cool book review ideas

25+ Book Review Templates and Ideas to Organize Your Thoughts

Danika Ellis

Danika spends most of her time talking about queer women books at the Lesbrary. Blog: The Lesbrary Twitter: @DanikaEllis

View All posts by Danika Ellis

When I was a kid I loved reading, but I hated book reports. It felt impossible to boil a book down to a few lines or even a page of writing. Besides, by the time I had to write the report, I had already forgotten a lot. It never ceases to be painful to try to pull my thoughts and opinions out of my head and put them on the page, especially in a coherent way.

As an adult, I continue to usually find writing book reviews painful . And yet, I maintain a book blog with reviews of all the (bi and lesbian) books I read. Why? For one thing, I want to raise the visibility of these books — or, in the case of a book I loathed, warn other readers of what to expect. It helps me to build community with other book lovers. It’s also a great way to force myself pay attention to how I’m feeling while I’m reading a book and what my thoughts are afterwards. I have learned to take notes as I go, so I have something to refer to by the time I write a review, and it has me notice what a book is doing well (and what it isn’t). The review at the end helps me to organize my thoughts. I also find that I remember more once I’ve written a review.

Once you’ve decided it’s worthwhile to write a review, though, how do you get started? It can be a daunting task. The good news is, book reviews can adapt to whatever you want them to be. A book review can be a tweet with a thumbs up or thumbs down emoji, maybe with a sentence or two of your thoughts; it can also be an in-depth essay on the themes of the book and its influence on literature. Most are going to fall somewhere between those two! Let go of the idea of trying to create the One True Book Review. Everyone is looking for something different, and there is space for GIF-filled squee fests about a book and thoughtful, meditative explorations of a work.

This post offers a variety of book reviews elements that you can mix and match to create a book review template that works for you. Before you get started, though, there are some questions worth addressing.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Book Review Template

Where will you be posting your book reviews.

An Instagram book review will likely look different from a blog book review. Consider which platform you will be using for your book review. You can adapt it for different platforms, or link to your original review, but it’s a good starting point. Instagram reviews tend to be a lot shorter than blog reviews, for instance.

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Will you be using the same template every time?

Some book reviewers have a go-to book review template. Others have a different one for each genre, while another group doesn’t use a template at all and just reacts to whatever each book brings up.

Heading or no headings?

When choosing which book review elements to mix and match, you can also decide whether to include a header for each section (like Plot, Characterization, Writing, etc). Headers make reviews easier to browse, but they may not have the professional, essay-style look that you’re going for.

Why are you writing a review?

When selecting which elements to include in your review, consider what the purpose is. Do you want to better remember the plot by writing about it? You probably want to include a plot summary, then. Do you want to help readers decide whether they should read this book? A pros and cons list might be helpful. Are you trying to track something about your reading, like an attempt to read more books in translation or more books by authors of color? Are you trying to buy fewer books and read off your TBR shelf instead? These are all things you can note in a review, usually in a point-form basic information block at the beginning.

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Book Review Templates and Formats

Essay-style.

This is a multi-paragraph review, usually with no headers. It’s the same format most newspapers and academics use for book reviews. Many essay-style reviews use informal categories in their writing, often discussing setting, writing, characters, and plot in their own paragraphs. They usually also discuss the big themes/messages of a story. Here are some questions to consider when writing an essay-style review:

What is the author trying to do? Don’t evaluate a romance novel based on a mystery novel’s criteria. First try to think about what the book was attempting to do, then try to evaluate if they achieved it. You can still note if you didn’t like it, but it’s good to know what it was aiming for first.

What are some of the themes of the story? What big message should the reader take away? Did you agree with what the book seemed to be saying? Why or why not?

How is this story relevant to the world? What is it saying about the time it was written in? About human nature? About society or current issues? Depending on the book, there may be more or less to dig into here.

What did this book make you think about? It may be that the themes in the book were just a launching off point. How did they inspire your own thinking? How did this book change you?

A Classic Book Review

This is probably the most common kind of book review template. It uses a few criteria, usually including Setting, Writing, Characters, and Plot (for a novel). The review then goes into some detail about each element, describing what the book did well, and where it fell short.

The advantage of this format is that it’s very straightforward and applies to almost any fiction read. It can also be adapted–you will likely have more to say about the plot in a mystery/thriller than a character study of a novel. A drawback, though, is that it can feel limiting. You might have thoughts that don’t neatly fit into these categories, or you could feel like you don’t have enough to say about some of the categories.

Pros and Cons

A common format for a Goodreads review is some variation of pros and cons. This might be “What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like” or “Reasons to Bump This Up Your TBR/Reasons to Bump This Down On Your TBR.” This is a very flexible system that can accommodate anything from a few bullet points each to paragraphs each. It gives a good at-a-glance impression of your thoughts (more cons than pros is a pretty good indication you didn’t like it). It also is broad enough that almost all your thoughts can likely be organized into those headings.

This is also a format that is easily mix and matched with the elements listed below. A brief review might give the title, author, genre, some brief selling points of the novel, and then a pros and cons list. Some reviews also include a “verdict” at the end. An example of this format:

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill

🌟 Fantasy All-Ages Comic 💫 Adorable pet dragons ✨ A diverse cast

Pros: This book has beautiful artwork. It is a soothing read, and all the character are supportive of each other. This is a story about friendship and kindness.

Cons: Don’t expect a fast-moving plot or a lot of conflict. This is a very gentle read.

Another approach to the review is not, strictly speaking, a book review template at all. Instead, it’s something like “5 Reasons to Read TITLE by Author” or “The # Most Shocking Plot Twists in X Series.” An advantage of this format is that it can be very to-the-point: if you want to convince people to read a book, it makes sense to just write a list of reasons they should read the book. It may also be more likely to get clicked on–traditional book reviews often get less views than more general posts.

On the other hand, listicles can come off as gimmicky or click-bait. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the book matches this format, and whether you are writing this out of genuine enthusiasm or are just trying to bend a review to be more clickable.

Your Own Original Rating System

Lots of reviewers decide to make their own review format based on what matters to them. This is often accompanied by a ratings system. For instance, the BookTube channel Book Roast uses the CAWPILE system:

CAWPILE is an acronym for the criteria she rates: Characters, Atmosphere, Writing, Plot, Intrigue, Logic, Enjoyment. Each of those are rated 1–10, and the average given is the overall rating. By making your own ratings/review system, you can prioritize what matters to you.

My favorite rating system is Njeri’s from Onyx Pages , because it shows exactly what she’s looking for from books, and it helps her to think about and speak about the things she values:

A “Live Tweet” or Chronological Review

Another format possibility is live tweeting (or updating as you go on Goodreads, or whatever your platform of choice is). This has you document your initial thoughts as you read, and it’s usually informal and often silly. You can add what you’re loving, what you’re hating, and what questions you have as you go.

This is a fun format for when you’re reading a popular book for the first time. That way, other people can cackle at how unprepared you are as you read it. This requires you to remember to always have your phone on you as you read, to get your authentic thoughts as they happen, but it saves on having to write a more in-depth review. Alternately, some people include both a “first impressions” section and a more in-depth analysis section in their final review.

Get Creative

There are plenty of book review templates to choose from and elements to mix-and-match, but you can also respond in a completely original way. You could create a work of art in response to the book! Here are some options:

• Writing a song , a short story, or a poem
• Writing a letter to the author or the main character (you don’t have to send it to the author!)
• Writing an “interview” of a character from the book, talk show style
• Making a visual response, like a collage or painting
• Making a book diorama, like your elementary school days!

Mix-and-Match Elements of a Book Review

Most book reviews are made up of a few different parts, which can be combined in lots of different ways. Here is a selection to choose from! These might also give you ideas for your own elements. Don’t take on too much, though! It can easily become an overwhelming amount of information for readers.

Information

Usually a book review starts with some basic information about the book. What you consider basic information, though, is up for interpretation! Consider what you and your audience will think is important. Here are some ideas:

• The title and author (pretty important)
• The book’s cover
• Format (audiobook, comic, poetry, etc)
• Genre (this can be broad, like SFF, or narrow, like Silkpunk or Dark Academia)
• Content warnings
• Source (where did you get the book? Was is borrowed from the library, bought, or were you sent an ARC?)
• Synopsis/plot summary (your own or the publisher’s)
• What kind of representation there is in the novel (including race, disability, LGBTQ characters, etc)
• Anything you’re tracking in your reading, including: authors of color, authors’ country, if a book is in translation, etc

Review Elements

Once you’ve established your basic information, you’re into the review itself! Some of these are small additions to a review, while others are a little more time-intensive.

Bullet point elements:

• Rating (star rating, thumbs up/down, recommend/wouldn’t recommend, or your own scale)
• Who would like it/Who wouldn’t like it
• Read-alikes (or movies and TV shows like the book)
• Describe the book using an emoji or emojis
• Describe the book using a gif or gifs
• Favorite line(s) from the book
• New vocabulary/the most beautiful words in the novel
• How it made you feel (in a sentence or two)
• One word or one sentence review
• Bullet points listing the selling points of a book
• BooksandLala’s Scary, Unsettling, and Intrigue ratings, for horror
• World-building, for fantasy and science fiction titles
• Art, for comics
• Narration, for audiobooks
• Romance, for…romance
• Heat level, for erotica

Visual elements:

• Design a graphic (usually incorporating the cover, your star rating, and some other basic info)
• Take a selfie of yourself holding the book, with your expression as the review
• Make a mood board
• Design your own book cover
• Make fan art

Elements to incorporate into a review:

• Quick/initial thoughts (often while reading or immediately after reading), then a more in-depth review (common on Goodreads)
• A list of facts about the book or a character from the book
• Book club questions about the book
• Spoiler/non-spoiler sections
• Research: look up interviews with the author and critique of the book, incorporate it (cited!) into your review
• Links to other resources, such as interviews or other reviews — especially #OwnVoices reviews
• A story of your own, whether it’s your experience reading the book, or something it reminded you of

This is not a complete list! There are so many ways to write a book review, and it should reflect your own relationship with books, as well as your audience. If you’re looking for more ways to keep track of your reading, you’ll also like 50+ Beautiful Bujo Spread Ideas to Track Your Reading .

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70 Unique & Creative Book Review Ideas For Blogs

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Last updated on February 6th, 2024

In this article, I have compiled 70 imaginative and creative book review ideas and tips to elevate your next blog post.

While traditional book reviews are fantastic, switching things up with quirky and creative reviews is fun to capture your reader’s attention. Whether you want to add some extra pizzazz to your regular reviews or create a unique piece of content, I have got you covered!

Some of these ideas are easy to implement, while others require a little bit more effort. But choose whichever ones work well for you, and let me know in the comments below which ones were your favorite.

Note: Keep an eye out for the quick tips in each section to help you along the way; each idea has been categorized, so use the table of contents below to skip to your favorite categories.

💭 Imaginative

• Character Interview: Craft an interview with one of the characters from the book, exploring their personalities and motivations.  – Quick Tip: Get into character and ask questions that reveal unique insights about them.
• Parallell/Alternative Universe : Transport the plot to an alternate reality where events unfold differently. Consider a world where the protagonist makes an unexpected choice or a twist that reshapes the outcome. – Quick Tip: Keep the essence of the book intact while offering an intriguing alternative perspective/sequel. 
• Fictional Book Club:  Frame your review as if it’s part of a lively book club discussion where the other members are characters from the book.
• The Book’s Social Media Feed : Create a fictional social media feed for the book’s characters, allowing readers to delve into their lives.

🆕 Fresh Perspectives

• Poetic Review: Express your review in poetic form, exploring the book’s key themes through metaphors and rhythmic language. – Quick Tip: Choose poetic styles that resonate with the book’s atmosphere.
• Haiku Review: If you love writing Haikus, try summarizing your thoughts using a 5-7-5 syllable structure.  – Quick Tip: Focus on emotions, major plot points, or character development within the limited syllables.
• Psychological Profile Review : Analyze the book’s characters from a psychological perspective, discussing their behaviors and motivations. –  Quick Tip: Include real-life psychological concepts to enhance your analysis.
• Top 10 Lists:  Compose a humorous “Top 10” list of quirks or unique features of the book or a list of the top ten reasons why readers should or should not pick up the book.
• Plot Twist Review:  Turn the book review itself into a plot twist, writing the beginning as if you loved the book and the ending as if you disliked it, or vice versa.
• Review in Book Quotes:  Craft your review using impactful quotes from the book.  Quick Tip:  Include page numbers to help readers find the quotes within the book.
• Parent-Child Book Review:  Review a children’s or YA book from both the parent’s and child’s perspectives.
• Second-Person Review:  Write the review using “you” instead of “I,” allowing readers to experience the book through your eyes.
• Cultural Exchange Review:  Present the review as if you are exchanging thoughts on the book with a reader from a different culture or background.
• Cross-Genre Review:  Review the book through the lens of a different genre, exploring how the plot and characters might differ. – Quick Tip: Select a genre that’s very different to allow for some creative exploration /challenge.
• The Book’s Autobiography:  Imagine the book as a person, and write a review in the first person from its perspective.  – Quick Tip: Use personification to make the book come alive.

📜 Unconventional Formats

• Philosophical Review:  Discuss the book’s underlying themes using famous philosophers and stoics.
• Weather Forecast Review:  Present your thoughts in the format of a weather forecast, predicting the readers’ reactions to the book.  – Quick Tip: Use playful weather terms like “stormy plot twists” or “sunny character developments.
• Book Review in Morse Code:  Encode your review using Morse code, offering a fun challenge for readers to decode.  – Quick Tip: Provide a Morse code translation key for readers’ convenience
• Seven-Word Review:  Sum up the entire book in only six words, a challenge that sparks creativity.  – Quick Tip: Choose words that capture the book’s core message or essence.
• A to Z Review: Write a review using the alphabet, where each letter represents a specific aspect of the book.

📱 Social Media Friendly

• Create Bookish Memes : Design memes that humorously capture the book’s key moments or the experiences that readers can relate to.
• Book Review Bingo:  Create a bingo card with various aspects of the book, allowing readers to mark off items they agree with while reading your review. – Quick Tip: Use a mix of positive and constructive elements to keep it balanced.
• Emojis Only Review:   1. Summarize the book’s key points and emotions using emojis only.  Quick Tip: Choose emojis that accurately convey the story’s essence without being too cryptic 2. Summarize the entire book using a sequence of emojis, inviting readers to guess the title.  Quick Tip: Include emojis that capture the essence of the book’s plot or setting.
• Book Review Collab : Collaborate with other bloggers or readers to present different perspectives and insights in a joint review.  – Quick Tip: Include a brief intro about each collaborator’s reviewing style and opinions.
• Book Review Rap Battle: Engage in a playful rap battle where two reviewers argue their contrasting opinions about the book.
• Book Review Monologue:  Present your review as a dramatic monologue, capturing your raw emotions.  – Quick Tip: Practice reading the monologue aloud to perfect its delivery.

