•One to two paragraph brief summary of the book.
•Who is the authorand his/her background?
•Does the author have any particular ideological viewpoint that he or she is trying to advance or do you consider the author to have been neutral and presented both sides of controversial issues? (You will find asking this same question will help you in other courses and your future career.)
•When was this book written? Does the author reflect the views (biases) of the time when the book was written? Why or why not?
•What did you find most interesting in the book? Least interesting?
•What do you think of the author’s title?
•What cities did Steffens visit and comment about?
•Which big cities did Steffens remark about favorably?Which mayor and city did Steffens call “the best mayor of the best-governed city in the United States.”
•What city was called “the worst” by Steffens?
•What is Steffens’ opinion of businessmen?
•What influence did Steffens believe business had on government?
•What is Steffens’ opinion of politics in America?
•What view did Steffens hold regarding loyalty to political parties?
•Steffens uses the terminology “boodler” and “boodlings” often. What do you think Steffens means by these words?
•What hope did Steffens see for the future?
•Do you think the author makes the material interesting, understandable and relevant to the general public? Why or why not?
•If you were the editor in the publishing company, what changes would you make to the author’s draft?
•Did the book increase your interest in a particular issue that you would like to learn more about?
•Do you think it is worthwhile learn about how people portrayed social issues in the past?
•Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
•Would you recommend that I continue to use this book in this course with future students?
