book review podcast template

How To Start A Book Review Podcast (2024)

Are you an avid reader who loves to discuss books with others? Have you ever thought about starting your own book review podcast? With the growing popularity of podcasts, it’s never been a better time to start. In this blog, we’ll provide you with tips on how to start a book review podcast that will keep your listeners coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, our simple and straightforward formula will help you create a successful book review podcast that will have your audience begging for more.

If you want us to help you start a book review podcast , get in touch ! Level up your podcast with our podcast editing services or podcast management services today!

1. Define Your Book Review Podcast Goal

Before you start creating your book review podcast, you need to define your goal. What is the main goal or purpose of your podcast? Do you want to provide honest and detailed reviews of books, offer recommendations and ratings, or interview authors and literary experts?

Knowing your goal will help you to focus on creating relevant and engaging content for your target audience. It will also help you to differentiate your podcast from others in the crowded and competitive podcast space.

2. Plan and Prepare Your Book Review Podcast

A. know your audience.

Identifying your target audience is crucial for the success of your podcast. Who are you creating this podcast for? Is it for book reviewers, literature critics, or individuals interested in hearing reviews of various books?

Knowing your audience will help you to create content that resonates with them and keeps them coming back for more.

b. Choose a topic

Choosing the right topic is critical for your podcast. It should align with your goal and target audience. You can focus on specific topics such as reviewing books from different genres, analyzing themes and characters, or discussing new releases. You can also explore niche topics like hosting author interviews and exploring different book genres.

c. Choose a name

Your podcast name should be simple, memorable, and relevant to your topic. It should also be easy to pronounce and spell. To improve discoverability, add 1-2 relevant keywords, but don’t keyword stuff them. Make sure that the name is not already taken by another podcast to avoid confusion and copyright issues. Looking for name ideas? Check out this podcast name ideas list to find the perfect name for your book review podcast.

d. Decide cadence & format

Your podcast cadence and format will depend on your goal and topic. You can choose to release weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly episodes. You can also choose between solo episodes, multiple hosts, or remote interviews. Whatever format you choose, make sure that it aligns with your goal and resonates with your target audience.

3. Get Equipment for Your Book Review Podcast

A. quality microphone.

A quality microphone is a must-have for your podcast. It will ensure that your audio is clear and professional. You can choose from USB or XLR microphones, depending on your budget and preference. Some popular microphones for podcasting are the Samson Q2U, Audio-Technica ATR2100x, and Shure SM7B.

b. Headphones/Earphones

Headphones or earphones are essential for monitoring your audio while recording and editing . It will help you to detect any background noise, distortion, or echo in your audio. You can choose from wired or wireless headphones/earphones, depending on your preference.

c. Interface or Mixer for in-person (optional)

An interface or mixer is necessary if you’re recording in-person with multiple microphones. It will allow you to control the levels and mix your audio before recording. Some popular interfaces and mixers for podcasting are the Focusrite Scarlett, Behringer Xenyx, and Zoom H6.

d. Pop Filter (optional)

A pop filter is an optional accessory that can reduce plosives or popping sounds in your audio. It’s especially useful if you’re recording close to your microphone. You can choose from foam or metal pop filters, depending on your preference.

e. Mic Stand (optional)

A mic stand is an optional accessory that can be used to hold your microphone in place during recording. This can help to prevent unwanted noise caused by holding the microphone in your hand or placing it on a table or desk.

Consider investing in a shock mount for your microphone to further reduce unwanted noise.
Test your equipment before recording to ensure everything is set up properly and working as expected.

4. Produce Creatives for Your Book Review Podcast

Now that you have your equipment ready, it’s time to start producing creatives for your podcast. This includes writing a podcast description, trailer script, intro and outro script, common questions, and designing artwork.

a. Write a Podcast Description

Your podcast description is a short summary of what your show is all about. It should be engaging and informative, and it should give potential listeners a good idea of what they can expect from your show. Keep in mind that this description will be the first thing that people see when they come across your podcast on various podcast platforms, so make it count.

b. Write Trailer Script

A trailer is a short audio clip that gives listeners a sneak peek of what your podcast is all about. It’s usually around 1-2 minutes long and should be captivating enough to convince people to follow/subscribe to your show.

c. Write Intro and Outro Script

The intro and outro of your podcast are important elements that can help to establish your brand and create a memorable listening experience. Your intro should introduce your show, set the tone for the episode, and introduce you and any co-hosts or guests. Your outro should wrap up the episode, thank your listeners for tuning in, and encourage them to subscribe to your show.

d. Write Podcast Questions

If you plan on conducting interviews or having guests on your show, it’s a good idea to come up with a list of common questions that you can ask them. This will help to ensure that you get the information you need and that your episodes stay on track. Find a list of podcast questions here.

e. Design Artwork

Design an eye-catching artwork that represents your show. This is a critical step in gaining new listeners. Artwork that stands out and grabs the listener’s attention will give you the best chance of gaining new listeners, especially when starting a new show. People do evaluate a podcast by its cover, so use a platform like Canva to design a memorable artwork.

f. Create Templates for Branding and Promo Content

Creating templates for branding and promo content can help to save you time and ensure consistency across all of your marketing materials. This can include things like quote cards, social media graphics, episode artwork, audiograms and promo images. Select brand colors and font before launch to maintain consistent branding across the web. Canva and Headliner are useful for creating quote cards and audiograms, while ChatGPT is useful for writing show notes. Establishing templates from the beginning will save time in the long run.

g. Buy Music

Music can help to set the tone for your podcast and engage listeners, so make sure to select a song related to your topic. You can buy great quality songs from PremiumBeat , the best part it’s a one-time purchase and offers a wide variety of songs. Just pick a song you like, grab the standard license, and take advantage of any discounts available. Use it for your trailer, intro, and outro of your podcast.

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h. Produce Trailer and the Intro & Outro

Once you have all of your creatives ready, it’s time to start producing your trailer and intro and outro segments. You can use software like GarageBand or Audacity to record and edit these segments. Apply audio enhancements like EQ, compression, leveling, audio repair, LUFS for standard loudness, and mixing & mastering to enhance the quality of your audio.

5. Setup Host & Socials for Your Book Review Podcast

Now that you have all of your creatives and equipment ready, it’s time to choose a podcast host and set up your social media accounts.

a. Choose a Podcast Host

There are many podcast hosting platforms to choose from, including Anchor , and Buzzsprout . If budget is a concern, Anchor is a cost-free option. For additional features, opt for a paid platform like Buzzsprout or Captivate . Choose a platform that suits your budget and offers the features you need.

b. Upload Trailer to Setup Host

Once you have produced your podcast episode, publish it on your hosting platform. It’s easy to upload your audio files and add all the necessary metadata, such as the episode title, description, and cover art. Once you have submitted your episode, it will typically take a few hours to a day for it to be approved and listed on major podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others.

c. Submit Manually to Speed Up

To get your show listed on leading platforms quickly, manually submit your trailer to Apple Podcasts , Spotify and others. Note that it can take up to 2 weeks for some platforms to list your show, so submit at least 3-4 weeks before launch.

d. Create Social Media Accounts

Create social media accounts on the platforms your target audience uses. Especially Instagram Reels, Tiktok , and YouTube Shorts, as they give the greatest exposure without additional cost. Well-crafted Twitter threads and LinkedIn posts also perform really. Facebook groups or Reddit can also be great places to share your show and build a community.

e. Create a Website (optional)

Selling a product/service? A website can help you guide listeners to your offer. Additionally, publishing show notes, and transcripts, and repurposing episodes into search-friendly blog posts, can help get organic traffic from search engines like Google. Platforms like Podpage , WordPress , or Squarespace can help you create your website (though this may be time-consuming). Outsource the task to a freelancer or agency like ours to maximize your podcast efforts.

Submit your podcast to all directories

6. Record and Edit Your Book Review Podcast

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to record and edit the episodes. Here are the steps:

a. Record your episode

Before recording, assemble the necessary equipment, test it, and follow the scripts/questions you created. Record your episode in a quiet, low-noise room. If remote, use Riverside or Squadcast , and if in-person use Audacity or Garage Band . Zoom is an option but can reduce quality and lead to lags. For both in-person and remote, record separate tracks for each person. If there are drift issues in remote recording, these can usually be fixed during editing and post-production .

b. Edit your episode

Edit your podcast episode with Audacity or Garage Band . Both are free and can be used to reduce noise, add intros/outros, music, and adjust volume levels. Paid options like Alitu and Descript are available, but sometimes their AI editing can be unreliable. If you’re looking for a smoother editing experience, outsource the task to a freelancer or agency like ours .

Record in a quiet environment
Use headphones during recording
Bend the mic slightly to avoid plosives
Hook listeners at the beginning

7. Post and Promote Your Book Review Podcast

Now that your podcast episode is edited, it’s time to upload and promote it and get the word out to your potential listeners. Here are some ways to promote your book review podcast:

a. Upload your episode

After editing, upload your episode to your podcast host. The host will distribute on major platforms like Apple Podcast, Spotify, and others. You can also schedule episodes and track download numbers from your host.

b. Promote your episode

Marketing is as important as making the show. I’ve listed some of the most effective ways to promote a podcast with free and paid options:

Share on social media (free): Promote your new episode on your social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can create graphics, videos, or audiograms to grab people’s attention and direct them to your podcast episode.

Create short-form videos (free): Create multiple short-form clips for Reels, Tiktok, and YouTube Shorts. Ensure to add a call to action at the end of the video such as “Listen to Full Episode – Link in bio” and use Linktree to list your show links.

Consider Podcast SEO (free): Optimize your podcast titles, descriptions, and transcripts for podcast apps and search engines to increase your podcast’s visibility in search results. Use Voxalyze to optimize for podcast SEO.

Guest appearances(free/paid): Reach out to other podcasters or book review bloggers in your niche and ask if you can come on their show as a guest. This is a great way to reach a new audience and earn backlinks to your podcast website.

Leverage your network (free): Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your podcast and ask them to share it with their network. Even though they may not be your target audience, but it’s worth sharing the word.

Repurpose (free): Turn your podcast episode into a search-friendly blog post, show notes, and transcript for each episode. Post them on your website to attract visitors from Google.

Collaborations/Podswap (free): Reach out to other podcasters in your niche and collaborate on a cross-promotion strategy. Use Rephonic to find shows to partner with.:** Work with other influencers, athletes, or coaches in your niche to promote each other’s content. This can be a great way to cross-promote and reach a new audience.

Do a giveaway (paid): To get listed in Apple Podcasts’ New and Noteworthy section, create a contest with a call to action to subscribe and leave a review, then apply through Apple’s placement form once you see a spike in reviews. This method has been successful for indie and larger podcasts. Retaining listeners depends on the quality of the content and production.

Newsletter/Email marketing (free/paid): Promote your show via large newsletters related to your show and/or create a newsletter of your own. Collect email addresses from your audience and send frequent helpful updates and your latest episodes. If you already have an email list, send an email to your subscribers announcing your new episode and encouraging them to tune in.

Podcast app advertising (paid): If you have a budget for marketing, you can run paid ads on platforms like Castbox , Overcast , Podcast Addict , and Spotify ads . They are very effective as per a study. This can help you reach a larger audience and grow your podcast faster.