🕑 Timeless

• Time Capsule Review: Imagine you’re sending a review of the book into the future, sharing your thoughts with readers yet to be born.  – Quick Tip: Reflect on the book’s timeless qualities and its potential impact on future generations.
• Historical Journal Review: Write the review in the style of a historical journal from the perspective of someone who lived before the book’s time period (if it’s a new book) or during the time of the book (if it’s a period/regency novel) – Quick Tip: Research the language and tone used in each era to maintain authenticity.
• Review from the Future:  Pretend you’re revisiting the book years later, sharing how it impacted you over time. – Quick Tip: Reflect on how your perspective has changed since the initial review.
• Book Review Time Machine:   Step into the future and review the book from the perspective of its impact on the world of literature.

🎥 Multimedia

• Movie Trailer Review: Create a book trailer using images, movie clips, or animations to give readers a sneak peek into the book’s world. – Quick Tip: Keep it short, attention-grabbing, and aligned with the book’s atmosphere.
• Podcast Review:  Record a podcast-style review with your voice, allowing for a more personal and conversational touch.  – Quick Tip: Plan your script in advance to stay focused and organized during recording
• Stop-Motion Book Review:  Combine stop-motion animation with written snippets to create a visually engaging and unique review.  – Quick Tip: Keep the stop-motion simple and focus on conveying the book’s key points.
• Soundtrack Review: Compile a playlist of songs that reflect the book’s mood, theme, or characters. Explain why each song fits the book to add depth to your playlist.  – Quick Tip: Consider various genres and moods to create a diverse playlist.

🏞️ Visuals

• Illustrative Review: 1. Create a visual representation of the book’s essence through artwork or illustrations and accompany it with a short review. Take readers on a visual tour by capturing objects and places that represent the book’s essence. Quick Tip: Use filters and editing to evoke the book’s mood and tone in the images . 2. Team up with an illustrator to visually interpret your review, offering readers a fresh perspective. Quick Tip: Communicate your review’s key points to the illustrator for a cohesive collaboration.
• Bookmarks : Design a custom bookmark inspired by the book’s cover/theme or feature quotes or visuals from the book. – Quick Tip: Include a link to download the bookmark as a printable for your readers.
• Character Mood Boards:  Create mood boards for the book’s main characters, using images and quotes to capture their essence. Quick Tip: Use Canva or similar tools for easy mood board creation.
• Book Cover Redesign:  Design an alternative book cover that visually conveys the story’s essence in a fresh and captivating way. – Quick Tip: Share both the original and redesigned covers for comparison.
• Mind Map: Create a mind map representing the book’s key elements, connecting characters, themes, and plot points. One of my favorite tools for this is Xmind
• Collage : Collect snippets of other book reviews and form a collage that mirrors your thoughts on the book.
• Comic Book: Turn your review into a comic strip, using illustrations to capture memorable scenes or reactions to the book.  – Quick Tip: Keep it visually engaging and use characters that resemble the book’s protagonists.
• Infographics : Create an infographic that visually presents the book’s key elements and your review. – Quick Tip: Use free infographic tools like Visme to simplify the design process.
• Museum Exhibit:  Create a virtual museum exhibit showcasing artifacts and artwork inspired by or related to the book. Explain the significance of each item in the exhibit. – Quick Tip: Showcase different artists and link to their portfolios.
• Color Palette Review:  Create a visual review using a color palette that captures the book’s mood and themes. – Quick Tip: Use tools like Adobe Color to create eye-pleasing palettes.

📩 Letters/Journalling

• To the Author : Write the book review as a letter to the author, expressing your thoughts, emotions, and gratitude for their work. – Quick Tip: Be respectful and constructive; authors appreciate genuine feedback.
• To your younger self: Imagine traveling back in time to meet your younger self and discussing the book’s influence on your reading journey. And how it changed you after reading it.
• To a book character:  Write a heartfelt letter to one of the book’s characters, sharing how they impacted you personally. 
• Book Journal Review : Share your thoughts as you read the book, making it a reflective and immersive experience.  – Quick Tip: Record your emotions and insights at different stages of the reading journey and read at a later date for reflection.
• Gratitude Review: Write a review expressing your gratitude for the book’s impact on your life and worldview.
• Personal Growth Review : Reflect on the personal growth and lessons you gained from reading the book.

📝 Niche/Genre-specific

• Book-Inspired Fashion : Curate outfits inspired by the book’s cover or characters to capture each character’s personality.
• Travel Brochure Review:  Create a travel brochure for the book’s setting, enticing readers to embark on an immersive journey.  – Quick Tip: Use vivid descriptions and compelling visuals to capture the allure of the fictional world.
• Book Review Map:  Draw a map illustrating the book’s various locations, characters’ journeys, or symbolic pathways. Use the map as a visual aid to guide readers through the narrative and thematic elements. – Quick Tip: Use symbols and labels to guide readers through the book’s narrative
• Postcard Perspectives: If one or more of the characters in the book were to send you a postcard at different points in the story, what would they say to you as a dear friend? What emotions are they feeling? What dilemmas are they battling in their minds? – Quick tip: Include scenic descriptions and memorable moments from the character’s POV.
• Travel Journal Review: Imagine yourself journeying through the book’s setting and write a review documenting your experiences.
• Book pairings: Match your review to a unique fragrance, wine, or coffee that complements the book’s mood, setting, or major events. – Quick Tip: Describe how each item relates to the book
• Literary Recipe Review: Create a recipe inspired by the book’s themes, and write a review blending your culinary experience with your thoughts on the book. – Quick Tip: Include photos of the delicious outcome and consider dietary preferences. 
• Culinary lingo : Write your review as if you were a food critic reviewing a restaurant. Use culinary analogies to describe the book’s strengths and weaknesses, like praising the “perfect blend of literary spices” or “undercooked character development.” Or present your review as a recipe, with each ingredient symbolizing a key element of the book. For instance, “1 cup of compelling characters, 2 tablespoons of rich prose, and a pinch of surprising plot twists.”
• Magic Spells:  Write your review in the form of a magic spell to add some whimsical charm. – Quick Tip: Include playful incantations and mystical elements.
• Bookish Tarot Reading:  Perform a tarot reading for the book, offering insights into its hidden depths.  – Quick Tip: Use tarot cards that represent major themes and characters.
• Book Cosplay: Dress up as your favorite character from the book and present your review in a video while embodying their personality. (Also works well for social media sharing)
• Mythical Creatures : Describe the book’s characters and themes using mythical creatures as metaphors.
• Fairytale: Narrate your review as a whimsical fairy tale with elements of magic and morals. Spin a whimsical tale, transporting readers to a magical realm that mirrors the book’s themes. For a fantasy novel, weave a story about knights and dragons embarking on a quest through enchanted forests, substituting characters for book elements.
• Bookshelf Battle Royale:  Imagine the book’s characters battling it out on your bookshelf alongside other fictional heroes.

👥 Interactive

• Choose Your Own Adventure Review: Craft a review that allows readers to make choices, shaping the direction of the review and the final conclusion. Allow readers to “choose” the review’s path by providing options on what aspects of the book they’d like to explore first—characters, plot, or writing style. Keep the options clear and concise, making the journey enjoyable and interactive. – Quick Tip: Plan multiple routes to cater to various reader preferences.
• Puzzles: Write your review on a puzzle, and readers must assemble it to read your thoughts.  – Quick Tip: Choose an appropriate puzzle size so it’s not too overwhelming.
• Interactive Quiz Review:  Craft a quiz based on the book’s plot, characters, or themes, allowing readers to test their knowledge after reading your review. 
• Behind-the-Scenes Interview:  Reach out to the author, editor, or cover designer for exclusive insights into the book’s creation.  – Quick Tip: Respect the interviewee’s time and prepare thoughtful questions in advance.
• Book Review Board Game:  Design a board game inspired by the book’s plot, where players must navigate challenges faced by the characters.  – Quick Tip: Include a rule book to explain the game’s mechanics.
• Book Review Treasure Hunt:  Organize a treasure hunt with clues leading readers to find different segments of your review hidden on your blog or social media platforms.  – Quick Tip: Offer a prize for the first reader to complete the treasure hunt.

So there you have it—70 delightful and inventive book review ideas to elevate your blog. Remember that your unique perspective and creative flair are what make your reviews stand out.

So whether you decide to try just a few of these ideas or incorporate many, remember to have fun and let your passion for books shine through.

Leave a comment below and let me know which creative book idea ideas were your favorite. I’d love to hear from you!

Founder & writer of The Creatorpreneur Diary blog. An overworked doctor by day and an introverted bibliophile by night. My goal is to share my journey as I learn to navigate the world of online marketing, in the hopes of helping you do the same. Don't hesitate to say hi at [email protected].

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How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to write a book review- a step by step guide.

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Since knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could improve? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair:Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with an additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

What is the difference between a book review and a report?

Who is the target audience for book reviews and book reports, how do book reviews and reports differ in length and content, can i write professional book reviews, what are the key aspects of writing professional book reviews, how can i enhance my book-reviewing skills to write professional reviews, what should be included in a good book review.

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How to Write a Great Book Review: 6 Templates and Ideas

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Whether you’ve loved or hated your recent reads, writing book reviews can be a fun and satisfying process. It’s a great way to unpack messages and information from a story, and it also helps you remember key elements of a book for much longer than you usually would. Plus, book reviews open up some interesting and exciting debates between readers with different opinions, and they also help others decide which books to read next .

Table of Contents

Where Can You Post Book Reviews?

Back in the old days, book reviews were reserved for leading publications and journals, but now, anyone can create their own book reviews, and they’re popping up almost everywhere.

Social Media

Bookworms have taken over social media, with hashtags like # bookstagram drawing in millions of readers from around the internet to share thoughts, ideas, inspiration, and of course, reviews.

Book blogs are also blowing up right now, and plenty of avid readers are making a solid income by writing and sharing their book reviews this way. You can either create your own from scratch or write guest posts and reviews for already established blogs.

Goodreads is the undisputed online home of books. It’s a great place to find inspiration for your next reads, browse other people’s book reviews, and of course, add your own reviews, too.

If you post a review of a popular book on Goodreads, it’s bound to be seen by a huge audience. Plus, it’s a great way to advertise your blog if you have one, as the Goodreads guidelines allow you to insert a link within the body of your review.

The world’s largest bookstore gets an incredible amount of traffic, so it’s one of the best places to get your reviews seen by the masses. But bear in mind that there are more rules and regulations for Amazon book reviews than on some of the other platforms listed here. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the guidelines first, or your submission could be rejected.

Booktube is a Youtube community dedicated to reviewing, discussing, and recommending books. If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, vlogging your book reviews on Booktube is an excellent alternative to the more traditional written book reviews above. It’s also a great way to get noticed by viewers around the world.

Some Booktube reviewers make their entire income from their channel, so if you’re passionate about reviewing and want to turn it into a living, this is a great avenue to explore.

Get Paid for Your Book Reviews

Some of the platforms I’ve listed above, like Booktube, Instagram, and blogging , allow you to get paid for your book reviews if you generate enough traffic, but getting to that level takes a lot of dedication, time, and patience.

Thankfully, there are plenty of websites that pay reviewers on a freelance basis. Here are three of the most popular:

Remember, each site has strict submission guidelines and requirements that you’ll need to check carefully before writing and submitting a review.

Kirkus Reviews

The Kirkus Reviews magazine, founded in 1933, is one of America’s oldest, most respected book reviewing companies.

They accept reviews around 350 words in length, and once you’re assigned the gig, you have a two-week submission deadline.

Kirkus is always on the lookout for new book reviewers, but you’ll need to prove you have experience and talent before they’ll accept your submissions. The best way to do this is to create a professional-looking portfolio that showcases your previous reviews, both paid and unpaid.

Booklist is a subgroup of the American Library Association. They feature all kinds of book reviews, both fiction and non-fiction, and publish them online and in print.

They pay their reviewers on a freelance, book-by-book basis. Their rates aren’t going to make you rich (around $12- $15 per review), but it’s a great way to gain some professional experience and build your book review portfolio without having to work for free.

Booklist has various publication outlets, such as their quarterly in-print magazine, a reader’s blog, and top book lists. Plus, they also accept pitches for book-related news and author interviews.

Online Book Club

This free-to-access community of bibliophiles has been going for over ten years, with a million active members and counting.

To join their professional freelance team, you’ll first have to submit an unpaid review to help them to determine if you’re worth hiring. If your review makes the cut, then your next submission is paid at a rate varying between $5 and $60, depending on the book’s length, the quality of the review, etc.

One of the major stipulations of Online Book Club is that your reviews are in-depth and honest. If you don’t like the book, never put a positive spin on it for the sake of it. ( The same goes for any book review platform you post on. )

It’s also worth noting that with Online Book Club, you’ll never pay for the books you review. So even if they reject your submission, you’ll still get a free book out of it.

How to Write a Book Review?

Book reviews can range from a simple tweet to a full-length essay or long-form blog post and anything in between.

As I mentioned above, some book review sites and platforms have strict guidelines and parameters to follow. But if you’re writing a book review for social media, your own blog, or any other purpose that lets you take the reins, then the following ideas will give you some help and inspiration to get started.

But before we dive in, let’s take a look at four key elements that a comprehensive book review should contain.

1. Information about the author and the name of the book

You might want to include any accolades that the author has received in the past and mention some of their previous notable works.

Also, consider the publication date; is the book a brand-new release, a few years old, or a classic from another century?

2. A summary of the plot

Writing about the plot takes skill and consideration; if your description is too thorough, you risk ruining the book for your audience with spoilers. But on the other hand, if you’re too vague on the details, your review can lack depth.

Consider your audience carefully, and if you feel like your book review contains even the slightest hint of spoilers, always add a warning at the beginning so people can decide for themselves whether to read on.

3. Your evaluation

This is the part where you get to describe what you feel about the book as a whole and give your opinion on the different elements within it. But, again, don’t be tempted to fall into the trap of positively evaluating books you didn’t actually like; no one wants to read a false review, so if you didn’t like it, explain why.

4. Your reader recommendation

Who might the book appeal to? Is it suitable for all audiences? In your opinion, is it a universal must-read, or should people avoid it?

Keep in mind that the purpose of most book reviews is to help the reader decide whether or not they would like to read it themselves. What works for you might not work for others, so consider this when writing your recommendations.

6 Book Review Templates and Ideas

1. the traditional approach.

Most traditional fiction reviews, like the ones found in newspapers and other popular publications, are based on the following format…

Introduction

The introduction is a paragraph or two which includes:

• Key information that the reader needs to know. For example, the book’s title, the author’s name, the publication date, and any relevant background information about the author and their work.
• A brief one-sentence summary of the plot. This sets the general scene of what the book is about.
• Your overall opinion of the book. Again, keep it brief. (you can delve deeper into what you liked and disliked later in the review).

