How to Write a Summary of a Book in 6 Steps
How to Write a Summary of a Book in 6 Steps
Writing a book summary might not seem as tough now that you have all the info we’ve shared. But with these 6 easy steps, we’ll make it even simpler for you to get to the heart of any book. Whether it’s an exciting story or an enlightening non-fiction piece, experts of our custom essay writing service will walk you through crafting a summary that’s clear, concise, and spotlights the key ideas.
Start with an Introduction (Title, Author, and Context)
The first step in writing a book summary is to introduce the book by providing its title, author, and a bit of context to set the scene.
For example, let’s consider summarizing the book ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger. We would start by introducing the book like this:
‘Introducing ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger, a classic novel that takes readers on a journey through the mind of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Set in post-World War II America, the story follows Holden’s adventures in New York City as he grapples with the complexities of adolescence and the loss of innocence.’
In this introduction, we provide the title of the book (‘The Catcher in the Rye’), the author’s name (J.D. Salinger), and a brief overview of the context in which the story takes place (post-World War II America). This sets the stage for our summary and gives readers a sense of what the book is about before diving into the details.
Identify the Main Characters and Setting
Once you’ve introduced the book, the next step is to identify the main characters and setting. This helps readers understand who and where the story revolves around.
For instance, if we continue with our example of summarizing ‘The Catcher in the Rye,’ we would identify the main character and setting like this:
‘Our main character is Holden Caulfield, a rebellious teenager who narrates the story in first-person. He’s a complex character, struggling with feelings of alienation and disillusionment. As for the setting, much of the story takes place in New York City during the 1950s, where Holden wanders the streets and encounters various people and situations.’
In this step of your book summary, we focus on introducing the protagonist (Holden Caulfield) and briefly describing his character traits. We also mention the setting (New York City during the 1950s) to provide context for the events that unfold in the story. This helps readers understand the backdrop against which the events of the book take place, setting the stage for the summary to come. And, if you’re looking for another example to learn from, you can also take a peek at Pride and Prejudice summary.
Learn more: Pride and Prejudice summary.
Outline the Central Plot or Main Idea
After introducing the characters and setting, it’s time to outline the book’s central plot or main idea. This step helps readers understand the overall storyline and the key events that drive the narrative forward.
Continuing with our example, we would outline the central plot like this:
‘The central plot of ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ revolves around Holden Caulfield’s journey of self-discovery and rebellion. After getting expelled from his prep school,Holden decides to leave early and spends a few days wandering around New York City. Throughout his escapades, Holden grapples with themes of identity, alienation, and the loss of innocence. Along the way, he encounters various characters and experiences that shape his perspective on life.’
In this step of summarizing a book, we provide a brief overview of the main storyline, highlighting the protagonist’s journey and the themes explored in the book. This gives readers a sense of the overarching plot.
Learn more: Divine Comedy summary.
Summarize Key Events or Themes
Here, highlight the most significant events or recurring themes in the book. Events could include major plot twists, character developments, or key moments of conflict. Themes, on the other hand, are recurring ideas or messages that the author explores throughout the narrative. This step of how to write a summary of a book helps readers understand the most significant moments and ideas that drive the story forward or convey its message.
Using our example, we would summarize key events or themes like this:
‘Throughout ‘The Catcher in the Rye,’ Holden Caulfield encounters a series of memorable events and grapples with various themes. From his interactions with his family and peers to his encounters with strangers in New York City, each experience contributes to his ongoing search for authenticity and connection. Themes of innocence, alienation, and the loss of childhood innocence permeate the narrative as Holden navigates the complexities of adolescence and the adult world.’
Condense Supporting Details
After summarizing the key events or themes, the next step is to condense supporting details. This involves focusing on the most essential aspects of the story while omitting minor details or subplots that are not crucial to understanding the main narrative.
Continuing with our example, let’s include subplots, character relationships, or descriptive elements that enrich the reading experience.
‘Throughout his journey in New York City, Holden Caulfield encounters a variety of characters, including his sister Phoebe, his former teacher Mr. Antolini, and a young prostitute named Sunny. These interactions provide insight into Holden’s character and his struggles with loneliness, disillusionment, and the desire for authenticity. Despite his rebellious nature, Holden ultimately longs for connection and understanding in a world he perceives as phony.’
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