Languages Books

This book is awesome. It helped me to write my first book, "Lipstick Ghetto: The Girls' Guide to Escaping The 9-to-5 Rat Race." "Putting Your Passion Into Print" is an excellent resource for all writers (new and experienced). From getting the right idea for your book to selling it to publishers...this book is an invaluable tool. I have so many pages marked with "sticky notes"! Buy this book and you will learn how to be a successful writer.

I got an agent and a publisher for my book within 3 weeks of submitting the proposal - and not a single rejection letter! When would-be authors ask me for advice I send them to the store to buy Putting Your Passion Into Print! Bravo to the authors for a comprehsive guide to writing, publishing and marketing your book. Also helpful was "Write the Perfect Book Proposal" by Jeff Herman. These two books should be on every aspiring author's shelf. Scratch that. They should be on your bedside table....and in your hands.

Donna Cutting
Author of "The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red-Carpet Customer Service"The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red Carpet Customer Service

This book is full of info for almost every aspect of publishing and finding a literary agent. It covers more subjects than any other book I read, but it could go into a little more detail with some of them.If the chapter on proposals and query letters had more examples, it would have been a little more helpful. Their was a lot of information on marketing and publicity. I'm overall very pleased with this book, I learned enough in it to consider it a good purchase, and it will be another one I refer to often.

It is an important part of a writer's personal collection. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get published along with Michael Larsen's "How to Get a Literary Agent", and "Give em What they Want" by Blythe Cameson for good examples of query letters.

These three books are a good start for the fiction writer.

My brother and I have been working on our first book (Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations) for over a year now -- it goes to print this week -- and PYPIP has been a constant reference and priceless guide. From agents and proposals to writing, editing, publicity, and marketing, this book takes you through the whole process with practical advice and examples that bring the ideas to life. Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, cookbooks or poetry, PYPIP is the book for you. I would recommend this book to any aspiring writer. It's worth its weight in gold.

I absolutely loved this book! I've been researching many aspects of publishing, but this well-written, humorous book put the disparate elements of: writing query letters and book proposals, getting a manuscript in front of an agent, accepted by a publisher, and into the hands of readers, all in one place. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a close, insider's look at the publishing world and how you can take your great idea and passion from the notes on a page to the book-signing stage successfully.
Their step-by-step approach, quotes from other writers, agents, publishers, editors, booksellers, and librarians are very helpful. I don't know of any other book out there that packs in so many facts, useful tools, and poignant quotes from those in the industry who have the power to help you take your book to the top of the best-seller list or leave you out in the cold with an unedited, unappreciated manuscript destined for a drawer. All that, and it's funny besides. What more could you ask for (other than a ticket to one of their workshops which I have no doubt are a blast)?
I'm very glad I resisted the temptation to check this out of the library. It's too valuable a reference book not to have next to me as I work.

Though I love movies, I've never considered writing for screen. But Screenwriting for Teens is not only a terrific guide for every screenie teen, but a good book to read for any writer. Screenwriting covers everything from genre definitions (and examples!) to dialogue rules, formatting guidelines and finance notes. Perfect for a teen's attention span, each chapter is only 2 pages long and covers a different concept (100 in all) of screenwriting basics.

This book is fun and thought-provoking at the same time. I loved all the movie references (I've seen almost all of them!) and have added Moonstruck and Laura to my To-Be-Watched list. But I also kept thinking about my Novel-in-Progress, and how Christina's advice about conflict and character-building needed to be worked into my book. This unusual teen-centered "textbook" (not textbook-boring at all) belongs on your bookshelf if you are interested in writing and especially if you want to be a screenwriter.

- [...]

Candidly, I have to confess that before I read Christina Hamlett's Screenwriting For Teens: The 100 Principles Of Screenwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know, I knew very little about screenwriting. This is not to say that after completing my reading I have become a maven on the subject matter, however, it did give me an excellent introduction into this fascinating and absorbing craft. And perhaps one day, with the tools and techniques Hamlett has provided me in her book, I will sit down and write my first film short.

Hamlett's vast experience as Professional Script Consultant, as well as an author of twenty-four books, one hundred and eighteen plays and musicals, four optioned films and screenwriting columns that have been published throughout the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, was a natural choice to write an instructive manual on screenwriting. Although, the title may imply that the book is for teens, nonetheless, adults will likewise reap a great deal from its enlightening contents.

