Organic Chemistry- Fourth Edition Description:

Organic Chemistry, Fourth Edition review:
3 stars (Yes, but with restrictions) - This is an excellent book that uses illuminating diagrams and examples to explain fundamental concepts. It is by no means, however, an easy reader. To understand the concepts you must read the chapters and do the problems at least 3 to 4 times. (if not more). I worked very hard in orgo, which is one of the reasons why I did well in it. The only reason that kept this rating from being higher, was the solutions manual and the chapter on stereochemistry. The solutions manual is very selective in it's explanations. The solutions to the problems are not explained in a way that everyone can understand it. A solutions manual should always include detailed explanations of every problem, and this solutions manual certainly doesn't do that. Then, on the flip side, if you thorougly understand the chapter before attempting the problems at the end of each chapter, then the solutions manual is an excellent guide. Chapter 5, the stereochemistry chapter, at least all of it, except section 5.19, is extremely poorly written. Stereochemistry is a very tough and important subject, and although the chapter was 50 pages long, it was written very inadequately with examples that don't exemplify simple concepts. Get a model set to learn stereochem, I finally learned at the end of Ochem 2, but that was because I finally understood the basics, and understood that it was extremely easy. Overall, this book is not for someone that doesn't have an interest in ochem, but for someone that takes passion with the subject. I never went to class, but i loved the subject, so the book, for me was excellent. If you love chemistry-BUY THIS BOOK.
5 stars (One of the best available) - This is one of the best sophomore level o-chem text available. The explanation is clear and the writing style is straight-forward. The organization of the topics is somewhat different from the traditional functional group approach. This helps students to apply what they learn early in the course to the reactions in later chapters. I don't see how anyone who is ready to take o-chem can be confused by this organization unless his/her instructor takes a very different approach from the textbook itself. The answers to the problems are certainly not error free. But keep in mind, when you read anything written by today's college students, reduce the magnitude by at least 10 times to come even close to what they are trying to say. Our English language will soon lose any meaning if this trend of exageration doesn't stop soon. I am also not surprised that most students cannot learn organic chemistry on their own from this textbook. No other textbook would do either. Going to class is absolutely essential (if instructors can be understood by students) besides working lots of problems and learning to think.
4 stars (it's ok, but I would get another book instead) - I had this book for class, she really jumps on her subjects,not well organized. There are also numerous errors. About 30% of the answers in the back of the book were wrong.