Saturday, January 25, 2025
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
As a book publicist I’ve read a thousand books and have written a hundred reviews myself. I’ve also written about how authors can get more reviews on my blog. What makes a good book review? You know when you’ve read a terrific review. It’s the kind that makes you want to buy the book.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of using clichéd phrases that, while familiar, can make your review feel less impactful. Phrases like “a real page-turner” or “couldn’t put it down” are often overused and can detract from the unique qualities of the book you’re reviewing. To help you craft more engaging and original reviews, here are some alternatives to common trite phrases.
Trite vs Better: Elevating Your Book Review Language
| Trite | Better |
| Couldn’t put it down | The story captivated me from the first page |
| A real page-turner | The plot was so engaging, I lost track of time |
| Kept me on the edge of my seat | The suspense was palpable throughout |
| A must-read | This book offers a unique perspective worth exploring |
| Unputdownable | I was completely absorbed in the narrative |
| A rollercoaster ride | The plot twists and turns kept me guessing |
| Gripping from start to finish | The story maintained a high level of tension |
| A tour de force | An impressive and powerful piece of writing |
| An instant classic | This book will stand the test of time |
| A literary masterpiece | A brilliantly crafted work of literature |
| Heartwarming | The story touched my heart deeply |
| A tear-jerker | The emotional depth brought tears to my eyes |
| A breath of fresh air | This book offers a refreshing take on the genre |
| A riveting read | The narrative was compelling and immersive |
| A compelling story | The plot was intricately woven and engaging |
| A real gem | A standout book that shines in its genre |
| A delightful read | The book was a joy to read from beginning to end |
| A thought-provoking novel | This book challenges you to think deeply |
| A beautifully written book | The prose is elegant and evocative |
| A captivating tale | The story enchanted me from start to finish |
I have to admit, I do like ‘A tour de force’ as it sounds so powerful. I will not promise to ban these trite phrases from my vocabulary because I do like brevity in writing. Some of these phrases are nice little word packages that tell the reader exactly what they mean quickly.
The Bottom Line: Avoid cliché’s like the plague! Choose descriptive and specific language; you can provide readers with a clearer picture of what makes a book special. This not only enhances the quality of your reviews but also helps potential readers make more informed decisions about what to read next.
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net