According to the American Library Association, “Book Review” is an evaluation of a literary work, typically published in periodicals and daily newspapers. Helen Henser defines “Book Review” as the critical analysis of a book, which includes evaluating its content, as well as reviewing external aspects such as binding, printing, and paper quality. A book review also involves assessing the authors and comparing the book with others on the same subject. Through book review, a concise and convincing discussion of all aspects of the book is provided, allowing readers to gain a thorough understanding of the book in a short period of time.A book review is selective by looking at the good and bad characteristics or literary features of the book and the main content errors and deviations.

According to the ALA Glossary, “an evaluation of a literary work. Usually published in a periodical or a newspaper, it is called a book review.”

Generally, there are two types of book reviews: -1. Written reviews; 2. Oral review

1. Written review: Written review is what we do in writing during the daily newspaper period. Booksellers sometimes arrange written book reviews to boost their sales.

Published criticism is divided into four categories:

• Advertising: This type of criticism is published intentionally to increase book sales. Publishers market attractive books for commercial purposes to attract readers. This type of criticism appeared only after the book was published.
• Criticism published in library journals: Books are printed soon after publication. The main objective is to assist the librarian in its selection. It gives an idea of ​​what type of library is suitable. Criticisms are published in selected notable works.
• Published reviews of various periodicals and daily newspapers: These are published within two to six months of the publication of the book.
• Peer reviews: These are subject-oriented and published in peer-reviewed journals. Originally written by experts, the needs of experts are published. These are published within nine to 18 months.

2. Oral review: A review that is done by the general public through various programs in book election councils, radio, and TV is called oral book review.

Verbal criticism is of two types
A. Publication festival or meeting: After the publication of the book, the book is discussed by the author, publisher, and subject experts. Discusses the topic in detail. The author sheds light on his views and the book.
B. Talks broadcast through radio and television:
Radio Criticism: “Book Criticism” is broadcast on radio. Radio broadcasts are followed by discussions of many recently published books. The discussant expressed his views on various books.
TV Criticism: TV discussions liven up from the radio. Because here, the presenter shows the book. Sometimes the author is introduced to the audience. Together, opinions are expressed on recently published books. Experts on various subjects are present and give their speeches. TV Book Discussion It gives a brief idea about the book within a certain time frame, the author gets to know it, and a lot of books are seen and known in a short period of time. In fact, it has become popular as a form of entertainment. Such critical books do not mention faults. which is available in printed criticism. But there is no doubt that it is the best medium to learn new books

What information does the book review contain?

• A description of the book’s character or exterior and content or text.
• Some information about the author is available, such as qualification and experience information.
• Comparative criticism of an author with other books written by him and comparative discussion of a book written by an author with books written on the subject. As a result of this, it is known how much the current writing has improved compared to the previous writing of the author.
• The purpose of the author, the indirect and unbiased comprehensive description of the book, and the interpretation of the content and valuation of the book.

General Principles or Techniques of Book Review:

1. General information about the book, such as name of the book, author’s name, publisher’s address, date of publication, page number, price, etc.
2. To state whether the book is written with proper reasoning, i.e., whether the author has the qualifications to write the book.
3. Measuring the effectiveness of the writer of the statement.
4. Brief description of the content.
5. Determining the usefulness of the book, i.e., elucidating the type of readership the book is intended for and the type of library in which the book can be stored.
6. A full description of the plot is not necessary in the case of books such as novels; it is sufficient to highlight the fair presentation.
7. In case of non-fiction books, mention whether there is chronology, bibliography, etc.
8. Giving the reviewer’s unbiased personal opinion about the book, in this case openly discussing the merits of the book, the simplicity of the language, the understanding of the scholarly subject, how much the book is able to contribute to the reading society, etc.
9. A comparative discussion with the books of other contemporary authors on this subject.

Different media for book reviews:

Generally, all daily, weekly, monthly, and periodicals have a separate system for book reviews. Regular book reviews are done in that department. Apart from this, other media, such as online and digital format books, are criticized.

Who reviews books?

Book reviews are usually done by intellectuals, especially journalists, publishers, and writers. A discussion that brings out both the good and bad sides of a book is called a good or balanced review.

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