This is the main body of your book review, where you break down and analyze the work. Some of the key elements you might want to examine are listed below. Approach each element one at a time to help your analysis flow.

• The characters
• The setting
• The structure of the story
• The quality of the writing

What did you notice about each one, what did you enjoy, and what did you dislike? Why?

The conclusion is usually the shortest part of a traditional book review, which usually contains:

• A summary of your thoughts about the book as a whole
• Your reader recommendation

Remember that unless you’re writing a book review for a pre-existing publication, there are no rules that you need to follow. This traditional format can be adapted to suit your own style, the book you are reviewing, and your audience.

Also Read : BEST FICTION BOOK REVIEWS

2. Social Media Book Reviews

Book reviews posted on social media tend to have a more relaxed tone than a traditional book review. Again, there are no set rules, but here are a few guidelines and suggestions for posting reviews on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

• Include an eye-catching image

This is essential on Instagram, but whatever social media platform you’re posting on, including a great photo will draw people in to read your review.

In the Instagram world, photos of books taken directly from above are called ‘flat lays.’ You can keep it simple and just snap the front cover, or you can get creative and shoot your book flat lay against an interesting backdrop or include items related to the story.

• Break up your review into short, bite-sized paragraphs

This rule applies to most web content, but it’s even more important on social media, where everyone competes for your reader’s attention.

Big blocks of text are much harder to follow and a sure-fire way to lose your reader’s attention before they even get started. Instead, stick to short paragraphs of one, two, or three sentences, and include spaces between each one.

• Know your character limit

At just 280 characters, Twitter is by far the stingiest of the major social media platforms when it comes to the length of posts. That’s why most people choose platforms like Instagram or Facebook for book reviews. That being said, you can still use Twitter as a way of linking to them once they go live.

Instagram is considerably more generous with its 2,200-character limit, but if you have a lot to say about the book you’re reviewing, it can still be limiting.

If you want to post a more comprehensive review on social media, Facebook is your best bet; they have an upper limit of 63,206 characters.

Whichever platform you post on, remember to factor any hashtags into your character limit too.

• Keep it succinct

Book reviews on social media perform better when sentences are concise. This helps to combat the character limit issue I mentioned above and gets your point across quickly, without the fluff.

Readers on platforms like Instagram and Facebook flit from post to post, so if you don’t say what you mean in as few words as possible, you’ll risk losing your audience altogether.

• Don’t be afraid of emojis.

Love them or hate them, emojis convey mood and emotion where words can sometimes fail us. They also add an extra visual element to a post, help to break up blocks of text and keep the tone informal.

Of course, there’s no rule that you have to include emojis in your social media book reviews, but if you’re already comfortable using them elsewhere, consider incorporating them here too.

• Add a star rating

Star ratings instantly tell your audience whether you loved the book or not before they read a single word of your post. It’s also another visual element to help draw your audience in to find out more.

• Avoid spoilers

I’ve already touched on spoilers above, but it’s essential to avoid them on social media book reviews. That’s because unsuspecting users are scrolling from post to post on these platforms with no way of knowing what’s coming next. As a result, it’s very easy to read something you can’t unread.

• Consider tagging the author and publisher.

But ONLY do this if you enjoyed the book and your review is favorable. It’s not good online etiquette to tag in the creators if you’re posting a scathing critique; it’s mean-spirited, and it could lead to a social media squabble, which the internet has enough of already.

3. Goodreads and Amazon Book Reviews

Both Goodreads and Amazon allow anyone to upload a review of any book, so they’re great places to get started if you’re new to the reviewing world. Plus, you can post more in-depth and lengthy reviews than you can on social media platforms.

There are endless ways to write reviews for sites like these, but if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, here’s a good template that will help you to flesh out your ideas.

• Star Rating

Sites like Goodreads and Amazon usually ask for a 1-5 star rating before writing your review. 3 is your baseline which translates to “pretty good.” It can be tempting to rush straight in for a 5 star if you loved a book, but where possible, try to reserve this rating for books that really blow you away.

• A Brief Synopsis

Reviews on these sites appear directly under the book listing, so generally, there’s no need to mention the author, title, or publishing details. Instead, you can dive straight into a quick overview of the plot, using the official publisher’s summary to help you if needed.

Avoid revealing any significant details or spoilers, but include enough to outline the story and give context to the rest of your review.

Talking about how the book made you feel is a good place to start. Did you learn something you didn’t know before? Was it a page-turner or a hard slog? Were there any twists you did or didn’t see coming? Mentioning the existence of a plot twist is usually deemed ok, as long as you don’t reveal what it is.

Next, examine the book’s various elements, including the characters, setting, and plot, using examples. You might even want to include some direct quotes from the book, as long as they don’t give too much away.

Just like the traditional book review format, conclude it with a summary. Are you glad you read it? Who might enjoy this book, and who should avoid it?

4. Listicle Book Reviews

Listicles are articles and blog posts structured like a numbered list. An example from the book review world is “10 reasons why you need to read X by X”.

These types of reviews are particularly well suited to blog posts, as they’re an excellent way to encourage people to click on your link compared with a less attention-grabbing traditional format.

That being said, listicle book reviews tend only to work if your feedback is positive. Using this format to review a book you hated risks alienating your audience and coming across as harsh and judgemental. Less favorable reviews are better presented in a more traditional format that explores a book’s different aspects one by one.

5. An Essay Style Analysis

An essay-style review isn’t technically a review, as it delves much deeper into the work and examines it from multiple angles.

If you’re not limited to a word count and want to dissect an author’s work, then an in-depth essay-style analysis can be a great addition to your blog. Plus, they’re generally written for people who have already read the book, so there’s no need to worry about spoilers.

But when you’re writing more than 500 words about a book, it can be easy to ramble or go off on a tangent. Here’s an example format to keep you on track:

• Include the author’s name, the title of the book, and the date of publication.
• Is the book a standalone novel or part of a series?
• What made you choose this book in the first place? Have you read any of the author’s previous work?
• Describe the cover. Does it draw you in? Is it an appropriate representation of the book as a whole?

Set the Scene

• Include an overview of the plot.
• Did you have any expectations or preconceived ideas about the book before you read it?

Your Review

Discuss the following elements one at a time. Use quotes or direct examples when talking about each one.

• Describe the geographical location, the period in time, and the environment.
• Is the setting based on reality or imagination?
• How does the setting help to add mood and tone to the story?
• Give an overview of the main characters and their backgrounds.
• Discuss the significant plot points in the story in chronological order.
• What are the conflicts, the climaxes, and the resolutions?
• How does the author use literary devices to bring meaning and life to book?
• For example, discuss any elements of foreshadowing, metaphors, symbolism, irony, or imagery.
• What are the overall themes and big ideas in the story? For example, love, death, friendship , war, and coming of age.
• What, if any, are the morals within the story?
• Are there any underlying or less prominent themes that the author is trying to portray?

Your Opinion

• Which elements were successful, and which weren’t?
• Were the characters believable? Did you want them to succeed?
• In the case of plot twists, did you see them coming?
• Are there any memorable scenes or quotes that particularly stood out to you? If so, why?
• How did the book make you feel? Did it evoke any strong emotions?
• Did the book meet your preconceived expectations?
• Were you satisfied by the ending, or did you find it frustrating?
• Summarise the plot and theme in a couple of sentences.
• Give your overall opinion. Was the book a success, a failure, or something in between?
• Include a reader recommendation, for example, “this book is a must-read for anyone with a love of dystopian science fiction.”
• Include a star rating if you wish.

6. Create Your Own Book Review Template

If you plan on becoming a regular book reviewer, it’s a good idea to create your own unique template that you can use for every book you review, whether you’re posting on a blog, website, or social media account.

You can mix and match the various elements of the review styles above to suit your preferences and the types of books you’ll be reviewing.

Creating a template unique to you helps build your authority as an independent reviewer and makes writing future reviews a lot easier.

Writing book reviews is a great way to get even more out of your reading journey. Whether you loved or hated a title, reviewing it will help you remember and process the story, and you’ll also be helping others to decide whether or not it’s worth their time, too.

And who knows, you might fall in love with writing book reviews and decide to pursue it as an additional source of income or even a new career!

Whatever your book reviewing plans and goals are, I hope the templates, tips, and ideas above will help you get started.

Do you have any advice for writing a great book review? Let me know in the comments below!

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Tips for Writing a Good Book Review 

Now that you’ve prepped what you want to say, how you want to say it, and who you want to say it to, it’s time to start writing. Below we’ve gathered our favorite tips to help you write a good book review. Wait… make that a GREAT book review.

1. Include general information

Make sure to include all the relevant book information for your audience , including the title, author, genre, and publisher in your review. While not necessary, it is also helpful to include the number of pages, list price, and ISBN number.

2. Provide a brief plot summary

After the hook, you can then move on to the brief plot summary. This summary shouldn’t be too long, but it can be a paragraph that explains the basic plot so that the reader better understands if it’s a topic of interest. One pitfall to avoid is to give away spoilers in the plot summary. Don’t give away any plot twists, and err on the side of caution if you feel that the information is too much. For example, tell the reader that the plot has unexpected twists rather than explain any surprises in the summary.

3. Focus on the book, not the author

Keep in mind that your main job as a reviewer is to share your opinion on the book, not to critique the author. Keep the focus on the story. Avoid referencing pitfalls in any of the author’s past books or what you about them as a writer. You can provide a brief introduction to the story mentioning the author and past books, but don’t spend too much time focused on the author. The review should focus on the content of the book and its characters.

4. Be clear and specific

It is not enough to just say that you did or didn’t like the book. Let your readers know why. Make your thoughts clear as early as possible and explain the reasons why you liked or disliked specific storyline components and characters. Be specific about what you loved about the writing, what drew you to the characters, or what left you feeling lukewarm about the plot. You don’t need to explain every aspect of the book, but the reader should walk away with a sense that they understand the basic plot and determine from the review if they want to read the book for themselves.

5. Remain subjective

Not all book reviews have to be glowing, but they should be subjective. Rather than just saying you didn’t like something, support it by letting your readers know why. We all gravitate towards different things, so what may not appeal to you may appeal to someone else. If you remain subjective, then you can explain to the reader the basic story and let them decide for themselves. The review can include your likes and dislikes, but they should focus on what you felt the story did well and what parts of the story you didn’t like. However, the main focus of the review should be to explain the story so that readers can determine if they want to read the book further.

6. Avoid spoilers

We know it can be tempting, but do your best not to let any spoilers slip in your book review. Have you ever been excited to see the latest blockbuster hit (or watch the season cliffhanger to your favorite TV show) and then someone spoils the end before you even have time to watch? That is exactly what you don’t want to do to your reader. As you explain the book in your summary, ask yourself if what you are explaining ruins any surprises or twists. As you write the review, keep it vague. For example, explain that there is a major plot twist but don’t go into the specifics.

7. Be transparent

Always share if you received an incentive to review the book, got an advance copy, or have any connection to the author. Your readers will appreciate your honesty. Plus, it helps you avoid the negative impact on your credibility if they find out later. Getting paid for a review is a perfectly reasonable excuse to read a book, but it does allow readers to determine if you’re being unbiased. By specifying if you have any relationship with the author, the reader can better trust your opinion, even if they feel you’re being more biased.

8. Keep it short

While book reviews can be any length, it is always best to keep it short and succinct. Pull in your reader with a strong first sentence that sets the tone of the review and end with your recommendation. Remember, most people start to scan when something gets too long. A book review is a short summary, so writing a novel-length review loses reader interests. Keeping it short will ensure that your readers will dive into your likes and dislikes and use your reviews to determine if they have an interest in the books.

9. Proofread before posting

The quickest way to lose credibility is to post a review filled with typos. Make sure to give your final book review a thorough read before posting it and double check the spelling of any character names or places that you mention. Even better, ask someone else to read it over. It is always good to have a fresh pair of eyes proof to catch any typos. If you don’t have a family or friend who will help with proofreader, you can join a writing community where members offer test reads and proofreading. Make sure that you don’t post the review publicly, because search engines will index it and the review will no longer be unique content.

Also, keep in mind that you will want to write different book reviews for different sites. Don’t just copy and paste the same review. Google search engines scan for duplicate content and if flagged, your review won’t appear.

10. Add a hook

The hook is one or two sentences that grab the reader and convince them to keep going. It should be interesting, but it should also stick with the topic without misleading readers. The hook could be a simple statement that explains the main character of the book, or it could ask a question that resonates with the reader. Don’t make the hook too sensational to avoid sounding like a sales pitch. It should simply provide an introduction that grabs reader interests.

11. Explain what you liked about the book

Writing your own book review is a way to explain what you liked about it, and what you liked could be of interest to another reader. This section allows you to personalize the review. You can explain what you liked about the characters, who was your favorite character, what part of the book was your favorite, and if the book invoked any personal feelings (e.g., you laughed or cried).

12. Explain what you disliked about the book

You likely have something that you disliked about the book, and this section explains what you wish would have been different about the storyline or the characters. Just like the other sections, make sure that you do not reveal too much and give away important plot lines that could be considered spoilers for the rest of the story.

13. Include brief quotes as examples

Brief quotes provide readers with better insight into characters. Using quotes from characters will help the reader follow the plot summary and determine if the characters are people they can relate to. Avoid using excessively long quotes. Since the reader hasn’t read the book, a long quote could ruin plot twists or overpower the review.

14. Reference similar books

A great way to introduce readers to a specific book is to compare your book review with other books. For example, you can explain to the reader that they will like the current book you’re reviewing if they like another similar book. Alternatively, you can also compare characters between books to provide better insight into the story’s characters and the dynamic between individual characters.

Ready to make your own book? Get started quickly and easily with our free bookmaking software, Bookwright .

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How to Write a Book Review: The Ultimate Guide

WHAT IS A BOOK REVIEW?

Traditionally, book reviews are evaluations of a recently published book in any genre. Usually, around the 500 to 700-word mark, they briefly describe a text’s main elements while appraising the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Published book reviews can appear in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. They provide the reader with an overview of the book itself and indicate whether or not the reviewer would recommend the book to the reader.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW?

There was a time when book reviews were a regular appearance in every quality newspaper and many periodicals. They were essential elements in whether or not a book would sell well. A review from a heavyweight critic could often be the deciding factor in whether a book became a bestseller or a damp squib. In the last few decades, however, the book review’s influence has waned considerably, with many potential book buyers preferring to consult customer reviews on Amazon, or sites like Goodreads, before buying. As a result, book review’s appearance in newspapers, journals, and digital media has become less frequent.

WHY BOTHER TEACHING STUDENTS TO WRITE BOOK REVIEWS AT ALL?

