Tips for writing book reviews
Here are some points to consider to help you write a short book review to submit for our website.
- Brainstorm the main points you would like to make before you start writing.
- Just like you learned back in high school, consider the plot (but don't give away the ending!), setting and main theme of the book. What are the author's main points?
- What kind of genre is it - mystery, adventure, chick-lit?
- How do you feel about the book - why? Try to make your response to the book personal, rather than simply writing what the book is about.
- Are there any relevant or interesting facts about the author or the book?
- Don't forget to check your draft for correct spellings, grammar and punctuation. Read it aloud or to a friend to check if it makes sense.
- Remember to include the author, title and publishing information. Try to keep your review about 200 words long - and upbeat and snappy so people will enjoy reading it!
The young Christchurch promotions model determined to walk again after tragically losing her legs in the February earthquake is still coping with the ongoing complications ... More
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Over the Teacups
My four-year-old grandson was at the supermarket with his mother when he exclaimed, “You’re buying something, Mummy, auntie is buying something – I want to buy something!” Mum replied, “You have to be big, have a wife, have a job, then you can buy things.” He replied, “I have a wife – Maia,” meaning his four-year-old friend. Mum said, “What about a job?” Master Four replied, “My job is having a wife!”
Robyn, Whangarei
Water you want?
I was in the car and asking Master Three what he wanted for Christmas. He said he was going to ask Santa for a water pistol. “And Nanny,” he added, “I’m going to ask for some water for our paddling pool.” Now that could be interesting!
Julie, by email
Bee gone
Master Three had his first bee sting recently. The incident broke his heart, but after many cuddles he came right. Later he said, “I never want to see another bee again. I don’t like bees any more, I only like flies.”
Gaileen, by email
Fraud with worry
My daughter warned me that “old people are being taken for a ride,” and that I shouldn’t engage in conversation with phone sales people. To this, Master Five piped up, “Nana can’t go on that ride, she’s old.”
Joseph’s Nana, Hamilton
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