The text of the book is kept to a minimum and is written in a clear, upbeat, and conversational style that readers will enjoy. Then again, what really makes this book a standout is its simple and effective presentation. Each short chapter consists of a key concept about the craft of screenwriting that is followed by a "Look & Learn" section listing reference films, television shows, books and website. The intention of these lists is to reinforce the principles presented in the chapters. The last part of each chapter entitled, "Brainstormers," is an activity section containing writing exercises that can be used in connection with specific projects or simply a tool to wake up the creative side of your brain.

As an example, if you look to the chapter dealing with the concept that "Conflict Grows Out Of Character," Hamlett stresses that "conflict becomes the intersection where the participants respective intentions, beliefs, and past experiences all crash into each other." In other words, if your story does not have a conflict, your story is basically about nothing. And as mentioned, "conflict cannot emerge from nothing as it needs to be fueled by the clash of wills that occurs whenever people who feel they have nothing in common are forced to share the same space. Bringing these dissimilar personalities together is what ignites the conflict that will then drive the plot."

To reinforce this principle, Hamlett refers to the movie Lethal Weapon where she goes onto explain how conflict is introduced. This is followed by three suggested exercises such as writing about a situation at school or at home where the personalities of you and someone else clash.

Adding to the book's thoroughness is an extensive filmography containing movie titles and the year of their production as well as the lead actors.

The field of intelligent books addressed to teens pertaining to screenwriting is certainly not overpopulated, however, Screenwriting For Teens: The 100 Principles Of Screenwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know has now most admirably filled this void.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

My son got this book from the library and was pretty upset when he had to return it. He had to own it. He loves it.

In Screenwriting for Teens, Christina inspires young and old to dive into the film craft. The book's depth of information allows for it to transcend the high-school age group. One of the unique aspects of the book is the subject chapter exercises which prove both helpful and challenging. Participating in these exercises will enhance one's film craft. Highly recommending the book.

The idea of any kind of guidebook normally gives me the "ho-hums", but I must admit that this was a pleasant (and educational!)surprise. Christina Hamlett's Screenwriting for Teens is fun to read; it's pleasing and practical and comes across as more of an on-line chat with one's mentor than anything resembling a "how-to" text. And yet, this book is totally to be taken seriously!

Christina Hamlett knows writing, and she knows movies. She also knows how to speak to a young audience (though I feel this book would be invaluable to beginning writers of all ages). And, most importantly, she knows what it takes to make a good start as a writer. Her wise advice? It's all about you and your writing (and reading), NOT about how to make money, achieve fame, and create blockbusters.

Screenwriting for Teens is a nice visual package, as well, both structurally and graphically. I myself wish Ms. Hamlett had been my tutor in high school - she could've taught me how to do a proper outline! This book can be read effectively in its entirety, or section by section; the blocky layout is great for kids, who we all know can be (ahem) a bit impatient. Another plus for kids is the fact that Hamlett's voice is conversational yet professional, and not "teacher-ly". She's not trying to get young people to slog through yet another textbook, after all. This is about real world goals and practice.

Hamlett also offers great advice for beginning writers of all stripes, not just budding screenwriters. For example, she explains the differences between story and plot, how to write for various genres such as comdey, sci-fi, etc. And yet her advice for screenwriters is priceless - my own favorite Hamlett topic is "Characters Shouldn't Use Dialgoue to Explain Things to Each Other That They Already Know" (she proceeds to cite some dialogue from a Harry Potter film, but she's right so we must forgive her).

So, if you are a teen writer or an adult just fumbling around getting started, pick up this book, sit down, and learn, learn, learn! Screenwriting for Teens is enlightening, sensible, and FUN!

This book had me understaning Hebrew in know time at all. It breaks everything down, so that the reader will have no problem following this book. I would say this book is a good buy for those who wish to learn to read this language.

Sina

Every page you open in this book is self revealing. And you will be amazed as you would in minutes read Hebrew letters and make sentences with them too. Infact, this is just what you need in studying hebrew for beginers.

I AM LEARNING TO READ HEBREW!!!!!!!! Out of all the book/tapes on hebrew this one is the best.