Even in the heyday of the book review’s influence, few students who learned the craft of writing a book review became literary critics! The real value of crafting a well-written book review for a student does not lie in their ability to impact book sales. Understanding how to produce a well-written book review helps students to:

●     Engage critically with a text

●     Critically evaluate a text

●     Respond personally to a range of different writing genres

●     Improve their own reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Not to Be Confused with a Book Report!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOK REVIEW AND A BOOK REPORT?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are clear differences in both the purpose and the format of the two genres. Generally speaking, book reports aim to give a more detailed outline of what occurs in a book. A book report on a work of fiction will tend to give a comprehensive account of the characters, major plot lines, and themes in the book. Book reports are usually written around the K-12 age range, while book reviews tend not to be undertaken by those at the younger end of this age range due to the need for the higher-level critical skills required in writing them. At their highest expression, book reviews are written at the college level and by professional critics.

Learn how to write a book review step by step with our complete guide for students and teachers by familiarizing yourself with the structure and features.

BOOK REVIEW STRUCTURE

ANALYZE Evaluate the book with a critical mind.

THOROUGHNESS The whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. Review the book as a WHOLE.

COMPARE Where appropriate compare to similar texts and genres.

THUMBS UP OR DOWN? You are going to have to inevitably recommend or reject this book to potential readers.

BE CONSISTENT Take a stance and stick with it throughout your review.

FEATURES OF A BOOK REVIEW

PAST TENSE You are writing about a book you have already read.

EMOTIVE LANGUAGE Whatever your stance or opinion be passionate about it. Your audience will thank you for it.

VOICE Both active and passive voice are used in recounts.

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ELEMENTS OF A BOOK REVIEW

As with any of the writing genres we teach our students, a book review can be helpfully explained in terms of criteria. While there is much to the ‘art’ of writing, there is also, thankfully, a lot of the nuts and bolts that can be listed too. Have students consider the following elements before writing:

●     Title: Often, the title of the book review will correspond to the title of the text itself, but there may also be some examination of the title’s relevance. How does it fit into the purpose of the work as a whole? Does it convey a message or reveal larger themes explored within the work?

●     Author: Within the book review, there may be some discussion of who the author is and what they have written before, especially if it relates to the current work being reviewed. There may be some mention of the author’s style and what they are best known for. If the author has received any awards or prizes, this may also be mentioned within the body of the review.

●     Genre: A book review will identify the genre that the book belongs to, whether fiction or nonfiction, poetry, romance, science-fiction, history etc. The genre will likely tie in, too with who the intended audience for the book is and what the overall purpose of the work is.

●     Book Jacket / Cover: Often, a book’s cover will contain artwork that is worthy of comment. It may contain interesting details related to the text that contribute to, or detract from, the work as a whole.

●     Structure: The book’s structure will often be heavily informed by its genre. Have students examine how the book is organized before writing their review. Does it contain a preface from a guest editor, for example? Is it written in sections or chapters? Does it have a table of contents, index, glossary etc.? While all these details may not make it into the review itself, looking at how the book is structured may reveal some interesting aspects.

●     Publisher and Price: A book review will usually contain details of who publishes the book and its cost. A review will often provide details of where the book is available too.

BOOK REVIEW KEY ELEMENTS

As students read and engage with the work they will review, they will develop a sense of the shape their review will take. This will begin with the summary. Encourage students to take notes during the reading of the work that will help them in writing the summary that will form an essential part of their review. Aspects of the book they may wish to take notes on in a work of fiction may include:

●     Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations? Are they convincingly drawn? Or are they empathetic characters?

●     Themes: What are the main themes of the work? Are there recurring motifs in the work? Is the exploration of the themes deep or surface only?

●     Style: What are the key aspects of the writer’s style? How does it fit into the wider literary world?

●     Plot: What is the story’s main catalyst? What happens in the rising action? What are the story’s subplots? 

A book review will generally begin with a short summary of the work itself. However, it is important not to give too much away, remind students – no spoilers, please! For nonfiction works, this may be a summary of the main arguments of the work, again, without giving too much detail away. In a work of fiction, a book review will often summarise up to the rising action of the piece without going beyond to reveal too much!

The summary should also provide some orientation for the reader. Given the nature of the purpose of a review, it is important that students’ consider their intended audience in the writing of their review. Readers will most likely not have read the book in question and will require some orientation. This is often achieved through introductions to the main characters, themes, primary arguments etc. This will help the reader to gauge whether or not the book is of interest to them.

Once your student has summarized the work, it is time to ‘review’ in earnest. At this point, the student should begin to detail their own opinion of the book. To do this well they should:

i. Make It Personal

Often when teaching essay writing we will talk to our students about the importance of climbing up and down the ladder of abstraction. Just as it is helpful to explore large, more abstract concepts in an essay by bringing it down to Earth, in a book review, it is important that students can relate the characters, themes, ideas etc to their own lives.

Book reviews are meant to be subjective. They are opinion pieces, and opinions grow out of our experiences of life. Encourage students to link the work they are writing about to their own personal life within the body of the review. By making this personal connection to the work, students contextualize their opinions for the readers and help them to understand whether the book will be of interest to them or not in the process.

ii. Make It Universal

Just as it is important to climb down the ladder of abstraction to show how the work relates to individual life, it is important to climb upwards on the ladder too. Students should endeavor to show how the ideas explored in the book relate to the wider world. The may be in the form of the universality of the underlying themes in a work of fiction or, for example, the international implications for arguments expressed in a work of nonfiction.

iii. Support Opinions with Evidence

A book review is a subjective piece of writing by its very nature. However, just because it is subjective does not mean that opinions do not need to be justified. Make sure students understand how to back up their opinions with various forms of evidence, for example, quotations, statistics, and the use of primary and secondary sources.

EDIT AND REVISE YOUR BOOK REVIEW

As with any writing genre, encourage students to polish things up with review and revision at the end. Encourage them to proofread and check for accurate spelling throughout, with particular attention to the author’s name, character names, publisher etc. 

It is good practice too for students to double-check their use of evidence. Are statements supported? Are the statistics used correctly? Are the quotations from the text accurate? Mistakes such as these uncorrected can do great damage to the value of a book review as they can undermine the reader’s confidence in the writer’s judgement.

The discipline of writing book reviews offers students opportunities to develop their writing skills and exercise their critical faculties. Book reviews can be valuable standalone activities or serve as a part of a series of activities engaging with a central text. They can also serve as an effective springboard into later discussion work based on the ideas and issues explored in a particular book. Though the book review does not hold the sway it once did in the mind’s of the reading public, it still serves as an effective teaching tool in our classrooms today.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BOOK REVIEW GRAPHIC ORGANIZER (TEMPLATE)

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Book and Movie review writing examples (Student Writing Samples)

Below are a collection of student writing samples of book reviews.  Click on the image to enlarge and explore them in greater detail.  Please take a moment to both read the movie or book review in detail but also the teacher and student guides which highlight some of the key elements of writing a text review

Please understand these student writing samples are not intended to be perfect examples for each age or grade level but a piece of writing for students and teachers to explore together to critically analyze to improve student writing skills and deepen their understanding of book review writing.

We would recommend reading the example either a year above and below, as well as the grade you are currently working with to gain a broader appreciation of this text type .

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

Inspire your students to share their love of books.

Responding to what you read is an important literacy skill. Reading about other people’s experiences and perspectives helps kids learn about the world. And although students don’t need to dive deeply into every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and themes can help them learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful.

1. Concrete Found Poem

This clever activity is basically a shape poem made up of words, phrases, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together to create an image that represents something from the story.

2. Graphic Novel

Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter of their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from the story, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of course, include detailed illustrations to accompany the story.

3. Book Snaps

Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting to, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, students snap a picture of a page in the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.

4. Diary Entry

Have your students place themselves in the shoes of one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry of a critical moment from the story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where the character has plenty of interaction and emotion to share in a diary entry.

5. Character To-Do List

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in a book and write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish.

6. Mint Tin Book Report

There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. This teacher blogger describes the process of creating book reports using them. There’s even a free template for cards that fit inside.

7. Fictional Yearbook Entries

Ask your students to create a yearbook based on the characters and setting in the book. What do they look like? Cut out magazine pictures to give a good visual image for their school picture. What kind of superlative might they get? Best looking? Class clown? What clubs would they be in or lead? Did they win any awards? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into the characters in their books. They may also learn that who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives.

8. Book Report Cake

This project would be perfect for a book tasting in your classroom! Each student presents their book report in the shape of food. See the sandwich and pizza options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. Current Events Comparison

Have students locate three to five current events articles a character in their book might be interested in. After they’ve found the articles, have them explain why the character would find them interesting and how they relate to the book. Learning about how current events affect time, place, and people is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read and experience in life.

10. Sandwich Book Report

Yum! You’ll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc. A fun adaptation of this project is the book report cheeseburger.

11. Book Alphabet

Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books to help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask your students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect the important parts of the book? After they find a word to represent each letter, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in.

12. Peekaboo Book Report

Using cardboard lap books (or small science report boards), students include details about their book’s main characters, plot, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head and arms on card stock and attach them to the board from behind to make it look like the main character is peeking over the report.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

Another fun and creative idea: Create a wearable book report with a plain white tee. Come up with your own using Sharpie pens and acrylic paint. Get step-by-step directions .

14. Book Jacket

Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography of the author, and a few reviews from readers.

15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could be a copy of the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.

16. Act the Part

Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present an oral book report. If their favorite character is not the main character, retell the story from their point of view.

17. Pizza Box Book Report

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas that use upcycled materials, try this one using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. The top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.

18. Bookmark

Have students create a custom illustrated bookmark that includes drawings and words from either their favorite chapter or the entire book.

19. Book Reports in a Bag

Looking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? With book reports in a bag, students read a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene from the book, place five items that represent something from the book inside the bag, and present the bag to the class.

20. Reading Lists for Characters

Ask your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of books might that character like to read? Take them to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book might mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see and choose from—there’s nothing like trying out a book character’s style when developing your own identity.

21. File Folder Book Report

Also called a lap book, this easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.

22. Collage

Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different parts of the book. Use old magazines or print pictures from the Internet.

23. Book Report Triorama

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but Elisha Ann provides a lesson to show students how to glue four triangles together to make a 4D model.

24. Timeline

Have students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character names and details for each event. Use 8 x 11 sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper.

25. Clothes Hanger Book Report Mobile

This creative project doesn’t require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need an ordinary clothes hanger, strings, and paper. The body of the hanger is used to identify the book, and the cards on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.

26. Public Service Announcement

If a student has read a book about a cause that affects people, animals, or the environment, teach them about public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause that stood out in the book. Then give them a template for a storyboard so they can create their own PSA. Some students might want to take it a step further and create a video based on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard or video with an organization that supports the cause or issue.

27. Dodecahedron Book Report

Creative book report ideas think outside the box. In this case, it’s a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels , and it allows students to take a deep dive in a creative way.

28. Character Cards

Make trading cards (like baseball cards) for a few characters from the book. On the front side, draw the character. On the back side, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two.

29. Book Report Booklets

This clever book report is made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top of each other, fold them in half, and staple the closed-off ends of the bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information on writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used as pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that help them tell their story.

30. Letter to the Author

Write a letter to the author of the book. Tell them three things you really liked about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything else you’re curious about.

31. Book Report Charm Bracelet

What a “charming” way to write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the plot, setting, or other detail.

32. Fact Sheet

Have students create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts in complete sentences, and be sure that each fact is something that they didn’t know before they read the book.

33. Cereal Box TV Book Report

This book report project is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut-out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is rotated, the story unfolds.

34. Be a Character Therapist

Therapists work to uncover their clients’ fears based on their words and actions. When we read books, we must learn to use a character’s actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolve around a character’s fear and the work it takes to overcome that fear. Ask students to identify a character’s fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Then have them write about ways the character overcame the fear (or didn’t) in the story. What might the character have done differently?

35. Mind Maps

Mind maps can be a great way to synthesize what students have learned from reading a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin by writing a central idea in the middle of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out from the center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material from the book.

36. Foldables

From Rainbows Within Reach , this clever idea would be a great introduction to writing book reports. Adapt the flap categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number of categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.

37. Board games

This is a great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what they’re reading. Have them think about the elements of their favorite board games and how they can be adapted to fit this assignment. For more, here are step-by-step directions .

38. Comic strips

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strips. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book should retell the story using dialogue and descriptions of the setting and characters. Of course, no comic book would be complete without copious illustrations and thought bubbles.

39. Timeline

Create a timeline using a long roll of butcher paper, a poster board, or index cards taped together. For each event on the timeline, write a brief description of what happens. Add pictures, clip art, word art, and symbols to make the timeline more lively and colorful.

40. Cereal Box

Recycle a cereal box and create a book report Wheaties-style. Decorate all sides of the box with information about the book’s characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.

41. Wanted Poster

Make a “wanted” poster for one of the book’s main characters. Indicate whether they are wanted dead or alive. Include a picture of the character and a description of what the character is “wanted” for, three examples of the character showing this trait, and a detailed account of where the character was last seen.

42. Movie Version

If the book your students have read has been made into a movie, have them write a report about how the versions are alike and different. If the book has not been made into a movie, have them write a report telling how they would make it into a movie, using specific details from the book.

What creative book report ideas did we miss? Come share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most popular kids’ books in every grade..

