College and University Books

I read this book early in the mornings before the newspaper arrived. I found myself getting up earlier and earlier each day so I could read more. I saw myself many times. I thought I was unique; however, after reading this book, I realized that I was just like other Husker fans. I started following the Huskers in the mid 50's. I have had season tickets since the 70's sometime. Thank you for such an entertaining book.

This book is great key to understanding the mind of a true Husker fan. If you grew up in Nebraska, you share an unspoken bond with the football program. One sport, and one sport only, dominates the airwaves, broadcasts, and conversation all across the state. Steve does a phenomenal job in describing his feelings, thoughts and emotions of growing up in Nebraska with football evrywhere you look.
When reading this book, you get an understanding of what it is like to be a Nebraskan, and why we have such a passion for football. The book helps make you understand why it much more than just a game, it is a way of life. Nowhere in the nation, does one team serve as the lifeforce for an entire people. Growing up in Nebraska, I have experienced and shared the same feelings and emotions. Husker football has been an emotional rollercoaster from the disappointing close calls of missed 2 point conversions and field goals that cost national championships, to the nail biter games with Oklahoma on Thansgiving, to a 60-3 record over 5 years with 3 national titles. Nebraska football means so much more than can be imagined to its fans and the residents of the great state of Nebraska. Steve lets you into the life of a Nebraskan growing up and becoming a Husker fan more and more along the way.

Steve Smith is a gifted writer and he has captured his love of the Huskers in this witty narrative. I simply could not put this book down. Mr. Smith's true gift is his ability to translate the emotions of a die-hard fan-the very definition of fanatical-into a character set that leaves the reader both relating to, and endeared by his love and devotion for Nebraska Football. This book isn't just for Huskers; every sports fan will enjoy its insight and humor.

If you ever wondered what draws Husker fans to Lincoln on Saturdays in the fall, author Steve Smith lays it all out in this book. It is a humorous but honest look from one fan's perspective about the passion surrounding the draw of Husker football. Husker fans will immediately relate to this book. College football fans reading it will say to themselves "Aha! That's why they're so crazy!".

I wouldn't call this a 'fan' book as much as I'd call it a personal search by author Steve Smith trying to understand his love, passion, and fanaticism for Husker football. That search leads through his life starting with his first Husker game - a Nebraska 50-0 win over Iowa on September 20th, 1980 - to the firing of Frank Solich and the initial season of Bill Callahan. It's a journey that many of us have taken, coming from small town Nebraska to attend the University in Lincoln, where we would have expected, as Smith states "like countless hicks from the sticks, I assumed everyone in Lincoln wore Husker gear all the time".

Smith's writing is always entertaining, even when he's being brutally honest about Nebraska, saying things that we all know to be true but would never say out loud. You establish a personal relationship with him as he shares his life centered around Husker football. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as many of the memories related by Smith are similar to my own. Steve Smith has lived a mirror of my life due to our shared obsession with Husker football and coming from small-town Nebraska.

Forever Red is an excellent Husker fan book and would make a great present for any college football fan.

I highly reccommend this book to all Cornhusker fans! Mr. Smith knows his Big Red football and understands the devotion they inspire because he is such a faithful fan himself. He accurately and humorously portrays what it means to be a Nebraska fan through the good, bad, and the ugly.

Very complete research on many aspects of life in "Select" colleges. Certainly a good book to read if you have a child, or are a student interested in the highly competitive colleges.