Avoid traditional ads (paid): Avoid running ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Google, many podcasters have tried them and seen very little to no results. Even if you try, make sure your targeting is very specific. If getting more listeners is your goal, this may not be a good option.

Promote your podcast more than once
Begin with one/two marketing methods, and slowly try them all
Try different promotion strategies to find your best fit.
Use a single call-to-action per episode, such as “Listen now” or “Subscribe to our podcast”.
Use analytics to track the effectiveness of your promotions and make adjustments accordingly.

8. Monitor and Improve Your Book Review Podcast

Once you have launched your book review podcast and started promoting it, it’s important to monitor its performance and continually improve it. Here are some tips for monitoring and improving your book review podcast:

Track downloads and retention rate: Use your hosting platform’s analytics to track how many people are downloading and listening to your podcast episodes. Pay attention to your retention rate, which measures how long people are listening to each episode. If you see a drop in retention rate, it may be a sign that your content needs improvement.

Check reviews: Monitor your podcast’s reviews on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify (yes, now Spotify also allows users to leave feedback) and respond to any feedback or criticism you receive. Use this feedback to make improvements to your content and format.

Improve: Continually look for ways to improve your podcast, whether it’s through better audio quality, more engaging content, or more effective promotion strategies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.

9. Be Consistent with Your Book Review Podcast

One of the keys to building a successful book review podcast is consistency. Your listeners should know when to expect new episodes and what to expect from each episode. Here are some tips for being consistent with your book review podcast:

Set a schedule: Decide on a regular schedule for releasing new episodes, such as once a week or twice a month. Stick to this schedule as much as possible, so your listeners know when to expect new content.

Plan ahead: Use a planning tool like a Notion, GSheets or notebook to plan out your upcoming episodes and topics. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you have enough content to release on your regular schedule.

Commitment: Be committed to your podcast and make it a priority. This means making sure that you are releasing new episodes on a regular schedule, whether that be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Consistency is key when it comes to building an audience and keeping them engaged.

It can be helpful to create a content calendar or a production schedule to help you stay organized and on track. This will allow you to plan out your episodes in advance and make sure that you have everything you need to produce each episode before its scheduled release date.

Additionally, it’s important to be open to feedback from your listeners and to use that feedback to improve your podcast. Whether it’s through reviews on Apple Podcasts or comments on social media, take the time to listen to what your audience is saying and make adjustments accordingly.

FAQ for Starting a book review Podcast

A. how much does it cost to start a book review podcast.

The cost of starting a book review podcast can vary depending on the quality of the equipment you choose, the type of hosting platform you use, and the amount of money you invest in marketing and promotion. In general, you can start a basic podcast for as little as $100 to $200, but more professional setups with higher-quality equipment can cost upwards of $500 or more.

b. How do you start a book review podcast for beginners?

Starting a book review podcast for beginners involves several key steps, including defining your podcast goal, planning and preparing your podcast, getting equipment, producing creatives, setting up hosting and socials, recording and editing your podcast, and posting and promoting it to your audience. Following a step-by-step guide or taking a free podcasting course can be helpful for beginners who want to learn more about the process.

c. Do podcasts make money?

Yes, podcasts can make money through a variety of channels, including advertising, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. However, it’s important to keep in mind that building a successful podcast and monetizing it takes time and effort.

d. Can I start a book review podcast for free?

Yes, it is possible to start a book review podcast for free using platforms like Anchor or even by uploading your episodes to YouTube. However, keep in mind that free hosting platforms often come with limitations and may not offer the same level of control and customization as paid hosting options. Additionally, investing in high-quality equipment and marketing efforts can help you grow your audience and monetize your podcast more effectively.

10. Conclusion

Starting a book review podcast can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it takes time, effort, and commitment to succeed. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a high-quality podcast that resonates with your audience and establishes you as a thought leader in the book review community. Remember to stay consistent, be creative, and have fun throughout the process. With hard work and dedication, your book review podcast can be a valuable resource for fans and enthusiasts alike. So, grab your mic, hit record, and start your podcast journey today!

Hope you enjoyed reading this blog. If you want us to help you start a book review podcast, get in touch !

Happy podcasting 🎤!

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How to Write a Book Review Podcast

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When writing a book review, it is important to know the difference between a review and a report or summary—reviewing means discussing the strengths and weaknesses of a book. This podcast details ways to keep your review critical and how to support your argument.

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How to Write a Book Review

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The Literary Edit

How to Build Your Podcast for Book Lovers

On the rare occasions that I don’t have my nose buried in a book, you’ll likely find me listening to one of my favourite bookish podcasts . A brilliant medium for book lovers, there are podcasts a-plenty for people with a penchant for literature. And if you’ve ever fancied launching your own, I’ve spoken to some of the very best podcasters in the business, to find out their top tips for getting started.

From Alice from The Stories that Changed my Life ‘s technical advice, to Nicole from Shelf Life ‘s tips on editing, to Michelle from Better Words ‘ guidance on listening widely, to Alice-Azania from The Sunday Salon ‘s encouragement when it comes to going off-piste, read on for a comprehensive guide to starting your very own podcast for book lovers.

Never be afraid to make a start

The idea for Shelf Life came to me in the middle of the night last August. It seemed, at the time, a ludicrous idea so I just shrugged it off. Then I chatted with some friends and they encouraged me to give it a go. I’m so glad that I listened, too!

Editing is fun but it’s also hard work

There is a great programme called Audacity that’s free to use. This is what I use to edit each podcast episode. If you record over Skype, there’s a great add-on called Call Recorder which records the audio. You can then just import that file into Audacity to edit the episode. It’s certainly fun to edit and see the final product, but on average, it can take a full day to edit one episode. Be prepared to carve out time to edit your podcast episode.

Define your aim

It’s key to consider what your aim is with creating a podcast. If you’re planning to interview guests and release one podcast a week, this will need a lot of organisation, so do think about your content carefully.

Don’t get too bogged down with the technical stuff

There are literally thousands of blog posts and YouTube clips about how to get started in terms of equipment and editing. Take a little time to listen to and think about the book podcasts you listen to regularly and why you like them in particular. Is it the style? The content? How can you adopt their best practices and apply them to your own podcast? There’s never been a better time to be creating audio content – so if you’ve got an amazing idea, go for it!

Read, read and read some more

I read a book a week, and thanks to networking and connections in publishing, I’ve had the incredible privilege of interviewing some amazing writers. There are so many wonderful authors, from all walks of life, with beautiful stories to share with the world. Expand your reading list and read as many books as you can.

Listen to a variety of podcasts

One of the biggest pieces of advice for aspiring writers is to read widely, and podcasters should follow the same rule of thumb. It would be a hard feat to make a podcast without being heavily invested in the medium. Like with books, listening to dozens of podcasts will help you figure out what works, what doesn’t and what you want to try in your own work.

Decide on a format or niche and honour it

Just like running a successful blog, podcasting works well when you define your niche and create content for your ideal listener. Before you start your podcast, consider what style of podcast you’d like: a chatty conversation or something scripted. Better Words is very chatty, and its niche focusses on empowering interviews with creative people. It can be scary to ‘limit’ your range through a defined niche (even though only you have to know about it), but it will create a much deeper relationship with your audience. Similarly, if you start your podcast and then decide to take a new direction that’s perfectly fine! Just communicate with your audience.

Enjoy the endless options

Podcasting is such a wonderful medium which is really just becoming mainstream. The exciting thing is that you can pretty much give anything a go. There is always room for a new take, for your unique perspective on a topic. Enjoy the endless possibilities and the chance to let your creativity run wild.

Find a niche

Absolutely everyone has a podcast these days, right? Whether you like poetry, prose, or political philosophy, there’s a podcast for you. So, before you take the plunge and launch your podcast, think very carefully about your USP. What are you going to create that’s different to everything else out there? Would you want to listen to it? Is it really exciting/groundbreaking/fun/Interesting? There are a lot of podcasts featuring author interviewees, so what will make yours stand out?

Variety is key

Try to shake up the style, genre, and subject matter. The topics featured on The Sunday Salon change from episode to episode; one week it’s a book about vaginas, then it’s poetry, then its literary fiction, chick lit, memoir….etc

Ask what you’re interested in

Don’t think “Hmmm, now what SHOULD I ask this person?”. Ask the questions you’re burning to hear the answers to. And ask authors whose books you want to read. It’ll be a million times more interesting for everyone if you’re highly engaged.

Don’t go in with an agenda, or with a list of questions you doggedly plan on sticking to. Have that list – but go in prepared to go off-piste, and follow-up when someone says something interesting.

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4 comments on “How to Build Your Podcast for Book Lovers”

I’ve wanted to start a bookish podcast forever, but I’ve been finding excuses to put it off, or “I’ll get around to it”. Thanks for this – I’m going to set a deadline and give it a go! Wish me luck!!

Good luck Amanda! Do et me know once it’s up and running so I can listen to it xo

This is a great article! I launched my bookish podcast a few months ago and while it’s a lot of work, it’s been very rewarding

So glad to hear it Malavika! xo

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

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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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How to Start a Book Review Podcast

How to start your own book review podcast

If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.

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Do you like books? Do you like reviewing books? You could consider starting a book review blog .

But have you ever thought about starting a book review podcast? Starting a podcast could be a really fun and rewarding way to share your love of books with others.

But you may think starting your own podcast sounds too hard. But the truth is that it actually is not. We tell you how you can start your book review podcast by following these five steps.

1. Decide Your Focus

Before you begin, consider deciding your focus. You could make it a general book review podcast where you review all sorts of books. Or you could make your podcast more specific.

For example, you could focus on best-selling books, like books that are currently on the New York Times Bestseller List. Or you could focus on books that have won awards or books that are known as classics.

You could also narrow your focus by genre. For example, you could only review mystery books. Or true crime books. Or you could consider reviewing sci-fi books. Perhaps you love fantasy novels, Christian fiction novels, or YA novels? The choice is up to you.

You could also consider making your podcast be book reviews based on the author. For example, you could review books written by women or books written by black authors or books written by LGBTQ+ authors.

Really, the choice is yours, which is very exciting.

2. Come up with a Title for Your Podcast

Now that you know what you want your focus to be, it’s time to come up with a title for your podcast. It should be unique but at the same time not too unique. What I mean by this is that you should be able to gather from the title what the podcast is.

For example, it’s not unique, but the New York Times podcast The Book Review clearly tells the audience what the podcast is all about. Then you have some review titles that tell you more about their specific genre. For example, the podcast Tea & Strumpets: A Regency Romance Review lets listeners know what genre the books are going to be.

3. Start an LLC

Now that you have your title, it’s time to make sure your podcast is protected legally.

Now, if you don’t want to make your podcast a business, you don’t have to bother. And if that’s the case, you can go to the next step.

But there is a good chance you will want to make money from your podcast. After all, there is money to be made in the podcast field. We talk about how to earn money from your podcast here .

And if you want to make money from your podcast, then it is very important you protect yourself legally. You can do that with an LLC. We talk about the benefits of starting an LLC here .

4. Get the Right Tools for Your Podcast

Now it is time to start working on your podcast! But first, you need the right tools.

Now, a great thing about starting a podcast is that you won’t need as many tools as you would to start another business, like say if you were going to start printing T-Shirts. But there are still some tools you need that you may not have thought of yet. For example, did you know that you need a pop filter? We talk about that and all the other things you need in our checklist for starting a podcast .

