4 stars (Important but not compelling) - I understand that the rigors of academia require exhaustive research and documentation, however, that is no excuse for writing which is too dense, difficult to read, or not engaging to the reader. If more "academics" would learn how to write like real people instead of researchers, perhaps their messages would be communicated more effectively... and maybe people would LEARN more. Isn't that the point? There is no excuse for bad writing -- even if you are a genius! 3 stars (It's really tough but you will need it!) - I tried for a long time to deny using this book, even though I bought it off a course list and had it on my shelf. After being told several times by professors that my documents needed to be in APA style, with no quick description offered, I have been forced to go in and learn the format. It's a bit like learning a foreign language but since I've learned to use it, it's come up again, and again, and again, so I'm glad I finally did it. Check out "The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book" as well. It's a fun read, based on sound research, that let me test my EQ online. Boy, did I need my EQ skills while learning APA style! 4 stars (More User-Friendly Than Widely Acknowledged) - It's difficult to understand why so many reviewers find the APA style so difficult. Perhaps this is due to having weaned my teeth on APA during my Ph.D. Rather than finding the style convoluted, confusing, or inconsistent, I find it as clear as the equally valuable "Chicago Manual of Style." In particular, the APA's method of in-text notes makes it easy for the writer and reader to document and locate source materials. Once you grasp the basic premise of footnoting and endnoting, the overall style is coherent. Besides, if you are going to write in the social science field, like it or not, APA style is here to stay--so you may as well learn it and use it. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends... American Psychological Association (APA) :: Social sciences :: Reference :: Publishing :: Psychology :: Psychological literature :: History :: Handbooks :: manuals :: etc :: Composition & Creative Writing - Acade :: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association- Fifth Edition
5 stars (Owner's review) - This book is in awesome shape, I used it for an online course, so i have never carried in a book bag. No markings, and very very minimal corners bent. 5 stars (Interesting and real world scenarios) - I teach technical writing at a community college and frequently switched textbooks until I discovered Mike Markel's. It is well organized, gives 8 measures of excellence in technical writing that students quickly grasp, has very up-to-date scenarios that prompt critical reading and writing and the online quizzes and resources are the frosting on the cake. This book is a great tool for educators, students and absolutely anyone who wishes to write in a professional manner. 3 stars (Well written, over priced common sense.) - The information in the book as well as the scenarios presented are well put. The writing is adequate for the subject. Overall, though, I feel the cost of the book exceeded the value. Much of the information in the book is common sense. ... Bedford-St Martin-s :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Telecommunications :: Technology :: Technical Writing :: Science&Mathematics :: Language Arts & :: Technical Communication
5 stars (The Power of the Essay) - The Bedford Reader provides the teacher of writing with a powerful tool. Provocative, interesting, varied essays are presented within a coherent framework of rhetorical strategies. I have used it with 9th and 10th graders, but will use it with older students as well. If your concern is with rhetoric, if you want to teach your students to think and write effectively, this is a great resource. 5 stars (The Best I've Ever Seen) - I was required to get this book for an Intermediate Composition course in college and it has to be the best college textbook I have ever had. First there is a wide variety of stories to choose from and at least one will appeal to everyone. Even though it is a educational textbook I still read it in my leisure time, as well. 4 stars (Each work demands the reader's attention in its own way.) - My high school English class analyzes two essays from the book every grading period. I have seldom had an assignment that I enjoy so much; after analyzing the first essay assigned (Homeless), I sat back to think about what the writer had expressed. The essays are thought provoking and demand attention. The Bedford Reader is a book that I would recommend for the sheer enjoyment of exploring one's own mind and escaping to the world of another's. ... Bedford-St Martin-s :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: Compositi :: The Bedford Reader
3 stars (Lit teacher) - The book does provide a diverse range of genre. It works well as a literature textbook. However, the quality of the book binding is poor. Students purchase this $50+ textbook only to have chunks of it fall out before the end of the semester. I suppose the publisher sells more textbooks that way, since few books are resold as used books, but I can't recommend it for just that reason. 5 stars (College English Class) - Great Book....even though the CRAZY PROFESSOR I HAD USED 15 of the essays and some poems. THE ESSAYS WERE INTERESTING AND FUN. 5 stars (An excellent textbook for first-year college students.) - This book provides a good range of diverse materials for a teacher in a first year English course. There are multiple genres and themes, a section of famous paintings for discussions (useful for discussions on literature and art), among other helpful features. The Conscious Reader is an antidote to readers which have the same standard writing for student use. ... Longman :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Rhetoric :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: :: The Conscious Reader- Ninth Edition
