with honesty. extend the courtesy a "thank you" to the author by an honest review..... To Allyson Abbott, the author of this book who has given me the strength to submit thanks to her for this enlightening and uplifting no matter giving me courage to submit reviews on the books I read. Yes, your description was pretty accurate on how I felt about my review writing , it was opposite to enjoyment of the book I just read. I still have second thoughts, but have somewhat lessened the negative feelings. Thanks for your personal experience and background on writing reviews. It has helped me tremendously.

I suppose like many i have always felt intimidated by reviews that others perhaps more learned folk have left, how could i possibly hit that high mark, im not there yet but this book is a great starting point. The author does a good job speaking in layman's terms in a freindly engaging manner. The only thing missing would be a section on keeping a book journal for a persons own satisfaction, not everyone wants to publish publicly