5. Start Your Podcast

And now it’s time to finally begin your podcast! Just follow these steps, and then you can have your very own book review podcast!

How to Write the Perfect Podcast Script (plus Examples & Templates)

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Think of a podcast script like a roadmap to guide you from the start to the finish of your episode when recording. They can be as detailed as you like, and if done well can help with the flow, structure and direction of your podcast episodes.

Podcast scripts are used by both new and experienced podcasters, and not only help with the flow, structure and direction but also to avoid situations where your mind goes blank and you end up repeating yourself or don’t quite know what to say next.

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What are podcast scripts?

Scripts vary in everything from length to density to content depending on the podcaster, but in essence they’re all the same – a list of topics and ideas you want to communicate to your listeners in a given episode, with added facts, research and reminders of certain things you want to mention: your intro, main body, outro, call to actions etc.

Scripts allow you to refresh your memory at a glance and illustrate how your points build off one another to make your episode sound cohesive. There’s nothing worse than listening back to your episode and realising you missed a link between two ideas!

Should you use podcast scripts?

In short: it depends.

We’re sorry but there is no definitive answer when it comes to whether you should or shouldn’t use a podcast script. It all depends on you as a podcaster and the type of podcast you have eg solo, cohost, interview etc.

Some podcasters worry that scripting their episode will remove spontaneity and chemistry between themselves and their guests, but you don’t have to write down every word if you don’t want to – a basic outline will do the job for most people.

There are benefits to using a script: you can go pretty in detail for your intro and outro – if these are the same for each episode, it builds familiarity with your audience. They come to expect your podcast name, tagline and your calls to action, so ensuring they’re there in the script means you’ll get them right every time.

Here’s an example:

“ Hello and welcome to [show name] , I’m your host [your name] . [Show tagline/catphrase]. Today we’ll be talking to [guest name] about [topic]. If you’re a fan of the show, please do remember to [call to action: follow on socials, leave a review etc.].”

Check out this video where our MD Mark Asquith goes into a little more detail about where or not you should use a podcast script:

Are podcast shows usually scripted?

The absolute majority of podcasts will have a script in some form. This varies on the preference of the podcast creator: some prefer a few brief bullet points, whereas others like to have their whole episode scripted out down to the last detail.

There’s no right or wrong way to script your show, it’s just preference – if you’re good at improvising and enjoy going off on a few tangents, stick to simple notes, but if you tend to crumble under the pressure of a live mic you’d be better suited to scripting out the finer details.

One way or the other, you’re better off with some kind of script!

How long are podcast scripts?

The length of a podcast script depends entirely on the show itself, the episode and the preferences of the podcast creator. For a half hour episode, some creators will have pages of dense text to read verbatim, whereas others will have half a side of A4 with some bullet points to riff off. It’s just what works for you!

What to include in a podcast script

As mentioned above, we think it’s best to fully script out your podcast intro and outro each time, so you hit on all the required points and achieve consistency throughout your body of work.

How to start your podcast (what to include in your intro )

Your podcast name
Your podcast tagline or catchphrase
Your episode number and title
The name(s) of any guests
The name and details of your sponsors, if you have them
What this episode is about
Your Calls To Action (CTA) – seasoned podcast listeners might skip your intro and outro so make sure that you include your most important CTA in the middle of your podcast episode.

Starting a podcast script example

“Hello and welcome to the [PODCAST NAME], I am your host [NAME]. Thanks for tuning in [TAGLINE or CATCHPHRASE]. This is [EPISODE NUMBER] and the title of today’s episode is [TITLE]. I am pleased to be joined by [GUEST], [GUEST BIO]. This episode is about [TOPIC]. Before we crack on with today’s episode just a reminder of how you can support the podcast [CTA].”

What to include in your main script body

This is where we like to leave it more to your discretion as again it depends on you as a podcaster and the format of your show. Whether you’re just writing a few notes or scripting the whole episode, you need to include:

The ideas or topics you’re discussing in the episode
Some indication of these ideas build upon one another and link together
Try to think of questions you would have as a listener and answer these
Think about the structure and flow of your episode eg what is the end goal, what do you want listeners to take away from listening? What subtopics are you going to cover, do they flow naturally?
Make sure to not repeat yourself – make new valid points and then move on to your next point

How to end your podcast (what to include in your outro )

Summarise what you have spoken about in your episode
Thank your listeners for tuning in
Let them know when to expect new episodes
Your CTA again – this could be asking them to follow or subscribe, follow you on social media, download a resource etc.
Include your show notable eg a notable thing about your podcast. This is not your show title, tagline, intro or outro music, it’s something else listeners remember about your show. The best way to do this is by having a catch phrase – sounds cheesy but it works! Mark’s podcast, Excellence Expected, taught business founders how to achieve success. His catchphrase (which he ended every episode with) is as follows, “the more you expect from yourself the more you will excel.”

People got so familiar with it that when he had guests on his show, they would finish his catchphrase!

Ending a podcast script example

“That’s all we have time for! Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode. Today we covered [SUMMARISE]. We’ll be back, in fact you can expect new episodes every [DAY] [TIME]. Quick reminder again of how you can support the podcast [CTA]. [SHOW NOTABLE]. Take care everyone, and until next time!”

Podcast script outline template

Let’s take a look at what would go into the perfect podcast script, something which hits everything necessary to prime your episode for audience connection and growth.

Intro music – some podcasts play the intro music later in the episode eg after the introduction. Intro music should play for a maximum of 10 seconds before listeners hear the content. Listeners have tuned in to listen to you, not your music.
Introduction – name and what the show is, who you are and what you’re talking about in this episode. You can also say your tagline and if you have guests, this is where you’d introduce them.
Call To Action(s) (CTA(s)) – these could be internal eg download lead magnets, leave a review on Podchaser, follow the podcast on social etc and external eg if you have a third-party sponsor or have an affiliate agreement.
Stinger – A stinger or bumper is a short piece of music that can be used in between podcast segments.
First discussion point – introduce it with background and context, making sure listeners can follow along. Build your points up like a narrative, with Who , What , Where and When first and then into the deeper, more nuanced stuff when listeners have a grip on the basics.
Second stinger
Second discussion point
Third stinger
CTA(s) – a reminder of the earlier CTA(s).
Third, fourth, fifth points etc (depending on how long your show is), using stingers in between.
Outro – this is your podcast episode wrap-up and the key takeaways from this week’s episode. Remind listeners to check your show notes for additional resources and links. Thank any guests you had this week and your listeners for tuning in. Tease what listeners can expect from the next episode.
Outro music

How do you write a podcast script?

Now you know what to include in your intro, main body of the episode and outro, you should have some idea of how to write your podcast script. Remember, it can be as detailed as you like. Do what feels the most comfortable for you.

For example if speaking and podcasting is new to you, maybe having a detailed script will help. Just a word of caution – listen back to yourself and make sure it still sounds natural and not like you’re reading off the page.

However, if you are more comfortable with speaking and podcasting, you don’t necessarily need to go into much detail. Just have enough detail so you know the flow, direction and what you want to say and when. Also helps you to not forget certain things to mention.

If you would like more assistance in writing your podcast scripts continue reading as for examples and templates to use.

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Podcast script tips for beginners

1. write how you would speak.

The point of your podcast is to get your voice out there. The problem is, a lot of people see writing as a more “formal” medium than speaking, so when it comes time to write out a podcast script, they end up going for a more businesslike, professional tone than they would usually like to.

Keep it nice and conversational, flowing and easy – more like a chat with a friend than an email to a stranger. This may sound obvious, but make sure to keep it in mind when you put pen to paper. Whether you’re a hobbyist doing a podcast for fun or a small business wanting to attract more customers, this will help you to build a genuine connection with your audience.

2. Give context

If you’re writing a more minimal, bullet-point style script, make sure your notes actually mean something to you when you read them back. People often write their scripts a few days in advance, so make sure you’re making coherent notes that will actually be useful to you when you’re trying to read them on mic.

3. Allow yourself some space

Your podcast script should guide and help you, not confine you. Give yourself the space within your script to elaborate, riff on an idea, tell a little anecdote. Your podcast should be fun, not rigid and uniform. This tip applies especially to those writing out their script verbatim, but it’s one to keep in mind for everyone.

4. Use segue phrases

To make the flow of your episode more natural, it’s a good idea to use little phrases that pivot the conversation naturally from one topic to another. This will help avoid anything feeling rushed – it’s super simple to do, just something like:

“Okay, now we’ve covered the tensions at the Abbey Road sessions, George’s feeling undervalued and John and Paul’s differing musical visions, let’s talk about the day that The Beatles actually split up”.

Key script segments

Let’s look at some of the key elements that should feature in any podcast script.

This one’s pretty self explanatory – your introduction should cover what your podcast is about, who you are and a nice little catch phrase you say every time. It should then go into what this episode will cover.

A nice transitional phrase to move you from one area of discussion to another in a natural way.

A CTA, or Call To Action, is something you’re asking listeners to do. Common ones are to sign up to an email list, leave a positive review or follow you on social media.

4. Sponsor message

Essentially an advertisement – if you’re sponsored by a product or service, this is where you tell your listeners about it.

5. Subtopics or key talking points

Separate your main episode topic into subtopics or key talking points. This will help to give your episode structure, and make sue you don’t miss any key elements.

6. Key takeaway(s)

Remind listeners what they have learnt listening to this week’s episode, and give them key takeaways. Articles have conclusions, podcast episodes should be the same. Summarize what you have discussed.

You should wrap up every podcast episode, and remind listeners of the podcast they have been listening too, and your (the host’s) name. Thank listeners and any guests you have, and don’t forget to tell people to check out the episode show notes for any links or resources.

Short podcast script example

Here’s a short podcast script example for you to use or get inspiration from:

[Opening Music]

Host: Welcome to [PODCAST NAME], the podcast that [PODCAST DESCRIPTION]. I’m your host, [HOST NAME], and in today’s episode, we’ll be [EPISODE TOPIC & DESCRIPTION].

[Transition Music]

Host: I am excited to talk about [EPISODE TOPIC]. [EPISODE TOPIC] is important because [EXPLAIN WHY], and after listening to this episode you will [BENEFITS]. This week we have a great guest joining us to talk about [EPISODE TOPIC]. Our guest is [GUEST NAME] who [GUEST BIO].

Host: Thanks for you joining the podcast [GUEST NAME].

Guest: It’s an absolute pleasure, thanks for asking me to join you, and I can’t wait to talk about [EPISODE TOPIC]

[MAIN PODCAST CONTENT] – host asks the guest a series of questions and follow-up questions, and responds to answers.

Host: We’re going to take a short break, join us for part 2 where [GUEST NAME] will be discussing X, Y and Z.

Host: Welcome back for part 2, [GUEST NAME] let’s dive straight back in.

Guest: I can’t wait to discuss more about [EPISODE TOPIC].

[MAIN PODCAST CONTENT] – host asks the guest a series of questions, and follow-up questions, and responds to answers.

Host: Sadly, [GUEST NAME] we have run out of time. Thanks so much for an excellent podcast episode, it has been really interesting and great to chat with you in detail about [EPISODE TOPIC].

