Education Books

Consider starting with "Insulate and Weatherize: Expert Advice from Start to Finish" by Bruce Harley instead which is a more practical "Go Do It" book with lots of photographs.

A thorough review of everything you can do to save money and make your home energy efficient. Helpful photos, illustrations and charts. Good resource for understanding and maintaining major systems of a house such as heating and cooling, electric and appliances.

Good read, I got a lot out of this book. The author really knows his stuff.

This is the best book I've read on the subject of improving household energy efficiency. Many of the books I've read in the past go through the basic things that homeowners can do to improve efficience, but this book explains the hows AND the whys.

The book surprised me when I first started reading it. I expected another "easy reader" on the subject. I was pleasantly surprised to find detailed explanations on why things should be done, situations where a particular improvement may not be the best, and how to approach the many different systems in a house - air heating and cooling, envelope, insulation, water heating, ventilation, etc. It was also refreshing to find different ways of examining the same system - for example, amount of fuel used for different heating systems, amount of heat generated for a particular type of fuel, and all the relationships between them.

As you start reading, you will find a lot of sidebars and short stories to highlight the discussion in the chapter. One thing I found slightly annoying is the number of Math Boxes that interrupt the flow of the book early on. These are sidebars that present sample calculations for the various topics, e.g. efficiency, fuel used for different heating systems, etc. I'd prefer the Math Boxes to be contained in an appendix with references in the main body of the book, but that's just me. Other readers may not find this annoying, and it's certainly not enough for me to reduce my rating of the book.

I highly recommend this book if you are serious about exploring ways to improve your house's efficiency. It's not an "easy reader", but it's well worth the time to read through it.

The first third of the book is general information about energy, how it is made, how to count it, how to work the numbers. It should be a required class textbook for High School seniors. This background information is very well written and easy to understand. But, that is not why folks should buy this book.

The real meat starts at about page 93 with some very important electrical power safety tips, followed by an appliance-by-appliance list of items that use energy in a typical North American home. It is alphabetical and organized like an index.

Each item listed includes information about the amount of energy it uses and tips on how to save money using it. The "what to do" information is very specific and easy to put into practice. It starts with Air Cleaners and goes right through to Well Pumps.

Some items get just a sentence or two and others get a whole chapter. The biggest energy users get the most page space. Hot water, heating and air conditioning get their own chapters, as they should.

Like most grouchy old engineers, I read the book looking for details to disagree with. That approach was rewarded with frustration. In fact, there is so much good stuff in this book that I put it on the shelf next to my desk where it will be a handy reference.

I am forever getting questions from folks wanting to know how much they save when they shut off the item in question. The book has a handy chart, as appendix C, which does a good job answering that question.

More importantly, it provides focus for action by letting you identify the big energy users in your home. I get too many questions from people worried about the cost of running a computer when they should be focused on their heating, cooling and kitchen energy use.

The book is targeted at folks who own a house, but renters should read it too. If you pay the energy bill at your home this book will pay back the cover price many times over.

I know next to nothing about homeschooling and I found this book very helpful. It gives a very basic overview of the most popular homeschooling styles. It was this book that introduced me to the Charlotte Mason method which I have decided to use for my child. This is a great springboard book for those who have no idea where to start (or if they even want to start).

This book is just PACKED with information for the veteran homeschooler down to the family just beginning to consider the possibility of homeschooling.

One of the greatest things about this book is that each method of homeschooling represented has an introduction and two separate articles by two different authors. Not only did this format provide many different schools of thought presented in many different styles, this approach also gave such a rich view of each method that it made me wish I could do EVERY method... but then, again, I am the eclectic type and so I DO use many of these methods already!