What I like about this book is that it's easy.
The reader is shown how to write Hebrew letters as well as the sounds associated with it.

The authors explain the differences between Hebrew and English.

They suggest using flash-cards or a similar memory tool. I am approaching memorization by writing the letters and the associated English sound and frequently referring to those papers.

I recommend "Teach Yourself to Read Hebrew" as a basic starter book.

This book really helped me learn the Hebrew Aleph-Bet quickly. I finished the book in a matter of days and could actually read words in Hebrew. Please note that this book is very, very basic. You will need another book after reading this one that covers vocabulary, parts of speech, etc. The one I purchased after I finished this one was Teach Yourself Biblical Hebrew by Sarah Nicholson isbn:0071434623 Teach Yourself Biblical Hebrew Complete Course (Book Only) (Teach Yourself). The book by Sarah Nicholson is good but note that examples of the vowel sounds that are given in it are in a British Accent. Another good resource is http://www.hebrew4christians.com.

Andrea Camilleri is one of the few brilliant writers in the genre of detective fiction. His work has it all: superb writing, sensuality, food, funny and moving characters, a great detective, and a setting that allows for all kinds of innuendo and inference - Sicily. The translations are amazingly good, and the only caveat I have is BEWARE: these books are highly addictive.

Having read all the Andrea Camilleri books in Italian, I want to emphasize that the opening of Cane di Terracotta gives a perfect intro to Montalbano's character and ambience, and is an example of his best writing.
All Camilleri's Montalbano books read as if set for TV or movie, with quick moving short scenes, easily engaging the contemporary reader.
Can you imagine reading an Italian translation of Faulkner's works and being able to claim that you understood the depth of his writing? The same is true of Camilleri's Sicilian dialect being translated into English. Aside from his wonderful focus on the pleasures and travails of everyday life, and on the foibles of humanity, the true joy of his writing lies in its dialectical inventiveness, something that cannot be translated.
In fact, Camilleri has elevated his dialect to an art form, validating the usage of dialect in a world which is becoming ever more homogenized. Wasn't there a fellow named Dante that did a similar good turn?
I would encourage inquisitive readers to brush up their Italian so they can read other Andrea Camilleri books, especially those which are not Montalbano thrillers. My favorites are La Scomparsa di Pato, and La Concessione del Telefono. If your Italian is ok, you can learn the dialect from context as you read the books,
but if you want a little help, get Un Filo di Fumo, which has as its appendix a brief dictionary.

This was the first Camilleri novel I read. I started it and finished it in a day. The plot is quick; it drives you along with Inspector Montalbano who is a real "character" in every sense of the word.

Montalbano uses fowl language, LOVES food; he's direct, smug, unpredictable, truly Italian and a great detective. These mysteries have a definite Italian feel to them which only adds to their charm. They may not be for everyone, but if you want a gritty story that keeps you turning pages (and don't mind a few fowl words and so on...) these stories will intrigue you.

In this novel two mysteries are solved. One mystery is from about 50 years ago and the other occurs in present day. Montalbano and his fellow officers unravel both in the way only they can - not always by the book and with a few surprises. You also learn more about Montalbano's ambiguous personal life, which as always includes food, women and a swim in the ocean.

Inspector Salvo Montalbano of Vigàta gets an urgent call from his best friend Greg the pimp they need to meet on the quick, Montalbano is informed that Greg was told to relay a message from Tano the Greek (the number two Mafioso) he wants a secret tête-à-tête. Tano the Greek had been in hiding for quite sometime and on every wanted policeman list possible, Tano had made his conditions very clear that Montalbano should come alone and tell no one. Sudden trembles and panic enter Montalbono head, then suspicion why out of the blue would a member of the Mafioso want to meet with him? Curiosity more than anything gets the better of him and he complies to go without calling it in.

Meanwhile in another part of Vigàta a supermarket heist is taking place, Montalbano soon finds out everything did not go according to plan. Why would anyone bother to set up a heist then not only abandoned the goods but also leave a whole bagful of cash?

Inspector Montalbano is then on the move again this time his called to Palermo Hospital urgently to listen to a dying man's words, which in due course leads Montalbano to a secret cave, two more bodies are discovered embracing each other, even more shocking these bodies had been there for at least fifty years what sort of twisted dark past was this, who were these people and why were they being watched over by a Terracotta dog? Montalbano needs to understand what happened here, he takes time rediscovering the horrors of a WWII past. It's the only way forward.