Guest: Thank you for having me, it’s been awesome to join you for an episode of [PODCAST NAME]. Hopefully what has been discussed today is helpful for your listeners.

Host: And that is a wrap! Sadly we’re at the end of another [PODCAST NAME] episode. Thanks for listening, and I really hope you enjoyed this week’s episode. The main takeaway for me was [MAIN TAKEAWAY]. Check out the episode show notes as there’ll be links to resources about today’s topic, and [GUEST NAME] social media links. Don’t forget that you can [CTA 1] and [CTA 2]. Again link in the show notes for more information. We publish new episodes every [PODCAST RELEASE SCHEDULE]. Until next time [PODCAST TAGLINE].

Podcast script real-life example

Ok, enough explanations – let’s look at some real life examples. We’re going to be using the script used for our own podcast, Captivate Insider . Let’s take a look at Episode 26:

Here’s the intro script Garry used:

Hello there and welcome to Captivate Insider. This is episode 26, I hope you are keeping well and safe and that you are smashing through your podcast goals for 2022 so far.

My name is Garry, I’m the Head of Design here at Captivate and I’m your host. Each week I’ll take you behind the scenes of what’s going on here at Captivate, talk about some industry news and give you some tips and pointers to make sure that your podcast is rocking and rolling.

This week, I’m joined by Danny who heads up our User Experience and Support team. He’s been on the show before and this week, Danny and I are going to be talking about how to grow and retain your listenership by keeping them engaged.

Notice how this part is nicely scripted out to ensure all the main points (podcast name, host name, episode number and topic, guest name) are hit?

Here are Garry’s notes for the main part of the episode:

Questions/Discussion Points

Back in episode 6, we spoke about how we approach and view user experience here at Captivate from a high level. Does your view of our user experience values (timely response, openness, quality communication etc) remain the same even when dealing with those difficult user problems?
We pride ourselves on being open and honest when dealing with user issues, the reasons and the benefits of that approach are obvious, but is it a challenge to keep that mindset “topped up”?
In today’s world, users know a lot more than ever before. Some users are experts in the industry and really know their onions with podcasting, others are at the other end of the scale and maybe just starting their journey into podcasting. How do you find approaching the users along that scale of expert to newbie?
On the subject of honesty, openness etc, we have a great role model in that area – our MD Mark is a big advocate of “honesty is the best policy” – he led from the front recently as we started to notice some areas for improvement needed in our analytics and a couple of other places in the platform, reaching out personally to our users and addressing the subject on our recent Q&A live stream. Does that give you the confidence to approach any issue?
We’re an inclusive team at Captivate, how does your exposure to the platform and features, along with maintaining the Captivate Insider newsletter, help get users the correct information and help?
We don’t get it all the time and we certainly don’t expect it but when users compliment you on a job well done, does that make life in user experience that bit easier to navigate on a daily basis?
For others working in user experience or good old “customer service”, either within our industry or elsewhere and are listening to this episode, can you give us a few tips on how to maintain a high level of quality through honesty and openness?

Given that Garry had a guest, Danny, he wrote down all the questions he was going to ask on the episode and shared them with him. He then used these questions as a base for the podcast, which kept the conversation moving and was loose enough to allow for any tangents and new ideas that may arise during the course of a discussion like this one.

This is probably the best way to script a podcast episode with multiple people, as it ensures the conversation doesn’t lull while also allowing a natural conversation between the two speakers.

Garry’s outro.

Being a seasoned podcaster, Garry didn’t script his outro – he knew he needed to simply thank the audience, and his guest and hit the podcast’s main CTA, which is to get people to try Captivate. Let’s take a look at a transcript to see how he did that:

Thank you very much again to Danny for taking the time to chat with me and part with some experienced views and thank you for listening to another episode of Captivate Insider.

If you’re not using Captivate yet to power your podcast, you can do that with a free trial. Just head over to captivate.fm/signup, pop your deets in there and sign up to everything, nothing is locked behind a pay wall or anything. Get full access to all of our features for seven days, kick the tyres, see what you think, and I’m sure you’ll be impressed so you can get your podcast up and running in no time and get it to where you want it to be .

If you’ve got a podcast somewhere else if you’ve got it hosted with another hosting company, that’s all good but if you’ve been thinking about having a bit of a change up and you wanna look at another host, then it’s really quick and easy to import your podcast into Captivate. And again, you have everything available to you for free for seven days. So go and check that out at captivate.fm/signup and give that a go.

Until next week and episode 27, take care of yourselves and happy podcasting.

He kept it loose, conversational and friendly. By the time you’re getting to your podcast outro, especially if you’re a more experienced podcaster, you’ll likely be in the zone, so it’s less essential to script out verbatim than your intro.

If you’re newer or less confident behind the mic, though – script it out! There’s no shame in having it to fall back on.

Free podcast script templates

Script for a solo show.

[Intro music]

Hi and welcome to _____, I’m _____. This is episode ___, and we’ll be discussing ___. If you’re a fan of the show, please do follow us on ____.

[This is the first point you’re going to discuss in your episode. Make sure it’s all clear and relevant!]

Transition into…

[Ideas should build on one another, each feeling like a natural continuation of the previous one, building on concepts explained earlier on.]

[Break during the episode which includes your most important CTA OR a message from your sponsors]

Ideas 3, 4, 5…:

[Just repeat the process until your episode topic is covered to the degree you wish to go to.]

[Conclude what you have spoken about] And that’s it! Thanks so much for listening, this show really wouldn’t be possible without you. If you’re a fan of the show, please leave a review on Podchaser (or similar CTA) – the link is in the show notes.

Until our next podcast episode remember [podcast notable].

[ Outro music ]

Script with a Co-Host

Co Host 1: Hi and welcome to _____, I’m _____.

Co Host 2: And I’m _____. This is episode ___, and we’ll be discussing ___. If you’re a fan of the show, please do follow us on ____.

Co Host 1: Now let’s get into it!

Co Host 1: [Conclude what you have spoken about] And that’s it! Thanks so much for listening, this show really wouldn’t be possible without you. If you’re a fan of the show, please leave a review on Podchaser (or similar CTA) – the link is in the show notes.

Co host 2: Thanks, [ Co Host 11 ], and thanks to everyone listening at home. Until our next episode, remember [podcast notable].

[Outro music]

Interview style script

Host: Hi and welcome to _____, I’m _____. I’m joined today by [ Guest ], an expert in _____ to discuss _____. Hello, [ Guest ], and thank you for joining me today!

Guest : Thanks [ Host ], very happy to be here.

Host: Awesome! Let’s get right into it. First, though, if you are a fan of this podcast, please do follow the show on ____!

Question 1:

[This is the first question you’re going to ask your guest. Start with background info, more basic stuff, and then build up to their more specific knowledge]

[ Important! You should be reactive as an interviewer – respond to guests’ answers and allow the conversation to build off of their responses. Don’t just blindly read off your questions, it’s not engaging for listeners. Keep the conversation flowing but also be mindful of not straying too far off course, keep control of your interview by bringing your guest(s) back into your planned questions.]

Question 2:

[Questions should build on one another, each feeling like a natural continuation of the previous one, building on concepts explained earlier on.]

Questions 3, 4, 5…:

Host: And that’s it! Thanks so much for listening, and thank you to [ Guest ] for joining me today, make sure to check out their ____ which is releasing soon

Guest: Thanks, It’s been great to be here.

Host: Where can people find and connect with you?

Guest: Connect with me on…

Host: Until our next episode remember [podcast notable] – [podcast tagline] .

How to nail your podcast script

Like anything, you probably won’t get your script perfect the first time. If you’re not used to it, you may sound a bit clunky or you may fluff up reading off the page.

But don’t worry: keep at it! Ask for feedback from listeners and friends and experiment with what works for you. If you find reading a full script hard, try an episode with just notes, and vice versa.

Pro tip: Try including your CTA in your intro for a few episodes and record how many listeners actually commit to it. Then try the next few episodes with that same CTA in the outro – that way you can work out where it generates the most engagement.

You can use Captivate’s Attribution Links to track how many times a given link is clicked, meaning you can empirically see which placement is best.

This is called split testing, and is super common in the marketing world!

Captivate features that will help you to nail your scripts

Of course, we’re all podcasters ourselves, and we know it’s not easy to get that script perfect. With that in mind, we’ve designed our features to help you with this!

Episode Planning

Our amazing Episode Planning features allow you to create an episode script within Captivate, collecting Research Links to tie in to your episode along the way.

Once you’ve planned out your episode within the Captivate Dashboard, keep that script in front of you while recording your episode in your DAW. Then, once your episode is recorded, you can upload the mp3 file and attach it directly to the episode idea to turn it into a live podcast episode.

Player Customization

When you’re reading out your Calls to Action, it won’t be a big ask for your listeners – you can include quick links to your social media apps and directory links directly within the embeddable Captivate player!

Increasing the ease of a CTA makes it more likely that your listeners will actually do it – all you’re asking them to do here is click on something already on their screen!

Podcast script FAQs

Should I include keywords?

Yes, if you have done keyword research for your podcast episode (and we recommend everyone does this) definitely include the keywords in your script. This is a great way to ensure that you are mentioning phrases in your episode that people are actually searching for in search engines like Google.

Google has been transcribing and indexing podcasts since 2019, so doing this increases the chances of your podcast episode being shown to people when they search for relevant terms.

Word of caution – be careful with adding keywords as you still want your podcast episodes to sound natural, plus keyword stuffing just doesn’t work. It annoys both people and Google.

Pro tips for podcast scripts

Avoid saying ‘Subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts’!

We hear a lot of podcasters say something along the lines of ‘subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts’. Not giving listeners an easy action to complete is asking too much of them, as you are leaving it up to them to go and find your show in their preferred app and then click subscribe or follow.

If you use Captivate you can send people to your single promotional link . This is a URL (www.domain.com/listen) that you can mention when recording and include in your show notes, and has links to your show in all major podcast playing platforms. It’s easy for people to remember, so they are more likely to do what you ask them.

Don’t over do it with CTAs – it’s good to have a range, but stick to one or two per episode.

The more CTAs you include in your podcast episode, the less likely people are going to take action. It’s good to test out a range across your episodes, but when recording a specific episode stick to one or two.

The more times a listener is reminded of one action, the more likely they are to do it. There’s a well known rule in marketing that consumers have to be exposed to a message or idea at least 7 times before they take an action. If you ask people to do too many things they will easily forget and not end up doing what you want them to.

If you are a Captivate user you can use Captivate’s Attribution Links to track the efficacy of your different CTAs, to see which ones perform best.

Use notables

A show notable is something memorable about your show – not your name, art or music, more of a catch-phrase. It’s something that will spring to mind for listeners whenever your show is mentioned, and it’s great for building familiarity with your audience.

A great example is from one of my personal favourite shows, ‘ Philosophize This ’. It has the super simple notable of “ Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday ”.

Mention that it’s free to follow or subscribe – some people think that you have to pay to follow or subscribe to podcasts . Easy way to combat this is to mention that it’s free to subscribe and follow, whether that’s in your notes, during recording or in your social media posts.

Scripting out your episode will make sure it’s the best it can be, with nothing forgotten in the urgency of recording. Just as every podcast is unique, the way each podcaster writes out a script will be unique, too – whatever works for you is just as valid as the next person’s.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out, ‘ Write an Engaging Podcast Description that Turns Scrollers into Listeners ‘.