I have studied higher education for 20 years and my greatest frustration has been the public's unwillingness to look beyond the designer label when choosing a college. Prestigious universities get and maintain their reputations DESPITE their typically offering extremely poor undergraduate education. Not only are classes often large and poorly taught, many students find themselves stressed into fearful quiescence in classes and into depression or eating disorders outside of class (with the colleges doing little to prevent it. And for the privilege, the four-year actual total cost of attending such institutions is nearly $150,000, with only modest cash financial aid available to the middle class. Finally, there's a book which, with painstaking documentation, tells some of the tale. I would only add that even the vaunted career-boosting of an Ivy diploma is seriously overrated. Because these institutions attract the nation's best and brightest students (They really can't be that bright if they're willing to pay so much for so little) they would get great jobs no matter where they went to college. Indeed, at less selective students, these Ivy-caliber students would stand out, thereby getting to hold leadership positions on campus, receive superlative letters of recommendation from professors and administrators, and insider leads on jobs--none of which is as likely at an Ivy institution, filled with student superstars. This book is a MUST read for anyone considering attending or sending their child to a "prestigious" college. The truly wise choice is to send your Ivy-caliber child to a public institution that has a substantive honors program. Some of the small publics may be particularly wise choices: Mary Washington, Evergreen State, St. Mary's College of Maryland.

Howard Greene, the most esteemed of all educational consulants, writes of the social, academic, and campus experience of college students. This book is a clear must for anyone interested in what really goes on inside of well known colleges and universities throughout the country. Honest and interesting, Greene has sucessfully accomplished another outstanding book! I can't wait to see what he will publish next! Perhaps a piece co-written with his daughter, a college freshman?

This book holds no punches. It tells it like it is - from the students - on areas such as social life, drinking on campus, safety issues, various academic pros and cons, skill of profs, morale, racism, etc. Shows good differences between schools we think of as "the same" - eg, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth. I like the charts too - they helped me find the information I wanted quickly and clearly. Strong recommendation.

This is the third college guide written by the Greenes I have read. So far, they have all been excellent. This book is an in depth analytical study extracted from a survey of over 3,000 students who attended twenty elite schools (8 Ivies, 9 private universities, and 3 top public universities). As usual, the Greenes writing is impecable and very lively, including numerous direct fascinating quotes from students. This makes digesting this occasionally dry material a lot more fun than expected.

This book is a reality check. Apparently, the character of these schools has really changed over the past several decades. Gone is the collegiate country club atmosphere some of these campuses may have had. Instead, the atmosphere is now described as intense, competitive, and cutthroat by 90% of the students in the survey. Also, 84% of the students indicated that the academic workload was their overriding concern. The grade pressure is intense and made doubly so given the exceptional student body. How can you possibly excel among straight As valedictorians with many of the classes graded on a curve?

The Greenes mention that going to such academically competitive schools may be a questionable choice to maximize your chance to go to top graduate schools. Regarding two Med school candidates with equivalent academic caliber, one has a 2.9 GPA from Yale the other a 3.6 GPA from State U. Who wins? The higher GPA candidate will win out. Additionally, the Greenes remove the illusion that if you go to Harvard undergrad you have a better shot at a Harvard graduate school. You don't. The top graduate schools recruiting throws a nationwide net looking for the best talent (the higher GPAs among other parameters).

The Greenes' survey removes any illusion that these top colleges represent ideal communities. They do not. Their academic pressure-cooking atmosphere results in numerous psychological and social ailments. The amount of drug usage, alcohol consumption, including frequent binge drinking is rampant. Binge drinking is practiced on a regular basis by 80% of the fraternity and sorority houses. For non-Greek members binge drinking practitioners still represent 45% of men and 36% of women. These behaviors result in occurrence of depression, date rape, sexual abuse, and other safety issues. In this regard, women are more vulnerable for obvious reasons. Within the survey, 50% of women indicated they were concerned about their safety on a daily basis.

Another result of the academic pressure and grade competition is the surprisingly high level of cheating. Within the survey, 29% of the students indicated that academic cheating had a direct effect on their class position or grades.

The survey feedback regarding academics was mixed. For instance, Harvard's faculty was criticized for being removed and not good teachers. Is this really the best college in the nation? On the other hand Princeton, Yale, Columbia received high praise for their faculty. Feedback regarding college social life was often more mediocre. As you can imagine extremely high IQ has no positive correlation with EQ. In other words, don't necessarily expect a healthy, balanced, and fun social life from these schools.

