Writing a Spoiler-Free Book Review

Write a review that helps others decide whether to read a book without ruining it.

A book review gives readers enough information to decide whether a book is for them, plus your opinion supported by reasons. A strong review has four parts. First, a hook and the basics: title, author, genre. Second, a short, spoiler-free summary: the main character, the situation, and the central question, but not the ending or major twists. Third, your evaluation with specific reasons: characters, pacing, writing style, ideas. Fourth, a recommendation: who would enjoy it?

Here's an original sample: 'What would you do if your town's only bridge collapsed the day before a hurricane? In this realistic survival novel, thirteen-year-old Ines must lead her younger brothers to safety. The short chapters and cliffhangers made it hard to put down, and Ines's sarcastic humor kept things from getting too grim. The middle drags a little during the planning scenes. Readers who like fast, tense adventures with a funny narrator will love it.

' Notice it praises, criticizes fairly, and never reveals the ending.

• 1Include basics, a spoiler-free summary, evaluation, and recommendation
• 2Support opinions with specific reasons
• 3Never reveal the ending or major twists