Andrea Camilleri has written a wonderful Montalbano mystery series, what I love firstly about this whole series would be the charactizations and language the usage of dialogue in conversation it's all been kept real it's got sharp wit and comic moments the sly comments on Italian life and culture keeps things interesting and really amusing. Montalbano is a fantastic leading character his middle-aged, melancholy vein, recites certain favorite authors' lines in moments of doubt and his clearly well read. His passion for great flavored food is endless and mouthwatering, his also a thinker and manages to untangle a spun web of lies and sort out the logic of his cases to get to the truth. Montalbano is not afraid to explore all areas even into obsession. His got a huge female following of all ages because he has that attractiveness about him, one would be his "get to the point attitude" and can say it in many different ways. In spite of much temptation from women he remains faithful to his long time girlfriend Livia who in turn is happy to adjust her life and will calm and comfort in his time of need, Livia understands what his trying to achieve in his world that is corrupted and knows how to handle his darker moods. Montalbano loyal team continues to support him no matter what his faults and tactics may be.

The Fictional town of Vigàta is so vividly portrayed by Camilleri that it feels like a real place in Sicily; Camilleri himself in an interview said he based this town on his birthplace in Sicily Porto Empedocle, people of his home town have now recently changed the name to Vigàta to match the book in his honour. The whole series seems to have a timeless feel about them; I took a whole batch of this series on a recent vacation plotted up and read one to the next, it was addictive reading and I was not disappointed by any. Although you can start anywhere in the series, it clearly deserves to be read from the beginning. This is the second book in the series the first being (La form dell'acqua) The shape of Water.

A special mention to poet Stephen Sartarelli, for the clear translation of each book and for the informative notes given at the back on wording. Thank you.

This book was an intriguing wonderful read, the one that will hook and reel you in.

A.Bowhill

I have become enamoured with the Italian mystery genre in the last 2-3 years. It has been an education to explore Venice with Commissario Brunetti and Florence with Marshall Guarnaccia or Sicily with Inspector Montealbano. All three authors (Donna Leon, Magdalen Nabb, and Andrea Camilleri) know their locale and focus on the daily lives of the citizens, while moving along a rip-roaring story. But there are significant differences - Leon and Nabb write in English (Nabb uses British terms that remind me of Christie that break the spell) while Camilleri writes in Italian. He is Italian - he understands the importance of the land and the wine and especially the food that fuels Sicily. (The translation is superb.) Leon and Nabb certainly know their areas and their craft and they are very, very good, but Camilleri works the magic.

Camilleri captures the angst and the pain and the loneliness of Inspector Montalbano. But he also captures in mouthwatering detail the need to eat with a focus on the quality and variety of food that stops the Inspector's world, even when he has to go long distances to find the right place to eat.

I like to read a series from the beginning. I like to meet and greet the protagonist and then watch him/her grow with fond memories brought about by references to prior books. The Terra Cotta Dog is the first of the series that has been translated into English. Apparently the entire collection is large and the selection for translation has been severe, but the stories and especially the translations have been excellent. This is the place to start.

I highly recommend all three Italian protagonists with Inspector Montalbano and Commissario Brunetti right at the top of my list of "must buy" when a new book hit the market. They take me to places I have never visited, though I now seem to know, and allow me to interact with people I would like to know better.

My colleague and his wife visited his ancestor's Sicily last spring for the first time. I got them 5 of the books and suggested they read them in the order they were written if they had the time. The results were astounding. Apparently there was a fight for the books amongst the 4 that went and Mr. Camilleri's introduction to Sicily through the eyes of Inspector Montalbano made the trip even more memorable than expected. They "lived" Sicily by reading the books - not the big things from the guide books, but the small rituals of life and especially the food. Yes, for the Inspector, it all comes down to food and this is what made the trip so memorable.

Enjoy your tour of Venice or Florence or Sicily!

I really enjoy using this dictionary. It has the true definitions of the words with Godly examples taken straight out of the bible. Plus, it is not just a dictionary, but also in the front of the book, there are grammer lessons that show the mechanics of the English language. I think this dictionary would be a wise addition to any household.