But the myth lives on. By many other standards, these schools remain the most successful ones in the nation. They achieve staggeringly high graduation rates ranging from 90% to 97% compared to only 40% for the nationwide average and about 70% for any pretty descent school. Also, 83% of the students indicated they would make the same school choice again if they relived their recent past. This is most probably far higher a percentage than for lesser schools. And, this is despite the high stress, the concern about academic workload, and often the criticism in the quality of the teaching delivered by the faculty. Is this masochism?

The Greenes indicate what it takes to remain sane in such a stressful environment. This entails being self-motivated, with a strong psyche, a creative spirit, a tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty, and a sense of humor to let you take on adversity in stride.

The Greenes recommend an excellent method in selecting a college. First know thyself. Be aware of what academic, and geographical environment you will thrive in. What is your preferred classroom learning environment? How intellectually driven are you really? What are your relevant fears and weaknesses regarding your adaptative skills to the campus life? Only by asking yourself these tough questions, will you know what kind of school represents a good match. Next, look at your achievements (GPA/SATs) and within the pool of schools that represent a good match, you look at the best fit by investigating the schools in details. The Greenes have a three page list of investigative questions to ask administrators of prospective schools including issues on campus safety, campus social atmosphere, quality of campus living, alcohol and drug policy, availability of substance free dorms, crime record. This college selection is a sane alternative to the brand name obsession we have with the top schools.

This book captures - visually and through the written word - the untold story of so many of our nation's workers without whom our greatest institutions would exist on much weaker foundations. Greg Halpern - through the lens of his camera and the words of the workers he met and befriended - poignantly illustrates the unfortunate plight of so many workers who give so much to their jobs but whose jobs and employers give so little to them. This is a must-read, must-view book for anyone who cares about the state of our nation's workforce. This book is a wonderful way to pay homage to the amazing people who are the true, yet tragically invisible, backbone of Ivy League institutions like Harvard.

This is a poignant look at the people who are invisible (up until now), who are the backbone of the infrastructure of Harvard. The picture on the cover tells it all: proud, yet ignored by those who she serves. This is an important work of art and protest.

For those of you who thought that documentary photography was boring, think again. Greg Halpern brings stunning inner life to the portraits in this book. The early rave reviews in the New York Times and the Boston Globe are dead on -- this kid has serious talent and it translates into one of the most memorable photo books that I have seen in years. I bought several copies of this first edition for friends and family and I have no doubt that these books will one day be collectors' items. For those of you who are photo buffs, and even for those of you who are not, this book is a must have!

This book is long overdue. Listening to the NPR show "The Connection" I became aware that the forces that resulted in this book have actually brought about some change at Harvard...why did it take a public humiliation of Harvard to do what they should have done all along...In any case the book has beautiful and sensitive photographs coupled with startling interviews that everyone should read....

I've been waiting for this book to come out ever since I read a review in the New York Times book review. It was worth the wait. I found it to be thought provoking, informative as well as a glimpse into the lives of service workers. Regardless of your political persuasion, this book deserves to be read. I thought that the author did a remarkable job presenting the facts behind the Living Wage Campaign. I could not put the book down once I started reading it and the people profiled in the book stayed with me. Read this book!

Jessica found a new man,Nick Fox,He's good looking, but he hides a secret. Celine is back,and wants to be a Theta,she hides Drugs,and blames it on Jessica. Elizabeth helps her boyfriend,Tom Watts celebrate his 21st birthday,then this man comes in,his name is George Conroy,he is Tom's biological father,and Tom's also got 1 half brother Jake 8 Years old and Mary 10 years old.Tom meets Mr.Conroy at his birthday party,now you remember Tom lost his father,mother,older sister and 2 brothers during his freshman year of college or high school,in a snowstorm.

