U.S. History Book Review Instructions : You have been asked to compose a book re

U.S. History Book Review Instructions :
You have been asked to compose a book review. Report the main arguments and evidence of a book, AND evaluate
the book’s arguments and use of evidence. Your paper should follow the standard
requirements of a college-level thesis statement and should be about 750-1000 words
long In Turabian.
Your paper should cover the following elements:
first, a clear identification of the
author’s main point, or THESIS;
second, the DEVELOPMENT, or the manner in which
the author proves the thesis; Finally, your CRITIQUE of the work.
1. The thesis is the unifying principle of the whole book. It is the central argument that
the author intends to unpack and prove. Although most good authors make numerous
arguments in a history book, there is typically one central, defining idea that ties
everything together. You will need to identify and thoroughly communicate the author’s
central thesis in your own words. If you find a sentence that you believe directly
identifies the thesis, that’s fine! However, do not merely put the thesis in quotes. You
must use your own words.
2. The development is how the author goes about elaborating upon and backing up his
thesis. Here is where you identify the historian’s use of sources. Here also is where you
consider the conclusions the author draws from the sources he is using. Although you
will need to summarize the major points made by the author as you describe the book’s
development, you will need to go beyond merely reporting what the author says and
moving into the realm of analyzing and critiquing what he or she says. Consider the
nature of the historical evidence used. Consider the organization of the book. Consider
the topics addressed, as well as the topics left untreated.
3. The critique is not a criticism of the book. Instead, it is your evaluation of the book’s
thesis, use of evidence, organization, overall effectiveness, and contribution to the study
of history in general. In your critique, you will consider whether a particular point of
view (normally a neutral necessity) and/or a particular bias or prejudice (normally an
avoidable negative) shaped the author’s arguments and use of evidence. You will also
consider whether the book is well-written and useful for the student, the general reader,
or only the advanced specialist.
You will need to be careful about your tone as you discuss your critique. You need to
avoid gushing (if you loved it) or ranting (if you hated it). Although you should freely
express your overall assessment of it (and the reasons why you are assessing it as such),
use even-toned, academic language (generally meaning avoiding “I” statements). You
are making a scholarly argument and should approach your topic (and your readers) with
scholarly respect.