Indigenous Studies

THIS IS ABOUT INDIGENOUS STUDIES IN CANADA.

For this assignment, you will be writing a comprehensive review of “The Truth About Stories by Thomas King.”

Your review should be 4-5 pages (1200-1500 words), double spaced, 12 pt font, standard margins.

The reviewer normally assumes that readers will be unfamiliar with the work. The review begins with a description of the book, its contents and its value, to help readers to decide whether or not they would like to read it.  

After giving the readers some idea of the scope of the work, the reviewer normally sets out to persuade the readers to accept the reviewers opinions.  This job of persuasion requires evidence.  For example, if the reviewer asserts that the arguments in the book are weak, this must be supported by evidence in the form of a direct quotation or paraphrase.  Please be cautious not to quote at length as this will overwhelm what is a relatively short assignment. Please cite the passage, whether you quote directly or not, using page numbers.

A book review does not usually rely on any other references. Outside references may be used if they help to explain your critique; however, additional sources should be used sparingly.  If additional works are used, other than the book you are reviewing, then you must add a Works Cited list. Follow MLA or APA style guidelines.

A book review usually follows this structure:

i) The opening paragraph gives the reader some idea of the nature and scope of the work. This usually includes the name of the author or editor and some reference to their credentials or expertise in the area. This can be done in a phrase rather than spending a lot of valuable time giving a long biography of the author. Identify who is the intended audience (academics, students, the general public). Is the book appropriate for this audience? Questions you might want to address:  What is the subject of the work and the broad field and/or genre into which it fits? Is the work a comprehensive overview or a detailed analysis?

ii) The next few paragraphs give a rough idea of the contents. You can provide short summaries of each chapter (one or two sentences) and identify the main argument in each chapter. Identify how each chapter being reviewed contributes to the main themes or questions holding the book together. 

iii) Next, a few paragraphs that focus on the themes in more detailthat is, the point or idea or vision embodied in the book.  What is the authors purpose in writing this book? What is the over-arching thesis of the book?  What are the main points set out by the author?  How does the author prove the thesis and main points?  Other questions you might want to address:  What is the authors methodology? What evidence does the author provide to support their argument (sources, data, personal anecdote, etc)? Is the evidence convincing? How is the book structured? Is its development orderly and logical? What is the authors writing style? Is it narrative or analytical? Is the prose readable and appropriate to its intended audience?

iv) At some point in your discussion, make it clear what you think are the main strengths of the book, if any. This discussion can take more than one paragraph depending on what you have to say. To support your points and persuade your reader that you are right, provide evidence from the text.

v) You can also do the same in a discussion of the main weaknesses of the book, if any. Questions to consider: How does this book compare to other books on the same subject? Does it present a unique perspective or new research? Does the book have illustrations? A list of references or a bibliography? An index? Are there are any other features? Are they effective and useful? Does the author suggest areas for further research or discussion? What has been left out?

vi) Finally, the reviewer offers their final assessment. Would you buy this book or recommend it to others?