I did wish that the very intense methods (i.e. The Principle Approach and Classical Education) would not have been listed first in the book because they were simply overwhelming. I think a new homeschooling might decide they could not do it and might not read any further. These methods were beautifully described, but I have to admit, my heart began to pound when I thought of how little Latin my children have been exposed to and how few hours we have spent on rhetoric and how many great classics we have still not read! If they had been placed after a few of the less structured methods... they would seem more approachable, I think. For instance, I would feel like I could handle some of the harder subjects if I could mix them with a style more like my own natural bent. I tend to mix Charlotte Mason, unit study, classical education and I use some workbooks, as well. Knowing more about the Principle Approach, I realized how much I agree with the concepts discussed and plan to adjust my style to reflect what I have learned!

I love the format of this book. I think Charlotte Mason would agree that its short, readable chapters lend themselves well to being fully understood in a one-sitting space of time without watering down the content or, conversely, fatiguing the mind.

On page 43 I think some of the scripture references listed were incorrect, but this book was otherwise flawless as far as I could see.

I found so much encouragement to help me on my own journey... especially the wonderful articles on homeschooling special needs children. Every article buoyed up my faith and my excitement at the wonderful gift God has given our family by allowing us the privelege of homeschooling our children!

My favorite quote from the book is by Christine M. Field (pg. 122):

"Let God work through your weaknesses. In his grace, he can accomplish what he wishes in your life and in your child's life. When we lay our burdens and the tasks that seem insurmountable at his feet, he opens the doors of opportunity and brings encouragers alongside as we navigate the path ahead."

This book definitely IS the opportunity, clearly expressed and the encourager to run along beside the overwhelmed homeschooling family. Thank-you to the authors and editors of this book for this well-compiled, beautifully written resource! I know it is a "keeper" and I will be recommending it often! :)

I liked this book as it truly is like going to a homeschool convention and getting very educated in every different style of homeschooling. I also found it very motivating and informative.

This book is so rich in information that I read it twice. Each chapter is about a different style of homeschooling and contains information written by experts in those areas. I enjoyed learning more about the different styles of homeschooling. And I know that I am satisfied with the way I have chosen to teach my children at home.

Like the cover says, it really is like a homeschool convention in a book! I only wish I had this book when I first started homeschooling! Oh well, better late than never...

This is my 3rd year homeschooling and I thought I knew all about the different learning styles and methods available. But who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

It was quite interesting to learn that I am in fact... a Traditional Homeschooler. Who knew?! I have always loved the Charlotte Mason Method and the idea of Eclectic Homeschooling... but looking at what I am currently doing, I am definitely in the Traditional category.

NO WONDER THINGS AREN'T "QUITE RIGHT"!!!

It's funny how God reveals things in His own time. I've been debating, wondering, praying, wondering, thinking, and wondering about our curriculum choices for next year... And then I read this book and realize that the current curriculum we are using does not match up to my ideal of homeschooling. While it appeals to the busy, organized, check-off-the-box side of me, the fun and excited wonderment is definitely missing. And this little book helped me to put in words what I've felt all along.

So whether you are thinking about homeschooling, just starting out, or still tweaking the process (like me!), this book is definitely for you! It is truly a handy-dandy resource that is laid out in easy-to-read chapters. It discusses the what, why and how of several different approaches/methods/philosophies of homeschooling. These include Classical Education, the Principle Approach, Traditional Textbook, Charlotte Mason, Unit Study, Special Needs, Carschooling, Eclectic, Unschooling/Delight Directed and Whole-Heart Learning.

A BIG thank you to Paul and Gena Suarez (and the many talented contributing writers) for putting out such a great resource! Two big thumbs up from me!

I bought this book a couple of months ago because I needed a pep-talk and figured this was a fluffy rah-rah type book that would give me one.

Well, the author IS very warm and authoritative, and the book DID give me the pep-talk I needed, but it was also full of very useful information -- not fluff at all!! I found the chapters on organization, record keeping, homeschooling with baby, the good and bad aspects of homeschooling, building lesson plans and turning lesson plans into units, to be VERY helpful.

Well worth the money for any new homeschooler.

