Some To Guidelines Consider When Reviewing Books

In writing reviews for fictional works, here are some standard guidelines that I follow.

Some Considerations When Reviewing specific genres:

Fiction (above all, do not give away the story)

Character

1.From what sources are the characters drawn?

2.What is the author's attitude toward his characters?

3.Are the characters flat or three-dimensional?

4.Does character development occur?

5.Is character delineation direct or indirect?

Theme

1.What is/are the major theme(s)?

2.How are they revealed and developed?

3.Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and original?

4.Is the theme didactic, psychological, social, entertaining, escapist, etc. in purpose or intent?

Plot

1.How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion) handled?

2.What is the relationship of plot to character delineation?

3.To what extent, and how, is accident employed as a complicating and/or resolving force?

4.What are the elements of mystery and suspense?

5.What other devices of plot complication and resolution are employed?

6.Is there a sub-plot and how is it related to the main plot?

7.Is the plot primary or secondary to some of the other essential elements of the story (character, setting, style, etc.)?

Style

1.What are the "intellectual qualities" of the writing (e.g., simplicity, clarity)?

2.What are the "emotional qualities" of the writing (e.g., humour, wit, satire)?

3..What are the "aesthetic qualities" of the writing (e.g., harmony, rhythm)?

4.What stylistic devices are employed (e.g., symbolism, motifs, parody, allegory)?

5.How effective is dialogue?

6. How effectively does the action raise the suspense and move the story toward its conclusion?

Setting

1.What is the setting and does it play a significant role in the work?

2.Is a sense of atmosphere evoked, and how?

3.What scenic effects are used and how important and effective are they?

4.Does the setting influence or impinge on the characters and/or plot?

When a writer contacts me and makes a request for a review of him/her book, I assume that said writer believes in my ability but write an honest review based on the book provided to me. However, if the writer knowingly sends me a book that falls short of the above guidelines, than the writer is being unprofessional and wasting both our time. In addition, when a writer requests a review of his/her book, I prefer to books that have not been release for publication. This is because I believe that first book reviews should be based on a book’s readiness for publication.

The book review guidelines listed above can be found online at Los Angeles Valley College - How to Write a Book Review.

 Furthermore, I have studied and completely the creative writing core for fiction and poetry at the University of South Florida as well courses on reportive journalism,  drama, Shakespeare, film, selected American, British and Russian literature. I have also studied and written screenplays and plays for live theater. I am a member of a local writing workshop, and whenever possible, I intend the writing conventions in my area.Therefore, I believe I have a good handle on what makes good drama and good literature.

I have invested more than 20 years to writing. I poetry, short stories and I have completed one novel. However, my passion when I have good materials, is writing reviews.