I bought this book to help me learn more about the amazona genus that I was considering as a pet. But what I found was a book written before 1992 which was around the time importation was banned and hand raising and breeding birds within the United States had became more common. This resulted in very little information about todays common amazons. Also, this book described all the the precautions one must take to ensure the saftey of your wild caught bird, precautions that are now just plain useless! Though if what you are looking for is a picture book about amazons, this is almost a good book for you.

As a new Amazon owner I was looking for a species-specific book that would give me detailed information about my blue-front. Unfortunately this book seemed superficial, simplistic, and somewhat out-dated (with some information actually contrary to what is widely recommended now). It has some wonderful pictures, and fragments of useful species information, but overall I think there are better general care books available (certainly more detailed), and this book's Amazon-specific information was sketchy.

After purchasing just about every Amazon Parrot book out there and being disappointed, I found this one. Instead of pretty photos and general narrative fluff, this book has good solid information for anyone interested in the species. Thank you.

I have to say that this book was very big, fairly expensive and NOT HELPFUL. I got a 60 on the Humanities exam, but not ONE question on the actual CLEP exam was in this book. I would suggest saving your money & going to the library to look at art books, listen to classical music, read literature and rely more on your stock knowledge of the fine arts. Had I not had a good background, I would have surely not passed. Not worth the study time.

This book proved to be a comprehensive study guide for the Humanities CLEP. However, it is not enough to pass on its own. I would highly recommend purchasing additional general CLEP studies guides in order to take more sample tests. The sample tests in this CLEP guide are much more basic than the test. Also, you must supplement this guide with a good visual book of art & architecture from B.C. to present day. There are quite a lot of visuals of paintings, sculptures and architectural items to identify.

THIS REVIEW IS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO TAKE THE CLEP GENERAL EXAMS, BUT HAVE LITTLE OR NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE IN THE TEST SUBJECTS

I just took the new computerized Natural Sciences General exam.I took it on May 16th, 2002.

I reviewed information in this book, and Cracking the Clep, and Comex Books. THANK GOODNESS I HAD THIS BOOK. Every review I read said that that Cracking the Clep was best. After I studied that book, I thought I would Ace the test. The questions in Cracking the Clep was a lot easier than the ones on the new test.

When I was studying this book, I couldn't answer more than 60%-70% correctly. The material in this book was diverse and alot harder than the other books.

This turned out to be the KEY! Not one question in any of the books showed up on the test. NONE! However, since this book asked the broadest array of question, and had the broadest array of material, I was exposed to a vast expanse of what COULD be on the test. I learned the CONCEPTS. And That is the KEY to Passing.

I scored in the 94th Percentile. and finished the test 34 minutes early.

I do recommend Cracking the Clep as your first review. However, if you can get about 60%-70% of the answers right in this book, you should be well versed to pass the newer computer version of the Natural Sciences test. Get this book. Take the Practice Tests, and review your wrong answers.

7/18/02 Update ***
I used this book to study for the Social Science and History general exam also. I passed last week with 98% (percentile) in 42 minutes! -Before I studied, I knew virtually nothing of this subject nor Natural Sciences. This book, The companion book "Best review..., and Cracking the Clep (plus the Comex books) are all slightly different. However, If you know NOTHING about your subjects, these four books are essential. They are all you need.

I also just passed the English Comp with Essay using these books.

Remember, no matter what anyone says, NONE of these books will give you the answers directly on the test. What they do is expose you to general concepts, so many in fact, that when you see one on the test, you will have a good chance to choose the correct answer.

The CLEP is designed to be a general test. To pass, you have to know a little bit about a lot. This book, along with the others do just that. If you can pass the sample tests in this book with even 60% correct, using the scoring system in the book, you
can be assured that you will pass the clep. Don't waste your time at the library pouring over questionable material.
Use the above books. Read each. take the practice tests. Review your wrong answers only.

If you can get even 60% correct on all of the practice tests in this book, you will pass the Clep handily.

One final word: None of these books alone expose you to enough information if you previously did not know the subject. Use the books like this:

1. Best Review ... - Best general reading material
2. Cracking the Clep - Closest structure to the actual test, but
questions are very easy. Good confidense builder.
3. Best Test Prep (this book) - Hard diverse questions
4. Comex Books - Good Hybrid of all books, but not complete on
it's own.

If you use all four of these books, you will go into the tests with confidence and will score a lot higher than you would imagine.