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The fiction, nonfiction and poetry that shifted our perspectives, uncovered essential truths and encouraged us forward Annabel Gutterman, Cady Lang, Arianna Rebolini and Lucas Wittmann

1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows

Acts of desperation, afterparties, aftershocks, all that she carried, all the frequent troubles of our days, america on fire, beautiful world, where are you, the book of form and emptiness, call us what we carry, the chosen and the beautiful, chronicles from the land of the happiest people on earth, cloud cuckoo land, the code breaker, the committed, the copenhagen trilogy, covered with night, crying in h mart, dear senthuran, detransition, baby, empire of pain, everyone knows your mother is a witch, the family roe, the final girl support group, finding the mother tree, four thousand weeks, the free world, great circle, harlem shuffle, hell of a book, how the word is passed, invisible child, the kissing bug, klara and the sun, the life of the mind, the lincoln highway, a little devil in america, the loneliest americans, the love songs of w.e.b. du bois, malibu rising, the man who lived underground, mike nichols: a life, milk blood heat, my darling from the lions, my monticello, my year abroad, no one is talking about this, oh william, on juneteenth, one friday in april, one last stop, orwell's roses, the other black girl, our country friends, a passage north, pilgrim bell, poet warrior, the promise, the prophets, razorblade tears, real estate, the removed, remote control, the rib king, second place, seeing ghosts, somebody's daughter, something new under the sun, the sum of us, the sunflower cast a spell to save us from the void, the sweetness of water, a swim in a pond in the rain, tastes like war, there’s no such thing as an easy job, under a white sky, until proven safe, while we were dating, white magic, who is maud dixon, who they was, who will pay reparations on my soul, you got anything stronger, you're history, by ai weiwei, by megan nolan, by anthony veasna so, by nadia owusu, by tiya miles, by rebecca donner, by elizabeth hinton, by sally rooney, by ruth ozeki, by amanda gorman, by sunjeev sahota, by wole soyinka, by anthony doerr, by walter isaacson, by viet thanh nguyen, by tove ditlevsen, by nicole eustace, by jonathan franzen, by michelle zauner, by akwaeke emezi, by torrey peters, by patrick radden keefe, by rivka galchen, by joshua prager, by grady hendrix, by suzanne simard, by oliver burkeman, by louis menand, by melissa febos, by maggie shipstead, by colson whitehead, by mieko kawakami, by jason mott, by clint smith, by katie kitamura, by andrea elliott, by daisy hernández, by kazuo ishiguro, by kaitlyn greenidge, by christine smallwood, by amor towles, by hanif abdurraqib, by jay caspian kang, by honorée fanonne jeffers, by taylor jenkins reid, by richard wright, by lauren groff, by mark harris, by dantiel w. moniz, by melissa broder.

by Rachel Long

By jocelyn nicole johnson, by chang-rae lee, by patricia lockwood, by elizabeth strout, by annette gordon-reed, by donald antrim, by casey mcquiston, by caleb azumah nelson, by rebecca solnit, by zakiya dalila harris, by gary shteyngart, by anuk arudpragasam, by kaveh akbar, by joy harjo, by larissa pham, by damon galgut, by robert jones, jr., by s.a. cosby, by deborah levy, by brandon hobson, by nnedi okorafor, by ladee hubbard, by chibundu onuzo, by rachel cusk, by kat chow, by kristen radtke, by john le carré, by sarah ruhl, by ashley c. ford, by alexandra kleeman, by rivers solomon, by heather mcghee, by jackie wang, by nathan harris, by george saunders, by grace m. cho, by percival everett, by kikuko tsumura, by tarana burke, by elizabeth kolbert, by geoff manaugh and nicola twilley, by jasmine guillory, by elissa washuta, by alexandra andrews, by gabriel krauze, by jesse mccarthy, by gabrielle union, by lesley chow.

This project is led by Lucy Feldman and Annabel Gutterman, with writing, reporting and additional editing by Eliza Berman, Kelly Conniff, Mariah Espada, Lori Fradkin, Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath, Cady Lang, Nik Popli, Arianna Rebolini, Lucas Wittmann and Julia Zorthian; art and photography editing by Whitney Matewe and Jennifer Prandato; and production by Paulina Cachero and Nadia Suleman.

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The 101 Best Book Covers of 2021

As chosen by our favorite book cover designers.

Well, friends, it’s been another tough year. But as we wind down 2021, it is useful to remember the good parts, the pleasures small and large that got us through. And yes, a beautifully designed book can be one of those pleasures—especially when we’re still spending more time at home than perhaps we would like.

So you know the drill. For the sixth year in a row, I asked a few of my favorite professional book cover designers (34 of my favorites, in fact) to choose their favorite covers of the last twelve months. They came back with a grand total of 101 glorious covers, representing work by 67 different designers for 54 different imprints. All of their picks, along with what they had to say about them, are below.

But as you may know if you’re a frequent Literary Hub reader, I also like stats, and therefore I have tallied the best of the best for you here. Feel free to skip that part if you’d just like to look at some pretty book art. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy:

The best of the best book covers:

First Place (tie, with 8 mentions each):

Anna North, Outlawed ; cover design by Rachel Willey (Bloomsbury, January) Pola Oloixarac, tr. Adam Morris,  Mona ; cover design by Thomas Colligan (FSG, March)

Second Place (6 mentions):

Kristen Arnett, With Teeth ; cover design by Lauren Peters-Collaer (Riverhead, June)

Third Place (5-way tie, with 5 mentions each):

Jonas Eika, After the Sun ; cover design by Lauren Peters-Collaer (Riverhead, August) Chang-Rae Lee, My Year Abroad ; cover design by Grace Han (Riverhead, February) Wole Soyinka, Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth ; cover design by Linda Huang (Pantheon, September) Joy Williams, Harrow ; cover design by Kelly Blair (Knopf, September) Richard Zenith, Pessoa: A Biography ; cover design by Yang Kim (Liveright, July)

Honorable Mentions (3-way tie, with 4 mentions each):

Melissa Broder, Milk Fed ; cover design by Jaya Miceli (Scribner, February) Tamara Shopsin, LaserWriter II ; cover design by Tamara Shopsin (MCD, October) Rebecca Solnit,  Orwell’s Roses ; cover design by Gray318 (Viking, October)

The presses with the most covers on the list:

First Place (12 mentions): Knopf

Second Place (8 mentions): Riverhead

Third Place (6 mentions): FSG

The designers with the most different covers on the list:

First Place (6 covers): Janet Hansen

Second Place (tie; 5 covers each): Lauren Peters-Collaer, Na Kim

Third Place (4 covers): Tom Etherington

The best month for book covers:

First Place (13 covers): September

Second Place (four-way tie; 10 covers each): February, March, July, August

Third Place (tie; 9 covers each): June, October

The full list:

This pop art collage style is definitely having a moment of popularity, and there’s no shortage of excellent designs to choose from. Rachel’s stands out to me because of the playfulness and surreal quality. The cover instantly drew me to this book and portrays the story perfectly.

– Lauren Harms

Love the collagey mash of Western and Magritte. Everything about this cover is so fun.

– June Park

This book stopped me in my tracks every time I passed it this year. The design is doing so much, so well, using surrealism, collage and color to deconstruct genre and gender archetypes.

– David Litman

The colors! The fonts! The texture! I am always drawn right to this cover whenever I see it in a bookstore. I want this as a poster. This says “Western” but also “not your grandpa’s Western.”

– Sarah Brody

Such a fresh and stylish take on the traditional western genre. Love the color palette and the surreal, almost dream-like effect of the collage.

Do I ever get past one of these lists without including Rachel Willey? Impossible.

I love how this cover plays with Western tropes—a cowboy hat, handkerchief, and slab serif typography—but then subverts them with a healthy dash of campiness and fun that you rarely see in the genre.

– Erik Carter

I feel like R.O Kwon’s quote applies to the cover design as well. So cool how Rachel takes elements that are familiar to us and makes it feel fresh.

– Grace Han

Mona is the best cover of the year. It is so iconic that they better hang this at the Hall of Fame.

There’s something so awesomely weird and psychedelic about this, it almost reminds me of a 70’s Polish movie poster. Beautiful, beautiful type and I love how the letter forms mirror the organic shapes of the illustration.

A colorful mess, I can’t stop staring.

– Tyler Comrie

Gorgeous! Fun! Fresh!

– Janet Hansen

Immediately eye-catching! The illustration and type here is so fun and striking.

This cover is so stunning. Every time I look at the face, I find something new in the art. The collage and lettering are both so strong they could exist as separate entities.

– Emily Mahon

Type and illustration working in perfect harmony.

– Luke Bird

Without question the best cover of the year.

This is so simple and clever! I love how the letters in the title make up the teeth!

– Laywan Kwan

Clever, oddball fun, with a biting edge (pun unavoidable).

– Allison Saltzman

Lauren did such a great job with this cover. The design is so whimsical and graphically eye-catching I can’t help but want to pick it up and give it a read.

– Jared Oriel

Effortlessly fun and bold.

It’s wonderful when the art and title work together as perfectly as they do on this cover.

– Colleen Reinhart

This jacket grabs my attention every time I see it. Such simplicity, and yet so much emotion in the shape of that mouth full of type.

– Kelly Blair

I’d rather not admit how many books I have purchased because of Lauren’s cover designs. Her work is always fresh and expertly crafted. I’m especially drawn to her use of color, and this title is no exception. It’s electric in person – a design that could easily turn muddy is crisp and legible. I want to know her pre-press secrets!

Vibrant colors and large type are every publishers’ favorite look but after a while it can be difficult to do it in a fresh and intriguing way—the beautiful rendering of the type on this cover combined with the intense contrasting colors makes this so effective.

Beautiful type, color palette, the whole package!

The colors remind be both of a psychedelic sunset and an oil-slick rainbow. The way the type seems to emerge and shine on its own immediately gives it dimension. I could spend forever looking at this cover.

I don’t know how Lauren came to be a designer, but she always seems to approach a book cover in a slightly unusual way—never reverting to a nice typeface on a nice picture. I love how this looks like 3D type poking through a sheet of tin foil that’s reflecting an amazing sunset.

– Jamie Keenan

I’m a sucker for perspective type and dimensional design; this is probably my favorite. Love the shapes, the texture and the off-register colors. This feels big in such a fun, funky way.

A particularly pleasing composition of shapes, colors, texture, and typography.

So many layers to get lost in, but what stands out is Grace’s type choice: the round characters match the five circular shapes. My eyes jump around in the best way

– Stephen Brayda

This cover is so playful, evocative, and incredibly beautifully crafted. The ultimate eye candy!

– Lauren Peters-Collaer

I love the way this cover conveys a subtle narrative through its teetering forms and type moving in all directions.

– Stephanie Ross

This is such a bright and dynamic design. Love the rich pink and chartreuse green, the zany arrangement of type and artwork, and the wonderful illustration. This title has a lot of text and Linda Huang did such a great job with it! Such a unique and sharp cover.

– Kelly Winton

You have to see it in real life! The colors are so vibrant. The way the elements are arranged is fun and playful, yet everything is clear and readable.

A really appealing, memorable color palette, and the long title is handled so well within the space.

OMG this is the longest title ever and I’m so inspired by how the type is really playful yet clearly legible among the spots of artwork. The masterful layout and simple color palette combine to give this cover so much wonderful, crazy energy.

The deft touch in the dance between type and image on this jacket pulls you in and along for the ride. This is such an energetic and elegant solution for a jacket with a long title.

I am totally captivated by this bizarre and beautiful image. The horse, the droplets, the strange physics at work—what is happening?? I love it.

The horse trapped in that black pool is such a sublime and devastating image. I also love how the choice of serif, with its bulbous terminals, complements the shape of the black blobs.

– Linda Huang

The combination of the lush green background and the surreal floating horse is incredible.

– Jenny Carrow

A classical layout and type treatment juxtaposed with a surreal & haunting image…and that green! Totally captivating.

– Sarahmay Wilkinson

Simple, elegant, smart. I’m intrigued.

A great modernist design and an original way to play with a portrait on a cover. Loved the title font treatment, the soft colors, and particularly enjoy how the subtitle looks like a stamp—such a perfect detail. Has a lovely depth and charm to it while also encompassing the subject’s enigmatic life.

Such a refreshing biography design.

The more you examine this cover, the more moments of intrigue draw you in. Yang really designed this ‘repeat pattern’ in a fun and fresh way with a truly vibrant color palette.

Love how the layers bring focus to Pessoa.

One of my favorite covers of the year. A gorgeous and super fresh take on a genre that we all know often leads to the overdone & everseen: “photo of a guy” + type. Each element is so carefully composed and clearly considered here—I can feel it! Yang Kim knocked this one out of the park.

Let us not forget about this early in the year cover with a brilliant, minimal, eye catching illustration that not only makes you want to read the book but also inspired you to frame it and place it up on your wall. Beautiful palette, bold design, iconic image.

– Nicole Caputo

Smart, funny, subversive, eye-catching—this cover is such a fantastic distillation.

Another instantly iconic cover, The retro type and the cheeky illustration make this a conversation starter for sure.

SO GOOD. What a perfect combination of image and colors and font.

I can’t stop looking at this. That horrible condensed Garamond, everything just a tiny bit lo-res and all the elements looking like they’re stuck on with no thought. I bet it took ages. It’s a brilliant cover.

So fun and approachable even with a limited palette.

Made me smile. Such a fresh take on a very specific visual language from the past.

Looks like someone had way too much fun here. Gotta love the commitment to form and technology.

Reminds me of an old box of chocolates, both simple & delicious. Gray318 never ceases to amaze and delight!

Incredibly beautiful marriage of typography and image. Simple but arresting.

Such a beauty! The woven flowers with the elegant san serif type is so pleasing to the eye. Love the rich but muted colors and the thorns on the stems. A timeless design.

A beautifully striking design that is almost just one color.

– Jaya Miceli

So clean and smart, I want to hold this but I’m afraid I’d tear the perfect paper folds.

I am a sucker for all-type, cut paper, Jamie Keenan covers.

– Ploy Siripant

A haunting cover, at once elegant and disturbing. I think it has so much power because it’s so succinct in its depiction of violence and trauma.

Whoa…that contemplative face and the deep tones of the art are beautiful. The way Sara introduced the element of surprise with the textured type and illustration makes it feel so fresh.

Perfect layout/cropping, stunning use of photography, illustration, and handlettering. This one is a real gut punch. There’s a silent scream here you can’t turn away from. What has this child seen??

– Alison Forner

The simplicity of this cover is deceiving—the scale and tension of the entirely hand-drawn elements create a beautifully compelling representation of its subject.

This achieves such a mood with such economy. The three Os used to convey the three different viewpoints is thrilling.

A minimalist master, Janet Hansen’s restraint knows no bounds!

The curling of the O to reveal a colorful woman—such a simple and effective way of communicating that there’s a story behind the story.

This has everything I like to see on a book cover: a bit of trompe l’oeil, something annoying like the O not being stuck down perfectly, something hidden to add a bit of intrigue, some ripped paper to give a hint of danger and some really small type to make the big type seem even bigger (and vice versa)—BINGO!

This cover is so clever. I love the subtle type treatment and the simplicity of the artwork and how it plays with the title perfectly. The artwork looks like a ship or could also be rocks which is such a smart way to get one’s attention. A cover that requires a closer look always wins me over.

Nice textures in an unexpected layout.

Always on board with a roaring tiger pattern.

What’s better than one tiger on a book cover? TWELVE TIGERS ON A BOOK COVER!

This cover is masterful in its avoidance of the obvious; It somehow evokes the experience of sharing food, crying, and graphic representation of the H Mart logo with barely any literal representation.

Na is so good at capturing the core of a text in the simplest yet most memorable way possible. Crying in H Mart is just another example of that and, I’m sure all my Asian fellows agree, deeply felt.

Such a brilliant composition and smart use of the image as part of the typography. Also comforting to see this particular image with the title.

A beautiful cover that lets us know that something is not quite right by how the image and the type seem to be flowing like an oil slick.

The way the oil slick (or soap bubble?) plays with the type makes this cover so intriguing and ominous while the bright colors invite the reader in and place is squarely in LA.

Excellent use of a three-dimensional object within a design, graceful combination of illustration and photography, and spot-on funny: we all peacock with our words.

