English and Literature

FIRST:
Read the book, take notes, compare and contrast similar ideas gleaned from other sources (media, former classes, parents, teachers, friends etc.).
• Locate and discuss other reviews of the book (academic journals, popular magazines, blogs, etc.).
•
o Make sure to include proper citations in your reference list.
NEXT: Introduce the subject, scope, and type of book.
• Identify the book’s author, title, and publishing information.
• Include some background to enable readers to place the book into context.
• Describe the general problem the book addresses.
• Include some information about the author.
o Is the author qualified to write on this subject? Why or why not?
o What are the author’s reasons for writing this book?
NEXT: Summarize the content.
Please provide an overview of the book’s thesis and primary supporting material. IMPORTANT, this review is to be a commentary, not just a summary, so please provide a detailed overview of the book; the major points; some commentary on the scope and emphasis; and which, if any aspects of the subject has (in your view), been ignored. You should also consider the date of writing and, if evident, the author’s inherent biases.
NEXT: Provide your reactions to the book.
Your critique should describe your view on how the author treated the subject.
• What did YOU think of:
o The overall thesis (interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive? Why?)
o The author’s worldview (What do you agree/disagree with? Why?)
o Issues raised by the book (What might be missing? Explain.)
o How does this author’s ideas compare with competing ideas?
o Compare with other books or authors: Support your arguments by citing, quoting or paraphrasing authors with whom you agree.
• Relate the book to larger issues:
o How did the book affect your view of memory and learning?
o How does this book fit into the context of the int300va?
o Did the book enhance your view of how personal choices/habits affect memory and learning?
FINALLY: Conclude by summarizing your ideas.
• Your review should conclude with your personal critique.
o Has the author achieved the purpose, explicit or implicit, for writing the book?
o Has the author persuasively argued the thesis to your satisfaction (explain)?
o Has the book challenged you intellectually, raising new questions, or does the author simply revisit well worn territory?
o Would you recommend the book to others?
• If so, at what level; high school, undergraduate, graduate?
o What next steps would you propose to the author?
o Any advice for potential readers???
o Summarize your main points… close with a direct, brutally honest comment about the book.
Instructions: This review should be around 5 pages (.PDF document) with the following basic structure:
• Title Page
• Executive Summary

• Body text (800-1500 words max)


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