This summer, while you are logging your reading in Beanstack for The Summer Reading Carnival, post some book reviews as well! Review the book you read on the beach and the audiobook you listened to during your summer road trip. Then, share your thoughts with other readers by posting it in Beanstack. 

Writing book reviews makes what you read stick with you beyond the last page, like keeping a reading journal, and reflecting on what you read prepares you to talk about it. You’ll have an automatic conversation starter for dinner with friends. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others who might share your opinions on the books you read.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Consider using a starring system. If you want a succinct depiction of how you felt about the book, rate what you read out of 5 or 10 stars, and take it one step further by rating the story components like plot, characters, setting, and narrative tone.
  2. Keep it simple. Focus on the highlights, what you loved or what you wish was different. 
  3. Avoid summarizing or spoiling the story. Don’t give away too much! Instead try to show what the reading experience is like. 
  4. Explain who might enjoy the book. This could mean talking about the tone, genre, similar books, or what age you think would enjoy it the most. 
  5. Read some book reviews for inspiration. Kirkus, BookBrowse, Publisher’s Weekly, and BookPage offer browsable and searchable substantive reviews that meet editorial standards. Websites like Goodreads or Amazon are great resources for discovering other peoples’ opinions on the books you read. Think about what others’ said to encourage you to read it. If you quote other reviewers, always give credit where credit is due.