4 stars (From a Teacher) - I have used this book to teach a freshman writing and reading course at a liberal arts school. Because of the difficulty of many of the texts, it was met by my students with little fanfare. While a few of the pieces are clearly too much for the average freshman (Foucault comes first to mind), most can be used effectively to get them to discuss issues. I have found that the students would rather talk in generals and universals than with the intricate arguments that some of the writers brilliantly present. This is one of the those books that if you decide to use it in a class, then you better be prepared to not only sink with the ship but also be able to provide an inspiring tour of the ruins. 5 stars (Challenging, yet rewarding read) - I had to read this book for my upper division journalism class this fall and found it to be one of the best books that we used in the course. The editors have tried to collect well-written, intelligent documentaries that challenge traditional connections between words and photographs. Included are Edward Said's inspiring piece about the Palestinian holocaust and exile, a piece by Roland Barthes about the meaning of photograph, "Let Us Speak Now of Famous Men," and many others. Although some pieces are better than others, Barthes' piece is more exciting and informative than Marianne Hirsch's writing on the way that children are used in photography. Over all, the collection is a rewarding and challenge book that could be used for any upper division class. (Maybe the reason that previous reviewers did not like the book is that it was not intended for first year college composition classes.) 1 stars (Blah, Blah, Blah) - I had to read this book for my Freshman lit/comp class and it is by far the most pathetic collection of essays every gathered. It is almost unreadable, pretentious, and laughable. It is a collection of essays by writers who think considerably more of themselves then they are due. Subseque... Bedford-St Martin-s :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Rhetoric :: Report writing :: Problems :: exercises :: etc :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Litera :: Ways of Reading - An Anthology for Writers
4 stars (Great for my Literature Class. . . BUT) - I bought this book for my college Literature class, overpaid as usual too. After a semester of use, the cover is falling apart, the pages are thin and rip easily and all of the paper is of a material that is hard to clean pencil marks from. However, it is a great book. It contains a wealth of poems, stories and advice between the poorly-made pages. And, since the pages are thin, it wasn't as heavy to lug around campus. Very good content though, as I said. The stories are multi-national, there is abstract and realistic, old-fashioned and very modern, some ancient and even the lyrics to 1960's folk songs! One of my favorite lines in the book is "Margaret are you weeping over golden grove unleafing?" I also like the old sailors poem Western Wind "Western wind when wilt though blow? The small rain down can rain. Christ that my love were in my arms and I in my bed again." Perhaps it helps that my literature professor is top notch and a noted author as well (Kent Meyers "The Work of Wolves") but he really made me love this book! There is gold within these pages, a very good choice for teaching college students to truly appreciate the many genres of literature from around the world and through the ages. 1 stars (Misleading) - I ordered the 13th edition and received the 5th edition. The order was clearly placed for the 13th edition; it had the caption, picture and everything, when I ordered. Then When I received the wrong book I e-mailed back to see what happened and they replied that I didn't see their small caption at the bottom that read 5th edition. This captioned was not available when I purchased the book. 2 stars (Helpful for my Lit class. Book VERY POORLY MADE!!!) - This book was very useful for my Introduction to Literature class. (Naturally) Contains works from many of the great authors. I am VERY,VERY disapointed in the overall quality of the book. DON'T BUY THE PAPER BACK EDITION. Get it in hard back if you c... Longman :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Rhetoric :: Literature :: Literary Criticism :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Compos :: An Introduction to Literature- 13th Edition
5 stars (Outstanding) - Currently I am studying for the LSAT (Law School Aptitude Test) The major section on the test is logical reasoning. I have read many books from LSAT books to books on critical reasoning. This book has finally made everything clear to me. It presents topics in understandable language, with excellent questions to ask as you read or hear an argument. If you are preparing for any test such as LSAT or GMAT or just want to be able to understand arguments that you hear on TV or editorials in newspapers or political speaches, get this book. 5 stars (If I could get this book long before...) - I bought a lot of books in amazon. In the beginning, I just was a sponge, the worse way this book pointed out. After reading this, I was happy and sad. The happy one is this book exactly addresses what I need in my career including self study and work. The sad is I need to re-read all the books I've read, which may take me about 1 to 2 years. It's the most important book I've bought until now. Thank you. 5 stars (foundation for critical thinking) - Although this book will probably tell you that personal testimony is not very effective as an evidence since you do not know me, I still want to contribute here to say that this book is terrific. Throughout the book, the author guides you what questions to ask when you look at an argument. This book provides me with insights to how to approach arguments and opinions. More importantly, it helps me understand how to revisit my own opinions and positions and how to contruct my argument more effectively. ... Prentice Hall :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Rhetoric :: Literary Criticism :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Language Arts & Di :: Asking the Right Questions- A Guide to Critical Thinking- Seventh Edition
