It is now time for you to evaluate the quality
and impact of Alice Goffman’s On the Run. This book review should have three primary components: 1)
Major points of the book; 2) Strengths and weaknesses; and 3) Critical assessment.
What is the problem or issue that Goffman is trying to shed light on? How does she do it?
What are her major findings based on her fieldwork? Summarize extensively and use quotes sparingly.
discuss what Goffman did well in the book and what she did poorly. For example, did
the evidence provided in the text support the major points/arguments? Did Goffman clearly show the
relevance of the topic? Was the book accessible? (Note: I don’t really care if you “liked” the book or
thought it read smoothly). In this section you should try to remain as objective as possible. That is,
evaluate the claims that Goffman makes in relation to the evidence she provides. In what ways is the
evidence strong? In what ways is the evidence weak?
critically identify issues or disagreements that you or others would have with
the book. The strengths/weaknesses section should focus on Goffman’s general approach (in other words,
the research itself and her approach to the topic). In this section, you should focus on areas where you or
others fundamentally agree or disagree with Goffman’s arguments, findings, or conclusions. For this
class, it is totally acceptable to look up other reviews of the book that have been published elsewhere.
Sociologists, political scientists, and journalists have all had much to say about On the Run. Some have
primarily praised the work and the insights it provides. Others have been extremely critical, even calling
for Goffman to face criminal charges based on some of what she describes.