PS: In case the author ever updates her outstanding book: The one thing she left out of her chapter about the "bad" aspects of homeschooling (things like, messy house, sometimes your kids won't want to homeschool, etc...) is that, as a new homeschooling parent, YOU might feel a little isolated. It takes time to build comfortable and strong relationships with others, and sometimes homeschooling groups are not open to having new members, especially if they are large. You will have to work harder to maintain friendships with friends from your pre-homeschooling days.

I planned my family's homeschooling journey for an entire year, but I focused my efforts almost entirely on CURRICULUM. It never occurred to me that I SHOULD have also been scouting out homeschooling groups and support groups, etc...

After three months, I have found several groups that I enjoy very much, but I still wish I had been cultivating relationships with other homeschooling families LAST year.

I bought this book when I found that I was faced with the choice of either sending my Montessori schooled 5 year old to public school or taking on the overwhelming task of homeschooling him next year. I found the title amusing, and just what I was looking for. As I read the book, I found that it gave realistic advice (not just statistics on why homeschooling is "good"). It also made me consider the ways in which I wanted to interact with my son in general, and as a result, I have started to have a better relationship with him already while afterschooling, not just in 6 months when I plan to really begin my homeschooling adventure. And the chapters on how to start, and how to convince family members that homeschooling is ok made me laugh.

I've read several intro to homeschooling books, and this is by far the best one. The tone is very down-to-earth and reassuring unlike some other authors who can make homeschooling seem very intimidating. Mrs. Bittner also discusses situations that are common but not often talked about in how-to-HS books such as what to do if your spouse is dubious about the idea of HS and also how to HS only one child without causing jealousy in the traditionally schooled siblings. I also really appreciate how the book treats religion/spirituality as important but doesn't promote any particular faith (unlike other books I've read that are either completely atheistic or written from one particular viewpoint). If you're going to read just one intro to HS book, this is it!

I love Terrie's tone in this book and her helpful information. I am planning on homeschooling (and have been since my first was in utero) so I already knew a lot of the information presented here (from John Holt), yet I was beginning to doubt myself as my daughter became older. Would I REALLY have the guts to keep her home and not enroll in kindergarten? Terrie reminded me of all the reasons that I want to homeschool: 1) the education will be better--lighting a fire rather than pouring information into a bucket, 2) it will strengthen our family, 3) we will be freed from the schedule and politics of the school system.

I have read many resources and none were quite as honest as this one. Not that Terrie is divulging all these deep dark homeschool secrets, but she is honest about the challenges you face in choosing to homeschool.

I especially enjoyed her resource lists. No one book will tell you all that you need to know--she has helped me assemble a library of information that our particular family needs.

The book's tone is great and it is an enjoyable read. I've been taking it into the bathtub to review certain chapters since I keep finding new gems each time I read it.

I have been reading in preparation for homeschooling for two years. I discovered this book about a month before I started. It is just the best! Terrie Bittner gives such detailed information on all that we homeschoolers need to know and do. She offers us great suggestions for record keeping, organizing our materials and teaching our children. This is absolutely the most helpful of all the books I have read.

This book is FILLED with wonderful information about our brains. It is required reading for my graduate class,and I know it will be one I pull off the shelf to use again and again. Fascinating stuff that can be useful for teachers.

This book was required reading for a seminar. It is very easy to read, but it also contains a lot of good information. I was particularly taken with the Practitioner's Corner at the end of each chapter with suggestions for using the information provided within the chapter inside the classroom.

Excellent resource for lay person. Written in a very understandable, practical style with good illustrations and examples. Great aide for educators who want to better understand how their students learn. Also teaches you something about yourself!

Dr. Sousa has an unbelievable way in teaching us about the brain ;the learning brain! His book is very user friendly with instant applications available after each chapter. This is his 3rd Ed. so you know he keeps on top of the everchanging findings in brain research and learning. I highly recommend that this book be in every house. Don't wait for teachers and college professors to introduce the way your brain learns...get going yourself! Teach others how the brain learns best!
Barbara McKenna, MEd.
Private Educational Consultant, VA

good book, i pass ATSW in one try after i study this book, provide almost everything you need for the ATSW.

