TIPS: How to write a Review of a Book or Film/Movie

TIPS: How to write a Review of a Book or Film/Movie

Hello, readers! It feels like ages since my last post. Well, right now, I’m going to share some information that might help you because it works on me! Before that, for your information, this blog was made just to share what I feel and what I wanted to share. It was inspired by my friend and helps me to create this blog. But now, because I have a class that compulsory me to post something on a blog, so I use this instead to make my project, thanks to my friend and also my lecturer, Mr. Yaumi. Thank you.

Anyway, writing something is not easy. Most of people, included me, thinks that the hardest part when we wanted to start writing something is about the idea of what we wanted to write, or maybe we already have the idea, but we didn’t know how to make a good start. Well, I’m not going to talk about how to make a good start in writing you may check it on the other blog you may click here. But right now, I wanted to share about writing a review of a book or film/movie.

The main purpose of a book review is to give information to a potential reader so that they can decide whether or not they want to read the book. A review of a film/move has the same purpose. You can approach it in the same way as a book review.  Please pay attention to this example below.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

It is a darkly passionate tale of love? Or should we call it a highly original Gothic story? The classic novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is, in my opinion, a unique and gripping blend of these genres. Written in 1847, it is an epic family saga full of desire, hate, revenge and regret, focusing on the main characters of Heathcliff and Catherine. The atmospheric setting of the wild Yorkshire moors cleverly mirrors these violent emotions.

When Catherine’s father adopts the starving orphan boy Heathcliff, Catherine’s brother Hindley feels deeply hurt and resentful, she, on the other hand develops an immensely strong bond with Heathcliff, which becomes an all-consuming love. Upon her father’s death, Hindley becomes the head of the family and forces Headcliff to assume the position of a servant. Despite loving Heatcliff, Catherine chooses to marry Edgar Linton, who is close to her class and position in society. It is this decision which leads to heartbreak and tragedy, not only for them but for many other.

Headcliff could be described as an anti-hero with his rough manners and lack of control. Likewise, Catherine displays many flaws, but the reader can still empathize with these character. In fact, this is the main reason why I believe this novel is so brilliant. Is rings with truth. The reader may be horrified at the way that Heathcliff and Catherine behave, and yet, at the same time, the writer ensures that we never hate them because the reasons for their actions are crystal clear.

The main part of the book relies on a narrator, Ellen Dean, who is a servant at Wuthering Heights  and I think that this is a useful device which holds the complex plot together. However,  Wuthering Heights is not what I would call an 'easy read'. There is dense description and some of the dialogue is written in dialect, which can be difficult to follow.

Nevertheless, I persevered and, all in all, I can highly recommend Wuthering Heights. I challenge you to remain unmoved after reading this exceptional book.

Explanation:
(It is a darkly passionate tale of love? Or should we call it a highly original Gothic story?)
Asking a question is one way to engage the reader. Or you could start with a personal opinian. 

(Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte)
The title and author's name  should appear in the introductory paragraph.

(gripping)
This is one of many synonyms of 'interesting'. Look at the note at the dictionary entry 'interesting'.

(The atmospheric setting of the wild Yorkshire moors cleverly mirrors) 
Information about the setting and era can be useful.

(adopts)
It is usual to use the present tense to describe the story

(deeply hurt)
Collocations to adverb + adjective show your vocabulary knowledge. look up hurt adjective.

(strong bond)
Most nouns can be enhanced with an adjective  - but make sure it is a natural collocation.

(likewise, in fact, however,  nevertheless)
Linking words, aid organization and can also give your opinion.

(not what I would call an 'easy read'. There is dense description and some of the dialogue is written in dialect, which can be difficult to follow.)
Including information on the style of writing can be helpful.

(I challenge you to remain unmoved after reading this exceptional book.)
Conclusion. Restate your opinion of the book as a recommendation to read it or not to read it.

Writing your review

1. Read or re-read the book and make notes

    Your notes should try to answer the questions a reader might have.

·         What kind of book is it?

·         What happens in the story?

·         Who are the main characters?

·         What is the main theme of the book?

·         Is it well written?

·         What you recommend this book?

2. Organize your notes

    You can use the same plan as the model review (see below). A successful a review will contain these elements, but the order can be changed.

Paragraph 1-Introduction General comments about the book.

Paragraph 2-Plot A brief summary of what happen

Paragraph 3-Characters Briefly describe and comment on the main characters

Paragraph 4-Other information Anything else important that you want to say about the book

Paragraph 5-Conclusion Include your personal recommendation here.

3. Writes your review

   Remember not to include too many details and don’t give away the ending of the book. The reviewer recommends this book but the review also contains some criticisms. It is a good idea to try to write about both positive and negative aspects of the book.

Tips

• Remember at all times that the person who needs your review has NOT read the book!
• Use your dictionary to help you find synonyms of words such as book or story.
• Find a range of adjective to use to describe the book, plot and characters.

Reviews of non-fiction books

The purpose of a non-fiction book review is basically the same as fiction but the potential reader will have different questions:

• What is the author's reason for writing the book?
• It is well-organized? can you follow the argument easily and find the important information?
• Dose the author support his/her findings well?
• How does it compare to the other books on the same subject?

Language Bank

Beginnings

It is a fascinating tale of.... (e.g rural life)

This moving account of.... (e.g. a young man's experience)

I found this story far-fetched and unconvincing.

Details/plot

Written in..., the story begins with....

The events unfold in....

The tale is set in...

Characters

The writer introduce us to....

The principle characters are....

My favorite  character is undoubtedly....

The story focus on....

We experience all this through the eyes of....

Giving your opinion

The writer excels at.... (e.g. describing...)

I was impressed by....

One aspect I found a little disappointing was....

one possible flaw is that....

Conclusion

I would highly recommend this rewarding book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact I couldn't put it down!

by the end of this book, you feel....

I was left unmoved by this story.

I would strongly advise against reading this book.

Some of the materials were adapted from "Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English 9th Edition by A S Hornby" Hopefully it gives benefits for the readers^^