Review one of the books listed. Each of these books are about a particular woman, or women, in history, and use her experiences to explain the historical context of the wider world in which she lived.

Assignment Question

Book Review – You will review one of the books listed on the final page of the syllabus. Each of these books are about a particular woman, or women, in history, and use her experiences to explain the historical context of the wider world in which she lived.

This three page review should include an analysis of the author’s argument, explanation of what type of sources the author used, an example you found particularly compelling of how this person exemplifies the experience of their time period and why, if you found the author’s argument to be successful, and, if necessary, what you felt was missing if the author didn’t make a successful argument.

Book choices for book review Camilla Townsend, Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma Elaine G. Breslaw, Tituba, Reluctant Witch of Salem: Devilish Indians and Puritan Fantasies Rachel Hopes-Cleves, Charity and Sylvia: A Same-sex Marriage in Early America Allan Greer, Mohawk Saint: Carherine Tekakwitha and the Jesuits Patricia Cohen, The Murder of Helen Jewitt Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on her Diary, 1785-1812 Harriet Jacobs, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl David Waldstreicher, The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley Alfred F. Young, Masquerade: The Life and Times of Deborah Sampson, Continental Soldier Jill Lepore, Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin Catherine A. Brekus, Sarah Osborn’s world: The Rise of Evangelical Christianity Deborah Gray White, Arn’t I a Woman?

“Refer to the following for both the Book Review and Final Paper. Your report and paper should revolve around the “so what” factor. Avoid writing a summary of the book, person, or source – this isn’t a biography or literary review. Rather, think critically about the historical significance and how the book or source exemplifies the position, thoughts, and/or experiences of women in the historical context of their time period. Each paper should have an introduction that introduces us to the time period and general ideas of what is happening. This paragraph also needs to contain your thesis. A thesis statement makes your argument, it let’s the reader know your angle of analysis for the rest of the paper. This is the focus you will keep referring back to throughout the body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should be organized around one idea that shows evidence to support your thesis. The topic sentence clues the reader in for what will be discussed, and the ending transition sentence reveals connections between the ideas and pieces of evidence you provide. Keep your thesis in mind while writing and always refer back to it. Write in a clear and concise manner – assume your reader[…]”