I have nothing original to say, I only wanted to throw another five-star endorsement on the heap.
This book is so good that it made me want to be pickier about the books I read. The four or five books I read before and after it were so disappointing in comparison. I keep it in my library to share wit anyone interested in education. But it is a beautiful, quick read that I would recommend to anyone. An absolute classic.

In this age of standardized tests and reading programs, Herndon's clarion call sounds louder than ever. This is one of the best books written about teaching and education and should be required reading for every college teaching education course. It has certainly inspired me and I hope it inspires other teachers to speak and write truthfully about their experiences and stand up to a system that increasingly views our amazing kids as a set of numbers and data.

Does education mean living up to other people's standards? How to write a "proper" term-paper, a "proper" lab report, how make a presentation that will meet your boss's expectations? If so, our school system is doing an okay job, and would be even more efficient if the government started using vouchers.

But Herndon would disagree. He understands that true education = creativity, and that true education only occurs when teachers act like humans instead of "Providers Of Things To Do" or "Entertainers" (pg. 44). That true education only occurs when student participation is voluntary, when they are not pressured or required to do anything, and when teachers are genuinely interested in what's being talked about (meaning they would think about in their free time) so that the creativeness the teacher has for the subject can then be freely spread to the students; just as interests spread between friends. Not that the System doesn't have its place! Just recognize that what usually occurs in schools today is training; preparation for the corporate economy. And not education.

His advice?

"resist every day all the apparatus of the school which was created in order to enable you to manage and evaluate a group, since it is just that management which destroyed the kids you have in your class." - (pg. 156)
"... but you can only live that kind of life in there if you are willing to realize that the dicta of the school are crazy but that at the same time the kid's life is connected to the school in complicated ways and you'd better offer him the chance to take any part of it he wants or has to." - (pg. 75)

Words for any teacher to live by.

James Herndon, in my opinion, has written the two best books about education that I have ever read. The Way It Spozed To Be and How to Survive in Your Native Land were used in many universities and colleges across the country in the 70s. As a now retired teacher, I look at what education has become in this country, how far we have wandered from the Herdon Days of alternative schools and teachers who were not afraid to do the right thing, and I weep.-- Sam Yulish, author of Where Have All the Hippies Gone? and The Hesitant Psychic.

Herndon at his best. In this charming -- if sometimes bawdy -- little book, Herdon brings his students alive. It's the details that are telling -- and school becomes more than school. It's a microcosm. Kids admonish each other to quit pestering the lizards as dozens of hands keep reaching into their home... A monster kite threatens the lunchtime gaggle of 7th grade girls... A dog is obsessed with an old tennis ball... Laugh, cry, think. Read this book.

I am a graduate student in the field of behavior analysis. I used this book as it is intended to be used from start to finish. I successfully designed an educational teaching program that taught students a lesson in geography. I was very excited about the results. The students learned the material very quickly and became extremely fluent. Even though I used the book to guide me through designing an educational program, I could certainly see how this book could be used in an organizational setting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning a technology of teaching that is extremely effective.

This book is a good example of a text that actually helps the reader get something done- namely, create and refine an instructional program for any setting or audience. Dr Bruce takes you from a blank page to a well designed, efficient training course in a step-by-step manner. What impressed me most was the skill with which Dr Bruce not only presents the critical ID concepts, but also shows in great detail how they can be applied.

Instructional Design Made Easy provides an insightful look into instructional design. After careful consideration of the material in this book, I considered using the concepts in an educational setting. A better use of this book would be in a business related setting, in which I have had some experience. The Efficient Design Checklists in each section is a great help in keeping users on track toward their objectives. I particularly like Exercise 2 which helps one to identify measureable results. The Performance Objective Template on page 53 of section 1 really helps translate ideas into action. This book is valuable to those who prefer a step by step approach, yet it is flexible enough to be useful to those who have experience in the fild of instructional design.