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17 Book Review Examples to Help You Write the Perfect Review

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Mar 29

17 book review examples to help you write the perfect review.

It’s an exciting time to be a book reviewer. Once confined to print newspapers and journals, reviews now dot many corridors of the Internet — forever helping others discover their next great read. That said, every book reviewer will face a familiar panic: how can you do justice to a great book in just a thousand words?

As you know, the best way to learn how to do something is by immersing yourself in it. Luckily, the Internet (i.e. Goodreads and other review sites , in particular) has made book reviews more accessible than ever — which means that there are a lot of book reviews examples out there for you to view!

In this post, we compiled 17 prototypical book review examples in multiple genres to help you figure out how to write the perfect review . If you want to jump straight to the examples, you can skip the next section. Otherwise, let’s first check out what makes up a good review.

Are you interested in becoming a book reviewer? We recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can earn money for writing reviews — and are guaranteed people will read your reviews! To register as a book reviewer, sign up here.

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

Should you become a book reviewer?

Find out the answer. Takes 30 seconds!

What must a book review contain?

Like all works of art, no two book reviews will be identical. But fear not: there are a few guidelines for any aspiring book reviewer to follow. Most book reviews, for instance, are less than 1,500 words long, with the sweet spot hitting somewhere around the 1,000-word mark. (However, this may vary depending on the platform on which you’re writing, as we’ll see later.)

In addition, all reviews share some universal elements, as shown in our book review templates . These include:

A review will offer a concise plot summary of the book.
A book review will offer an evaluation of the work.
A book review will offer a recommendation for the audience.

If these are the basic ingredients that make up a book review, it’s the tone and style with which the book reviewer writes that brings the extra panache. This will differ from platform to platform, of course. A book review on Goodreads, for instance, will be much more informal and personal than a book review on Kirkus Reviews, as it is catering to a different audience. However, at the end of the day, the goal of all book reviews is to give the audience the tools to determine whether or not they’d like to read the book themselves.

Keeping that in mind, let’s proceed to some book review examples to put all of this in action.

How much of a book nerd are you, really?

Find out here, once and for all. Takes 30 seconds!

Book review examples for fiction books

Since story is king in the world of fiction, it probably won’t come as any surprise to learn that a book review for a novel will concentrate on how well the story was told .

That said, book reviews in all genres follow the same basic formula that we discussed earlier. In these examples, you’ll be able to see how book reviewers on different platforms expertly intertwine the plot summary and their personal opinions of the book to produce a clear, informative, and concise review.

Note: Some of the book review examples run very long. If a book review is truncated in this post, we’ve indicated by including a […] at the end, but you can always read the entire review if you click on the link provided.

Examples of literary fiction book reviews

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man :

An extremely powerful story of a young Southern Negro, from his late high school days through three years of college to his life in Harlem.

His early training prepared him for a life of humility before white men, but through injustices- large and small, he came to realize that he was an "invisible man". People saw in him only a reflection of their preconceived ideas of what he was, denied his individuality, and ultimately did not see him at all. This theme, which has implications far beyond the obvious racial parallel, is skillfully handled. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing. The boy's dismissal from college because of an innocent mistake, his shocked reaction to the anonymity of the North and to Harlem, his nightmare experiences on a one-day job in a paint factory and in the hospital, his lightning success as the Harlem leader of a communistic organization known as the Brotherhood, his involvement in black versus white and black versus black clashes and his disillusion and understanding of his invisibility- all climax naturally in scenes of violence and riot, followed by a retreat which is both literal and figurative. Parts of this experience may have been told before, but never with such freshness, intensity and power.

This is Ellison's first novel, but he has complete control of his story and his style. Watch it.

Lyndsey reviews George Orwell’s 1984 on Goodreads:

YOU. ARE. THE. DEAD. Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. Or in Newspeak "Double Plus Good." Let me preface this with an apology. If I sound stunningly inarticulate at times in this review, I can't help it. My mind is completely fried.

This book is like the dystopian Lord of the Rings, with its richly developed culture and economics, not to mention a fully developed language called Newspeak, or rather more of the anti-language, whose purpose is to limit speech and understanding instead of to enhance and expand it. The world-building is so fully fleshed out and spine-tinglingly terrifying that it's almost as if George travelled to such a place, escaped from it, and then just wrote it all down.

I read Fahrenheit 451 over ten years ago in my early teens. At the time, I remember really wanting to read 1984, although I never managed to get my hands on it. I'm almost glad I didn't. Though I would not have admitted it at the time, it would have gone over my head. Or at the very least, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate it fully. […]

The New York Times reviews Lisa Halliday’s Asymmetry :

Three-quarters of the way through Lisa Halliday’s debut novel, “Asymmetry,” a British foreign correspondent named Alistair is spending Christmas on a compound outside of Baghdad. His fellow revelers include cameramen, defense contractors, United Nations employees and aid workers. Someone’s mother has FedExed a HoneyBaked ham from Maine; people are smoking by the swimming pool. It is 2003, just days after Saddam Hussein’s capture, and though the mood is optimistic, Alistair is worrying aloud about the ethics of his chosen profession, wondering if reporting on violence doesn’t indirectly abet violence and questioning why he’d rather be in a combat zone than reading a picture book to his son. But every time he returns to London, he begins to “spin out.” He can’t go home. “You observe what people do with their freedom — what they don’t do — and it’s impossible not to judge them for it,” he says.

The line, embedded unceremoniously in the middle of a page-long paragraph, doubles, like so many others in “Asymmetry,” as literary criticism. Halliday’s novel is so strange and startlingly smart that its mere existence seems like commentary on the state of fiction. One finishes “Asymmetry” for the first or second (or like this reader, third) time and is left wondering what other writers are not doing with their freedom — and, like Alistair, judging them for it.

Despite its title, “Asymmetry” comprises two seemingly unrelated sections of equal length, appended by a slim and quietly shocking coda. Halliday’s prose is clean and lean, almost reportorial in the style of W. G. Sebald, and like the murmurings of a shy person at a cocktail party, often comic only in single clauses. It’s a first novel that reads like the work of an author who has published many books over many years. […]

Emily W. Thompson reviews Michael Doane's The Crossing on Reedsy Discovery :

In Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl.

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

The Narrator initially sticks to the highways, trying to make it to the West Coast as quickly as possible. But a hitchhiker named Duke convinces him to get off the beaten path and enjoy the ride. “There’s not a place that’s like any other,” [39] Dukes contends, and The Narrator realizes he’s right. Suddenly, the trip is about the journey, not just the destination. The Narrator ditches his truck and traverses the deserts and mountains on his bike. He destroys his phone, cutting off ties with his past and living only in the moment.

As he crosses the country, The Narrator connects with several unique personalities whose experiences and views deeply impact his own. Duke, the complicated cowboy and drifter, who opens The Narrator’s eyes to a larger world. Zooey, the waitress in Colorado who opens his heart and reminds him that love can be found in this big world. And Rosie, The Narrator’s sweet landlady in Portland, who helps piece him back together both physically and emotionally.

This supporting cast of characters is excellent. Duke, in particular, is wonderfully nuanced and complicated. He’s a throwback to another time, a man without a cell phone who reads Sartre and sleeps under the stars. Yet he’s also a grifter with a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” attitude that harms those around him. It’s fascinating to watch The Narrator wrestle with Duke’s behavior, trying to determine which to model and which to discard.

Doane creates a relatable protagonist in The Narrator, whose personal growth doesn’t erase his faults. His willingness to hit the road with few resources is admirable, and he’s prescient enough to recognize the jealousy of those who cannot or will not take the leap. His encounters with new foods, places, and people broaden his horizons. Yet his immaturity and selfishness persist. He tells Rosie she’s been a good mother to him but chooses to ignore the continuing concern from his own parents as he effectively disappears from his old life.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

The Book Smugglers review Anissa Gray’s The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls :

I am still dipping my toes into the literally fiction pool, finding what works for me and what doesn’t. Books like The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray are definitely my cup of tea.

Althea and Proctor Cochran had been pillars of their economically disadvantaged community for years – with their local restaurant/small market and their charity drives. Until they are found guilty of fraud for stealing and keeping most of the money they raised and sent to jail. Now disgraced, their entire family is suffering the consequences, specially their twin teenage daughters Baby Vi and Kim. To complicate matters even more: Kim was actually the one to call the police on her parents after yet another fight with her mother. […]

Examples of children’s and YA fiction book reviews

The Book Hookup reviews Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give :

♥ Quick Thoughts and Rating: 5 stars! I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to tackle the voice of a movement like Black Lives Matter, but I do know that Thomas did it with a finesse only a talented author like herself possibly could. With an unapologetically realistic delivery packed with emotion, The Hate U Give is a crucially important portrayal of the difficulties minorities face in our country every single day. I have no doubt that this book will be met with resistance by some (possibly many) and slapped with a “controversial” label, but if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk in a POC’s shoes, then I feel like this is an unflinchingly honest place to start.

In Angie Thomas’s debut novel, Starr Carter bursts on to the YA scene with both heart-wrecking and heartwarming sincerity. This author is definitely one to watch.

♥ Review: The hype around this book has been unquestionable and, admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn’t love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing THUG was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) However, with the relevancy of its summary in regards to the unjust predicaments POC currently face in the US, I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. That said, I had an altogether more personal, ulterior motive for wanting to read this book. […]

The New York Times reviews Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood :

Alice Crewe (a last name she’s chosen for herself) is a fairy tale legacy: the granddaughter of Althea Proserpine, author of a collection of dark-as-night fairy tales called “Tales From the Hinterland.” The book has a cult following, and though Alice has never met her grandmother, she’s learned a little about her through internet research. She hasn’t read the stories, because her mother, Ella Proserpine, forbids it.

Alice and Ella have moved from place to place in an attempt to avoid the “bad luck” that seems to follow them. Weird things have happened. As a child, Alice was kidnapped by a man who took her on a road trip to find her grandmother; he was stopped by the police before they did so. When at 17 she sees that man again, unchanged despite the years, Alice panics. Then Ella goes missing, and Alice turns to Ellery Finch, a schoolmate who’s an Althea Proserpine superfan, for help in tracking down her mother. Not only has Finch read every fairy tale in the collection, but handily, he remembers them, sharing them with Alice as they journey to the mysterious Hazel Wood, the estate of her now-dead grandmother, where they hope to find Ella.

“The Hazel Wood” starts out strange and gets stranger, in the best way possible. (The fairy stories Finch relays, which Albert includes as their own chapters, are as creepy and evocative as you’d hope.) Albert seamlessly combines contemporary realism with fantasy, blurring the edges in a way that highlights that place where stories and real life convene, where magic contains truth and the world as it appears is false, where just about anything can happen, particularly in the pages of a very good book. It’s a captivating debut. […]

James reviews Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight, Moon on Goodreads:

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is one of the books that followers of my blog voted as a must-read for our Children's Book August 2018 Readathon. Come check it out and join the next few weeks!