This book is really great. Some parts of it were predictable, others weren't. Jessica meets Nick Fox, who's cute and mysterious. She knows he has many secrets, and she wants to find out every last one of them! Elizabeth Wakefield is working on two projects- planning her boyfriend, Tom Watts's surprise birthday party, and helping George Conroy find his missing son. Could both projects be combined? It's pretty exciting, but a little predictable how that scenario turns out. Celine Boundreaux is back at SVU and wants to fit in. She tries to buy her way into the Thetas, and steal Jessica's boyfriend, Nick Fox. Tom Watts is really sad because of his family, but Elizabeth ahs two surprises for him. Jessica is trying to figure out Nick Fox's secret. It was really exciting, and very romantic. This book is great!

I couldn't put it down, i know what's up with nick fox and oh poor tom, he doesn't know his surprise yet though, and Nina why would she change I've read it at least three times, I need to read the next one, i need to know what happens. Read it!

Jessica has found him the perfect guy. Nick fox is As savy as you can get (and i mean rell savy). Things start to heat up as Nick and Jess started getting to know each other a little bit more! But Jessica knows Nick Has secrets to hideand she wants to know every single one of them. (And she will trust me she will) but more interesting things start to happen as the book goes on......................................................

How come the summer's events were never metioned in this book? Did they just forget that Liz cheated on Tom with Ryan? And that Jessica was going to visit Ben Mercer all the time? What about Nina Harper's guy, huh? I think that they should of metioned the summer to get in some controversery in this otherwise kinda dull book. (Busted's ten times more exicting.) It would be so cool if Ben Mercer just showed up at SVU to make trouble in Nick's and Jess's realtionship.

I loved reading this book, and I thought it was fantastic. However, after reading it, I saw the 1944 movie "Gaslight", and I believe the author of this book just watched that movie and totally STOLE THE PLOT. I could predict what was going to happen in the movie based on what had happened in the book. For that reason, I have to say, "SHAME ON YOU, FRANCINE PASCAL! SHAME!!!"

I thought that this book was really good because it was mostly on Lila and Bruce. (my fave charecters). Lila falls for a docter, Porter Davis after she has an accident. Porter is a phcyo who tries to make Lila belive she is crazy. Also Jess plays tricks on Tom because he moves in with her and Liz.

The House Of Death was so cool, I read it in an hour because I couldn't put it down! I'm a long-time Sweet Valley fan, and the last thiriller this good was Sweet Valley High #???-A Killer On Board. I enjoyed it.

This was a great book. I read it in about two nights because I could'nt put it down. It is very suspenceful. I was really scared for Lila. I can't believe she fell for Porter Davis. I felt bad for Bruce. You'll have to read the book to find out why I felt this way.

This is got to be one of the best SVU thrillers. So good, with on the edge of your seat action. That guy she was with was a physco. A total physco, and I'm so glad Lila went back to Bruce. They were made for eachother!

This book is very helpful in forming a coherent, persuasive and meaningful application statement. Michael Mason was my senior AP English teacher, and speaking with him in person is even more beneficial! If possible take one of his writing workshops, he is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. If you can't find a workshop to take, at least pick up the book!

This book has greatly helped me out. I mean, this is simply the best book for people who have questions regarding personal statements. The techniques, the attention grabbers, the rules, and the humanity shockers all those are shockingly persuasive, and it difinitely improves my chances of getting into UCLA. Thancks Mason.

Of the many books on college that I've brought home for my offspring to look at, _How to Write a Winning College Application Essay_ is the first that my daughter read.

The book is well organized and has interesting topics. My favorite was the chapter of essays gone wrong, and the intelligent discussion of what went wrong with them. My daughter spent hours on the writing exercises--though she hates her writing about herself--and I think they helped her. The tone of this book is helpful, not the least bit condescending, as it points out errors of content, style and tone that can hurt the applicant's chances.

