For this week in Readers' Advisory class we were asked to fill out the Readers' Advisory Matrix below about a nonfiction book that we have read. I really enjoy Cokie Roberts's work. She is thorough in her research and knows how to educate without overwhelming with instruction.
Author: Cokie Roberts
Title: Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation
Date of Publication: March 24, 2009
Pages: 394
Geographic setting: The United States of America
Time Period: 1797-1825
Readers’ Advisory
Matrix
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1.
Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
~A mix of
highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose
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2. What is the
subject of the book? The book is
about the women who were involved directly and indirectly with the creation
of The United States of America.
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3. What type of book is it? A biography of
multiple characters.
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4. Articulate
appeal
What is the pacing
of the book? Leisurely.
Describe the
characters of the book. The characters of the book range from
First Ladies of Presidents of the United States to other characters such as
Sacagawea, Louis Livingston, Rebecca Gratz, etc.
How does the story
feel? It reads like a story with
examples and quotes from primary sources.
What is the intent
of the author? Roberts intended to
entice the reader into reading more and learning more about the women who
were part of the betterment of a new nation.
What is the focus
of the story? The focus is the women in the political and social climate and their
reactions to these surroundings.
Does the language
matter? Roberts purposely modernized the language for easier and enjoyable
reading. This makes reading smooth and
uninhibited, as translation techniques are not as needful if it was written
the language and spelling of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Is the setting
important and well described? The setting is strictly social with no
flowery creativity. Roberts’s works
off of what she has researched and what she knows.
Are there details
and, if so, of what? The details include
snippets from letters and other primary sources at Roberts’s disposal.
Are there
sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? None.
Does the book
stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? Roberts uses examples from primary sources
to back up reports and claims, adding to the understanding.
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5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank
appeal)?
1.
Storyline 2. Detailed
3.
Learning/ Experiencing
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Holly--Ladies of Liberty sounds very interesting! I typically don't read historical non-fiction--it can be so dry! Sometimes even if I am interested in the subject, I tend to put down and book and not pick it back up. However, I think the format of this book, mini-biographies, might actually make it a little easier of a read. The subject matter is definitely interesting, so I may have to check it out!
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