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How do I write a book review?
What is a book review?
A book review is a description and an evaluation of a book that you have read. Book reviews are so helpful because they inform future readers about books they may be interested in reading. Often, a book review will influence other readers by telling them a little bit about what the story is about, as well as if is worth reading or not!
The most important thing to remember is that book reviews DO NOT give away the ending! If it is a good book, the reader will not want to spend time reading it if he/she already knows the ending. Writing a review is much more than simply retelling the story in the novel. The focus of a REVIEW is the analysis of the novel, the way in which it was written and ways to describe the novel.
How do I write a book review?
STEP 1 - the story
While it is important to discuss the storyline, do so briefly! Choose the main events that take place – not every little detail!! A review is 90% analysis and the space that is left should contain this summary!
· What was the story about?
· Who were the main characters?
· What did the main characters do in the story?
· Did the main characters run into any problems?
· Did the main characters have any adventures?
· Who was your favorite character? Why?
STEP 2 - analysis
When we analyse, what do we talk about?
– we use words to describe the book (i.e. interesting, boring, exciting, adventurous, complex, confusing, unrealistic/realistic, thrilling, scary, predictable/unpredictable….). These words must be DESCRIPTIVE. Never use the terms good or bad!!
– We explain what is was about the novel that made us describe it in this way
(Was it things that a character said? an event(s) that took place? Were you able to relate to the characters for particular reasons {similar experiences you have had, situations they faced, how they were treated, ideas about things/what they believed in…)
Tell the reader a little bit about the author
- Who are they?
- Where are they from?
- What are their interests?
- How many books have they written?
- Any interesting facts about them.
(hint: this information is often on the inside cover or at the back of the book)
STEP 3 - your opinion
Different books appeal to different people. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about different books. In this section you discuss your own opinion of the novel.
– Did you like the book?
– What was your favorite part of the book?
– Do you have a least favorite part of the book?
– If you could change something in the book, what would it be?
(If you wish you could change the ending, remember not to tell the ending to the story you read!)
– Did you like the characters? Why?
STEP 3 - recommendation
You may wish to recommend the novel to a particular age group, gender or people with a particular interest. You must explain why. (e.g. 1. I would recommend this novel to people who enjoy reading thrilling and intriguing stories because of the events which take place involving the main characters on their journey to the moon.)
(e.g.2. I would recommend this novel to boys between the ages of 12 and 20 because the main character is an adolescent male who they could relate to.)
Mentioning the ‘level of language’ used is also relevant because this can determine who the novel would appeal to and who would have access to it (who would be able to read and understand it). I.e. Does it use complex language or terms that not many people would understand? Does it contain technical language that only people with specific knowledge would recognise (e.g. medical terminology, legal terms…)
Also consider adding in a genre for the book. Is it a mystery, action and adventure, fantasy, biography, romance, drama or comedy ... there are many more!
Much of this information was gathered from here
The benefits of Chess
May 28, 2023
Chess is a game for people of all ages. You can learn to play at any age and in chess, unlike in many other sports, you don't ever have to retire. Age is also not a factor when you're looking for an opponent - young can play old and old can play young.
Chess develops memory. The chess theory is complicated and many players memorize different opening variations. You will also learn to recognize various patterns and remember lengthy variations.
Chess improves concentration. During the game you are focused on only one main goal - to checkmate and become the victor.
Chess develops logical thinking. Chess requires some understanding of logical strategy. For example, you will know that it is important to bring your pieces out into the game at the beginning, to keep your king safe at all times, not to make big weaknesses in your position and not to blunder your pieces away for free. (Although you will find yourself doing that occasionally through your chess career. Mistakes are inevitable and chess, like life, is a never-ending learning process.)
Chess promotes imagination and creativity. It encourages you to be inventive. There are an indefinite amount of beautiful combinations yet to be constructed.
Chess teaches independence. You are forced to make important decisions influenced only by your own judgment.
Chess develops the capability to predict and foresee consequences of actions. It teaches you to look both ways before crossing the street.
Chess inspires self-motivation. It encourages the search of the best move, the best plan, and the most beautiful continuation out of the endless possibilities. It encourages the everlasting aim towards progress, always steering to ignite the flame of victory.
Chess shows that success rewards hard work. The more you practice, the better you'll become. You should be ready to lose and learn from your mistakes. One of the greatest players ever, Capablanca said, "You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win. You will have to lose hundreds of games before becoming a good player."
Chess and Psychology. Chess is a test of patience, nerves, will power and concentration. It enhances your ability to interact with other people. It tests your sportsmanship in a competitive environment.
Chess improves schoolwork and grades. Numerous studies have proven that kids obtain a higher reading level, math level and a greater learning ability overall as a result of playing chess. For all those reasons mentioned above and more, chess playing kids do better at school and therefore have a better chance to succeed in life.
Chess opens up the world for you. You don't need to be a high ranked player to enter big important competitions. Even tournaments such as the US Open and the World Open welcome players of all strengths. Chess provides you with plenty of opportunities to travel not only all around the country but also around the world. Chess is a universal language and you can communicate with anyone over the checkered plain.
Chess enables you to meet many interesting people. You will make life-long friendships with people you meet through chess.
from: http://www.emchess.com/extras/benefits_of_chess.html
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