I used this book along with Princeton Review to prepare for the test two months ago. The Princeton Review one is excellent, and this one is terrible. Though I can't say I got a 5 because of Princeton Review, I find this one extremely bad. It has two chapters on problem solving, which I did not find very useful. The review chapters are extremely confusing, and some of the explanations, and even basic concepts, are wrong. There are very few examples. The practice problems after each chapter are way harder than the real test, making them practically useless, and in many, many cases the solutions are wrong too. Wrong concepts, explanations and solutions are all over the place. It also has half a chapter on angular momentum and a whole 15-page chapter completely devoted to relativity, which aren't even on the B test except for the mass-energy relationship. Torque and rotational statics are on the B test, but other topics on rotation, including angular momentum, are tested only on the C test. There are also appendices, some of which are totally useless. This book is horrible. I would never recommend it unless they make some major improvements.

First of all, the AP exam is majorly difficult so if you haven't put any effort in your class the test is going to be a nightmare.

The Barron's book is strong in it's practice exams. I found the questions to be of the same style and difficulty as on the AP, especially the multiple choice. And for some of the easier chapters (vectors, 1-D motion, waves), the summaries aren't too bad although the information is a little muddled.

But that's all that's really good about this book. The answers for the practice questions are to difficult to explain and a lot of the time just plain-out incorrect. They might explain how to do it mathematically and show the calculations which would be completely incorrect. Or they'd write the incorrect equations. If you're a strong Physics student most of this shouldn't bother you, but there were a few questions where the method they used to solve the problem was entirely incorrect. Also when the book tries to explain the more complicated stuff, the language is just no basic and clear. And they introduce a lot of simplified versions of the common equations, obviously meant to increase speed, but mostly just confused me.

This was the only book I used to prepare for the exam so I don't know how the other prep guides are in comparison. But I wouldn't recommend this book.

I find it interesting that the reviewer before me -- who gave the book one star -- wrote the review on 15 May 2000, when the AP exam was not until two days later.

Having used this book almost as my primary source for most of the fourth quarter, I have to say it does an excellent job of what it says it will -- helping a student prepare for the AP Physics B exam. From problem-solving strategies to excellent short summaries of each topic to sample exams to even a review of algebra, the book provides everything needed to succeed on the Physics B exam.

With a teacher who was out with a serious illness for most of the fourth quarter, I knew I'd need extra help if I was going to get through the AP exam. (It's one of six I took, so it's not like I haven't experienced the "fun" of these exams before). I picked up this book and found myself quite happy with it, and its review of dozens of test topics definitely helped me through both my physics class and the AP exam itself. In retrospect, I wouldn't have done as well as I did without this review guide.

What can be better than reading the three greatest books--"The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers," and "The Return of the King"--ever written? Having a leather-bound volume with all three together is better. If you are a fan of the books or you have a loved one that is, this is the best edition to own. It has a big fold-out map in the back for reference, all the references you can think of, and a really neat red leather cover. I have had this edition for 20 years and it's still in excellent condition. Well worth the cost.

Outside of The Bible, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is simply the best book written in all of time. On a scale of 1 - 10 it is a 100. Nothing in any genre has ever been written better. Originally designed as a six-book, three-volume work, the wonderful people at Houghton Mifflin Company have published the books in an awesome one-volume, leather-bound collector's edition for easy reading (and many re-readings). I am only sixteen, but I am constantly reading, and let me tell you now that nobody beats Tolkien; and nothing beats The Lord of the Rings! Read this book and join the largest group of fans to ever walk the earth.

The story is just as beautiful as it was years ago when I read it for the first time. It needs no further review.

For those who are looking for an attractive, permanent edition, this is it. The fifty Alan Lee paintings are gorgeous, and the more you look at them the more you realize how carefully Lee put them together to remain faithful to the vision and the detail of the text. It's obvious he loved the books as much as the rest of us do. A keeper.

Some of Ms. Warlick's writing is better suited for the short story form. I found myself wondering where this novel was going. While the language is beautiful and lush, I found myself wanting more. More plot, more character, more risks.

The Distance from the Heart of Things is a wonderful novel full of beautiful turns of phrase and sensuous descriptions. Warlick's poetic language guides us through the lives of characters who are reckless and reserved, generous and cruel, unfaithful and forgiving. I was left thinking that Mavis Black is the kind of woman I would want to have as close friend. Readers who let the author's early success tinge their ability to enjoy this story are truly missing out.