This picture book was such a delight. I hadn't remembered reading it when I was a child, but it might have been read to me... either way, it was like a whole new experience! It's always so difficult to convince a child to fall asleep at night. I don't have kids, but I do have a 5-month-old puppy who whines for 5 minutes every night when he goes in his cage/crate (hopefully he'll be fully housebroken soon so he can roam around when he wants). I can only imagine! I babysat a lot as a teenager and I have tons of younger cousins, nieces, and nephews, so I've been through it before, too. This was a believable experience, and it really helps show kids how to relax and just let go when it's time to sleep.

The bunny's are adorable. The rhymes are exquisite. I found it pretty fun, but possibly a little dated given many of those things aren't normal routines anymore. But the lessons to take from it are still powerful. Loved it! I want to sample some more books by this fine author and her illustrators.

Publishers Weekly reviews Elizabeth Lilly’s Geraldine :

This funny, thoroughly accomplished debut opens with two words: “I’m moving.” They’re spoken by the title character while she swoons across her family’s ottoman, and because Geraldine is a giraffe, her full-on melancholy mode is quite a spectacle. But while Geraldine may be a drama queen (even her mother says so), it won’t take readers long to warm up to her. The move takes Geraldine from Giraffe City, where everyone is like her, to a new school, where everyone else is human. Suddenly, the former extrovert becomes “That Giraffe Girl,” and all she wants to do is hide, which is pretty much impossible. “Even my voice tries to hide,” she says, in the book’s most poignant moment. “It’s gotten quiet and whispery.” Then she meets Cassie, who, though human, is also an outlier (“I’m that girl who wears glasses and likes MATH and always organizes her food”), and things begin to look up.

Lilly’s watercolor-and-ink drawings are as vividly comic and emotionally astute as her writing; just when readers think there are no more ways for Geraldine to contort her long neck, this highly promising talent comes up with something new.

Examples of genre fiction book reviews

Karlyn P reviews Nora Roberts’ Dark Witch , a paranormal romance novel , on Goodreads:

4 stars. Great world-building, weak romance, but still worth the read.

I hesitate to describe this book as a 'romance' novel simply because the book spent little time actually exploring the romance between Iona and Boyle. Sure, there IS a romance in this novel. Sprinkled throughout the book are a few scenes where Iona and Boyle meet, chat, wink at each, flirt some more, sleep together, have a misunderstanding, make up, and then profess their undying love. Very formulaic stuff, and all woven around the more important parts of this book.

The meat of this book is far more focused on the story of the Dark witch and her magically-gifted descendants living in Ireland. Despite being weak on the romance, I really enjoyed it. I think the book is probably better for it, because the romance itself was pretty lackluster stuff.

I absolutely plan to stick with this series as I enjoyed the world building, loved the Ireland setting, and was intrigued by all of the secondary characters. However, If you read Nora Roberts strictly for the romance scenes, this one might disappoint. But if you enjoy a solid background story with some dark magic and prophesies, you might enjoy it as much as I did.

I listened to this one on audio, and felt the narration was excellent.

Emily May reviews R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy Wars , an epic fantasy novel , on Goodreads:

“But I warn you, little warrior. The price of power is pain.”

Holy hell, what did I just read??

➽ A fantasy military school

➽ A rich world based on modern Chinese history

➽ Shamans and gods

➽ Detailed characterization leading to unforgettable characters

➽ Adorable, opium-smoking mentors

That's a basic list, but this book is all of that and SO MUCH MORE. I know 100% that The Poppy War will be one of my best reads of 2018.

Isn't it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat for every horrific, nail-biting moment of it? This is one of those books for me. And I must issue a serious content warning: this book explores some very dark themes. Proceed with caution (or not at all) if you are particularly sensitive to scenes of war, drug use and addiction, genocide, racism, sexism, ableism, self-harm, torture, and rape (off-page but extremely horrific).

Because, despite the fairly innocuous first 200 pages, the title speaks the truth: this is a book about war. All of its horrors and atrocities. It is not sugar-coated, and it is often graphic. The "poppy" aspect refers to opium, which is a big part of this book. It is a fantasy, but the book draws inspiration from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking.

Crime Fiction Lover reviews Jessica Barry’s Freefall , a crime novel:

In some crime novels, the wrongdoing hits you between the eyes from page one. With others it’s a more subtle process, and that’s OK too. So where does Freefall fit into the sliding scale?

In truth, it’s not clear. This is a novel with a thrilling concept at its core. A woman survives plane crash, then runs for her life. However, it is the subtleties at play that will draw you in like a spider beckoning to an unwitting fly.

Like the heroine in Sharon Bolton’s Dead Woman Walking, Allison is lucky to be alive. She was the only passenger in a private plane, belonging to her fiancé, Ben, who was piloting the expensive aircraft, when it came down in woodlands in the Colorado Rockies. Ally is also the only survivor, but rather than sitting back and waiting for rescue, she is soon pulling together items that may help her survive a little longer – first aid kit, energy bars, warm clothes, trainers – before fleeing the scene. If you’re hearing the faint sound of alarm bells ringing, get used to it. There’s much, much more to learn about Ally before this tale is over.

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One , a science-fiction novel :

Video-game players embrace the quest of a lifetime in a virtual world; screenwriter Cline’s first novel is old wine in new bottles.

The real world, in 2045, is the usual dystopian horror story. So who can blame Wade, our narrator, if he spends most of his time in a virtual world? The 18-year-old, orphaned at 11, has no friends in his vertical trailer park in Oklahoma City, while the OASIS has captivating bells and whistles, and it’s free. Its creator, the legendary billionaire James Halliday, left a curious will. He had devised an elaborate online game, a hunt for a hidden Easter egg. The finder would inherit his estate. Old-fashioned riddles lead to three keys and three gates. Wade, or rather his avatar Parzival, is the first gunter (egg-hunter) to win the Copper Key, first of three.

Halliday was obsessed with the pop culture of the 1980s, primarily the arcade games, so the novel is as much retro as futurist. Parzival’s great strength is that he has absorbed all Halliday’s obsessions; he knows by heart three essential movies, crossing the line from geek to freak. His most formidable competitors are the Sixers, contract gunters working for the evil conglomerate IOI, whose goal is to acquire the OASIS. Cline’s narrative is straightforward but loaded with exposition. It takes a while to reach a scene that crackles with excitement: the meeting between Parzival (now world famous as the lead contender) and Sorrento, the head of IOI. The latter tries to recruit Parzival; when he fails, he issues and executes a death threat. Wade’s trailer is demolished, his relatives killed; luckily Wade was not at home. Too bad this is the dramatic high point. Parzival threads his way between more ’80s games and movies to gain the other keys; it’s clever but not exciting. Even a romance with another avatar and the ultimate “epic throwdown” fail to stir the blood.

Too much puzzle-solving, not enough suspense.

Book review examples for non-fiction books

Nonfiction books are generally written to inform readers about a certain topic. As such, the focus of a nonfiction book review will be on the clarity and effectiveness of this communication . In carrying this out, a book review may analyze the author’s source materials and assess the thesis in order to determine whether or not the book meets expectations.

Again, we’ve included abbreviated versions of long reviews here, so feel free to click on the link to read the entire piece!

The Washington Post reviews David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon :

The arc of David Grann’s career reminds one of a software whiz-kid or a latest-thing talk-show host — certainly not an investigative reporter, even if he is one of the best in the business. The newly released movie of his first book, “The Lost City of Z,” is generating all kinds of Oscar talk, and now comes the release of his second book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” the film rights to which have already been sold for $5 million in what one industry journal called the “biggest and wildest book rights auction in memory.”

Grann deserves the attention. He’s canny about the stories he chases, he’s willing to go anywhere to chase them, and he’s a maestro in his ability to parcel out information at just the right clip: a hint here, a shading of meaning there, a smartly paced buildup of multiple possibilities followed by an inevitable reversal of readerly expectations or, in some cases, by a thrilling and dislocating pull of the entire narrative rug.

All of these strengths are on display in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Around the turn of the 20th century, oil was discovered underneath Osage lands in the Oklahoma Territory, lands that were soon to become part of the state of Oklahoma. Through foresight and legal maneuvering, the Osage found a way to permanently attach that oil to themselves and shield it from the prying hands of white interlopers; this mechanism was known as “headrights,” which forbade the outright sale of oil rights and granted each full member of the tribe — and, supposedly, no one else — a share in the proceeds from any lease arrangement. For a while, the fail-safes did their job, and the Osage got rich — diamond-ring and chauffeured-car and imported-French-fashion rich — following which quite a large group of white men started to work like devils to separate the Osage from their money. And soon enough, and predictably enough, this work involved murder. Here in Jazz Age America’s most isolated of locales, dozens or even hundreds of Osage in possession of great fortunes — and of the potential for even greater fortunes in the future — were dispatched by poison, by gunshot and by dynamite. […]

Stacked Books reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers :

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Malcolm Gladwell’s writing. Friends and co-workers tell me that his subjects are interesting and his writing style is easy to follow without talking down to the reader. I wasn’t disappointed with Outliers. In it, Gladwell tackles the subject of success – how people obtain it and what contributes to extraordinary success as opposed to everyday success.

The thesis – that our success depends much more on circumstances out of our control than any effort we put forth – isn’t exactly revolutionary. Most of us know it to be true. However, I don’t think I’m lying when I say that most of us also believe that we if we just try that much harder and develop our talent that much further, it will be enough to become wildly successful, despite bad or just mediocre beginnings. Not so, says Gladwell.

Most of the evidence Gladwell gives us is anecdotal, which is my favorite kind to read. I can’t really speak to how scientifically valid it is, but it sure makes for engrossing listening. For example, did you know that successful hockey players are almost all born in January, February, or March? Kids born during these months are older than the others kids when they start playing in the youth leagues, which means they’re already better at the game (because they’re bigger). Thus, they get more play time, which means their skill increases at a faster rate, and it compounds as time goes by. Within a few years, they’re much, much better than the kids born just a few months later in the year. Basically, these kids’ birthdates are a huge factor in their success as adults – and it’s nothing they can do anything about. If anyone could make hockey interesting to a Texan who only grudgingly admits the sport even exists, it’s Gladwell. […]

Quill and Quire reviews Rick Prashaw’s Soar, Adam, Soar :

Ten years ago, I read a book called Almost Perfect. The young-adult novel by Brian Katcher won some awards and was held up as a powerful, nuanced portrayal of a young trans person. But the reality did not live up to the book’s billing. Instead, it turned out to be a one-dimensional and highly fetishized portrait of a trans person’s life, one that was nevertheless repeatedly dubbed “realistic” and “affecting” by non-transgender readers possessing only a vague, mass-market understanding of trans experiences.

In the intervening decade, trans narratives have emerged further into the literary spotlight, but those authored by trans people ourselves – and by trans men in particular – have seemed to fall under the shadow of cisgender sensationalized imaginings. Two current Canadian releases – Soar, Adam, Soar and This One Looks Like a Boy – provide a pointed object lesson into why trans-authored work about transgender experiences remains critical.

