Non-fiction Annotation

Bill O'Reilly's Legends & Lies: The Real West by David Fisher

Genre: Non-fiction
Series- Legends & Lies book 1
Pages- 285

Summary:

Bill O'Reilly's Legends & Lies: The Real West is a book of real stories about famous historical figures from the Old West. The book was written as a companion to the Fox News Series done by Bill O'Reilly. The book covers the time period of 1734 with the birth of Daniel Boone to 1908 with the death of Butch Cassidy. The list of people talked about includes Daniel Boone, David Crockett, Kit Carson, Black Bart, Wild Bill Hickok, Bass Reeves, George Armstrong Custer, Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Jesse James, Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, and Butch Cassidy. Each person is covered in a chapter of the book. It explores their life and death, as well as moments that are famous in history. The telling of their stories gives us the various different versions of what might have actually happened or the facts as they are known. With Custer the chapter talks about his famous last battle, but it also talks about his military career and other battles we don't hear about. Custer's last stand is famous in history, and largely what Custer is remembered for, but he did a lot more than lose his final battle. The chapter over Butch Cassidy talks about the famous final shootout when the law tried to arrest Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; but it also talks about how they started out. The theories about how the actually died and if they really did die are discussed as well. The book discusses the major historical moments these figures are known for, but they also look at who the people were and alternate versions of the stories. While telling true stories about famous individuals the book also entertains and keeps the reader's attention.


Characteristics of Non-fiction

Pacing- This is how the story moves. This book moves quickly through facts and details by making things interesting and entertaining.

Characterization- This is the people the book talks about. The characterization tells you about each of these historical figures making you care about what happens to them even though this is history.

Detail- This is the facts and small pieces of information that add together to make the story. The details are what help make this an entertaining book to read. It looks at different people from all angles instead of just one aspect that is well known.

Learning/Experiencing- Sharing knowledge in a relatable way means you learn about history through hearing the pieces shared in an enjoyable way.

Setting- This is where the book is taking place. This book is set in the American West, during the time of expansion and exploration.


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Wyatt, N. (2007). The Reader's Advisory Guide to Nonfiction. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.