Book Review vs Book Report

As an author, I hear time and again that "I would write a review but I don't know how." Or "I'm not good at writing book reviews.” 

We've all been in that high school English class and had to write a book report. Book reports have a synopsis, they discuss the theme, they talk about similarities to other books, and what makes this book different, etc. and so on. 

A book review is simply some words to say "I like this book because..." Or even "I didn't like this book because…" Some of the connections you can make of why you like the book are: I identified with the characters, The book was quick moving and entertaining, the book kept me guessing, I didn't see the ending coming, the list is virtually endless. The same goes for reasons why you might not have liked the book: I could not identify with the characters. The book drag the whole way through, there was no set up/poor character development, the story was predictable, etc. and so on. Don't be afraid of mentioning things that didn't work for you, because what might not work for you may very well work for somebody else.


Don't let your chance to tell the author and other potential readers why you liked a book, or maybe that the other missed her mark. Don't we tell the whole story, don't give spoilers if you can help it, and don't be afraid to be honest. Don't write a book report. Write a book review.