This is an excellent source for searching out the meaning of words. I especially like to use it when reading the King James version of the Bible since some word meanings have evolved. If you like to dig deeper into the meaning of words, then this is an invaluable tool to do just that.

My 1828 edition of Webster's is a wonderful addition to my resource library. It provides a valuable perspective
from which to compare today's culture with that of earlier times in America.

This book is not only beautiful, but a wonderful resource tool and a faithful reproduction of the original--no well-educated home should be without a copy!

The Webster's 1828 Dictionary is a unique and essential tool for educating Christians. It has the greatest number of Biblical definitions of any reference. Roots are traced in 26 languages. Usage examples come from classical literature and the Bible. This dictionary becomes not only a tool for defining words Biblically, it becomes a way of thinking that forms your worldview. It will equip you for Christian leadership, strengthen your vocabulary, give you an edge in communicating your view and become your foundation for thinking and reasoning Biblically. This tool can be the turning point for you to be more effective in communicating Christian principles used in government, economics, and marketing or for your student to clearly understand how the Bible has influenced every area of life.

I have been studying japanese for the last five years, from high school thought my first year of college and see no end to this pass time in sight. I have checked out numerous books and other materials on learning japanese and for learning kanji, none comes as close to perfect as this book and its sequels. While it follows no textbook perfectly, this makes it able to be used by any learner of basic japanese. By having the reader repeat writing the kanji and then providing extensive practice that has the reader use the kanji in context this book ensures that the kanji stay learned more than with other books. Also the grammar patterns used in example sentences get progressively harder ensuring that the reader has example sentences suitable to an increasing proficiency with japanese.

This book is a God send, or Whatever send for you non-Christians. It is a wonderful workbook that gives you various questions and methods to teach you the multiple kanji used in basic Japanese. The only down side is that there isn't a Kana section, and all of the pronunciation listings are in Kana. The plus side is that it trains you to not always have an English backup plan.

It's meant to be written on, which is something the various other books I have don't have in mind. They show you everything, and teach you nothing. I recommend this to EVERYONE.

I just started learning Japanese....oh, about 2 weeks ago. I had no trouble learning Hiragana and Katakana, but as I'm sure you already know, the Kanji seems to be nearly impossible. Well, this book pretty much solves everything.
It starts you out with the simplest Kanji and only builds each section off of previous knowledge. It is well laid out with thoughtful planning and it never eases up. I really have no idea how they managed it, but the book really immerses you in the Kanji and makes it so easy to remember with some of the best drills I've seen.

If you plan on learning Japanese, forget all of the other Kanji workbooks because this one is really the only one you need. I would also suggest getting the whole series because they are all built off of this first book.

I used this book about a week before I started taking my Japanese classes and to say that the beginning of class was easy due to the things this book taught me would be a great understatement.

I have bought several other Kanji books before buying this one. Some of the other books left me with unanswered questions. Others unmotivated me to study so i gave up studying. I bought Basic Kanji Book because one of my friends who is also Japanese student suggested me to buy it.


Basic Kanji Book is a great choice if you are learning Kanji. In every chapter you learn 10 or more Kanji characters. And at the end of the each chapter you will review them by having 30 or more questions about these characters. The good thing is that each chapter and the questions make you feel like you are learning Kanji. That feeling motivates you and makes you want to study more Kanji.

I suggest this book to everyone who is trying to learn Kanji. I am totally satisfied with this book.

Don't think about getting any other books to learn Kanji because this book is pretty comprehensive. It teaches you the stroke order and the meanings and then uses the kanji in practical context. For example, it gives you the layout of a train station and the various directional gates, N S E W, subway and the respective Kanji used. This was an invaluable resource in my learning of Kanji.

"A Book is Born" is a truly useful insider's guide to getting a book published, but it's so much more. The book's format invites the reader to share the minutiae of all phases of the experience of 24 women authors as they travel the journey from idea to action to realizing the dream of getting published (and publicized). The women's voices are clear, companionable,and reassuring, and Nancy Cleary's vision of empowering women authors is evident throughout. Especially for those of us who are visually oriented, the book's design--lots of graphics--is wonderful! In the book's final section, "The Secret and Science of Getting Published", various innovative approaches are revealed.(I was so impressed with Nancy Cleary and this book that I contacted her; the result is that she'll be helping me with the publication of my book "There and Back: A Journal Companion for Special Needs Parents".)

