Details and Grading Structure:
This assignment is neither a traditional book report that proves you’ve read a simple review nor a simple review to help someone decide whether or not to read a book. It requires that you think deeply about the author’s assertions and evidence in the context of our course materials.
Your review should include the following 4 sections:
Introduction, 20 points possible
Do some background research to introduce the book, addressing its significance in the genre, publication date, and relevant details about the author.
What is the author’s main purpose and thesis?
Summarize the main points of your synopsis and critique
Synopsis, 25 points possible
Summarize the major points of the book. While not a detailed retelling, write this section so that someone who does not have time to read the book (e.g. your classmate who chose another book for this assignment) will gather the most salient details from your review.
You can address each chapter here, or consolidated themes.
Identify how major themes, ideas, and examples relate to the course concepts.
Critique, 25 points possible
React to the book’s conclusions and effectiveness.
Are the conclusions consistent with what you’ve learned in the course and your personal experiences? Why or why not?
Include evidence to support your assessment of how effective the author is in making the case for the book’s conclusions – how did the author use data, examples, other sources, theory, etc.?
Does the author have any biases that might influence their conclusions?
(Optional – all of these books were written pre-COVID; reflect on how the author’s conclusions might be different or stronger if written today)
Conclusion, 15 points possible
Summarize the main points of your synopsis and critique.
Did the book prompt any additional questions for you? What suggestions do you have for further research?
Who should read this book?
In addition to the 85 points possible for each section, up to 15 points will be awarded for overall clarity and effectiveness. Proofread your work and cite ideas and works that are not your own appropriately (APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style). Keep a professional tone and avoid superfluous language. You may consult with your classmates but your final submission should reflect your own analysis and opinions. Feel free to write in the first person.
There is no minimum or maximum page limit – submissions that clearly and effectively address the questions and prompts will receive full credit. Most submissions will fall between 5 and 10 pages, with 1-inch margins, 11-point font, double-spaced.
feel free to write up to 5 pages