LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY

History 232

Book Review

There will be two book reviews; the first on Revolutionizing Motherhood and the second on I, Rigoberta Menchu. In each case, the format will be the same. First, read the entire work. Next, write a three-to-five-page review using the following guidelines. You should not answer each question separately. Instead, use these questions as a basis for your review essay.

What is the purpose of this work/why was it written? (Look in the Preface, if there is one, or read the Introduction.)

What is the main idea or main ideas of this work? Are they stated clearly? (You’ll probably find it in the first chapter or Introduction.) You should quote it or paraphrase it in your paper.

How does the author develop these ideas? What examples are used? Are they clearly linked to the thesis/main idea? (Here you should give specific quotes and/or examples from the work and cite the page. This part and the next will make up the biggest section of your paper, but do not just summarize the book. Instead, look at the organization of the book. Is the author using specific examples or giving a narrative or events?)

How effective is the author is proving his main idea? (Again, give specific examples with citations and explain your reasoning. Why do you think he is successful? Is the writing clear or confusing? What criteria do you use? Or, why is he not successful?)

What is your overall opinion of the work and its usefulness in understanding the history of Latin America? (Again, use specific examples and cite them. Are there illustrations or tables? Do headings help focus on main points?)

You do not need a bibliography or formal footnotes. But you should cite quotes by putting the page number in parentheses. The main reason for these assignments is to make you a better and more critical reader. Most books have something to tell us. When you read critically you learn more. But many books have their weaknesses, and you should be encouraged to note them. These books we are reading give us insights into Latin American history that cannot be found in a textbook, and your ability to gain from your reading is improved when you read critically.