3 stars (Useful in some ways, not in others.) - I recently read the 6th edition of this book in hopes that it would help me to improve my ability to understand and write about art. I found that the book is a direct, well-written primer for someone finishing high school or beginning their undergraduate degree, but for someone with a bit more experience, it turns out to be a mixed bag. I know next to nothing about visual art. I'm the quintessential "knows what I likes, and likes what I knows" type of guy. On the other hand, I'm a graduate student in English, so I'm well-practiced in writing essays and in applying various theoretical and critical methods. I read this book in the hopes that it would help me to better understand art. That is, I wanted to learn, as Sylvia Barnet puts it, "How does art mean?" The beginning of the text does introduce some basic questions and ways to think about different kinds of art, ranging from painting, to sculpture, to architecture, to photography, to video art, etc. However, this is not meant to be an instructional book to teach someone about art. It is more like an assistant text for a freshman-level art history course. A great deal of the book is spent discussing how to organize essays, sentence structure, revising, formatting, and some instruction on critical methods. But, again, this book is not a book on writing. It's not about art, it's not about writing, so what is it? Well, like it says, it's about writing about art. A good deal of this book was useless to me, but some of it was enlightening. If you've already got some experience studying the visual arts, or some experience writing, or you just want a really indepth study on either, pick out something else. If, however, you just want an easily understood, basic primer on writing and art, this isn't a bad choice at all. 1 stars (points out the obvious) - A professor highly recommended this book to my art history class. I was disappointed in it. I had hoped it would offer some ... Longman :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: Compositi :: A Short Guide to Writing About Art (7th Edition)
5 stars (Great Reference ) - This book is very user friendly and is a great reference for any English class! 5 stars (The best brief style manual available) - This grammar handbook is concise and so EASY TO USE! It has all the essential reference information that you need when you are writing an essay or professional letter. Everything is clearly laid out and well-explained. Many grammar books are thick, heavy, and intimidating--filled with information that will never be read. Who wants to read a grammar book? They are for reference, not reading! This is a small paperback with a spiral binding so it lays flat. I teach freshman composition and introduction to literature classes, and I always assign this book to my students. P.S. If you want a small grammar book that you can actually read, check out THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF COLLEGE WRITING by Michael Harvey. I have my students buy both; Hacker for reference, and Harvey to read. 5 stars (Cite it right...) - 'The Pocket Style Manual' compiled by Diana Hacker is one of the most useful tools for student and professional writing available. One of the more confusing aspects of writing for many students (and those beyond student level) is the range of styles for citation, organisation and structure in texts. Different schools and different professions expect their own styles to be applied - just what is the difference between MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) style, anyway? This book provides the answer in short, easy-to-use fashion. The first section of Hacker's text goes over the basics of good writing - grammar, clarity, punctuation, and essential mechanics such as capitalisation, abbreviation, numbers, etc. This is not a guide that will teach the reader, but rather serve as a reminder, refresher, and quick ready-reference guide for those who (usually at the deadline and in a hurry) need information quickly to finish their assignments and projects. The three primary styles p... Bedford-St Martin-s :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Rhetoric :: Reference :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Handbooks :: manuals :: etc :: Ha :: A Pocket Style Manual
5 stars (Write this way...) - This book, 'Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide' edited by Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell, is a book widely used in colleges and universities, as well as advanced high school classes across the nation. It is a very useful text, and I use it when tutoring students in preparation for community college level writing and reading work. It is used at our college in the basic skills reading courses, too. The book looks at how writers develop their work. The first few chapters look at some of the basic mechanics of writing - planning, writing, editing and revising. It also looks briefly at certain skills needed for writing, such as brainstorming and idea generation, as well as journal writing. There are many exercises included here to give students first-hand experience. The second section looks at the various types of writing students will be called upon to produce - narrative papers, process papers, cause-and-effect, descriptive works, comparison-and-contrast, classification, definition, and persuasive/argumentative papers. Each chapter keeps a solid focus on the type of work presented, so that students can develop the particular skills; the final chapter in this section looks at combining the patterns, to produce more complex and comprehensive research papers and essays. There is a thematic listing of articles that shows the breadth of topics covered - family relationships, language, education, business and work, sports, race and culture, gender, nature and the environment, media and society, history and politics, and ethics. Among more than one hundred articles are sixteen pieces written by actual students, so that students can see the model produced by people at their same level of development. Writings from famous people such as Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Flannery O'Connor and Mark Twain also give breadth and interest to the selections included here. The writing assignments ... Bedford-St Martin-s :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Readers :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: :: Patterns for College Writing - A Rhetorical Reader and Guide
