Using a new model for the classification of types of readings, this book shows how to read, analyze and interpret life story materials.

The authors introduce four models: holistic-content reading; holistic-form reading; categorical-content reading; and categorical-form reading. They present two complete narratives so that readers can compare the authors' interpretations against the actual text as well as analyze the stories on their own. The subsequent chapters provide readings, interpretations and analyses of the narrative data from the models.

A New Model for Classification of Approaches to Reading, Interpretation and Analysis
The Narrative of Our Own Research
Demonstrative Life Stories
The Holistic-Content Perspective
Holistic Analysis of Form
Categorical-Content Perspective
Categorical-Form Analysis
Discussion
Choices and Evaluation in Narrative Research