Book reviews are written and published prior to its release. This is done to inform the public about the contents and superiority of the book. However, a good book review usually describes, analyzes and evaluates the book. It also should convey an opinion, supporting it with data from the book. Book review with opinions of eminent critics is good for marketing

To write a good book appraisal certain basic features are to be included for these attributes will be of use to people interested in buying/reading the book or not.

- About the author and an outline of the book is helpful. Keep the introduction short, as the reader of the review would be interested in your view of the book.

- Description about characters and normal event to be outlined and the interesting part. This part of the book review indicates to the book lover what he or she is going to find in the book, and hence make the choice.

- Then comes your opinion that represents the bulk of your review. Your view should be personal and mention what you think of the book. Has the author succeeded in expressing his/her thoughts and been able to drive home the point. What was the approach of writing? Whether the character and situation assist the fiction. Was the story practical, funny or sad? Did the author follow the traditional way of writing or conjure up something new. Keep your comments reasonably short and make relevant points without giving away too much.

- Conclusion should be concise and touch all the points made in the review. Give your final comment as to why people should buy the book or ignore it. Price and availability may be mentioned.

- The technique and length of a review and its presentation are the other important aspects of writing a good book review. The two basic approaches of writing a book review and presenting your opinion is to either write a free flowing piece covering all the points or to clearly divide your opinion to distinctive sections with headings on top. Free flowing approach is expressive and satisfying but difficult to write unless you are a good writer. Beginners may write review on distinct sections of the book. This also makes the review effortless to read and enables the readers to select specific points that may interest them.

Book reviews of all kind are available at Shvoong.com, the leading source for reading & writing book summaries - http://www.tonerize.com/hp.html.