This best part of this book is that it has a large section (50+ pages) on how to gather the raw material on your life that can help you find the material for your essay. If you have no idea who your hero is or what adversity you've overcome, this will help you find your story and the supporting antecdotes that make your essay stand out. Mason also gives very specific instructions on how to write a good essay. This would be a good book for someone who wants some guidance turning ideas into a workable essay. It also has short chapters in writing essays for the SAT II English test, graduate school admissions and scholarship essays.

MY name is.... I was born and raised here. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I know that if i get accepted into this college or one like it I will do my best and keep my grades up. I have a 3.725 right know in middle school for my G.P.a and right know i'm working on getting my 4.0 and see if i can keep it all the way through high-school. I would be honered to be accepted into this college and do my very best for you. well please read this very carefully i have never had to write anything like this or actually i haven't been taught how yet. I just started writing out of my head and tryed to figure it out by myself if you could, could you maybe help me out if I am way out of reach with this thank you....

Well, this confirms what savvy teens and their parents already know - Middle School is NOT too early to start thinking about college. That's where a lot of the ground work is laid - because that's where smart kids get on track taking the right math and science courses (which you can't get into later on if you lack the prerequisiste course from the year before), begin or expand their foreign language studies, and start taking meaningful electives such as art, drama, and architectural drawing.

Borden talks about the Early Decision dilemmas that have been in the news recently. She also gives the inside scoop on standardized testing (also in the news a lot.) She offers sensible guidelines for visiting colleges, determining where to apply, and various kinds of financial aid that might be available for you. And she tells you why every college applicant should take SAT prep courses.

This book helps you focus on the details you can control, and let go of the rest. If you start early (and "early" is a key word) you can significantly improve your chances of getting into the college of your choice.

Throughout the book, Borden gives you the facts, and then zeroes in on the "Bottom Line" - what, exactly, do you need to know about this or that. Her book is easy to read and understand. The set up is also easy to follow.

What an incredibly complete guide to the college application process! Marian Borden has thoroughly researched this increasingly complex journey and made wonderful suggestions on subjects as varied as high school course selection, standardized test-taking, summertime and extra-curricular activities, and the college search and application process. She has also included a very complete chapter for the student-athlete hoping to play college level sports. She has answered so many questions so completely under one cover - a MUST for families of college-bound middle and high schoolers!

If this book or one like had been available when I was moping around in the eighth grade, I would have been ... well, I would have had a much easier time with college. Marian Borden has written a readable, fact and tip filled, entertaining book aimed at kids in middle school (though she makes in clear that parents are more than welcome). She demystifies and organizes a process that has grown amazingly complicated and difficult, and she makes it fun. In fact, she shows how kids can increase their enjoyment of those years while building a solid record of accomplishment and depth that will make them interesting to college admissions types. The message of KickStart to College goes way beyond admissions, however, and provides strategies and actions that will help kids make the most of their college experience. It's indeed too bad I didn't have it when I needed it, but I'm glad the book is here for my niece.

I bought this book for my daughter, who is starting 8th grade in September. I don't want her to panic in a few years and realize she didn't plan ahead for doing other things in 10th and 11th grade besides applying to college -- and worrying because she didn't have a plan in middle school! Even the kids who you would think would have no problem getting into the colleges of their choice aren't -- things are so competitive these days. This book answered many of her questions -- and I'm sure she'll be going back to it again and again in coming years.

With two children in Ivy League colleges, I thought I was an expert about college admissions, but this book proved me wrong. I picked it up because I have an eighth grader who wants to follow in her siblings' footsteps; I realize the college admissions game is constantly evolving. This book inspires organization and offers realistic advice without scaring the reader or over-dramatizing the process. I was also very impressed with the research about standardized testing, early admissions, and college visits. Even if you think you have a handle on getting into college, you will benefit from this book!