There isn't an easier way to learn about instructional design than by picking up a copy of Dr. Bruce's book. This book offers a step-by-step process for designing any training need whether it is business or education oriented. Each task within the design process is broken down and explained with clarity, allowing the reader to view specific examples and nonexamples for each component within this process. I have repeatedly used this book to improve the content and design of material for a distance learning course in behavior analysis. I have also used this book to design activities for business projects and education workshops. I highly recommend this book to those who are new to instructional design as well as to those who wish to improve their current practices.

This book practices what it preaches -- a rare commodity in the instructional design literature, indeed! It begins, early on, with presenting a pre-test to the reader (don't worry, you can check your answers!). Then, rather than concentrating on prose and commentary, which many instructional design books do, this book emphasizes practical exercises. You learn the "rules" of good instructional design by working through many examples, and importantly, nonexamples of design practices. While the book focuses on instructional design for computer-based instruction (the example illustrations are mainly of screen captures using the Precision Learning System), the principles you learn can be applied to any instructional system. Dr. Bruce has written an easy-to-follow, easy-to-use first-rate book on instructional design.

For several years I co-taught a series of workshops on Instructional Design with Dr. Bruce at the Association for Behavior Analysis conventions. The materials in these workshops, which were well-attended and highly rated, became some of what was used by Dr. Bruce in the development of his book. There is nothing like having a live audience to help shape development of your materials, and with this book Guy has produced a valuable tool whether you are in education, business, or otherwise interested in designing good instructional materials of your own! -- JE

These books are perfect. His ear for spoken language is dead-on. It's a joy to read aloud.

This is one of the sweetest bedtime stories, getting kids ready for sleeping over with a reassuring message. Best of all, it features two little boys. There's not a lot of gentle message kids books out there that feature little boys.

This is timeless kiddie lit story: Ira is invited to his first sleep over. Ira's older sister, however, casts doubt in Ira's mind. Will Reggie laugh because Ira sleeps with a teddy bear? Should he go with or without his beloved teddy? His parents are supportive and Ira makes his decision, only to change his mind once again.

Jim Trealease, of Read-Aloud fame, read this story, with appropriate voices to a group of teachers. I was so enchanted with it that later, when I taught high school, I asked permission of my seniors to tell them Ira Sleeps Over. They loved it!

I think I liked this book so much as a child because I could relate to anxiety with sleeping over at a freinds house. I wet the bed till I was 7 1/2. It was comforting to know that I was not alone with issues of being nervous sleeping away from home. 27 years later I still have the same copy I read over and over as a child. This was one of my favorite books when I began reading and I cherish it so much I've kept my tattered copy all these years. I went ahead and bought my children their own copy and I hope they enjoy it as much as I have.

Every night Ira does the same thing. If others outside his family find out, he is afraid they will laugh at him or call him a baby. And just what does he do? He sleeps with a teddy bear.

Now, he really has a problem because his friend, Reggie, has invited him to sleepover at his house. Ira has NEVER slept without his teddy bear. Should he take it with him? His parents say yes, but his sister--who seems to be very sure of herself--tells Ira he'll be laughed at for sure. Ira is afraid he can't sleep without his teddy bear. Yet, he doesn't want to be thought of as a baby by Reggie either. What a problem! And what a good story. [A realistic fiction picture book suitable through the primary grades.]

Dear Karen Hesse,

Just Juice was a great book!It also taught me 3 lessons!You should try this book to have a fun time reading books.

Sincerely,
Emily Cheung

This is the first book I have read by Karen Hesse, and it probably won't be the last.

I am a sixth-grade reading teacher for struggling readers, many of whom are English language learners. I used this book in the classroom for the first time this semester, and my kids really enjoyed it. The language is approachable without being low, and the tone is sweet and simple without being sappy or emotional. And the plot? Well, we got to the last quarter of the story and the students, who will gripe and complain whenever they have to pick up a book, were on the edges of their seats with anticipation. It was a this-is-why-I'm-a-teacher experience!