Through lyrical pose and sharp characterizations, Ashley Warlick paints an engaging, thought-provoking portrait of a young woman and her eccentric Southern family. It is a novel about growing up and letting go, yet not forgetting who you are and where you come from. Lively, entertaining, and poignant

I passed the CBEST on the first attempt. I found this book (the only one I used) adequately prepared me. I would recommend it to anyone.

This book can help a teacher candidate pass the CBEST, and the ideas can also be used in the classroom to help students improve their reading, writing, thinking, and math skills.

Some people complain that this book has practice tests that are HARDER than the actual CBEST. It is true... but to me that is a good thing. I'd much rather find the practice tests harder, than to find the actual test more difficult. By completing these practice tests, the ACTUAL CBEST WAS A BREEZE! I've heard that only about 1/2 of the people who take the CBEST pass on the first attempt. I don't know if it's true, but I know that I passed easily and this book was my only preparation.

I purchased this book with the intent of teaching myself trigonometry - but after three chapters, I found I couldn't slog through the stupid fantasy story the book's structured around. I mean it, it's godawful, and renders the book entirely unreadable. I'm now going through Peter Selby's _Geometry and Trigonometry for Calculus_, which is far, far more palatable and straightforward.

I have read second edition of this book.I like the early chapters of this book. It's fun and easy to understand.
But there are some major errors and the book explains some concepts in a too much incomplete inductive way.
To begin with, the standing wave formula in the chapter 9 is different from the formula on many other college physics books.
This book says it Y=Asin(kx)sin(wt). But all other college physics books say it Y=Asin(kx)cos(wt).:-<
Another example, the answer to the exercise number 47 of the chapter 10 of this book, there is only one value for the x. Actually, there are two values. And if you seleted the same way with this book to solve this problem, you have to consider another value. Not just discard the extraneous root! Since the root value have to be interpreted to a value for the cosine as well as sine, because the quadratic equation formed exactly same with the case of cosine.
Additional example is the answer to the exercise number 57 of the chapter 10. The book omits two values. This error is very related with the concepts of chapter 12.
Furthermore, the book explains some concepts in a too much incomplete inductive way. An inductive way does not guarantee a theorem is true(well, the mathematical induction is an exception) . So it must used in a careful way. But this book abuse it. For example, see the exercise number 41 of the chapter 14. The book explains(actually make reader think by solving a problem) the existance of the polar triangle by just calculate a single instance of a spherical triangle. I think it must be presented by proving cosBcosC-sinBsinCcosa equals to -cosA by applying the law of cosines for sides and the fact sinBsinC becomes bc(1-(cosA)^2)/((sina)^2).Despite of the fact it may lead to a clumsy algebric experience.
In conclusion, although you may become friendly with the trigonometry functions with this book, you are still ambiguous and skeptical about some of the trigonometric concepts.You have to create your own exercises to make sure what you've learn from this book.:-<

I think Trigonometry the Easy Way is a fairly good book. I read it, it made sense to me, and the storyline was rather interesting. It does have some problems: The exercises at the end of each chapter are much harder than what was covered in the main part of the chapter, there are relatively few examples, and the principles of trigonometry are introduced in an unclear way. An example of this is, "Will you get sick to the subject!" Recordis cried. You always go off on tangents!" "Very well," the king declared. "We will call the other ratio the tangent ratio." Overall it was pretty good book for people wanting to learn trigonometry in a fun way.

I had a good laugh when reading your reviews of a Cliffs Notes. I mean....oh, man....*laughs*. The book is great and I can't believe you even bothered to pick up an abreviated version. It might be several hundred pages, but it's a page turner. So, expand your mind.

"Crime and Punishment" for a high school or college not enamored with Russian literature can be intimidating. This CliffsNotes volume helps clear up the seemingly muddy waters.

While not all CliffsNotes are worth buying, in this case, it can enhance and encourage the reading process. They explain the many characters in two sections.

The first is not unlike what introduces many playbills. For example, for Sonia, it says "Sofya's nickname." Maybe that it is common in Russia, but it would have thrown me for a loop. For Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov, it says, "A poverty-stricken student who conceives a theory of the superman or extraordinary man as a justification or rationalization for his crime."

The second guide explains in a page or two the context and major concerns of only a few characters.

