History OrientationHistory Orientation

Jane McKennaJane McKenna

LibrarianLibrarian

Library ResourcesLibrary ResourcesComputersComputersTextbooksTextbooksLibrariansLibrariansWorkshopsWorkshopsStudy RoomsStudy Rooms

Student id Student id == Library card Library card

Writing a Book ReviewWriting a Book Review

A reviewer has two goals: A reviewer has two goals:

Inform the reader about the content of the Inform the reader about the content of the bookbook

Provide an evaluation that gives your Provide an evaluation that gives your judgement of the book’s quality judgement of the book’s quality

ThesisThesis

““A proposition for consideration, especially A proposition for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or one to be discussed and proved or disproved.” – disproved.” – Dictionary of Literary TermsDictionary of Literary Terms

If the author wanted you to get one idea If the author wanted you to get one idea from the book, what would it be? What is from the book, what would it be? What is the author's purpose in writing the book? the author's purpose in writing the book? Is the thesis clear, logical and supported?Is the thesis clear, logical and supported?

Bias and PerspectiveBias and PerspectiveFrom what point of view does the author write?From what point of view does the author write?

Does any of the author's information (or Does any of the author's information (or conclusions) conflict with other books you've conclusions) conflict with other books you've read, courses you've taken or just previous read, courses you've taken or just previous assumptions you had of the subject?assumptions you had of the subject?

Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? a balanced fashion?

Did the author neglect information or a point of Did the author neglect information or a point of view that might have changed the interpretation?view that might have changed the interpretation?

Compare the book to other books or known facts Compare the book to other books or known facts and don't be afraid to be critical. and don't be afraid to be critical.

EvidenceEvidence

How does the author support his/her How does the author support his/her argument? argument?

What evidence does he/she use to prove her What evidence does he/she use to prove her point? Do you find that evidence point? Do you find that evidence convincing?convincing?

What other writings does the author include to What other writings does the author include to support their thesis?support their thesis?

StructureStructureHow does the author structure the argument?How does the author structure the argument? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does What are the parts that make up the whole? Does

the argument make sense? Does it persuade the argument make sense? Does it persuade you? Why or why not? you? Why or why not?

How has this book helped you understand the How has this book helped you understand the subject?subject?

Is the book well written? Is the book well written?

AudienceAudience

Is the book accessible to any college level Is the book accessible to any college level reader or only to a specialist?reader or only to a specialist?

ImpactImpact

What impact does this work have in its field?What impact does this work have in its field?

Does it contribute something original?Does it contribute something original?

Will it have lasting value?Will it have lasting value?

Your EvaluationYour EvaluationWhat is your response to the author's point What is your response to the author's point

of view? Are you convinced? of view? Are you convinced?

What do you think to be the greatest What do you think to be the greatest strength and weakness of the work?strength and weakness of the work?

What does the book contribute to your What does the book contribute to your understanding of the subject? What understanding of the subject? What questions were left unanswered? Would questions were left unanswered? Would you recommend the book to your reader?you recommend the book to your reader?

Remember, back your opinions with facts Remember, back your opinions with facts or examples.or examples.

Selecting a BookSelecting a Book

Use Library Catalogs: Use Library Catalogs:

COA Library CatalogCOA Library Catalog

Other Library CatalogsOther Library Catalogs

Locating Background Info.Locating Background Info.Textbook and lecturesTextbook and lectures

Reference Books (ex. Subject Encyclopedias, Reference Books (ex. Subject Encyclopedias, Chronologies):Chronologies):

How to Write Book ReportsHow to Write Book Reports – – REF PE1478 .T45 2002REF PE1478 .T45 2002

Japanese American HistoryJapanese American History – – REF E184.J3 J3355 REF E184.J3 J3355 19931993

COA Catalog (browse books for subject and/or author)COA Catalog (browse books for subject and/or author)

Article Databases (search for subject and/or author)Article Databases (search for subject and/or author)

Citing SourcesCiting Sources

PlagiarismPlagiarism

MLA Citation StyleMLA Citation Style