The story of the Faulstiches is told from Juice's perspective: she is the nine-year-old middle child of five sisters, and she has trouble staying in school. Her Ma is pregnant; her Pa is out of work but an excellent machinist. They have very little, but are a happy family. Several challenges to the family's security and happiness come along at once, but in the end, they are all better for it. And the reader is better for having read it. I highly recommend adding this book to your library.

Have you ever felt worrried for your parents? To stupid to be at school? thats exacly how Juice the unfortunet pooor girl feels because of family troubles and does not have the ability to read or count. Juices family owes two years worth of taxes to the govern ment and stand to lose their house. Juice hates school so she often misses it. Juices mother Ma is expecting a new baby and is diagnosed with diabetes. Pa is trying to find work but is not having any luck. When Pa finally finds work as a metal worker he is too busy shaping metal and delivering it. One day Ma is in labour and Pa goes into town to find help and Juice is left to deliver the baby but not all goes to plan. This book is adrama and action story full of life and is easy to read. I reccomend this book for children who find it hard to read novels and children who are just developing their reading skills.

I think Just Juice was an interesting book because Just Juice had a lot of action and Just Juice never got boring. One of the exciting parts of the book Is how Juice's family is going to pay their taxes.Another exciting part of the book is how Juice could not read. So she got held back a year. She felt really discourage that she could not read. I thought that was interesting because I was thinking how is she going to learn how to read.The Last exciting part is Ma's blood sugar and how Juice helped her read the blood sugar when she was having her baby.
I would recommend this book to 5 th grader girls because there are not many boys in the story and to people who have diabetes because it shows how people can help them.
The theme of the book is how you works together as a family.

I used this book as a read aloud with my third grade class in New York City. A few of the children have been struggling with reading since they began school, and I felt that those students might connect with the main character in some way, shape, or form. I was not prepared for the profound impact this book would have on all of my students. As a class, they were moved to tears towards the end of this story. During our book talks, I watched children who have hesitated at speaking during literature discussions finally raise their hands and share their thoughts. They know a person like Juice, some are just like Juice. This book broke down an invisible wall in my classroom, allowing my children to have an open, honest dialogue about their own difficulties with reading and matters of the heart. "Just Juice" has changed the way many of my children view themselves as readers, students, and little people. I thank you, Karen Hesse. My students thank you.

Being in a go club that sees many beginners I feel fairly qualified when I say this book will not help you improve rank until you are 15kyu (AGA/KGS) and really waiting until you are in the single-digit kyu range will give you the best rank improvement per time spent reading... I first read this book at 13kyu and was really stretching. I recently re-read this at 5kyu and got much more out of it. If I had to pick a perfect rank to read it at I'd say 7kyu.

All that said, the writing style is superior to every other go book I've seen and there may be merit in reading this without the goal of rank improvement. Many other reviewers have pointed this out as well, but you should know that if you are 15kyu you will not be able to follow many of the problems, and in the end you will probably still be 15kyu.

For those goaling for rank improvement, I would strongly suggest reading at most one chapter per day. You need to play games between chapters or else you will not correctly apply what you are learning. With most other intermediate go books (such as Tesuji or Life & Death) it is not as damaging to read it all in one sitting... but Lessons in the Fundamentals must have games played between chapters. It is painful to make yourself stop reading between chapters, but you should.

This book is an endless source of information. As you get better at go, you get more and more out of it. When I first started playing, I learned little from the book but I did learn valueble basic tactics such as the net and the ladder and so forth. Later, I learned useful tesujis and opening strategies. After putting the book down for about 3 months, and as my skill increased, I went over it again and found more useful info including a generaly good attitude towards go.

I suggest this book to anyone who wants to keep playing go. It may not be useful at the time you get it, but keep skimming through and I gaurantee you will find useful information along the way.