Because they have Russian names unfamiliar to most of us in the United States, their little guide will be handy to keep open as you read the actual book.

The chapter synopsis is also useful for teachers who are overwhelmed with responsibilities. I have used it for this reason with a private student. I had not read the work and needed to be up to speed quickly. The synopsis put the book in context, making expectation available to me as I read. This helped me know what was worth focusing on in our all-to-brief look at this classic.

Other sections explain motifs and arguments of Hegel and Nietzsche regarding the superman ideas presented. Lacking is a section on biblical references, which, for students without much biblical knowledge, will limit their appreciation of the depth of "Crime and Punishment." Judith Gunn's "Dostoyesky: Dreamer and Prophet" is a good follow-up for the student looking to understand Dostoyesky religious perspective and Russian nationalism.

I fully recommend "CliffsNotes Crime and Punishment" by James L. Roberts.

Anthony Trendl

James L. Roberts' Cliffs Notes for Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" begins with a brief look at the Life and Background of the Author, which is sufficient to allow teachers/readers of the novel to recognize some key parallels between fact and fiction. The Cast of Characters list includes a "note on pronunciation" that will be useful. Following a Plot Summary, Roberts provides a look at the general Structure of the novel, and I appreciate that he wants us to being thinking about this BEFORE reading "Crime and Punishment." He also sets up the general roles of the main characters and the result is that even if you do not read the Summary/Commentary section, Roberts gives you more than enough to think about at this point to enhance your reading of the novel.

The Summary/Commentary section breaks the novel down by chapters and Roberts uses A-B-C notations to distinguish specific lines of analysis; I consider such signposting useful to students. As always, the best way to use these commentaries is to read them after the corresponding parts of the novel, rather than doing them all at once after (or before...) doing the reading. Roberts them explores the Extraordinary Man Theories of Hegel, Nietzsche and Raskolnikov in a short essay section students will certainly find provocative. The Character Review looks as Raskolnikov, Sonia, Svidrigailov, and Petrovitch while under Motifs he examines Confession, being "All Alone," the Square Yard of Space, Suffering and Fresh Air.

This is one of the better little yellow books with the black stripes, with its major strength being that Roberts provides his best analysis outside of the Summary/Commentary section. He also takes the time to develop his case on Structure, Characters and Motifs (not all of these books do). But above all, Roberts sets up the novel so that going into "Crime and Punishment" students are well prepared to deal with the major elements.

If you are looking for Dental school information this book is inaccurate. Most of the material is out of date. It does not contain very much information about each school. It is a waste of your money.

This book is great in terms of giving stats on allopathic schools and information about types of medicine and the MCAT. I feel like maybe too much was being attempted. I don't know about the dental school info., but as for the osteopathic medical section, there are lots of mistakes regarding class sizes (more than once the entire school's population was given as the first year population) and there is very little information, in general, given for each school. And one more thing: there are now 19 osteo schools in the US (not 17) and the application process for each begins with the AACOMAS application. I guess these incorrect details can be attributed to the book's EXTREME outdatedness in terms of osteopathy. However, it is the only book I've found that is so comprehensive in terms of giving the average pre-med a decent glimpse of everything there is out there regarding the medical field and medical education.

I had inhibitions about buying this book due to the other reviews, but I've found it extremely helpful. There are plenty of stats regarding the MCATs, GPA and enrollment. Although the descriptions of the curriculae aren't as in depth as I had hoped, it's more than enough to form some initial opinions about the various schools.

My aim was to buy a PSAT prep book that would prepare for the test. I, knowing very little about the reputations of various SAT prep companies, ended up purchasing this book because it was the cheapest on the rack at Borders. I was, however, immensely disappointed on the quality of instruction it offered. The first sample test was utterly glutted with errors and mistakes. I also heard later that the questions weren't even real PSAT questions. Personally, I plan on contacting Barron's so I can receive a full refund.

There are quite a few errors, but it is still very helpful. It's better to use this book than not use any.

In my sophomore year I took the PSAT and got 1140. Last year I used this book to prepare for the PSAT--I got 1330 (a 190 point increase!) and received a National Merit Letter of Commendation. I went through the whole book and found about 6 or 7 typos and 2 actual errors--out of thousands of questions. no big deal. but my sister just got a copy (mine was all marked up, so she got her own) and in her later printing, the typos were gone! She really likes the different tactics for the math and even though I am a slightly better student than she is, she may get an even higher score than I did.