To be fair, Soar, Adam, Soar isn’t just a story about a trans man. It’s also a story about epilepsy, the medical establishment, and coming of age as seen through a grieving father’s eyes. Adam, Prashaw’s trans son, died unexpectedly at age 22. Woven through the elder Prashaw’s narrative are excerpts from Adam’s social media posts, giving us glimpses into the young man’s interior life as he traverses his late teens and early 20s. […]

Book Geeks reviews Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love :

WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5

SUBJECT: 4/5

CANDIDNESS: 4.5/5

RELEVANCE: 3.5/5

ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5

“Eat Pray Love” is so popular that it is almost impossible to not read it. Having felt ashamed many times on my not having read this book, I quietly ordered the book (before I saw the movie) from amazon.in and sat down to read it. I don’t remember what I expected it to be – maybe more like a chick lit thing but it turned out quite different. The book is a real story and is a short journal from the time when its writer went travelling to three different countries in pursuit of three different things – Italy (Pleasure), India (Spirituality), Bali (Balance) and this is what corresponds to the book’s name – EAT (in Italy), PRAY (in India) and LOVE (in Bali, Indonesia). These are also the three Is – ITALY, INDIA, INDONESIA.

Though she had everything a middle-aged American woman can aspire for – MONEY, CAREER, FRIENDS, HUSBAND; Elizabeth was not happy in her life, she wasn’t happy in her marriage. Having suffered a terrible divorce and terrible breakup soon after, Elizabeth was shattered. She didn’t know where to go and what to do – all she knew was that she wanted to run away. So she set out on a weird adventure – she will go to three countries in a year and see if she can find out what she was looking for in life. This book is about that life changing journey that she takes for one whole year. […]

Emily May reviews Michelle Obama’s Becoming on Goodreads:

Look, I'm not a happy crier. I might cry at songs about leaving and missing someone; I might cry at books where things don't work out; I might cry at movies where someone dies. I've just never really understood why people get all choked up over happy, inspirational things. But Michelle Obama's kindness and empathy changed that. This book had me in tears for all the right reasons.

This is not really a book about politics, though political experiences obviously do come into it. It's a shame that some will dismiss this book because of a difference in political opinion, when it is really about a woman's life. About growing up poor and black on the South Side of Chicago; about getting married and struggling to maintain that marriage; about motherhood; about being thrown into an amazing and terrifying position.

I hate words like "inspirational" because they've become so overdone and cheesy, but I just have to say it-- Michelle Obama is an inspiration. I had the privilege of seeing her speak at The Forum in Inglewood, and she is one of the warmest, funniest, smartest, down-to-earth people I have ever seen in this world.

And yes, I know we present what we want the world to see, but I truly do think it's genuine. I think she is someone who really cares about people - especially kids - and wants to give them better lives and opportunities.

She's obviously intelligent, but she also doesn't gussy up her words. She talks straight, with an openness and honesty rarely seen. She's been one of the most powerful women in the world, she's been a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School, she's had her own successful career, and yet she has remained throughout that same girl - Michelle Robinson - from a working class family in Chicago.

I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.

Hopefully, this post has given you a better idea of how to write a book review. You might be wondering how to put all of this knowledge into action now! Many book reviewers start out by setting up a book blog. If you don’t have time to research the intricacies of HTML, check out Reedsy Discovery — where you can read indie books for free and review them without going through the hassle of creating a blog. To register as a book reviewer , go here .

And if you’d like to see even more book review examples, simply go to this directory of book review blogs and click on any one of them to see a wealth of good book reviews. Beyond that, it's up to you to pick up a book and pen — and start reviewing!

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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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50 Free Templates For Book Review

Explore our curated collection of book review templates to effectively articulate your thoughts and critiques. Perfect for academics, literary enthusiasts, and casual readers seeking structured frameworks for insightful analysis.

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Tips For Using Book Review Templates

1. Summarize without Spoiling Provide a brief synopsis of the book's plot, but avoid giving away any key twists or the ending. Keep the reader intrigued without ruining the experience.
2. Analyze the Core Elements Discuss the book's key elements such as theme, character development, and writing style. Mention how these contribute to or detract from the overall story.
3. Offer a Balanced Opinion Ensure your review includes both what you liked and what you didn’t. Be fair and explain your reasoning to provide valuable insight to prospective readers.

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Podcast Review

The 10 Best Book Podcasts

F or a solo pastime, reading can also be a rather social activity. Indeed, many of us love talking about books just as much as reading them, which helps explain why podcasts about books are so plentiful. But for all the choice, the book podcast genre is starved for innovation. Author interviews, although inspiring, quickly become repetitive. And many shows feature the same guests promoting the same books. To remedy this, some podcasts begin with an enticing conceit — Book fights! Desert island novels!— but these ideas are often revealed as gimmicks. Others, merely dull. Just as reading shouldn’t be a chore, neither should listening to a podcast.

Rather than dwell on tired formats, we should tune into the shows that make us feel zealous about reading. As well, book podcasts allow us glimpses of other people’s shelves, creating a sense of community with readers that we’d never otherwise meet. What better way to find your next great read? With all of this in mind, here are the best book podcasts to get you excited about reading.

Borrowed , despite its name, feels original. Plenty of public libraries now have their own podcasts. Many of them are excellent, like those from the NYPL . Borrowed , by the Brooklyn Public Library, does things a bit differently. The show has moved away from interviews and book reviews to deliver stories sourced from its local community, stories like the history of Black women’s suffrage, why Brooklyn produces so many great writers, and tales from the library itself, asking that question we’ve all been dying to have answered: “What do librarians do all day? ” In a similar political vein, the show’s latest episodes focus on banned books. You don’t have to live in Brooklyn to enjoy Borrowed, as each episode comes with its own curated book list, making the show a great resource that reminds us why we must fight to keep public libraries open.

Hosted by writer Adam Vitcavage, the book podcast Debutiful is a show celebrating the strange, thrilling, and often terrifying experience of being a debut novelist. Listening to an interview with an author still wet around the ears is a gratifying experience. Sure, missing will be those pearls of wisdom that only come from writers who have been working for decades, but these newbies add an essential perspective on contemporary fiction. Fresh voices like Brandon Taylor, Cherie Jones, and Zak Salhi remind us that great new talent is emerging every day. Vitcavage is a host who believes in his show, making Debutiful a slick and rewarding passion project.

The LRB Podcast

The London Review of Books is a literary institution. In circulation since 1979, the publication has also launched a bookshop in the trendy neighbourhood of Bloomsbury that plays host to many high-profile literary readings. If you consider yourself to be “well-read,” you’ve likely picked up an LRB at least once. Their podcast could have been pretentious. It could have been dry. But through careful curation and the right hosts, the show has become almost canonical in the book podcast genre. Hosts Thomas Jones and Malin Hay discuss all manner of subjects, from current affairs to Agatha Christie. One of the reasons that The LRB Podcast is compelling is that is examines the world from a literary perspective, rather than analyzing books from an outsider’s vantage. It will appeal to those who still distinguish between the “private” and “public” spheres — or if you have an opinion on George Orwell that has very little to do with whether you enjoyed 1984 .

Whether you’re a defender of the canon or hungry for new literature, everyone has a list of books they’ve been meaning to read but haven’t quite got around to. Steinbeck, Austen — heck, have you read The Satanic Verses ? Overdue is a podcast that rescues these sorts of books from your backlog, throwing contemporary literature and children’s books in with the classics, even covering high fantasy and cult favorites in the process. But if you’re feeling guilty for never finishing Middlemarch , worry not. Hosts Andrew Cunningham and Craig Getting have no interest in making you feel bad about your literary limitations. Overdue is a celebration, not a critique. And, most importantly, it’s a show packed with humor and insight. You can hear the joy the hosts take from reading radiate through the airwaves — after all, serious literature doesn’t need to be a drag. Just watch out for spoilers.

If Books Could Kill

Following the success of You’re Wrong About and Maintenance Phase , podcaster Michael Hobbes launched his newest show last year to immediate acclaim. If Books Could Kill is a podcasts that debunks popular self-help and “smart thinking” books commonly purchased at airports and quickly discarded at your nearest thrift store. Think Atomic Habits or Rich Dad Poor Dad. With the addition of his pleasantly droll co-host Peter Shamshiri of 5-4 fame, Hobbes has perfected a popular format that could reinvent itself endlessly. As far as independent podcasts go, this is how to launch one. As we’ve mentioned before, the quest to “debunk” something because it’s harmful is a fair pursuit. Debunking things just because they happen to be popular, however, risks becoming self-indulgent. Nevertheless, If Books Could Kill is one of our favorite launches in recent memory.

Sponsor Terrible Book Club

You know those books that make you ask yourself, “Who could possibly be reading this?” Well, Terrible Book Club probably is. If you’ve ever been morbidly curious about what’s really going on in those cursed pages, join Chris and Paris every other Tuesday to find out!

The New Yorker: Fiction

The New Yorker: Fiction podcast features a monthly reading and conversation with some of the most renowned, exciting, and accomplished writers working today. Interviewed by the magazine’s fiction editor herself, Deborah Treisman, each guest reads a piece of prose — most often a short story — by another author previously published in The New Yorker . This podcast perfectly blends discussion with an exploration of the magazine’s vast archive, providing a pleasurable insight into how writers inspire each other with their work.

NPR’s Book of the Day

NPR’s Book of the Day is a daily show focused on the latest novels, poetry collections, and children’s books, delivering inspiring conversations in the time it takes to drink your morning coffee. The podcast doesn’t discriminate against genres, either. Non-fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy books are all considered, allowing the listener (read: me) to expand their literary horizons. As is typical from NPR, the production is smooth. Smoother, even, than your medium roast. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of our world, Book of the Day is a welcome addition to a slower morning routine.

Backlisted has been around for almost a decade. In that time, it has grown to become one of the most popular book podcasts in the genre. Rather than focusing on the latest releases, the show turns attention to older novels, particularly 19th and 20th-century works. The show’s appeal can be attributed to a few things. Consistency. Knowledgeable guests. Steadily improving cover art. But the thing that keeps listeners coming back is the genuine fondness for literature that is palpable from everyone involved. You can fall in love or rekindle your interest in a novel after finishing an episode — a rare feat, even in a genre abounding with praise for reading.

Book podcasts tend to have two main problems: on the one hand, they can be rambly and unfocused; on the other, they can be so specific that their discussions become dry. Backlisted avoids both of these traps. Hosts John Mitchinson and Andy Miller know their James from their Wharton.

Self-described as “tough love for literature,” I would say that Book Fight pulls no punches, but the hosts would probably make a comment about my use of cliché. Hosts Mike Ingram and Tom McAllister are happy to give critiques, making examples of essays, classic literature, and the occasional contemporary novel for their literary hot takes. Their comments are constructive and, admittedly, often warranted. Their analysis of the legacy of David Foster Wallace is the highlight of their compelling creative nonfiction season, a great example of content that appeals to readers and writers alike. Book Fight has created an active listener community by inviting their audience to respond with their own criticism, a welcome inclusion in the show, if only for comments like this: “I don’t agree with everything Mike and Tom say… but the opinions are considered, entertaining, and often funny.”

Reading the Room

Every year, at literary festivals around the world, writers and readers gather for talks about books. It’s a simple format. A moderator offers a vaguely sycophantic line of questioning to a tired contemporary writer who will inevitably dodge the subject to return, once again, to their reading of Freud. Or Marx. Or — well, you get the picture. Nevertheless, the literary scene can’t get enough. Some people love talking about reading more than actually reading. If your feed is full of book podcasts, you might be one of them. We don’t judge. And the host of Reading the Room won’t either. Host Jaylen Lopez, of YouTube fame, invites literary writers to discuss their latest work in conversations that could be plucked from a sell-out talk at The Strand or Books Are Magic. If you are between literary festivals, Reading the Room will tide you over.