I personally find this book very useful (at least for myself, but I believe as well for many of you guys). It is especially true if you read it the second and the third time. When I review my own game, I can find out a lot of mistakes which Kageyama has mentioned in the book. (Like forget to struggle to go ahead) There is a Go competition during summer, and I have just finished this book the third time. Some of the tesuji in the book is very useful.

I guess it will be good to learn the basic rule of the Go game and then play for a while. (may be a hundred game), then start reading this book. Then you can get the most out of it. (I believe Kageyama himself has suggested us to play for many games to get the feeling first. He mentioned player usually meet barrier at around 11-13kyu, 5-6kyu and 1-2kyu. So I guess if one train up to around 15kyu and then start reading this book, it will be very useful. And then review the book once a while. Get the fundamental idea in your mindset. And you will find Go even more interesting

Kageyama packs the book full of useful instruction, given in a chatty style with the occasional self-deprecating humour. While not a book for the absolute beginner, he surprises many readers by starting with ladders. But he shows that they are excellent training for reading (calculating) ability which also builds self-confidence during a game.

The book also covers strategic principles, typical endgame play (and a common mistake by handicap takers), josekis (corner openings).

Of course, in such a game full of complex possibilities, books can't solve everything. For example, I presume it requires experience way beyond his book to know whether a move is "proper" or "slack".

With his no-nonsense style, and quick wit, Toshiro Kageyama takes you thorugh 'the basics' of Good Go. Go, like mathematics, is a language (one of its many names is literally translated as 'handtalk'). Here, Kageyama is teaching us how to spell.

We are provided with easy-to-follow instruction and guided problems in chapters on Life and Death, Ladders (including spiral ladders); Territory and Spheres of Influence; How to study Joseki; Good Shape and Bad; Endgame Pointers; and my favorite, Tesuji (snap-backs and the like).

Kageyama also gives us a general feel for how the stones 'move' on the board, and the direction of play. These Lessons, and his writing style, combine with anecdotes from his professional career and television appearances to make this a wholly enjoyable book.

More on his style: The effect of Kageyama's writing is as if he's right there with you; very conversational. He will encourage and support, but he will also slap your hand if you are not paying attention. Make no mistake, his sole intention is that you express yourself, get better, and have fun along the way.

Beginners around 20 kyu and below:
You may want to concentrate on learning the alphabet, so to speak. But you should know that this book has some very simple 'words'. As soon as you feel comfortable playing on a 19x19 board, then find this book.

If you are headed for college, this is the pep talk you need! I read it in a single evening, and it got me pumped to do my best in college. It gives you lots of great tips on how to make the most out of college, but it's a quick and enjoyable read! You're investing a great deal of time and money into your college education; its important to get a good return on that investment. Making College Count shows you how. This book has all the good advice of a needed lecture, but it's got a light tone so you want to keep reading! Enjoy!

Making College Count has to be the most realistic, accurate account of college success available to students today. Not only does one encounter all details of college life, but many aspects of life beyond the books. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to strive for the best in their college years, taking skills to last a life time.

Pat O'Brien came to speak to my graduating senior class this year about the reality of college and how to make the best of it. I think it was a good thing to put the end in perspective first and make goals for yourself in order to make your path towards success even more efficient. His Winning Characteristics are not always easy to accomplish, but with discipline and hard work anyone can achieve them. Basic tips on studying, getting to know professors, extracurricular activites, and internships are helpful in envisioning your undergraduate years as challenging, but exciting experiences. Overall, O'Brien offers sufficient and real information that every college freshmen should know, and if he or she utilizes O'Briens advice they will be much more likely to be successful.

This book is about more than just surviving in college, it's about thriving in college. A must have for every student entering college. If you like this book, you'll love "Major in Success," by Patrick Combs. It changed my life.

I read the book during my senior year in high school and then referred to the book often during my first quarter in college. I followed the suggestions in the book, I organized my day and I found that I had enough time to study and also enough time to enjoy college life. Well, the results are in I earned a 4.0!