Friday, April 4, 2014

Week 12 Prompt - Nonfiction Analysis

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
By Malcolm Gladwell
ISBN: 9780316204361

NONFICTION READER'S ADVISORY MATRIX

Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
This book is highly narrative, written as a series of essays. 

What is the subject of the book?
The book describes a new way of thinking about strengths and weaknesses.  Instead of seeing traditional strengths as advantages, Gladwell describes them as disadvantages because they frequently impede the ability to live a full life. 

What type of book is it?
The book is categorized as a psychology/sociology book, though it touches on various other genres as well. 

What is the pacing of the book?
The book moves quickly, with short, pointed chapters and subdivisions, though the tone is not hurried. 

Describe the characters of the book.
The book includes sketches of a wide variety of characters, including a basketball coach, a teacher, an undergraduate student, and a social activist, along with more famous characters such as T. E. Lawrence, Paul Cezanne, and Martin Luther King Jr.

How does the story feel?
The stories draw you in with a series of intelligent, unassuming arguments, which also have an intimate feel. 

What is the intent of the author?
The author wants readers to reevaluate the way that they see the world and to consider alternative ways of assigning value. 

What is the focus of the story?
The story focuses on the ways that truths about the realities of life are often counterintuitive. 

Does the language matter?
Yes, the language is lyrical and engages the reader. 

Is the setting important and well described?
Yes, each chapter dedicates sufficient time to setting the scene, including location, time period, and cultural atmosphere. 

Are there details, and if so, of what?
There are numerous specific details, as the arguments are often drawn from statistical evidence. 

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?
Each time a visual is discussed, it is integrated into the text so there is little misunderstanding on the part of the reader. 

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?
Yes, the goal of the book is to create a new understanding or way of thinking. 


Why would a reader enjoy this book?
Engaging language, Intriguing premise that offers learning, strong narrative. 

1 comment:

  1. I am not normally a non-fiction reader but I do enjoy psychology. You made this book appealing by using the matrix we learned this week. I would never have considered reading it before.

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