Are Brief Summaries Required in Reviews?

[Ceildric]

As the topic says, I want to clarify, are brief summaries required in reviews?

I was dinged points for not having a brief summary, but I can find no such requirement reflected on the Guidelines page. Frankly, I find them an often clunky device that leaves many reviews sounding quite formulaic. They also do not help the reader, in my opinion. If you're considering a book, you will have seen the author / publisher's blurb on the sale page or back of the book (if you so choose).

Ultimately though, are they required or not?

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

I'll have to look through the guidelines to find it, but yes, a brief summary without any spoilers should be included in your review. However, if you write a too long summary, they will sometimes gig you for that also. As a rule, your book review should be most of the length. Example of this is: Did you like the book, what did you like, what didn't you like and why. Who do you recommend will benefit from reading this book, was it well-edited or were there numerous errors, and of course, the rating that you give the book.

[Alissa Nesson]

I was also unable to find that in the guidelines but they certainly require it here. When I first started reviewing for OBC I had the same issue.

[Claudia Angelucci]

I'll have to look through the guidelines to find it, but yes, a brief summary without any spoilers should be included in your review. However, if you write a too long summary, they will sometimes gig you for that also. As a rule, your book review should be most of the length. Example of this is: Did you like the book, what did you like, what didn't you like and why. Who do you recommend will benefit from reading this book, was it well-edited or were there numerous errors, and of course, the rating that you give the book.

This is a great explanation—simple and clear. I read the guidelines when I first started here, but I didn't understand many points. Your explanation is straightforward and could be very helpful to many.