Beyond the Alamo

Bibliographical citation ALL reviews should begin with a bibliographical citation. You will find
information about how to do this at the end of this handout. Historians use Chicago Manual of Style for all their citations.

b. Introduction You should have a brief introduction that lays out YOUR thesis of your review what you are hoping to state/argue about the book and your introduction MUST include the authors thesis for the book (either paraphrased or as a direct quote).
c. Profile/Summary of the book You should have a short paragraph that gives a summary of the book what it was about. Emphasis on SHORT (4 or 5 sentences at the most); it shouldnt be a detail by detail listing of the book.
d. Body You should discuss your observations (from the AS YOU READ section) in the body. I wont give you expectations regarding how to put these observations together or how many paragraphs, but it should be logical and well thought out. Remember that paragraphs are dividing different topics (even sub-topics) and each paragraph should have a mini-main idea. You can/should use quotes to support your points, but keep them short. (QUOTES SHOULDNT BE LONGER THAN ONE SENTENCE/LINE OF TEXT) You will have to cite any quotes or specific details you use (again, using Chicago Manual of Style as described below and in a handout on Blackboard).
e. Conclusion You should have a short paragraph that sums up your thesis/argument and major points of your review. Ideally, it should leave your reader with some ideas about whether they want to read the book or not.