Texas Rangers

Book review – 5-7 pages
Think of this review as an introduction to the book for someone who (1) is interested in the history of the American West; (2) has roughly the same knowledge base as you, after a course on this topic; and (3) is unsure if this book is worth reading, when there are many other books on similar topics.
Book review tips
In evaluating the book, do not just summarize. Try to address analytical questions such as these:
What are the author’s goals for the book? What historical question does he/she want to answer?
What are the book’s major ideas/points/arguments? How is the author trying to change understandings of the book’s topic? What does s/he want you to think?
What sort of evidence does the author use to support his/her arguments? Is that evidence persuasive?
Does the book make any big and important points about the American West? If so, what are they? If not, why do the book’s points not seem big/important?
Where is the book most/least convincing or insightful? Are certain parts of the book especially effective or ineffective at supporting the author’s goals for the book?
How does the book relate to your own understanding of western history from lecture or reading?
Is the book well written and well organized?
NOTE: A good paper does not necessarily need to address all these questions. This list provides examples of the kind of questions than can help you think critically about the book you are reviewing.
Examples of analytic book reviews can be found in the book review sections of history journals such as the American Historical Review or Journal of American History (available online via TAMU Libraries). Reviews are also available at H-Net, a website for historians.

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