In Progress

A collection of books that I'm currently reading

Things to consider prior to reading

1. Title - What does it suggest?

2. Preface or Introduction - Provides important information about the author's intentions or the scope of the book. Can you identify any limitations? Has the author ignored important aspects of the subject?

3. Table of Contents - Shows how the book's organized -- main ideas, how they're developed (chronologically, topically, etc.)

Things to consider while reading

1. What's the general field or genre? Does the book fit?

2. From what point of view is the book written?

3. Do you agree or disagree with the author's point of view?

4. Make notes as you read, passages to quote in your review.

5. Can you follow the author's thesis, "common thread"?

6. What is the author's style? Formal? Informal? Suitable for the intended audience?

7. Are concepts well defined? Is the language clear and convincing? Are the ideas developed? What areas are covered, not covered? How accurate is the information?

8. Is the author's concluding chapter, the summary, convincing?

9. If there are footnotes, do they provide important information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the text?

10. If relevant, make note of the book's format - layout, binding, etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Are they helpful?

11. Is the index accurate? What sources did the author use -- primary, secondary? Make note of important omissions.

12. What did the book accomplish? Is more work needed? Compare the book to others by this author, or books in this field by other authors. (Use the books listed in the bibliography.)