The Story of my Life

Process :

1. Select a book from the reading list provided. If you have another you would like to review, please have it approved by your teacher.

2. Do a structural skim-read of the book.
How is the book presented?
Check for the following:
• Number of pages
• Table of contents
• Number of chapters-their titles
• The length of the chapters
• Are there headings within the chapters?

3. Make a list of the things you would like to learn about this person.

4. Start reading and keeping a journal. Things to include in your journal:
• Title of chapter
• Length of chapter
• Main point(s) of the chapter
• Techniques and devices that you see used in the chapter
• Your reaction to each chapter: Are you inspired? Angry? Did you learn anything new? Questions about the chapter?

5. The REVIEW (about 500 words)
Give the author’s name; full title of book including subtitle; editor, if any; place, publisher and date of publication; edition, if necessary; and the number of pages – all this in the appropriate bibliographical style (MLA) under the title of the review or report.

Supply any information about the author which shows their credentials for writing in this field or which reveals any influences which may have affected the author’s point of view. Note any interesting circumstances that led to the writing of the book.

What is the author’s purpose in writing this book/their thesis?
Establish the thesis of your review: The main point of your analysis.

Summarize the content of the book:
Check your journal for the notes that you made while you read. This part follows the author’s order and consists solely of the main ideas which advance the author’s argument.

Analyze the book and its content:
Did the author achieve their purpose?
Is the writing biased? Elaborate.
Is the information presented clearly?
Are there questions left unanswered?
Is the information in the book credible?
Why or why not? What are the strengths? Weaknesses?
Does the author make a positive or negative contribution to his field with this book?
Is the writing style clear and effective?
Do you like the was it is developed?
Does the book raise issues or topics for discussion?

Your Assessment:
• Why did you choose this book?
• What is your reaction to it?
• Does it contribute to your knowledge in your domain/field? How?
• Did you learn anything surprising about the person about whom you read?
• Would you recommend this book to someone else? Why? Why not?