How do you review a book?

[Bookchronicle]

Something I have found fairly interesting (and quite pertinent to this group) is how book bloggers actually write, review, pontificate, etc. about the books they're reading.

Do you summarize? How much opinion? Do you include the bad with the good? Do you use a regular format?

And of course as we're all readers, is there a certain method that you prefer to read (assuming it's not also the one you usually write in)?

[Book Zombie]

I don't normally stick to any specific method. I always include the synopsis from either the book jacket or from Fantastic Fiction. After that I give my opinion on the reading, trying to cover pace, character development or whatever strikes me. I never include anything that may spoil the plot. If I didn't like something particular I will include it, an honest review is the best review IMO. I will also include a note if the book contains alot of profanity, sex, violence or drug/alcohol use, just to let the more sensitive reader know what they may be in for. At the end I like to include some info about the author linking to their website too.

[chrisbookarama]

I write a little paragraph as a teaser, like "It took me a while to read this..." something like that. Then I summarize the plot. Finally, I give my opinion on the story, the writing, etc which is usually a mix of good and bad.

I used to give a star rating but gave it up. I found that it didn't have any meaning to me. I was giving almost everything 4 stars. Now I just say who might like the book- if anyone.

[Elaine Anderson Phillips]

I've been reviewing nonfiction recently, so I summarize what the book's subject is, its primary thesis or claim about the subject, and try to "hit the highlights" about what makes the book interesting or compelling to me.

[KittyCat]

What a great question. I've been book blogging for less than a year and think I need to brush up on my technique too.

I give a summary of the book and then my opinion on the plot, theme or characters - whichever aspect that got me excited about the book :-)

After vising several book blogs, I find that a brief review i.e. about 400 words is best? Because reviews of this length kept my attention from start to end, I'm going to keep my reviews just a brief too LOL

I have a question though - how much is giving away too much of the plot? I don't have a problem knowing how the story ends (unless it's a twist in the tale) but would like to avoid doing this too much in my reviews...

[Liz]

I do the synopsis and then chat about the book, the characterisation and world-building and my impressions and such. The length varies - if I find a book I really like I'll chat about it quite a bit. Authors always contact me back to express their thanks - I try never to give the plot away, but hint at things instead - this is something that is much appreciated.