Mary Lee Moser

There are already more than enough books on the publishing process and the nuts and bolts of publishing yourself or finding a publisher.

What was lacking was a book that talked about the love/hate relationship I have with my book, that made me feel part of something bigger and let me know I was not alone in my journey.

I thought other authors knew things, and had confidence in their work 24/7 without fail. I thought I was a freak for not being totally sure of my book and my abilities as a writer.

A Book is Born showed me this process is painful for everyone. It is confusing for everyone. It is scary for everyone.

I cannot express how relieved I felt as I got to the end of the book, my only regret was that I wasn't published by Wyatt-MacKenzie...all the women felt so supported by the publishing house I actually thought I might have made the wrong decision regarding self-publishing.

But even if I did make the wrong decision, it's something that happens to everyone. While I write my next book I'll refer back to A Book is Born early and often to remind me my journey is not a unique one, and that the feelings I have while my book is being born are natural and normal.

I wish I had this book when I started out on this writing journey over six years ago. A Book is Born is a wonderful, informative, fun read for all the writers out there. All the inside secrets and how to's are shared in a fun way.

Reading this book is like having a mocha latte at a corner Starbuck's and getting the scoop on this writing journey from some of the best writers there are!

Thanks, Nancy. What a great read!

Trish Berg
Author, Book Reviewer
[...]

Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool

The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma

Nancy Cleary's "A Book is Born" is a hands-on, photo and graphic-filled blueprint for the regular person to use starting when they're tossing around an idea to get published, all the way through actual publication. Told from the point of view of 24 different authors as they journey from book idea to publishing that book, there is always a different voice to tune into if one person's perspective isn't the direction you're interested in. With so many unique voices, Cleary shows that there are as many techniques to prepare for publishing and the aftermath of publicity as there are writers. Very easy to read, extremely helpful for the frazzled writer in the midst of publishing chaos. Cleary breaks the demons of publishing down into easy steps, and offers solutions for the up-and-coming writer. A fun essential for any writer. Cleary's concise and practical book makes the trip toward publication a natural and interesting journey. Definitely order one!

As a first time author, I have been struggling with the complexities of how to get from point A (writing) to point B (published). This book provided really practical information: details about terminology, chronological checklists, and actual experiences related by authors. I enjoyed the tales of the authors even as I was being instructed by them. The book is like a user's manual supplemented with "dream potion recipes", and will undoubtedly launch the careers of a new generation of writers who have been waiting in the wings for stage directions.

Whatever else they do in life, Nancy Cleary and co-authors have left a legacy of impactful guidance that will further the goals of storytellers yet unrecognized.

If you're like me, ie you know C# 1.0 very well and are comfortable with C# 2.0, this book is great because it skips all the precursory C# basics stuff that I already know. It does spend a little time to review C# 2.0 (those features crucial to the working of C# 3.0 features) and then focuses on what I believe to be a very insightful explanation of C# 3.0 features including LINQ and what makes LINQ tick. I really didn't want a C# book that wastes 1/3 to 1/2 its pages covering C# basics (what's an interface, yada, yada, yada). My time is valuable and I don't want to waste it plowing through stuff I already know. I read this book cover-to-cover and thoroughly enjoyed it. As far as technical books go, the author's style makes the book easier to read than your typical technical book. I highly recommend it.

In short: This is a well-written, engaging, and in-depth book that will make good C# 2.0 developers into great C# 2.0 and C# 3.0 developers.

Detailed version:

Having been working with .NET/C# since version 1.0 and having written quite a bit of code for 2.0, I planned to skim through the C# 2.0 sections and only dig in for the C# 3 sections of this book. After skimming the first few pages, however, I realized my mistake and started reading. By doing so I discovered that I had missed or misunderstood a variety of nuances along the way -- some of them productivity features that would have helped me out in a few cases. Even for topics I understood well already, Skeet's coverage is clear and interesting enough that I read through those sections anyway.

Moving into the C# 3 sections of the book, I felt refreshed and knew that I finally had a very complete grasp of the C# 2 foundations on which C# 3 was built. The C# 3 sections of this book are a superb introduction to the topic and put the reader in an immediate position to leverage the powerful new feature set.

