Book Review

Critical Book Review - Writing Prompt and Guidelines

Task:​ In a well-organized, thesis-driven paper of 4-6 pages, students will:

● briefly summarize the central argument of the book ● discuss the methods and/or sources used by the author ● explain how the book relates to other shared readings from the course ● engage critically with the book's strengths and weaknesses ● How does this book contribute to your understanding of American the American

Revolution? Would you recommend the book?

Formatting:

● All papers should have an introduction and conclusion that clearly state the paper’s central argument. ​NOTE:​ a critical book review is NOT a "book report"—the majority of the paper should focus on a critical engagement with the author's argument, methods, sources, and contributions to the scholarship on American history. SEE THE CRITICAL BOOK REVIEW HANDOUT FOR TIPS.

● Papers should have a single-spaced heading that includes the student’s name, course number, and date, followed by the paper title. A separate title page is not necessary. All pages should be numbered.

● Standard formatting rules apply – 12 pt. font, Times New Roman or other standard font, 1” margins, double-spaced.

● All sources MUST be cited with Chicago Style footnotes (see Chicago Style Citation handout on Blackboard)