My Book Review Template

As I wrap up my series on how to write a review, I want to share my favorite tool with you, as well as tell you how I use it. It’s a review template. This particular template is for a fiction book review, although I’ve included a couple of questions for nonfiction books at the bottom of the list. Feel free to copy this template and use it. I encourage you to create your own template to match your own personal style. You could make one for nonfiction books, one for fiction, one for physical products, one for services, etc.

The template is just a series of questions to answer about the product or book that you’re reviewing. Not all of the questions will fit the particular situation. That’s okay. Just use the ones that do and write your review.

Book Review

Title/Author

Genre/Length of book

Did you read this in paperback or e-book format? Were there any problems with this format?

The overall focus of the review (Is this a favorable or critical review?)

Was this book a joy to read, or did you slog through it (or quit reading)?

Did the book deliver on the blurb’s promises?

Did the cover match the content?

What stands out the most about this book?

Was the book formatted correctly?

Were there spelling/grammar/punctuation errors

Your interpretation of the book (main theme)

Was the language flowery, direct, humorous, descriptive, too technical, etc.?

Describe the pace of the book.

Was the plot complex, confusing, well crafted, easy to follow, etc.?

Did the book grab your attention? When and how? Did it keep your attention?

Did the book have a unique style?

What was your favorite part of the book?

Do you have a favorite quote (brief) from the book? Be sure it is worth sharing if you decide to use it in your review.

What didn’t you like about the book? This is evidence for a negative review and can be used to balance out a positive review.

How did you feel about the characters? Did they seem real, relatable, etc? Was their dialogue unique and true to character?

Vulgar language/Explicit sexual content/trigger warnings?

Were technical aspects of the book accurate? Was it up to date? (nonfiction)

Did the book help you? (nonfiction)

Do you recommend this book? To whom (target audience)? Did the book remind you of another author readers would know?

Any needed disclaimer, such as, “I received this book in exchange for an honest review.”

 

What Are YOUR Thoughts?

Can you think of any additional questions I should add to this template? I would love to hear your ideas in the comment section, below. I appreciate my readers as well as the writing community. To show that appreciation, I use Comment Luv. Just leave a comment below and your latest post will get a link next to it. Thank you!

About Heather Erickson

I am an author, writer, and speaker and homeschooling mom of 3. Since doctors diagnosed my husband, Dan with stage IV lung cancer in 2012, I’ve focused my writing and speaking on helping cancer patients and their families advocate for themselves and live life to the fullest, in spite of their illness. My goal is to help people face cancer with grace. My books are available at Amazon.com:

The Memory Maker’s Journal 

Facing Cancer as a Friend: How to Support Someone Who Has Cancer

Facing Cancer as a Parent: Helping Your Children Cope with Your Cancer

I also blog about living with cancer at Facing Cancer with Grace.