I love the contradictions of this cover art: smart, but goofy; serious, but humorous; academic, but…not. It prompted me to see what it was about. Mountweazels! Who knew!? The two-dimensional peacock strutting under the weight of the three-dimensional book…taking on a little too much weight. Defiantly taunting the reader to question the authenticity of its cargo! Brilliant.

– Gretchen Mergenthaler

Only a few elements needed to elevate this. The empty space makes this design feel whole.

A beautiful 2021 update of Man Ray’s “Tears” photograph. Logically so wrong—tears are never this perfect—but aesthetically so right.

I spent a while staring at this cover and being impressed about the three eyes lining up perfectly. I feel like this one is deceptively simple and the cut out section reveals an inner truth only found in the book itself. Na Kim’s separate covers for each part of the trilogy are also fascinating, with different iterations of the same image.

This is just so good. The clean white type somehow manages to be serious and quirky at the same time and pairs beautifully with the manipulated image. I love how simple yet superbly effective the displacement/swap/tiling of the eyes is.

– Jamie Stafford-Hill

Double Trio: Love a Baldessarian blob. Each cover in this series has wonderful art.

Bold, courageous, clever and very original.

A super commercial book cover, but that doesn’t stop it looking great. About as vertical as you can get and I love how the image sits somewhere between photographic and illustrative for that blockbuster movie poster feel.

Another beautiful color palette! I think it can be hard for commercial thrillers to look new and different, and still invoke the category. David’s design expertly bridges both. It’s fresh, but iconic with a classic feel. Full of suspense, but warm and eye-catching.

Just mystifying! Na has given us a perfect jewel box to puzzle over, made tactile with touches of spot gloss.

– Ann Kirchner

I just want to touch it.

So beautiful. The weathered golden rays and textured painting with more modern type really hits that right balance of evoking a story from the past with a contemporary feel.

I’m obsessed with this typeface as well as the heavenly gold rays that make the cover seem to glow.

Like all of John’s work: bold, timeless, and brilliant.

Striking in its simplicity, brilliant in its execution. A welcome nod to classic fiction designs of the 1960s and 70s.

I’ve seen this I don’t know how many times this year and each time I love it again. The font, image and title all work perfectly together, and the black and pink on white really stands out on the shelf. Simple, bold, and clever.

So funny and clever. The pairing of the fonts and pacifier really make the cover pop.

Such a beautiful example of less being more. I almost hold my breath when I look at this jacket. The power of the figure looking out at the world through that O is memoir perfection.

Just so minimal and beautiful with clear consideration over every detail. Gorgeous, evocative palette and the little slice of face feels intriguing and emotional.

I love the mood Laywan creates here, pairing the Instagram feed with the serene photograph and topped with layered rain drops. It feels alluring and inviting, yet with an eeriness under it all.

A perfect expression of an instagram post rendered as book cover, and I love the addition of the water droplets that give it that extra dimension.

I really admire the overall effect of this art and particularly love how wonderful and idiosyncratic the type is.

This cover tickles every part of my brain, from the unique mark-making to the unusual palette. And that weird lettering—a script-stencil hybrid—shouldn’t work, but of course, Thomas pulls it off and the result is this strange, poetic work of art.

The color caught my eye right away; everything is so vivid that the cover almost vibrates.

I have no words.

The sky and dimensional illusion feels so cohesive. It’s so fun to look at!

Big book energy. Perfect.

I love how at once fresh and classical this is; the unexpected POV angle, the beautiful type, and the splash of red in the “a.” All the elements come together like a Hitchcockian, paranoid fantasy. I hear a suspenseful violin crescendo when I look at this jacket.

Damn. I love Dave Drummond’s concepts. Would the art work without the title? It would still be intriguing, and oddly beautiful. Clean, and messy. Clearly more than just a scribble…the right amount of shape and color variation to make the art “readable”…. so, yeah, maybe even without the title.

I love the juxtaposition between the rigid clinical type treatment and the fluidity of the image. The handwritten author name in purple seems like a small moment, until you realize the entire thing actually hinges on it. The design is mysterious and cerebral—exactly what I imagine a “field study” of humanity would look like.

A wholly unique cover, this one really caught my eye in store. There’s a great tension here: flat vs. dimensional, muted vs. bold…it’s all a touch awkward and, as a result, most intriguing.

Reptilian and human at the same time, a composition that controls your eye and an image that leaves you with so many questions. Brilliant.

I always love a book on a book cover, and there are so many here. It feels like you could get lost in the endless repetition.

Thoughtful, timely, stylish, duotone beauties. The slipcase with the spines “in formation” is worth seeking out. These already feel like a contemporary classic of series design.

I love Tom’s use of shapes and color blocking here. The cover feels so serene, and the muted palette is a nice touch.

Janet wins with this brilliant use of blind deboss for braille. The tactile quality matched with the optically distorting rays of purples makes for a simple but impactful cover.

Stunning use of typography.

In a market that is saturated with illustrated covers, this illustrated cover feels totally fresh with its minimal color palette and fun interweaving of type and image.

The book itself is physically small, light in your hand; with Lauren’s design, it becomes monumental.

I just keep trying to look over this…obstruction…(is it in my eye?)…to see who that man is. Talk about the viewer being put in the author’s head! Right-on cover imagery for this memoir.

I am usually ambivalent about bright, happy covers and see them as an industry necessity, but this cover just makes me smile. What makes it especially good is the rigor of the cut-paper aesthetic and the way the type is rendered with the same hand.

I don’t even know what to say, everything about this is perfect.

In an age when big type dominates, I love seeing a design that begs you to look closer and examine it. Instead of broadcasting to the reader, this design makes you do the work. The delicate imagery and imperfect type work together beautifully—each element is a clue left for the reader to explore and ponder why it’s there.

I love the handmade quality of the illustration and type, it makes the cover feel very intimate, which is perfect for the material.

This looks like an exquisite ransom note. The ornaments appear as if they were drawn by a feeble, bed-ridden hand, but Felix Koeberlin, the 10-year-old son of a type designer, provided the calligraphic inspiration.

Such a clean use of imagery, type and space. I love the confidence of this cover. It has a tension that makes me stop and read the title. A bit of quiet amongst the hundreds of books shouting at you from the shelves.

– Coralie Bickford-Smith

It’s hard not to stare back at this cover, and it’s the subtle adjustment in the pupils that really drive this design home.

Mesmerizing, with so many great little details.

Can you imagine receiving this in the mail? This (faux-fur) slipcase designed by Gabriele Wilson, for Elvira Navarro’s Rabbit Island , was meant to celebrate Two Lines Press’ first published book of 2021.

It’s red with big, white sans serif type and the handwritten dash of “a novel”—all things we’ve seen over and over. But you have never seen a cover like this before. It’s hard to believe a design could out-shock a title like Nightbitch , and Emily nailed it.

Every element is so precise, but still human, warm, with ephemera beautifully evocative of a time and place.

I am always a sucker for a title on an object and this design really engages me. It takes me back to being a child with my first carton of juice. Fits the tone of the book perfectly.

I feel like Joanne is the queen of picking stylish fonts! I also love the retro feel with the colors/pattern/texture, and the immediately recognizable stereotypical flying saucer.

This was my favorite book I read this year and I also loved the cover. It has such a sweeping feel that matches the novel’s epic tale. Love the romantic colors, smart type treatment, and grainy texture. Looks and feels like a classic.

I love all that empty black space and how the rigid lines turn a bit fiddly when they get chopped. A fitting book to start your freelance career with?

Love how the type works with the draping in the background.

Who doesn’t love some ripe tomatoes?

What can I say about this, except that I want to reach out and touch it! I haven’t seen the book in person, but I sincerely hope some cash was spent to emboss and spot gloss those sweat drops. Between the blocky black type that interacts with the sweat, the orange gradient, and the small scientific element that punctuates the subtitle, the design decisions here are incredibly complex, but the result is effortless.

The typography and colors are gorgeous. Everything just works out very nicely here.

Atmospheric and very arts and crafts—right up my street (yep, cover design is so subjective). I love the illustration and the depth. The type sings out. There’s quite a lot going on but the balance is great.

Beautiful and intriguing. Great use of metallic effects; the iridescent colors, but most of all that dense, dark, black hole, just sucks you in. That “A Novel” isn’t printed but only embossed on the final jacket is a small but nice touch that complements the overall simplicity of the design.

A book with 32 DIFFERENT COVERS. Good lord. This project makes me so happy I could cry.

Pure madness.

Every element in the collage is lovely, and it’s intriguing for what it leaves out. Beautiful use of color, and the idiosyncratic calligraphy is at once antique and new.

The dripping clouds are so intriguing. And beautifully paired with hand lettering that’s been delicately splattered with water.

Katya distills a complex topic so elegantly; I was deeply moved by the typographic transition from girlhood to selfhood.

It’s not an easy task to put copy over a painting that doesn’t distract or disappoint. The drippy lettering is full of character without compromising the art it sits on. I love it.

Flipping epic, full of energy perfect for the text. Feels so fresh.

One of the most playful covers I’ve ever seen, so full of life and wit. The placement of all those elements was probably heavily labored over, but it feels so incredibly effortless.

The illustrations by Manshen Lo are beautiful, but the way Jon has integrated them into the cover is what makes it such a success. The way that rounded font mirrors the smooth edges of the illustrative elements is particularly pleasing. Never an easy job to package the follow-up to a huge international bestseller. Feels really fresh.

The big type, the peachy color theme, and the floating suit and hat make this cover instantly iconic.

A refreshing and modern take on a historical biography.

Every time I come across this cover, I have the urge to touch it, to see if the Cray-Pa art would smudge onto my fingertips . . . the school-art-class feel of scratching off words in thick pastel, working through an adolescent tragedy. A perfect combination of hand lettering and art—abstract, but not—for this particular memoir.

Really loved this cover. The graphic simplicity had me from the start and it’s perfect for the story. When a cover is so beautifully thought through it makes me very happy.

This cover is so creepy yet beautiful! The inky-ness creates that ghostly atmosphere, while the trees remind us of a familiarly dark place…

Super simple, super moving. The black and gold are striking alone, but the use of negative space carries so much weight.

This cover just blows me away. The stunning illustration with the handwritten title and the understated author name makes this cover feel like a true work of art.

Unwrap the jacket for a full shelf of spine design that delights in every genre! It’s a book lover’s playground!

Simple, clean, classic . . . vintage yet modern. Fruit held up by the steady “Y” trunk? Am I reading too much into it? Does it matter? I want this cover art framed, poster-sized, hanging in my apartment . . . to make me feel like a hip, well-read lover of poetry.

More and more, I feel myself drawn to super bold designs. This design by Tristan has been an exception. Every time I see this cover I want to pick it up. I love the beautiful sky, elegant type and the little dots of sparkle on the print edition. It’s quietly powerful.

Love the playful illustration and use of neon ink.

The amount of feeling conveyed by the delicate composition of the painting and type here is remarkable. At first glance it feels serene, and then the sharp spikes and the air around the type vibrate with a palpable edge.

What IS this? I’m not totally sure but it looks fantastic in real life. The metallic effects and tactile finish are just brilliant.

This cover evokes such strong feelings of creativity through its use of organic shapes, sense of space, and typography, that makes this cover feel all the more three-dimensional.

Stunning use of negative space and a trompe l’oeil effect. Topped with the book’s inquisitive title, the cover is irresistibly charming.

Both the US and the UK versions of this cover are fantastic, but I adore the missing woman’s head, the scrawled sideways title, and the combination of danger and whimsy in this version.

I love the colors, illustration style, and gradient background. I think it’s a sophisticated twist on the illustrated romance covers.

I love how the art and type were kept monochromatic which highlight the interplay of the gorgeous colors on this piece.

Love the minimalist approach and the tiny peaks through the curtains.

I love the dimensionality, minimalism and the perceived motion of that phone left swinging off the hook.

Another great illustrated cover! The characters’ expressions are perfect, as is the stacked title.

The slow reveal of the snake gets me every time I look at this jacket. There’s such a perfect balance of tension between the exuberant color palette and that lurking snake.

Everything about this cover is brilliant, the pink, the creepily cropped photograph and the slight overlap of the white dots and the type.

Emily Temple

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Book Title Generator

10,000+ good book titles to inspire you..

Generate a random story title that’s relevant to your genre. You can pick between fantasy, crime, mystery, romance, or sci-fi. Simply click the button below to get started.

The International Bestseller

Mystery of the Three-Inch Tourists

How to come up with book title ideas.

Need an original book title, and fast? We got you. Here are 8 ways to come up with book title ideas. 

1. Start free writing to find keywords

Write absolutely anything that comes into your head: words, phrases, names, places, adjectives — the works. You’ll be surprised how much workable content comes out from such a strange exercise.

2. Experiment with word patterns

Obviously, we’re not advocating plagiarism, but try playing around with formats like:

“The _____ of _______”

“______ and the _____”

These will work for certain genres, though they are by no means the only patterns you can play around with. Have you noticed how many blockbuster thrillers these days feature the word “woman” or “ girl” somewhere in the title?

3. Draw inspiration from your characters 

If your central character has a quirky name or a title (like Doctor or Detective) you can definitely incorporate this into your book title. Just look at Jane Eyre, Percy Jackson, or Harry Potter, for instance — working with one or more or your characters’ names is a surefire way to get some title ideas down. Equally, you can add a little detail, like Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure, to add a little color to a name and make it title-worthy.

4. Keep your setting in mind

Is your book set somewhere particularly interesting or significant? Even if your title isn’t just where the action takes place (like Middlemarch by George Eliot), it’s something to have in the back of your mind. You can include other details, like The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum or Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay, to give your readers a sense of action and character, as well as setting (which tend to be linked).

5. Look for book title ideas in famous phrases 

Think Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird here — this is a central symbol and significant piece of dialogue in the novel. It’s enigmatic (what does it even mean? Is it a warning? An instruction?) and makes us really sit up when these words appear in the text itself. Try and think of your inspiration for writing your book or sum up your central theme in a few words, and see if these inspire anything.

6. Analyze the book titles of other books

You might be surprised at how many books refer to other works in their titles ( The Fault in Our Stars by John Green comes from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar , and Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men takes its inspiration from a Robert Burns poem). Going this route allows authors to use an already beautiful and poetic turn of phrase that alludes to a theme in their own book. From Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls to Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials , so many books have used this technique that might also work for you.

7. Don’t forget the subtitle

In non-fiction publishing, there’s a trend of evocative or abstract titles, followed by a subtitle that communicates the content (and is packed with delicious keywords that the Amazon search engine can’t resist). This is also another way to get around long titles — and to add a little panache to an otherwise dry subject matter. In the United States, it’s also quite common to have “A Novel” as a subtitle (if, you know, it’s a novel). In the United Kingdom, this practice is much rarer.

