Your book review should be between two and three pages in length and typed in twelve-point font Times New Roman. You are to read a non-fiction book of your choice concerning any person or event in United States History after the year 1876. Several books can be found on the online database JSTOR at ASU. After reading the book, you are to answer in detail the five questions below.
1. I want you to write a ½ page summary over an approved book. This item is worth ten percent of your grade.
2. I want you to address the qualifications of the author in approximately one paragraph. Questions to consider are: What is his/her background and education? Has the author written other works? Is the author a college educator? Etc. This item is worth approximately ten percent of your grade.
3. What were the main points the author was attempting to make? What are the primary themes developed throughout the book? This will probably be the longest part of your paper as you explain the primary themes of the book. Obviously, you cannot explain everything, so focus on the things that stand out to you as especially important. This item is worth about forth percent of your grade.
4. How well did the author write the book? This question focuses on the quality of the writing. Is the author easy or difficult to follow? Does the author provide evidence, or does it appear to be only opinions without any sources? How well is the book organized? Was the authors argument convincing? This item is worth about thirty percent of your grade
5. What is the ongoing value and relevance of the information in this book? This questions primarily focuses on your opinion. Does this book further your knowledge ? Why should anyone today care about the material in this book? How does this book affect us today? This item is worth about ten percent of your grade.