Alice Florence Orr is a staff writer and assistant editor for Podcast Review . She is based in Edinburgh. You can connect with her on Twitter or read her work on aliceflorenceorr.com

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Five Obsidian templates to manage 200+ book notes

The five obsidian templates i use to manage 200+ book notes.

Obsidian is my PKM of choice to keep track of the books I am reading, have read and want to read. I use five templates to manage this digital bookshelf. This might be too much for your use case, but I hope you can still take away some templating inspiration and find handy code snippets.

Breakdown : The 242 book notes in my vault are currently distributed like this:

92 books noted
13 books interested
2 books held
4 books reading
131 books read

Your mileage might vary . Having five book templates is likely too much for most people. I don’t recommend you copy and paste the whole system but pluck out the parts that complement yours.

All of these templates require the Templater plugin and some the Dataview plugin.

One book, one file

There are many apps to keep track of what you’re reading. I started with Goodreads . After a while I switched to The StoryGraph which is a great Amazon-free alternative, started out as a side-project and features gorgeous reading stats.

The “killer feature” about Obsidian though is its interconnectedness.

The first clue that a book might be worth reading for me is if it comes up a lot. Having a note for a book since the first time I hear about it allows me to keep track of it. A title gets mentioned in a podcast — I add a backlink to it. A friend recommends a book — I add a note in the book file. Once a book has accumulated enough of those notes and backlinks it is probably time to start reading it.

Also, it provides context. For example, the Cortex Podcast mentioned Thinking, Fast and Slow in an episode, connecting it to the Replication crisis . I quickly jot that down and if I read the book at a later date, there is that context in the book note already.

In order to keep track of all the book notes in my vault, I categorise them into five stages:

Noted : Someone mentions a book and I want to remember the title.
Interested : A book keeps coming up again and sounds interesting.
Held : Books that I own or have reserved at the library.
Currently reading : Books that I am reading at the moment.
Read : Books that I’ve read.

Below you can find the template for each step broken down, and a Templater code snippet that might be valuable for you regardless of the use case.

If you just want to skip to the implementation, the code for each template is available on GitHub .

Stage 1: Noted

When I first hear a book that I want to keep track of, I run this template. It is designed to be quick and work on- or offline.

This is what happens:

Enter the book title into a prompt
The template fetches three fitting titles from the Google Books API. Choose one.
Select genre: Fiction, non-fiction or biographical
Set author, year published, pages, thumbnail and id from Google Books
Set the added field to today’s date and the status to noted .
Move the file to the books folder (in my case, 30 External/31 Books/31.00 Backshelf 1 )

In case the Google Books API is unavailable, like when I’m running the template without internet access, the template creates a book note with the entered title and fills in the baseline template.

See the template for Books — Noted on GitHub

If you’re just looking for a basic book note template that set things up for you, out of the five templates this is the one you would want to use.

Code snippet: Fetch from the Google Books API

Stage 2: interested.

Once a book gets mentioned a couple of times in different conversations or podcasts, I move it to the Interested stage.

Change the status field to interested .
Open a browser window to the search results of the book title of the local library. Open a prompt to ask for the library book URL.
Open a browser window to search for the DDC number of the book.
Open a browser window to Amazon to copy the Kindle link of the book.
If the Google Books API request failed on the previous attempt (so there is no id in the note), run another request to fetch the missing fields.

↪ View the template for Books — Interested on GitHub

Code snippet: Replace dataview fields

This snippet replaces the value inside an inline dataview field like this: [status:: held] .

Stage 3: Held

Once I reserved a book at the local library or have bought it, I move the book to this stage.

This is what happens in the template:

Choose whether to replace the thumbnail. Most book covers from the Google Books API are low resolution, and I like to replace it with an image with better resolution from Amazon.
Update status to held .

↪ See the template for Books — Held on GitHub

Code snippet: Open browser URL

Stage 4: currently-reading.

This stage kicks in once I start reading a book.

Choose whether to have this book note public on Publish .
Set status to currently-reading
Update started to today’s date
Add #currently-reading tag
Move book out of the backshelf folder into 30 External/31 Books .

↪ See the template for Books — Currently-Reading on GitHub

Code snippet: Append

Insert content in a specific place in a note.

Stage 5: Read

Once I finished reading a book, this template gets run.

Choose a rating for the book. Set the rating field to the chosen book.
Update status to read.
Set the read field to today’s date.
Add a heading for Summary/Reflection .

↪ See the template for Books — Read on GitHub

Code snippet: Rating chooser

The great thing about Obsidian is that it creates space for so much context. Backlinks are one way in which context is generated. Front matter is another.

Keeping track of the metadata of books, I can filter, sort and query my personal digital library. I can create my own custom charts based on started and end dates, see the statistics for my reading on a whole year and find my next read based on length, genre and level of interest.

Obsidian’s powerful templating capabilities make building and navigating that personal treasure trove of books a breeze.

This note gives an overview of what the folder structure in my vault looks like: JD System 2022-03-26 ↩

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Sebastian Junger Is Reporting Live From the Brink of Death

In his new memoir, Junger, the veteran journalist, makes sense of — and an uneasy peace with — an experience few have survived.

This is a picture of Sebastian Junger, who is staring directly at the camera with his right hand resting on his cheek. He's wearing a gray shirt.

By Elisabeth Egan

Over the course of his reporting career, Sebastian Junger has had several close calls with death. A bullet whizzed past his face in Afghanistan; another time, a bomb exploded in his Humvee. Even when he wasn’t covering war, death was a theme in his work. Junger’s most famous book, “ The Perfect Storm ,” is about extreme weather, but it’s also about a group of men who never came home.

In the introduction to his memoir, “In My Time of Dying,” which Simon & Schuster will publish on May 21, he describes his own near-drowning while surfing — the shock of being shoved underwater as if by an invisible hand, the flashbulb memory of dirty dishes in his sink, the way the shadow of death suddenly eclipsed an ordinary day.

“I was young,” Junger writes, “and had no idea the world killed people so casually.”

On June 16, 2020, Junger found himself face-to-face with mortality in a way he’d never been. One minute he was enjoying quiet time with his wife at a remote cabin on Cape Cod in Massachusetts; the next, he was in excruciating pain from a ruptured aneurysm. Hours later, as a doctor inserted a large-gauge transfusion line into his jugular vein, Junger sensed his father’s presence in the room.

His father had been dead for eight years — and he’d been a scientist and a rationalist — but there he was, trying to comfort his son. It didn’t work.

Junger writes, “I became aware of a dark pit below me and to my left.” It was “the purest black and so infinitely deep that it had no real depth at all.” He was horrified, knowing that “if I went into that hole I was never coming back.”

Junger survived. Later, he had questions — lots of them. His memoir braids a journalist’s best efforts at answers with a sexagenarian’s complicated acceptance of the inevitable.

Last month, Junger, 62, visited the Book Review to talk about his medical ordeal and its aftermath, including his research into near-death experiences and the uncertainty he has learned to live with, if not embrace. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

How did you arrive at such a personal subject?

I came out of the hospital kind of broken. My body healed quickly, but I wound up with psychological issues that are apparently very common for someone who almost died. I couldn’t be alone; I couldn’t go on a walk in the woods. Everything was evaluated in terms of how long it would take me to get to the E.R. — like if I have an aneurysm now, I’m going to die.

I started writing things down in a notebook because that’s just what I do with experiences and observations. I went to a therapist for a while because after I finished being super anxious, I got incredibly depressed. I recognized this sequence from combat trauma, except it was way worse.

You write a book because something comes alive in you while you do it and that’s your obsession for a while. It took a good two years for that point to come.

How would you describe your relationship with spirituality and religion?

I was raised to be skeptical of organized religion. So I just cruised through life without any particular thought of spirituality — and no particular need for it. I didn’t have a child, thank God, who died of cancer; nothing happened to me that was so unbearable that I had a need to reach out to a higher power. I was blessed. I’ve had a lucky life. Not easy, but lucky.

So, what did you feel while you were in the emergency room?

There was my father, inexplicably. He was communicating — not like you are, with language, but there was communication. He was like, “It’s OK. You don’t have to fight it. You can come with me.” I was puzzled: “What are you doing here? I’m just here for belly pain.” I was like, “Go with you? You’re dead! I want nothing to do with you!”

The pit was this infinite dark emptiness that opened up underneath me. I was like, “What is that ?” I was getting pulled into this thing. That’s when I started getting scared. I said to the doctor, “You have to hurry, I’m going. Right now. You’re losing me.”

The nurse said, “Keep your eyes open so we know you’re still with us,” and it dawned on me: I may not make it out. They might not have an answer to this. It was a terrible feeling.

The next day in the I.C.U., the nurse said, “You almost died last night.” Then I remembered my father. Of course, as a journalist, I’m doubting myself: Are you sure you’re not cooking this thing up?

But my wife said, “The first thing you told me when I walked in was, I saw my dad.” That’s how she knew how serious it had been.

How did the experience change the way you think?

It never crossed my mind to start believing in God. But what did happen was I was like, maybe we don’t understand the universe on a fundamental level. Maybe we just don’t understand that this world we experience is just one reality and that there’s some reality we can’t understand that’s engaged when we die. All this stuff happens — ghosts and telepathy and the dead appearing in the rooms of the dying — that’s consistent in every culture in the world.

Maybe we just keep bumping into this thing that we’ll never understand because we’re basically a dog watching a television. Maybe anything’s possible; and clearly anything’s possible because the universe happened. If there’s ever an example of “anything can happen,” it’s the universe popping into existence from nothing.

I researched the science enough to understand legitimate explanations for neurological phenomena, and it left me with this question: But why all the same vision?

You write, “Finding yourself alive after almost dying is not, as it turns out, the kind of party one might expect. You realize that you weren’t returned to life, you were just introduced to death.” Tell me more.

Getting back to normal life meant learning how to forget that we’re all going to die and could die at any moment. That’s what normal life requires.

Two nights before I went to the hospital, I dreamed that I had died and was looking down on my grieving family. Because I had that experience, which I still can’t explain, it occurred to me that maybe I had died and the dream was me experiencing a post-death reality and that I was a ghost. I went into this very weird existential Escher drawing. Am I here, or not? At one point, I said to my wife, “How do I know I didn’t die?”

She said, “You’re here, right in front of me. You survived.”

I thought, “That’s exactly what a hallucination would say.”

Returning to normal meant stopping thinking like that.

What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

We’re all in an emotionally vulnerable place; it’s just part of being in a modern society with all its wonderful benefits. Every once in a while I write something that allows people to navigate a little bit better. Maybe this book will bring some comfort.

Elisabeth Egan is a writer and editor at the Times Book Review. She has worked in the world of publishing for 30 years. More about Elisabeth Egan

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Five Obsidian templates to manage 200+ book notes · joschua.io
Enter the book title into a prompt. The template fetches three fitting titles from the Google Books API. Choose one. Select genre: Fiction, non-fiction or biographical. Set author, year published, pages, thumbnail and id from Google Books. Set the added field to today's date and the status to noted.
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May 21, 2024, 5:03 a.m. ET. Over the course of his reporting career, Sebastian Junger has had several close calls with death. A bullet whizzed past his face in Afghanistan; another time, a bomb ...