8. Generate a book name through a book title generator

If you’ve gone through all of the above and are still wringing out your brain trying to come up with the golden formula — fear not! There are other ways to get the cogs whirring and inspiration brewing, such as title generators.

And speaking of cogs whirring, let us present you with the...

15 best book titles of all time

Witty, eye-catching, memorable — these famous book titles have it all. Without further ado, here are 15 best book titles you can take inspiration from.

• I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• East of Eden by John Steinbeck
• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
• The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
• Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
• The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

Looking for even more story title ideas?

If you’re agonizing over your book title, you’re not alone! Some of the best book titles today emerged only after much teeth gnashing. The Sun Also Rises was once titled Fiesta ; Pride and Prejudice was once First Impressions . Then there was F. Scott Fitzgerald, who reportedly took forever to think of a good title. He ultimately discarded a dozen ( Gold-Hatted Gatsby , The High-Bouncing Lover , and Trimalchio in West Egg included) before reluctantly picking The Great Gatsby .

So it’s tough out there for a novelist, which is why we built this generator: to try and give you some inspiration. Any of the titles that you score through it are yours to use. We’d be even more delighted if you dropped us the success story at [email protected] ! If you find that you need even more of a spark beyond our generator, the Internet’s got you covered. Here are some of our other favorite generators on the web:

Fantasy Book Title Generators : Fantasy Name Generator , Serendipity: Fantasy Novel Titles

• Sci-Fi Novel Title Generators : Book Title Creator , Story Title Generator

Romance Book Title Generators : Romance Title Generator

Crime Book Title Generators : Tara Sparling’s Crime Thriller Titles , Ruddenberg’s Generator

Mystery Novel Title Generators : The Generator .

Or if you think that generators are fun and all — but that you’d rather create your own book title? Great 👍 Kick off with this post, which is all about how to choose your book title . And once you've got the words down, make sure you capitalize your title correctly .

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100+ Bookstagram Name Ideas (+FREE Generator)

This blog post contains affiliate links, no extra cost to you, thank you for your support!

100 Bookstagram Name Ideas That Make You Stand Out

Bookstagram name ideas are pretty hard to come by. The platform is growing everyday and the bookstagram name idea that you have may already be taken. 

What should I name my bookstagram?  

This article aims to be your guide on the best bookstagram usernames for your account. I’ve added a list of bookstagrams you can draw inspiration from name categories you might like.

I’ll also share with you ways to pick the perfect bookstagram name (please do not make the mistake I did!) and of course, some bookstagram name suggestions that I curated and hopefully they will be still available by the time you read this! 

First come, first serve!

Related Posts:

Ultimate Bookstagram Guide: How To Start A Bookstagram (7 Beginner Friendly Steps)

• 250+ Bookstagram Hashtags And How To Use Them (The Ultimate Guide)
• 8 Must-Know Bookstagram Tips For Beginners (Read Before Starting A Bookstagram)
• How To Become A Book Influencer (Hint: Anyone Can Do It)
• 5 Bookstagram Bio Ideas To Try In 2022
• 101 Engaging Questions To Ask On Bookstagram (QOTD)
• 20 Easy Bookstagram Ideas For Beginners
• Buddy Reading: 6 Steps Every Bookstagrammer Needs To Know
• Do Bookstagrammers Make Money? (6 Surprising Ways)
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• Receive 2 audiobook credits  with my code:  BREWING  on Libro.fm!

Bookstagram Name Ideas With Your Name In It

To be honest, you can proceed with your name itself as the bookstagram username like what I did ( @soniasingh_ ). 

But to make it more interesting, you could add some bookish words to your name like the below accounts did:

• @whatafireads
• @anvitascorner
• @bookstarbri
• @jilliannesreadingspace
• @kaths_shelf
• @linathebookaddict
• @hancollectsclassics
• @bettyandthebooks
• @thebookishmeg
• @bookedbyalice

FOR YOU: 20 Easy Bookstagram Post Ideas For Beginners

Based on the above list, what you can do is incorporate your name with these book related words. 

Don’t worry about being unoriginal, these bookish names are quite common and accepted in the bookish community, it will also be easy for people to remember you!

However, if you have a common name, these usernames might be taken.

• (yourname)reads
• (yourname)corner/readingspace
• (yourname)shelf
• bookish(yourname)
• bookaddict(yourname)
• bookrecsby(yourname)
• (yourname)isreading
• readwith(yourname)
• (yourname)reads(genre)
• (yourname)readsnrambles

FOR YOU: 8 Must-Know Bookstagram Tips For Beginners (Read Before Starting A Bookstagram)

Bookstagram Name Ideas Related To Books And Reading

This category of bookstagram names has book and reading related terms such as pages, shelf, bookish, biblio, shelfie, pen, paperback, chapters, library, literature, lit, writer, writing, reading, reads and the list goes on!

Here are some accounts to inspire you:

• @thebookorchestra
• @honeychapters 
• @readbydusk
• @unwindandread 
• @literature.and.lace
• @literaryoverflow
• @paperbackboy
• @travel.by.pages
• @orchidslibrary

Bookstagram Name Ideas Related To Bookish Things

Bookstagram usernames ideas for book lovers in this category are more towards b ookish items such as coffee, tea, candles, plants, flowers, pets, shelf and more.

• @teabooksandreviews  
• @the.caffeinated.reader
• @be_yourshelf
• @flowersandfiction
• @bookandchaai
• @_shelflove_
• @pawsitivelybookish
• @greenteareader
• @bookcandlescats
• @bookbookowl

Bookstagram Name Ideas Related To A Specific Genre

Bookstagram names that incorporate genres such as fantasy, romance, historical fiction, asian literature and many more. 

Here are some examples to inspire you:

• @darkfaerietales
• @gretareadsromance
• @throne_of.books
• @books.coffee.fantasy
• @fantasybound_
• @romance.reader
• @nonfirqtion
• @fictionmatters
• @thoroughlyfantasy 
• @dark.romance.reads

FOR YOU: B uddy Reading: 6 Steps Every Bookstagrammer Needs To Know

Bookstagram Name Ideas With Book Titles And Characters

Here are some usernames for bookworms that incorporate your favourite book titles, series characters and fandoms!

• @camyypotter
• @courtofbooklove
• @_game_of_books
• @mrsgreenbriars_books
• @elfhame.stories
• @heroes_of_olympus.pjo
• @gryffindorgirl7
• @chronicles.of.a.bookworm
• @book.hobbit
• @bookish_elf_princess

FOR YOU: 101 Engaging Questions To Ask On Bookstagram (QOTD)

Aesthetic Book Usernames For Your Bookstagram

• @twistedpages
• @vintagelibrary
• @wanderlustpages
• @enchantingchapters
• @lostinfiction
• @moonlightreading
• @readatdawn
• @celestialbooklover
• @lostinliterary
• @enchantedshelves
• @whimsicalreader
• @dreamytales
• @poeticescape
• @midnightchapter
• @wordwhisperer
• @bloomingbooks
• @stacksofwonder
• @inaworldofpages
• @readbetweenthelines
• @inkandpages

Don’t forget to mix and match these aesthetic bookish terms to create a personalized username that best fits your aesthetic!

Some Available Bookstagram Usernames Generated For You

I came up with some usernames for book lovers but by the time you are reading this, they might no longer be available. First come, first serve basis! 

Some usernames I came up with (first come, first serve or you can mix and match the words below):

• @twilightshelf
• @bookedbycaffeine
• @asianlitreads
• @ireadfantasy
• @readingatdawn
• @reviewsandchai
• @readreviewcoffee
• @bookstagirl 
• @reviewsandscents 
• @floralteareviews

How To Pick A Bookstagram Name?

There are a few things you might want to consider when choosing a bookstagram username:

1. Don’t Settle With The First Idea.

Note that I used the word shortlist in the title because really, don’t hop on the first idea you have that’s available. You don’t want to regret it later. 

Yes you can always change your bookstagram name but it is best you stick to one and not keep changing so that it will be easy for people to find you when they search your username.

This brings me to my next point…

2. Check Availability On Other Social Media Platforms.

You want to quickly grab that username on other platforms you might want to experiment with in the future , such as, youtube, twitter, pinterest and tiktok. 

Doesn’t matter if you don’t end up creating bookish content on other platforms, you’ll at least have the username if you happen to change your mind.

You can even go the extra mile by purchasing a domain once you are set on the bookstagram name idea. 

Don’t be like me! Please learn from my mistakes! 

I really liked the name brewingwriter for my blog because I love coffee, books and writing too. However my bookstagram handle has always been @soniasingh_ and the brewingwriter handle is taken on bookstagram! It’s pretty annoying when I think about it and people may not easily find me on all social media platforms because of brand inconsistency .

3. Keep It Short And Sweet

Want to grow a following? Make sure your username is simple enough to remember .

The length of it matters too, 2-3 words would be ideal.

Not only that, it should be easy to spell out and search for. You want to make yourself as visible as possible if your aim is to grow a bookstagram following.

4. Name Should Showcase Who You Truly Are.

For those who don’t end up choosing a username with their name in it (eg: @zarareadshere ), making sure your bookstagram name reflects your personality or genres that you read is highly important (eg: @biblio_mom , @romancelibrary , @booksandskittles )

Your bookstagram name is the fastest and easiest way for someone to resonate with you .

If you bookstagram name has words like “books” and “coffee”, than you’re most likely going to be followed by someone who loves both.

Bookstagram Name Generator

I had a lot of fun creating this bookstagram username generator. I hope this helps you find the perfect bookstagram name.

And if it doesn’t, you can always try other generators or just take some words from this one as an inspiration.

Bookstagram Username Generator

Some suggestions for the first word of your bookstagram username:

• (Your Name)
• Caffeinated

It’s so cool to see some of the fun usernames the bookstagram generator I created come up with.

Here are my favourites bookish usernames generated by the above generator:

• LoveReadingSpice
• SoniaSpiceCaffeine
• TheRomanceWitches
• TheEnchantedPaperback

How To Use A Bookstagram Name Generator To Get Your Aesthetic Book Username

Still unable to come up with a bookstagram name?

If you still are feeling uninspired and indecisive, maybe it’s time to try out a some available generators across the internet that will help you come up with a few names for your bookstagram.

Step 1: Find An Instagram Username Generator (or any social media/brand name generator)

Here some username generators you can try to help you come up with some bookstagram name ideas:

• Name4Brands
• NameGenerators
• Business Name Generator

Step 2: Input Words Relevant To Your Bookish Aesthetic

Not sure what words to use? Scroll back up and go through the list of 100 names in this post and extract a few bookish terms you highly resonate with!

For example, I input the words – rose, love and books into namelix and managed to find a few suggestions such as “petalpages”, “charmingpages” “bloomingbooks” . I was really happy with the results generated!

Step 3: Check If These Names Are Available on Bookstagram

It is best to check if the names you’re happy with are not taken on other social platforms such as booktok and booktube.

Go the extra mile and check if the domain name is available , incase you want to set up a book blog in the future or sell your own bookish products.

Read More: 350+ Book Blog Name Ideas That Stand Out (2023)

Wrap Up: Bookstagram Username Ideas

Bookstagram name ideas aren’t easy to come by. I hope the above names and tools have inspired you to pick the right one for you.

There’s a ton of inspiration you can get from existing accounts. If instagram doesn’t inspire you enough, check out bookstagram names on Youtube and Twitter too. 

Maybe a combination of more sources may spark an idea in you.

More Bookstagram Tips To Help You:

Hi there, i'm Sonia. The founder and author at Brewing Writer, a blog that features detailed book reviews, bookstagram tips, book blogging tips, thoughtfully curated book lists (which my readers love!) and cozy aesthetic photography that’ll make you crave a cup of coffee and a good book.

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Observe Memorial Day with these events in southern Maine

Tons of towns have parades and ceremonies happening Monday.

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Kids and adults gathered at the Memorial Day parade to honor and celebrate veterans in South Portland. Sofia Aldinio/ Staff Photographer

BATH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at 200 Congress Ave. and concludes at Library Park and will be followed by a wreath-laying service at 11 a.m.

BERWICK 11 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at Berwick Town Hall/Sullivan Square and proceeds to Lord’s Cemetery by way of Wilson and Allen streets. After a ceremony there, the parade will continue down Saw Mill Hill Street with a pause at the Somersworth-Berwick Bridge for a brief memorial service for those lost at sea. The parade ends at Sullivan Square with a memorial service honoring area veterans.

BIDDEFORD-SACO Opening ceremony at 9:55 a.m. Monday at Saco City Hall. Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Saco City Hall and proceeds along Main Street and down York Hill into Biddeford, continues along Main Street, onto Alfred Street and finishes at Veteran’s Memorial Park with a closing ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

BRUNSWICK-TOPSHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Topsham Town Hall, pauses for observances while crossing the Brunswick-Topsham bridge and concludes at the Brunswick Mall.

CAPE ELIZABETH 9 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at the middle school parking lot, turns right on Scott Dyer Road, right onto Route 77 and ends at the village green adjacent to the town hall. A brief ceremony and laying of the wreath will be held at the Village Green after the parade.

CUMBERLAND 8 a.m. Monday. Kids run at Greely High School followed by 5K Run and Remember race at 8:30 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Mabel I. Wilson School and ends at the veterans’ monument in Moss Side Cemetery in Cumberland Center, where a ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Advertisement

FALMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from 65 Depot Road (Falmouth American Legion) to Pine Grove Park, where a ceremony will be held.

FREEPORT 9:30 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Holbrook Street, heads north on Main and makes a right onto School Street, then right onto Park Street, ending in Memorial Park. There will be a small ceremony in the Memorial Park starting at 10 a.m.

GORHAM 11 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Village School (12 Robie St.) and ends at Eastern Cemetery on Johnson Road.

GRAY 11:30 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves the Russell School (8 Gray Park), proceeds to Shaker Road and continues to the Soldiers Monument at the intersection of Routes 26 and 3 for a wreath-laying ceremony. Parade continues north to the American Legion Post (15 Lewiston Road) for a closing ceremony.

LYMAN 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at Waterhouse Road/Mill Pond in Goodwins Mills and ends at the Lyman Town Hall on South Waterboro Road.

NEW GLOUCESTER 9 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Memorial Elementary School (86 Intervale Road) and heads down Intervale Road to Route 100/202 to Veterans Park for a memorial service. The parade will reconvene and go down Peacock Hill Road, then take a left on Gilmore Road. Advertisement

OLD ORCHARD BEACH 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at the corner of Ballpark Way and E. Emerson Cumming Boulevard and proceeds down Saco Avenue, Old Orchard Beach Street to First Street and ends at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

PORTLAND 2 p.m. Monday. The procession starts at Longfellow School (432 Stevens Ave.) and ends at Evergreen Cemetery for a commemoration ceremony.