I have already recommended this book to a few colleagues who have been working with C# 2.0 for quite some time and want to get up to speed with C# 3.0. I think that the decision to cover the advanced C# 2.0 topics as well as C# 3.0 was a great one; every developer, no matter how experienced, has at least some small gaps here or there, and this book will fill them.

Through this book [C# in Depth], the author [Jon Skeet] lays the foundation for C# 3 (LINQ and Lambdas) as he incrementally guides us (developers) through the evolution of C#. Jon discusses some of the shortcomings in prior versions of the language while demonstrating and highlighting the improvements in a no-nonsense, non contrived, and easy to understand manner. Jon's thorough explanation of the concepts that lead up to the latest version of C# leave a vivid and lasting impression - he answers many of the "whys" so we can remember "how" the new language enhancements are implemented.

This book has a strong sense of quality, care, and integrity to it - something that most technical books lack. Jon's writing style is incredibly clear, and concise, and his extensive experience outside the C# realm permeate this text.

Still haven't gotten a chance to really use it yet, but it does appear well written, and in a tone meant for programmers like myself that need to know more about updates to the C# language.

This book is unique, I know no other book that is based on the same concept

If you're familiar with C#1 or C#2 and want to learn more about the more recent releases, this book's made for you

The author knows exactly what he is talking about and explains it in a very clear way

Also if you think that C#1 is good enough and see no reason to upgrade, this book will definitely show you the really nice new features step by step

This is the most complete Spanish/English I have ever found. It can be used for Business, School or Personal purposes. It has all idioms and phrases that you could ever need.

This is a terrific dictionary used in conjunction with the Oxford Duden Pictorial Spanish and English Dictionary for hard to locate technical words. The Cassell's Spanish Dictionary can lead to a lot of imprecise translations in your readings, but it's useful in composition as a thesaurus.

This Oxford Dictionary is a true gem. It is the best general English Spanish dictionary written to date. In addition to having excellent meaning discrimination, it often includes the informal register in its explanations as well as the formal registers.

It is a tremendous resource for really understanding the nuances and shades of meaning between different synonyms and expressions.

As a translator, professor, and bilingual lexicographer, I am truly deeply impressed with this masterpiece.

This is by far the best dictionary I own. Not only does it specify a term's area of usage, but it also translates numerous idiomatic expressions. It is a bit bulky to take to class (but not impossible-I manage to), but the contents make it perfect for doing Spanish composition homework as well. Overall, the perfect bilingual dictionary

Excellent resource! I highly recommend this dictionary as it appears to have EVERYTHING in it! Even "kitchen" and "sink"... jokes aside, I find this book to be the perfect answer to all my spanish/english definition problems... What makes this dictionary unique is not only its exhaustive collection of words, but also the correspondence writings in its middle. It tells you precisely how to write a correspondence in Spanish (and English) including dates, openings, closings, how to address the envelope and more... It even has examples and instructions (with pictures) of how to create a professional job application, how to write a letter of complaint, how to write a check, how to request a catalog... This dictionary has everything! A must have for language students!! Too bulky to put in your backpack, but not too big for a bookshelf!

I've used it for about three years and it's very helpful. I refer to it constantly and use it to teach my students.

An extremely helpful, easy to understand grammar reference guide to be used alongside any Spanish program.

If you are studying Spanish, this is a great book for teaching Spanish grammar. I found it very helpful when taking a second semester college Spanish class.

A student in my college Spanish class a few years ago introduced me to this little treasure. I was so impressed by the way it was written and designed that I asked the college bookstore to make it available. It was quite obvious that 90% of my students did not know English parts of speech nor syntax therefore handicapping them if they wanted to learn a foreign language. I used the excercises at the end of mny of the chapters as part of quiz and test reviews. Since I retired from teaching I gave my copy to a friend who teaches high school Spanish, and recently recommended this book to another friend who is teaching Spanish in an adult learning center.

This grammar book is very good and is a great help to me. I recommend this book to anyone learning Spanish Grammar. The book explains English Grammar and for someone like myself that does not have a a clue regarding grammer it helps alot with clear chapters on each possible subject and then of course its use in Spanish.

I recommend this book, as it has been the most helpful out of all the grammar books I have used.