C. N. Garraway

Photo by: Sheikh Sahin

Do you struggle with writing book reviews? Do you ever find it hard to go beyond simply saying, “I liked this book”?

Most of the time, I enjoy a poem, story, or novel without immediately knowing why. I just know it was great—I couldn’t put it down. But as readers, we know that authors want more than just “It was good.” They want to understand what worked, what resonated, and why.

For me, breaking down exactly why I liked a book has always been a challenge. Recently, though, I’ve started asking myself specific questions to help clarify my thoughts. Do I enjoy the characters? The setting? The overall story?

Here are some guiding questions that may help you, too, when reviewing a book:

• What makes it work?
• How does the book make you feel?
• Do you feel connected to it? Why?
• Did the author succeed in making you escape into the story?
• Do you like the writing style?
• Did you learn something from it?
• What made you like the characters?
• Did you connect with the theme?
• Did you enjoy the plot?

As I’ve grown to appreciate the importance of writing thoughtful reviews, I’ve realized that reviews serve both the reader and the writer. It’s not just about praise—it’s about honesty. Writers want to know what they’re doing well, but also what could be improved. After all, how can an author fix something if they don’t know it’s an issue?

For example, if you come across a misspelling or formatting problem, letting the author or publisher know can help. I used to ignore small mistakes, but I realized that staying silent may do a disservice. If another reader notices the same error, they might leave a harsh review, which could hurt the author’s reputation or sales. Sharing feedback—kindly and constructively—helps authors grow.

Reviewing Poetry

Reviewing poetry presents its own challenges. Breaking down why you like a poem can be even harder than with a novel. Poetry often works through emotion, rhythm, and personal resonance, which can be difficult to put into words.

Still, asking yourself reflective questions can help:

• How does the poem make you feel?
• What emotions does it evoke?
• Does it resonate with you?
• Who or what does it remind you of?
• Can you connect with its theme?

Poetry can stir something deeply personal, and that can make it tricky to explain. But even simple observations—like identifying a theme or describing the emotion it sparked—can enrich your review and help others understand why the poem moved you.

Final Thoughts

The next time you review a book, story, or poem, try using these questions as a guide. They’ll help you move beyond “I liked it” and toward a more honest, thoughtful response.

How do you communicate when you enjoy an author’s work? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your approach.