SANFORD 10 a.m. Monday. The parade starts at the Sanford Armory (88 William Oscar Emery Drive), proceeds up Gowen Park Drive and ends at Central Park.

SCARBOROUGH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Scarborough High School, turns onto Route 114 and then Route 1, past town offices to the Maine Veterans Home and concludes with a ceremony there.

SOUTH PORTLAND 10:30 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Southern Maine Community College parking lot, proceeds down Broadway to the Veterans Monument for a short Memorial Day recognition service.

WELLS 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Wells High School (200 Sanford Road) and proceeds to Ocean View Cemetery for a ceremony and musical performances. Advertisement

WESTBROOK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds down Main Street and will be followed by a ceremony in Riverbank Park.

WINDHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Windham Town Hall and proceeds onto Route 202 towards Windham High School. At 10 a.m., there will be a ceremony in front of Windham’s Veterans Memorial Flagpole at Windham High School.

YARMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Yarmouth High School (286 West Elm St.) and proceeds to the Memorial Green at Town Hall for a ceremony.

YORK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts near St. Christopher’s Church (4 Barrell Lane) and proceeds down York Street to York Town Hall.

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Portland City Council clears the way for demolition of former children’s museum

The 14 biggest outdoor concerts coming to maine this summer, skeletal remains found on gorham property, third candidate challenges angus king for u.s. senate seat, persistent ospreys rebuild on bath utility pole after eviction by cmp, daily headlines.

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35 One-of-a-Kind 60th Birthday Gifts for Anyone Celebrating The Major Milestone

Show someone you know whose ringing in the big 6-0 just how much you love them with any of these gift picks!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The traditional birthday gift is diamonds (similar to a 60th wedding anniversary ), but if they're out of your budget, we've got plenty of 60th birthday gift ideas for you to choose from instead that'll leave the birthday boy or girl absolutely beaming! And although we have some options that are pricier than others, with budget-friendly picks on the list, it's clear you don't have to drop a lot of dough to give a fun and unique gift to honor those born in 1964.

Of course, if you're in need of more inspiration, you can always check out our more specific gift guides, like gifts for siblings , gifts for sisters , gifts for husbands and gifts for cousins , which can help you find other options based on your relationship to the celebrant. But if you're looking to keep things simple, just know that there are perfect present ideas for every kind of person turning the big 6-0 in this roundup as well.

Now all you need to do is get the perfect birthday card (we have one of those here too BTW!), and write a sweet message honoring their incredible life so far, and everything that's about to come their way!

Amazon Echo Dot

With over 82,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the 5th generation Echo Dot is filled with reviews calling it a "home essential". The newest design, credited for being sleeker with improved audio than previous ones, can play music, share news and weather reports, set alarms and times and sync up to other smart home devices.

RELATED : The 38 Best Gifts on Amazon for Any and Every Occasion

Show Your Spirit! College Can-Shaped Glass Set

Whether it holds iced coffee or an iced cold beer, these college-themed can-shaped glasses, which come in sets of 2, are a must for the proud alumnae who always is up to show some school spirit.

My Life Story - So Far

This fill-in-the-blank journal can be a gift in two ways. You can either leave it blank and then fill it out with the birthday boy or girl together or you can fill it out ahead of time by using your own knowledge and asking friends and family, and gift when it's a completed journal of their life's moments, milestones and memories. The choice is up to you!

Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0

After a hard workout or even just a long day on their feet, they'll love breaking this bad boy out, which has three different attachment heads, to target tight muscles and sore areas on the body. Although it's not as versatile as some of the larger ones on the market, the Theragun's compact size makes for easy storage and easy maneuvering. It even connects via Bluetooth to the Therabody app for guided treatment routines.

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Saatva Classic

Although it's certainly not the gift choice you can get for anyone turning 60, for Mom or Dad who are constantly complaining about not sleeping well, or about all the aches and pains they seem to have these days after a fitful night of sleep, you can go wrong. Rated the "Best Overall Mattress of 2024" by our Lab experts , this top recommendation earned high scores for comfort and support from long-term users, has good breathability to prevent overheating and even comes with free delivery and set-up. It might not be the most budget-friendly pick on the list, but if there's ever a time to splurge, a 60th birthday seems appropriate!

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Maelstrom Maelstrom Travel Backpack, Pink, Large

Perfect for a trip to the beach, the golf course or simply to the gym, a sturdy but sleek bag that can carry everything from a pair of shoes to a laptop is a great pick for the person always on the go. This backpack, which is available in two different sizes and five colors, has a detachment shoe compartment that clips on to the front of the bag, a padded compartment to safely store a computer, is compact enough to store easily in the overhead storage compartment on a plane and can be adjusted to act as a cross-body for everyday use.

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JoncAye Pickleball Paddles

For the birthday boy who simply can't stop talking about Pickleball, this set will have him itching to get out on the court to start a game. For an added touch, if he's a beginner, throw in a few lessons to help him sharpen up his skills.

Flickback 1964 Trivia Playing Cards

Time to head back to the 60s! Each card features an item or icon from the decade, along with a piece of trivia. The answers are on a totally different card, making it even more fun.

Personalized Recipe Cutting Board

Take a favorite handwritten recipe and have it engraved on a cutting board she can use when making that very dish. The board also makes for some lovely kitchen decor if she deems it too special to actually use. As an extra touch, you can go a step further and gift the ingredients of said recipe, so she can start cooking ASAP.

For What It's Worth Print

The quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald can be put in a frame to remind them that their best years are ahead of them. There's still time to see and be all the things.

Birthstone Wishing Ball

Each of the beautiful glass-blown glass balls come with 52-pieces of paper so they can write down a wish or sentiment each week to reflect on.

1963: What A Year To Be Born

A truly unprecedented year, this book looks back at everything that happened during 1963, and includes speeches, inventions and major moments in history.

Initial Name Necklace

Get her initial and birthday engraved on this best-selling necklace. You can customize it with any date really, if you want to go with a sentimental time between you two.

Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story

Now's a good a time as any to have your parents sit back and reflect on their lives. This journal, which also comes in an option for moms , includes questions and prompts for them to fill out so you'll have their history in the books to cherish forever.

Antique Glass Bottle Hummingbird Feeder

This is really a unique gift for anyone, but especially someone in their 60s who is taking the time to enjoy the little things in life more.

The Book of Everyone 60th Birthday

For a personalized gift that will really wow them, go with this book. You fill in their name and birthday, and get to pick photos and messages you want featured. You even get to choose how the cover looks.

60th Birthday Wine Labels

Turn bottles of wine into something festive with these inexpensive labels. You'll get four that can easily be attached to any of their favorite brands to make sipping more fun.

Classic Tennis Bracelet

Ah, get the look of diamonds without the expense. Made from 14-K gold and cubic zirconia, this bracelet has over 15,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. It's also available in different finishes.

Happy 60th Birthday Candle

For just a little something to make her smile, this candle will do the trick. It does have a scent to it, although the brand only describes it as "serenity." What's more, once she's done burning the candle, she can even reuse the jar!

60th Birthday Milestone Bracelet

As the card on the box says, lapis represents strength and wisdom, two things she definitely has now that she's 60.

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Review Highlights

“ Cozy , hip vibe and lovely selection of wines and small plates! ” in 3 reviews

“ Great little place in East Sac for some unique wine and delicious small plates of food. ” in 4 reviews

“ So excited to see a new wine bar in Sacramento that doesn't focus on natural wines. ” in 2 reviews

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3610 McKinley Blvd

Sacramento, CA 95816

East Sacramento

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Overall rating

Great service awesome food. Split 4 tapas. Carrot dish three ways was incredible. Chicken was friend to perfection. Delicious and cute spot.

This little wine bar occupies the location that was formerly Celestin's- we like the proximity to our neighborhood, and it's just a few doors down from the East Village Bookstore. Recommend spending an afternoon exploring the bookstore followed by some drinks at The Nook. There is also an outdoor picnic table area for folks who want to bring their dog, but it is on the parking lot so beware of pavement temps. I can't speak to the food menu, as we have only stopped in for drinks before. Overall, there is a decent selection of wines (red/white/sparkling), as well as beers, ciders, and even mocktails. During our most recent visit, my husband was interested in the vermouth. The bartender created a cocktail that was the grapefruit vermouth + sparkling wine- it was such a refreshing spritz, and we really appreciated the personal recommendation. Service here has been great each time we have visited. Pricing is a bit more expensive compared to wine bars in midtown- expected given its East Sac location. The vibes and aesthetic of the indoor space is a little confused- featuring decor such as damask ceiling hangings, resin wall art, eclectic 3D wall art, and overhead lights that are a little too bright for a wine bar.

All this review can speak to is the ambience, customer service, and the bottle of wine my friend and I shared. We actually did not end up eating anything because we got lost deep in conversation and ended up just drinking a bottle of wine. Oops! The server was very kind and did not try to upsell us. We ended up sitting and talking for almost 3 hours and were the last ones to leave, but again, the server did not rush us out. The bottle of wine - a Spanish-style red - we shared was delicious and came recommended from the server. All in all the vibe is very relaxed and it's a nice little spot to have a intimate date or catch-up session with a friend. Definitely come check it out!

Terrific little place for wine and a bite. Food was delicious and the owner was friendly as well. Will definitely return.

I went to this place because of a Groupon and beware, this place is not aware of their presence on Groupon. However, they were nice and accommodating and still gave us the offer. Which was 2 glasses of wine and a charcuterie board. However, there is no charcuterie on the menu which was why they were confused. But they were sooo nice and put together something for us, so we definitely had to get something off the menu. Overall, service was great, the place was small and intimate, but a bit pricy for the value.

The cutest little neighborhood wine bar! We were looking for a place to go to get a drink and a bite...at 3pm on a Tuesday. We came across the Nook and figured we'd head over and try it. Because of the timing it was empty when we arrived but we were quickly greeted and told to sit wherever. (They have a cute outdoor patio but it was chilly so we sat inside.) After looking at the menu we decided to order a flight of 3 wines. I chose the sparkling rose, the Tosca (similar to an oakey Chardonnay with a wild nose) and the bars Honda monsarell (most similar to a Pinot noir). Our server/who runs the front of the house was really knowledgeable about all the wine on the menu and offered a ton of recommendations. We opted to order to the patatas bravas for a little snack. I feel like most places serve thicker potato chunks but these patatas bravas were kind of like chips - they were absolutely delicious! If we lived closer, I imagine we would walk here all the time! It's about a 15 minute drive for us so I definitely see us going back again soon. Would love to try more of the food options!

Classy, unique, fancy-smancy. Lots of unique Spanish wines with small plates. They are super helpful since you might not recognize most of the wine. Pairing suggestions are great too. Friendly, well paced service for a conversational light meal. The selection of tinned fish and caviar was good.

Super cute little hole in the wall. Service was above and beyond, super helpful with wine and food suggestions. Food was 10/10. Our first time having a tin with bread and pickled vegetables, soo good.

I love supporting local shops. They have coffee now, which is a perfect stop after dropping the kiddo off at school. I got the iced oat milk lavender latte. It was very good. The owner was inside and very friendly. Now I need to come by for an evening wine night.

Lavender latte

I returned to the Nook recently and it was a much different experience. I received a warm greeting and the staff couldn't have been nicer. They shared thoughts about the wine on the menu, much of which was from a label I had not heard of called Anonimo . It was delicious. From the food menu, the Shrimp Gambas was fantastic. Overall, it was a very different experience from the previous couple of visits and I appreciate that! We will be back.

I'm rooting for this place and I know they're just getting started. I had one pretty good experience and one terrible experience. First experience was with my wife on a Saturday evening. It was quite busy. The wine selection is very good. Food is pretty good, especially the roasted carrots and the patatas bravas. The only thing was the noise level inside was way too loud with dance/electronic music playing forcing people to talk LOUD. There's a noisy buzz and then there's headache inducing. But hey, they're still figuring things out. A week and a half later I went on my own around 5:00. It was mostly empty. I walked in but did not receive much of a welcome. I sat at the bar. I was ready for friendly conversation and mentioned to the server the menu had changed and a pinot noir I really liked from my last visit was gone. He said they might have run out. I told him that's a great problem to have. At that point perhaps it was a chance to suggest something else or engage me further since I was a returning customer? It's a wine bar! But no. Silence. I ordered a wine and it was brought to me. After that, nothing. No asking if I enjoyed it or if I wanted food. I was ignored. Again, the place was empty. I truly felt unwelcome. Maybe I'm not the demographic they want. A nice waitress who just came on duty asked if I wanted another glass and I shared my experience with her. But at that point I just wanted to pay and leave. That original server I had will bring the place down.

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‘Seinfeld’ star Michael Richards: I yelled racist remarks because heckler said I wasn’t funny

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“Seinfeld” star Michael Richards obliquely opens up about his notorious racist tirade in his upcoming memoir, “ Entrances and Exits .”

The 74-year-old, who played Kramer, lashed out —  unleashing a stream of racial slurs — at a comedy club audience that heckled him in 2006.

Richards writes that he was still smarting from the failure of his post-“Seinfeld” sitcom “The Michael Richards Show,” which lasted only eight episodes in 2000 — despite there being six years between the series’ cancellation and the incident at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.

The comedian writes that, during his set, he heard talking coming from the balcony and yelled “Shut the f–k up!” to the delight of the audience.

He then heard someone from the balcony call out: “‘You’re not funny. We don’t think you’re very funny!'”

Richards writes that he took the remark “pretty hard. A solid punch below the belt.”

Although he does not detail what he said in the book, video from the night shows him saying, “Fifty years ago we’d have you upside down with a f–king fork up your ass” and calling one of the hecklers the n-word.

“Of course, looking back at all, I wish I had just agreed with him,” Richards writes of the audience member.

“He went low and I went even lower,” he writes. “We both ended up at the bottom of the barrel.”

The Emmy winner shares that, after the shocking incident the words “You’re not funny” kept running through his mind.

“He laid it out so clearly, so simply, my biggest fear — not being funny,” he writes. “Later, I’ll come to realize that all of this, everything he said, is me. His voice is my voice. This is all ME going on. My inferiority sets in. My anger erupts.”

After footage of the incident began to circulate three days later, the comedian appeared on the “Late Show with David Letterman” to apologize.

Richards writes that his “Seinfeld” cast mates Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander and Julia Louis-Dreyfus all reach out but he was “embarrassed” and “concerned about the mess spilling onto them.”

He declined any interviews at the time and, on the advice of actress Frances Fisher, retreated to Mexico for several weeks of soul-searching. Richards and his girlfriend also visited Cambodia, India and Thailand, seemingly on a spiritual quest.

The actor confesses that he has “some regrets” but believes in the “continuity of the Soul, writing that “screwups in life are necessary …

Richards made a rare red-carpet appearance with his old cast mate Jerry Seinfeld at the premiere of the latter’s movie “Unfrosted.”

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