Book Review: Name ✓ Solved

BOOK REVIEW I. NAME ________________________________________

BOOK TITLE: ___________________________________________

AUTHOR _______________________________

PUBLISHER __________________

DATE OF PUBLICATION ________________

PLACE OF PUB. ____________

AUTHOR’S THESIS

If you can put the author’s thesis in a single sentence, the commentary part will be easy.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

What is the political and historical context of the book? For example, if your book is about the assassination of Lincoln, the historical context would include the end of the Civil War and the hostilities between the North and the South. If your book is a biography, it may cover a broad period of history, perhaps 70 or more years. In that case, one period may be more important or influential. Or the book may focus on a very narrow period of history such as a military campaign. In that case, what are the events just prior to the main focus of the book, which may have had significant influence on the subject at hand?

SUMMARY/DESCRIPTION OF CONTENTS

In this section, you inform the reader what the book says, how the contents were presented, and in general, write a brief synopsis of the book you read. Is it a biography, a history of diplomacy, or the narrative of a political campaign? Include the setting—time and place and a description of the main character or the author’s main idea. In this section, you also tell the reader about any extras that the book contains, such as a preface, introduction, maps, charts, and sources. For example, the biography of Eleanor Roosevelt by J. William T. Youngs uses a number of primary and secondary sources including Eleanor’s autobiography, letters, diaries, newspaper articles and schoolbooks.

COMMENTARY

This is the heart of the review and the most difficult. Here you are observations, reflections or musings to which the book gives rise. Think of these as potential starting points for this part. This is where you get to criticize the author and agree or disagree with his main points. Is the author biased? Does the author seem to make assumptions and judgments that he or she cannot prove? If the book was written a long time ago, such as Plato’s Republic or Machiavelli’s The Prince, is it still relevant? How or why? Go back and check the historical and political background. How does it affect the author’s ideas? Is the author making a special commentary or is the book an objective report of the facts?

Work up a draft. Revise your first draft. Revise your second draft. This, your third version, is the finished book review. You’re done!

Paper For Above Instructions

The book titled “The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America” by George Packer delves into the complex sociopolitical landscape of contemporary America through interconnected narratives of various individuals navigating personal and national turmoil. The thesis of Packer’s work can be distilled into the assertion that America is in a state of unwinding, where the economic and social structures that once held society together are failing, leading to a fragmented national identity.

Historical Background

Packer's narrative spans from the late 20th century into the present, a time marked by significant political upheaval, including the aftermath of the Cold War, the rise of neoliberalism, the 2008 financial crisis, and the ensuing political divisiveness marked by figures such as Barack Obama and Donald Trump. The book’s context is essential for understanding how these events contribute to the pervasive sense of unease and disconnection among Americans.

Summary/Description of Contents

The structure of The Unwinding is composed of interwoven stories that paint a larger picture of America as experienced by everyday people. The book begins with the life of a former factory worker in the manufacturing town of Youngstown, Ohio, illustrating the town's industrial decline. Packer then connects the narratives of a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, a North Carolina preacher, and a Washington D.C. lobbyist, among others, to illustrate the diverse experiences of American life in an age of economic precarity and social disintegration.

The author employs various primary and secondary sources, such as interviews and public documents, to enhance the authenticity and depth of the narratives. The setting shifts across the United States, showcasing both rural and urban landscapes, providing a well-rounded understanding of the country’s socio-economic schema.

Commentary

Packer’s work invites deep reflection and critique regarding the fundamental American ideals of equality and opportunity. His exploration reveals stark contrasts between the aspirations of the American Dream and the harsh realities faced by many. He exposes the inherent biases within the American economic framework—particularly how systemic inequality perpetuates disenfranchisement for marginalized groups.

Critically, one must consider whether Packer’s portrayal risks generalization. While his characters represent broad societal trends, do they reflect the nuanced variety of American experiences? Is there an element of bias when Packer portrays certain socio-economic classes as tragic heroes in a story of decline while overlooking other more hopeful narratives of resilience and progress?

Furthermore, how relevant is Packer’s analysis in today's context where social movements and political engagement seem to be reviving themes of unity and community? For instance, the resurgence of activists advocating for social justice and environmental sustainability suggests that despite factors contributing to unwinding, there exists a robust counter-narrative.

Packer’s commentary on the influence of historical events on the present underscores the intergenerational struggles against systemic forces. His observations compel readers to question the trajectory of American society—whether it is possible to reweave the fabric of a united national identity in an era of fragmentation.

In conclusion, The Unwinding serves as both a somber reflection on the disintegration of collective identity and a call to recognize the potential for rebuilding. The need for honest discourse surrounding America's socio-political landscape has never been more pressing. As noted by Packer, understanding where we have been is crucial to envisioning where we need to go from here.

References

• Packer, G. (2013). The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Krugman, P. (2008). The Conscience of a Liberal. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Reich, R. (2015). Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few. Knopf.
• Stiglitz, J. (2012). The Price of Inequality: How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Tilly, C. (2006). Regimes and Repertoires. University of Chicago Press.
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
• Wilentz, S. (2005). The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln. Norton.
• West, C. (2010). Race Matters. Beacon Press.
• Glaeser, E. L. (2011). The Triumph of the City. Penguin Press.
• Joseph, D. (2019). Inventing the American Way of Life: A History of the American Dream. Yale University Press.