Book report vs. Book review
The two can be confusing if you do not understand what they cover. A book report simply provides general information about the author and the book, while a book review is more diagnostic in its analysis of the book's contents. Writing a book report is, therefore, simpler and requires lesser intellectual effort.
This article examines the key similarities and differences between a book report and book review to help you learn how to avoid mixing them up. It also provides a guide on how to create the two.
Learning the difference between these two is vital to avoid turning in the wrong paper and scoring a low grade. Each of these assignments has its nuances that you should be familiar with before starting your paper.
Book report
The terms book report and book summary can be used interchangeably. A book report is basically an objective summary of the contents of a book. It provides a factual account of the main ideas and arguments presented by the book's author. The report's primary goal is to provide enough information about the book to potential readers to help them decide whether it is of interest or use to them. Book report topics depend on the book's title.
Book reports include biographical information about the author and a summary of the story. The author's background information provides context and understanding of his/her perspective.
After the background material on the book and author, you should summarize the story in the book. You can include details such as setting, plot, climax, and main characters to give the reader a better understanding of the book's content.
You can conclude with your final thoughts and opinions of the book. Highlight the things you like or dislike in the book and give your recommendation. You may indicate your preferences for writing style or genre to provide the reader with some context of your opinion.
Writing a book report is straightforward. Give a detailed background, a substantial summary, and minimal final thoughts to create a suitable paper. Reviewing several book report examples should give you an idea of how to write the perfect report.
Book review
A book review is not a summary. It is a descriptive and evaluative analysis of a book centered on the elements of the story. The review may only briefly discuss the plot, characters, and biography of the author. The paper's emphasis should be on the author's intent, symbolism, and thematic elements within the text. A book review is supposed to reveal the story to the audience in a new light. Book review topics are diverse and cover all kinds of subjects.
Book reviews discuss elements such as:
- The relevance of the story to its historical setting
- The author's expertise in covering the book's subject fully
- The strengths and limitations of the book
- The lasting value of the book
- The author's tone: Is it sympathetic, fair and objective or biased towards the subject
How to write a book report
Educators assign book reports to their students to help them develop the skill of summarizing different aspects of a book, including an author's use of dialogue or description. Book reports take different forms. The three types of book reports are:
1. Plot summary
Writing a plot summary is not simply retelling the story. You have to offer your personal opinion of the story and explain your feelings towards the plot. Do you find it unrealistic, compelling, or sappy? A good analysis of the plot makes a good report. Support your opinions with plenty of examples from the book.
2. Character analysis
A character analysis explores the characters' personality and physical traits in the book and how their actions affect the plot of the book. You can explore the positive characteristics and flaws of a character or the effect of their dressing or dialogue on other characters. Explain how the interactions between the characters move the plot forward.
3. Themes
Pick a theme from the book that you care about. Establish the theme and show how it appears in the book. Use quotations from the book to prove its importance to the story. After you've established how the theme affects the book, show its power by bringing your thoughts and feelings into the report. Explain how the theme influenced your opinion of the book.
How to write a book review
Book reviews should be informative to the audience and help them form an opinion of the author's ideas. Writing a book review is a step-by-step process that involves several elements. The best way to learn is by immersing yourself into the writing. Fortunately, there are a lot of book review examples accessible on the internet.
- Essential book information
Share general information about the book that may benefit the reader. Such information can include the title, author, and date of publishing.
- Plot summary
Include a short, high-level synopsis of the plot to give your audience an idea of what the story is about. Avoid giving away spoilers by leaving out the climax of the book.
- Praise and critique
The praise and critique section of your book review should be the longest. Give a unique take on the book and explain it. It will help your audience form an opinion of the book.
- Your recommendation
Share your conclusions and recommendations after the praise and critique. Make a prescription on who you think would enjoy the book.
Conclusion
Overall, a book review provides simple details of the author's background and summarizes the story's plot. A book review gives an analysis of the book's ideas and themes in an in-depth and critical manner. A book review can be described as a more complex approach to presenting the book report's information.
More work and intellectual effort go into writing a book review than a report. However, book reports help you master how to summarize, compare and contrast, make connections and predictions, and consider different perspectives.
Now that you have a concrete guide to follow, you can look at a few book review examples and book report examples to drive it home.
