Topic: The Radicalism of the American Revolution by Gordon S. Wood

Order Description
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A book/documentary review is a statement about how well the author achieved their purpose

It is also about how convincing the author/ filmmakers is/are in making their conclusion (thesis) seem true

When reviewing works of non-fiction, you should concentrate on the argument presented rather than merely summarizing each of the events, issues, and subjects that
they bring up in their writing

Locate the author’s thesis—their main point or conclusion—this can be found in the PREFACE or INTRODUCTION or the Beginning of a documentary

Read the book beginning with the Preface of Introduction, and read it carefully. Read the final chapter and the EPILOGUE. Then read the remainder of the chapters.

Take notes—paying attention to the type of historical sources are they using to tell their story and to make their argument

Evaluate each chapter of the book or section of the film and think about why the author/filmmakers included the information that they did in each chapter/section. How
does each chapter/section form a major portion of the author’s or filmmakers’ overall argument?

Ask yourself if the author/ filmmakers succeeded in making their thesis seem true—that is if the author/ filmmakers is/are convincing or not

What kind of portrayal of the past in the author’s or filmmakers’ study is evident in your interpretation of the non-fiction work that you have read? Is the story one
with a happy ending or not? Do the characters attain justice or not? What kind of society is the author/ filmmakers essentially describing in their writing and their
argument?

Who has agency – that is, who MAKES CHANGE OCCUR in the author’s telling of events?

How applicable is the author’s argument and conclusion (thesis) to present-day issues?