4 stars (Helpful Handbook) - This book is helpful, especially for middle school aged children who are learning the proper techniques of writing. It is easy to use. 5 stars (Outstanding Resource: Simple, Organized, Invaluable!!) - It has been proven time and time again the necessity of well-spoken and well-written language. Industry professionals, chief executive officers, and medical students use a different language than rap musicians and drug dealers. Those with the few minutes required to easily reference this book while writing will far exceed the minimalist expectations of modern education and, no doubt, far exceed the annual income level of their post graduate classmates. Neither race nor economic class is as great a social divide as language abuse and misuse. Not only has this book remained in print for quite some time, but it is one of the few books from high school I refuse to discard. Reading this book from cover to cover, although personally encouraged, is not absolutely necessary. Organized more akin to a dictionary, this guide is ridiculously simple to navigate within its many tips and tricks. Although I held a great jealously towards my senior-year, male English teacher who managed to steal the attention of the few young women in our class through the rhyme and reason of old poetry, he did our class a great justice through the forced purchase of this book. The difficult choices you make in life determine your overall success or failure; ask, what literature will survive the test of time: Shakespeare or your last AOL Instant Messenger conversation? 4 stars (essential guide) - I was introduced to this book in high school where we were required to have a copy and use it throughout all four years of English classes. I found it so invaluable that my first copy was worn out during college. Combined with "The Elements of Sytle" (Strunk and White), there is no excuse for poor writing. ... Great Source Education Group :: Writing Skills :: Reference :: Language Arts - Composition & Creative Writing :: Juvenile Nonfiction :: Children- Young Adult (Gr 10-12) :: P Sebranek :: :: Writers Inc- A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning
2 stars (Not for fiction novelists.) - Larger than 2004 edition, but lists only 50 agents. One must purchase the Guide to Literary Agents or pay significantly more to gain access to their website to get more agent listings. The publisher listings are all but worthless for anyone writing adult fiction novels (especially mystery/suspense,) as virtually no quality publishing firm will accept unsolicited manuscripts. The few listed that do are either e-publishing or very small firms that only publish 6-12 novels per year. I don't know whether there are more publishers and magazines listed in the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market. If so, it would be a better purchase. If not, why print it in addition to this book? My money would have been better spent purchasing the agents' guide or even simply joining their website. 5 stars (Always exactly what is promises) - More information than I can use, this is an excellent resource for serious writers. 5 stars (Must-Have for Every Writer...) - If you are a writer, or WANT to be a writer...this book is for you. It tells you where to sell your stuff, with thousands of listings, and also gives you good advice on current market rates as well as writing tips. I've bought one every year that I've been in freelance, and will continue to do so. For instance, if you have an idea for a magazine article, you can search alphabetically or categorically for the best places to query, and that listing will include contact information, how to get a sample copy, departments and sections of the publication, how much they pay, and what they're looking for. Most publications also include some helpful hints like, "we don't want this type of piece," or "break in with this type of piece." You can't go wrong. Buy this RIGHT NOW. ... Writer-s Digest Books :: Reference :: Publishing :: Language Arts & Linguistics & Literacy :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: General :: Composition & Creative Writing - Genera :: 2006 Writers Market (Writer-s Market)
5 stars (Hodges' Harbrace Handbook) - I've been using this handbook for about 25 years, and recently realized that my edition was the 3rd, published in the 1970s! So I ordered the latest edition (14th edition), and was so pleased with my purchase. This is a handbook that lives in our office, and gets used to death (we do graphic design, copywriting, editing). Any new employee on our staff is required to at least become familiar with the table of contents (in case of emergency!), and very soon they too are heading for Harbrace's to look up something. We love it. 5 stars (The Guide for American English) - It never ceases to amaze me how many times some ... grammarian tries to correct my writing only to review my Harbrace College Handbook to see they're wrong and I'm right. This is the definitive guide to American English grammar. Easy to read, plenty of examples, and more importantly it even covers those gray areas of usage letting the ready know this non-standard without simply cutting you off without explanation. I have purchased the latest edition ever since I purchased my first copy as text to Advanced Composition during my undergraduate days at the University of Maryland University College. Harbrace as served me very well ever since helping me obtain a high GPA in regards to my written assignments. I have a lot of other grammar books that I look at now and then, but Harbrace remains the standard. 5 stars (The Guide for American English) - It never ceases to amaze me how many times some anal grammarian tries to correct my writing only to review my Harbrace College Handbook to see they're wrong and I'm right. This is the definitive guide to American English grammar. Easy to read, plenty of examples, and more importantly it even covers those gray areas of usage letting the ready know this non-standard without simply cutting you off without explanation. I have purchased the latest edition ever since I purchased my first copy as text to Advanced Composition during my ... Heinle :: Language Arts & Disciplines & Composition & Creative Writing :: Writing Skills :: Rhetoric :: Reference :: Handbooks :: manuals :: etc :: Handbooks & Manuals :: Gramm :: Hodges- Harbrace Handbook
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