Writing book summaries helps you understand what you read. In addition, you can use the summary as a reference to remember important things in the book if needed. To write a good book summary, read the book carefully while noting the main ideas, plot changes, and important characters in the reading. Use these notes to draft and check your prepared summaries!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Taking notes
Step 1. Take notes as you read
Have a notebook ready so you can immediately jot down the thoughts that come up when you read the book. Taking notes while reading helps you record information correctly. This method can reduce the work because you don't have to re-read to confirm details once again.
- Prepare several blank pages to note various aspects of the reading. One to record general impressions and the results of a brief overview, one to record characters and events, another to record the main themes and ideas of the book's writing.
- Write down any words you don't understand to make them easier to remember. Use a dictionary to find the meaning and then write down the definition.
- Underlining or marking text on a book page will spoil the book and make it difficult for you to find detailed information about a particular subject.
Step 2. List all the important characters
Write down the names of the important characters in the book along with a brief description of the personalities and characteristics of each. Provide information in 1-2 lines that explains the desires and goals of each character's life. Use these notes to get an idea of the central theme of the book's writing through all of the characters in the book.
Make a timeline of important events in the book, especially if the chronology of the story is complex or confusing. If the story uses a flashback plot, create multiple timelines
Step 3. Divide the book into sections
To make it easier to summarize, imagine the book you are reading consists of 3 parts. Every story has a beginning, middle and end. Use the same method when taking notes.
- The beginning of the notes focuses on explaining the main characters and the background of the story.
- The middle section describes the "problems" described in the book, such as the battle between good and evil or a murder mystery.
- The last part tells the solution to the "problem".
Step 4. Determine the main idea of each section
Each section should have a theme and purpose. Try to understand what the author is trying to convey in each section. Find the relationship between one part and another.
Step 5. Determine the main idea of the story
As you read, think about the teaching you want to convey in the book. Pay attention to themes that are discussed repeatedly, for example issues that are often discussed by certain characters or fatal mistakes that many people make that cause various problems.
- For example, the author wants to show the reader that pride makes people make wrong decisions. To illustrate this, the main character is told as a person who lives a life beyond his means because of his arrogance and arrogance.
- Another example, the main idea of writing a non-fiction book could be about history or people's lives which aims to make readers aware that fast food is unhealthy food. For this reason, the author provides various examples as supporting evidence.
Method 2 of 3: Drafting and Editing Summary
Step 1. Find out the conditions that govern the length of the summary
If you're writing a book summary to complete a school assignment, the teacher will usually have a word or page count. Prepare a summary of the book according to or close to the provisions because a summary that is too short gives the impression you haven't read the book to the end, but you haven't summarized well if it's too long.
- For example, if you are asked to write a summary of up to 200 words, write 190-200 words.
- Even if you're writing a summary for your own use, keep it as short as possible. A summary of less than 500 words can be a handy reference tool.
Step 2. Describe the ideas and characters of each character in the main storyline
Start by mentioning the title of the book and the author's name and then briefly describe the incident narrated in a few sentences. This section is a preface to the summary that you are preparing.
For example, “The book by J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone tells the story of an orphaned boy who realizes that he is a wizard. During his 1 year as a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry student, he learned that the Wizarding World is a life full of good and evil wizards and sorcerers
Step 3. Explain the main idea that underlies the writing of each section
Use the information in the notes to summarize the information or stories in the book. Explain in a few sentences the events narrated in each section, the interrelationships between events, and why each section plays an important role in supporting the achievement of the book's writing objectives.
Example of a book summary: “The author begins the story by explaining what it means to be a wizard so that the reader can feel how great the people who have this ability are, including Harry himself who is just living life as a wizard. Next, Harry realizes that black magic is engulfing Hogwarts so he needs his new friends, Ron and Hermione, to unravel this mystery. The story ends by recounting the trials and tribulations that Harry could only pass if he relied on the friendship of his friends and the love of his mother."
Step 4. Make a conclusion by stating the main idea of writing the book
Conclude the summary by sharing the benefits you got from reading the book. Reread notes to remember specific themes that were discussed over and over again. This sentence will be the last sentence in the summary.
For example, “Rowling uses this story to show that talented people also need friendship and love to defeat evil.”
Step 5. Don't give an opinion in a summary
The book summary should convey a neutral description. So, focus on the facts listed in the book. Don't share how you felt after reading the book or whether you agree/disagree with the author.
Step 6. Review the summary
Make sure you write with the correct spelling. Read the summary aloud so you can spot any grammatical or punctuation errors right away. Count again the number of words in the summary.
Book summaries can be used alone or in a book club. Editing the summary is not difficult, but make a good and rational summary. Read again briefly to make sure that you have written a summary that is useful and understandable to the reader
Step 7. Share the summary with a good friend
Have a friend or family member read the summary, especially if you're making one to complete a school assignment. They can find things that need improvement. If you want to ask a friend for help, offer to help check the summary!
Method 3 of 3: Reading Books Carefully
Step 1. Find a quiet place to read and no distractions
Choose a location far from the TV. Turn off the phone ringer and save it first so you don't get distracted. Focus on reading and enjoy the time you can spend reading.
Make sure you read in a bright place so you don't strain your eyes
Step 2. Read the book little by little
So that you don't feel overwhelmed, read books for 20 minutes per session or maybe 1-2 hours if you read your favorite books so that you have enough time to understand the contents of the book as well as possible.
Step 3. Set aside more time when the deadline for submitting assignments is pressing
Don't stay up late because you want to read the book to the end and finish the summary. Start reading a thin book 2 weeks before the deadline or 1 month in advance if the book is thick. Set aside a little time each day to read.
If you have to write a summary for the book club or complete a school assignment, read it as soon as it is given. The teacher or group leader usually calculates how long it will take to read a book and write a summary without triggering stress
Step 4. Read the important paragraph one more time
Important paragraphs are usually easy to find in books. When you read the main character realizes something important or the story line suddenly changes, read the paragraph again.
These paragraphs do not need to be described in detail in the summary. All you have to do is inform the storyline of changes, tragic events, or resolved conflicts
Step 5. Pay close attention to the main character
The main character is an actor who expresses the main idea of writing a book through his actions, mistakes, and feelings. Read it very carefully when it appears in the reading.
Step 6. Don't get distracted by the little things
When writing a summary, don't include details, such as supporting characters, explanations, or additional storylines. Although it should still be read, do not include trivia in the summary.
