Guide to writing Reading Reflections
For this assignment, you are asked to reflect on the book’s subject matter, the author’s approach to the subject, the types of sources the author uses in the recovery of the story and the principles, and finally, the author’s approach to telling the story. Normally, as historians, we don’t write in the first person, but for this assignment you may. Follow the syllabus instructions for formatting your papers.
Questions for your consideration:
What is the author’s background?
What historical argument(s) does the author make? What historical issues provide the context for the biographical material?
Is the author a good at crafting a narrative? If so, how? Offer an example.
What sources did the author use to write the book?
Did you find this true story compelling? Why or why not?
What can you learn about writing biography and/or history from this book?