As an Active Christian Media Book Reviewer you have an opportunity to read and review some of the most recent and cutting edge materials from authors and publishers. As a result, your writing and your response to the material will be seen by both the author and the publisher.

In order to help you in writing your review, please consider carefully and implement the following in your book reviews.

What Does a Good Book Review Include?

A good book review should include the following elements:

A) A critical analysis of the book which is not a summary of the book. The summary is usually included in the bookjacket or publishing materials.

B) An overview of the book that states clearly what the theme of the book is and the authors purpose in writing the book. Explain what the author was trying to convey in the book and whether or not they achieved that goal.

C) Biographical information about the author - often found in the book itself. What makes the author qualified to write about the subject - why or why not?

D) Be sure to identify the author, the publisher, the title and genre of the book. Was the book nonfiction, fiction, biographical, political, autobiographical etc.

E) Give the book a rating on a scale of 1 to 5 and explain why you gave the rating.

F) In comparison to other book on the same subject, how did this book measure up?

G) When offering a critical analysis of the book be sure to back it up with evidence to support your position.

H) If at all possible, begin the review with a quote from the book.

I) Avoid jargon, the use of “I” too many times, or cliches’

J) Does the author use sources to back up their position, or a bibliography - how does that impact the book?

K) Overall impressions of the book and whether or not you’d recommend the book - Why or Why Not? In other words, your reaction to the material.

L) The review should be at least three paragraphs long, including the purpose of the book, if the author achieved that goal and your reaction.

M) A brief, one line bio of the reviewer. Tell the reader who you are as a reviewer, your education and what qualifies you to give the review - aside from being a reviewer for Active Christian Media.

For Example: My name is Stacy Harp, M.S., Orange CA or Joe Doe, Teacher, Fresno CA or Linda Jones, Homeschooling Mother of 4, Anytown USA

What a Book Review Is Not

1. An attack on the author if you disagree with their opinion. This is in regards to their worldview, politics or anything else.

2. One that includes more about the reviewers feelings, rather than information concerning the book.

3. A summary of the book.

4. Spoilers, especially if the book is a novel.

5. Profane or disrespectful language.

6. Not IF you liked the book, but WHY or WHY NOT. Think about the difference.

7. If you do not finish the book, then you cannot write an honest review of the book. So a good book review is not one where the reviewer has not completed the book. Not only is that unfair the author, but it is unprofessional.

Thank you for making the reviews you do for Active Christian Media the best online!