I must admit that I bought this book as a Spartan fan expecting pictures and statistics. To my pleasant surprise, there were incredible stories about a history that is richer than I ever imagined. This book is a must have for Spartan Fans and Basketball Fans alike!

If you like Michigan State or college basketball, this book is a must read. The stories and photos are fabulous. I laughed and cried. Every Spartan should have a copy. So should every Wolverine.

If you like Michigan State or college basketball, this book is a must read. The stories and photos are fabulous. I laughed and cried. Every Spartan should have a copy. So should every Wolverine.

This is a great book! It's as simple as that. Great stories, interesting pictures, this book has it all. A great book for any Spartan fan as well as any fan of college basketball.

This is a great book for any Spartan fan. The writers do a wonderful job. The book tells about the best players, games, and seasons in Spartan basketball history.

I have read this book and really enjoyed it. I have also read this book to a grade 1 class and they really enjoyed it. I feel that this book is great for all ages. I love the story-line and the fabulous illustrations. This will be a great addition to any collection.

One of the most delightful books I have ever come across!

No other book I have ever seen has illustrations that bring dragons to life like this one. As an artist, I had searched everywhere to find examples of expresive, interesting dragons that had a benevolent and inquisitive nature, and at the same time retained their reptilian appearance. The fact that the drawings are accompanied by such a well written story is a bonus!

I wandered through the kid's section of a book store and stumbled upon this book. It was the beautiful imagery on the cover that first caught my eye. I flipped through to see that these wonderful images are carried throughout as well. I turned back to the beginning and read the tale of Ignis as he tries to find himself and his flame and fell in love with this little dragon. His journey to find his flame is fun to read and fitting for the age this book targets (4-8). Simply put, I found the tale endearing and the artwork captivating to explore. Very enjoyable indeed!

This is my daughter's most-requested book, and it is so enjoyable I truly don't mind reading it five days in a row. I can't say that for any other book we own. The illustrations are beautiful, the text is very inspired, and I like the theme of perseverance. Ignis's personality seems so real, as does the little girl Cara's. With two children, I've bought or borrowed countless children's books, and this goes at the top of my favorites list. I wish Gina Wilson and P.J. Lynch would team up for another story.

"Ignis" is fabulous dragon book. The inspirational story is all the better due to the enchanting, beautifully drawn illustrations on each page. I love reading this book to my 5-year old son as much as he loves to hear it. This is a must read and must have book for all dragon lovers: both young and old. I highly recommend the purchase.

The author John Austin has certainly lightned the mood since his last release The Province of Jurisprudence Determined (Great Minds Series).

This book is great for those of you who are "pranksters" at heart or have always wanted to wreak havoc on your peers but don't have the courage to stand up for yourself.

If you are considering buying a self help book on assertiveness.....wait! Buy this book first. With detailed illustrations and a visual ranking system, you can find the perfect prank for dealing with the obnoxious roomate/classmate without having to have a face-to-face confrontation. (So long as you don't get caught!)

I can't wait for another release from this author. Hopefully we will see something for dealing with those pesky coworkers!

awsome illustrations & detailed descriptions keep me wanting more from the great prank master himself John Austin.

This book is going to be gold - an instant classic. I've been through the years of fireworks landing on my bed in the early morning, getting 'pennied', maybe even a few after party tattoos... After seeing these pranks, I think it's time for a few more! Muhahahaha!

I think this book is great for any college bound student looking to start off their college career with a few laughs or any Alum who has ever messed with his/her roommates while gaining their higher education. You are likely to find a few classic pranks that may bring back memories or open doors to a whole new level of pranking which is sure to make your college experience a memorable one! A must for anyone who has ever loved college!
Cheers!

Simply, I love this book. Although I am attending college, this book would probably great for high school students, too. Even though there are 100 pranks, a lot are just stupid or mean, hence "un-do-able." But overall, this book is way fun, just don't get caught. It's deffinately worth $10 or $15 to buy it.