1. What is the authors purpose in writing the book?

2. What is the books thesis?

3. How does the author organize material? What is the logic behind the topics of the
chapters, and how do the chapters go together to form the book? You should be aware
that there is almost always a fit between the thesis of a book and the logic of the books
organization. Each points to the other. Thus, if you are in doubt about the thesis, pay
attention to the organizational logic. In your review, include an explicit statement about
the fit between the books organization and its thesis. This section can also include a
brief summary of the book, but make sure that the summary is tied to the issue of
organization.
4. To what subfield of history does the book belong? How so? What methodologies
(particular ways of studying history, such as quantitative history) does the author
employ? Do any academic theories (particular ways of thinking, such as feminist or
postmodern theories) guide the author, and, if so, which ones? If the author does not
discuss methodology or theory, note their absence.
(More, theory, does not discuss methodologies)
5. Does the author discuss the historiography of his or her books subject matter? If yes,
how so? Are any secondary sources particularly important for the author? Which ones
and why? What primary sources does the author use to develop the thesis of the book,
and why are these particular sources used? Do not give just a list of sources. Discuss
types of sources used and the reasons for relying on certain kinds of sources. Include an
explicit statement about the books most significant primary sources in light of the
authors thesis.
(Meaning does he use another historical response to the book I am reading now?)
6. Here you must also relate the book to the subject of the course: How does the book fit
in with the issues raised and discussed in the course and the textbook, beyond adding
more detail? In particular, does the book add a different or similar perspective to the
assigned course reading, especially the textbook? How so?
(look at our textbook and see if it correlates to the other book)
7. How well is the authors purpose accomplished? In this section, you have an
opportunity to make an original, critical evaluation of the book. You will want to address
the issues of what is well done, poorly done, and originally done. Are the books
arguments and uses of evidence clear or unclear, strong or weak, convincing or
unconvincing? Should a reader agree or disagree with the authors assumptions and
conclusions? What are the books overall strengths and weaknesses? If a reader is
curious about a subject, should he or she choose this particular book?

(Did I like, dislike, or feel that the book did justice? Back up with
support)