The Readers' Advisory Matrix for The Way I Heard It, By Mike Rowe
1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose)
2. What is the subject of the book?
This book combines memories of the author's past with historical anecdotes.
3. What type of book is it?
A memoir.
4. Articulate appeal
What is the pacing of the book? It is a fast paced book but can be read at a leisurely pace. Short chapters create the pacing.
Describe the characters of the book. Each chapter focuses on a different set of historical or famous people. Mike Rowe is center stage in each chapter talking about his childhood, teen years, and his adult life as he worked his way to being a television host and creating his own podcast. Rowe is relatable to his readers with the way he spins each tale. He is humorous, sometimes a little raunchy but always entertaining. He tells his stories and those of people like the man on the Titanic who survived by drinking excessively.
How does the story feel? Humorous, historical, enlightening, real world
What is the intent of the author? To entertain listeners with his life story and stories from his podcast.
What is the focus of the story? To bring some new facts to stories we have heard before as well as give us insight to how Rowe has lived his life.
Does the language matter? Yes, it helps create the humorous feel of the story and is lighthearted.
Is the setting important and well described? The settings are not as important as the characters that are being brought to life. Each chapter is its own entity so the focus is on what is going on with the characters and not describing the setting.
Are there details and, if so, of what? There are some details so we can figure out who the characters are before he says their names but beyond that the details are not in your face. Some stories feel like they are there just to be there with not much detail and others are detailed enough to keep readers going.
Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? There are no charts but there are small graphics that are depicting a small aspect of the historical anecdotes Rowe is discussing. They are almost like old school clipart and do not add much to the story.
Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? Yes, through his memories we are taught all three of these things. He shows us learning through his parents, understanding through his historical anecdotes, and experience through his work.
5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?
1. Learning/experiencing
2. Tone
3. Language