Reviews (11)

Like taking a class with the author
In her book Reading Like a Writer Francine Prose, herself the author of some 14 novels as well as other works of nonfiction, advocates "close reading"--reading fiction "word by word, sentence by sentence, pondering each deceptively minor decision that the writer has made"--both as a means of appreciating literature and as a practical aid in writing one's own prose. After introducing her method in chapter one, Prose spends the next eight chapters showing us how it's done, focusing initially on individual words, then sentences, and broadening her focus eventually to consider characters and dialogue and narration.
One of the two or three best books on writing I've encountered
Ms Prose takes seriously the idea that one learns to write by studying models of good writing, what she calls "close reading." She examines different features of classic fiction, most of it from the 19th century, but some of it contemporary, and analyzes specimens of solid craftsmanship.
"Putting every word on trial for its life."
Francine Prose, in "Reading Like a Writer," argues that creative writing cannot be taught in a classroom.A workshop may provide valuable encouragement and support for a fledgling writer, and a good instructor may show a novice how to edit his work more effectively.However, a writer learns his craft by reading and rereading the books, novels, plays, and short stories of great writers, and he improves his skills through practice.Prose recommends studying "meter with Ovid, plot construction with Homer, comedy with Aristophanes."She backs up her thesis by giving a host of examples from writers she admires, such as Austen, Hemingway, Joyce, Chekhov, and others who are a bit more obscure.
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Subjects:  1. Authors    2. Books & Reading    3. Books And Reading    4. Composition & Creative Writing - General    5. Creative Writing    6. English language    7. General    8. Literary Criticism    9. Literature - Classics / Criticism    10. Rhetoric    11. Literary Criticism & Collections / General   

Reviews (9)

Very useful
I needed to order this book for a class. It is well written and easy to read. As a reading teacher I can say that I will keep this book as a reference long after the class has ended. This edition comes with a CD (or DVD) which I have not previewed yet, but the instructor of my class raves about it.

The best reading methods textbook I've found
I teach a course in elementary reading methods for undergraduate education students.This is the third textbook I've tried, and it is excellent! It has what students need to know about the theory and practice of teaching reading, written in a very readable, non-overwhelming way.Plus it has lots of practical teaching ideas.Our lab school saw it and ordered several copies for its teachers also.I highly recommend it.

A must have!!
I was first introduced to this book in one of my graduate literacy courses and I have been hooked every since.The teachers at my school pass it around constantly looking for ideas. My favorite aspect of this book is the fact that there are real teachers giving real examples of what works in their classrooms.There are no strategies that seem too hard implement in your classroom, because the layout is right there!!You know it can be done and it words because the examples in the book are proof!You don't feel like you are reading about some ideal or Utopia of a classroom. You are reading about REAL classrooms. I absolutely love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education / Teaching    2. Elementary    3. Language    4. Language Arts & Disciplines    5. Language arts (Elementary)    6. Literacy    7. Literature    8. Reading (Elementary)    9. Study and teaching (Elementary    10. Study and teaching (Elementary)    11. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    12. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    13. English    14. English (ie as school subject)    15. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (7)

Practical Traits
This book offers tons of practical approaches and practice scoring for the 6 Traits of Writing.It is written by a recognized master in the field and has been so helpful.

A Friendly Read
Spandel's book is an authentic, engaging, and encouraging read for those that teach writing, want help infusing writing, or want to enhance their own writing. It is written conversationally and is well supported with numerous examples. I found it visually appealing as a reader and insightful. (Another review didn't like the visuals because it isn't easy to lift examples "as is" for sharing in class. To that angle I agree, but as a reader the layout is very pleasing.) Highly recommended.

Creating Writers Through 6-Trait Writing Assessment and Instruction (4th Ed)
This book gives so many examples of the qualities to look for and teach in writing instruction.I especially like the fact that this edition is more inclusive of secondary ideas and samples.
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Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. Composition and exercises    3. Education    4. Elementary    5. English language    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Report writing    8. Rhetoric    9. Study and teaching    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Language Arts    11. Creative writing guides    12. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    13. Writing skills   

Reviews (14)

Read About the Power of Print to Change Lives
Books change lives and the stories in this title bear repeated witness of this fact. In each chapter, a well-known author talks about the power of the printed page to transform life.Each story is different and unique to the individual. I love this book and discovered new insights into several authors who I appreciate.

YOU'VE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!55 PEOPLE TELL THE STORY OF THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THEIR LIFE
This book is one of the best I have ever read, I too could not put it down and finished it in 3 days!I was sad when I finished it.The stories were all so exciting.I couldn't wait to read some of their recommended books!I do hope there will be more editions of this book to follow.

An Interesting Look At What People Read And Why
I've read a number of books and articles about reading. I love to read and find it fascinating to see what others read and how the books have influenced their lives. More often than not, the list includes the same titles. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and THE CATCHER IN THE RYE are usual favorites. GREAT EXPECTATIONS and THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV are often mentioned by more adventurous readers and of course, a work of Shakespeare has to be included on such a list. I planned on passing by YOU'VE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK since I figured I already know what's going to be in it, but when I looked in the back of the book, glanced at the titles, I was impressed by the variety of contributors, the wide array of books selected, and the stories that followed. Each contributor selects a book, tells a personal story and the way the book impacted their life.
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Subjects:  1. Books & Reading    2. Books And Reading    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Inspirational    5. Life change events    6. Literary Criticism    7. Motivational & Inspirational    8. Personal Growth - General    9. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (1)

An absolutely delicious anthology...
I purchased this book for a class, but was delighted to discover that I will definitely want to hang onto it afterwards.The translations chosen for the 'Ancient World' portion are, for the most part, delightfully vivid and capture the spirit of the original language.I also like the layout - the margin size is just perfect for taking notes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections    2. General    3. Literary Collections    4. Literature    5. Literature (General)    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Literature: Classics    8. Reference    9. Rhetoric    10. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms   

Subjects:  1. Education    2. General    3. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    4. Reading    5. Research    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    7. English    8. English language: reading skills    9. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (12)

practical qnd classroom friendly
This book is a wonderful resource book for any Language Arts teacher.The key to successfully using it is to find out what the child needs to learn to do to become a better reader.Then Mrs. Beers has listed what to do, and even shows how it has worked with real students.I know the activities could be used with first graders and on up.I taught Reading Recovery for ten years and have studied struggling readers for forty years, and I know these resources will work.I also like the authors she used to gather her research.She didn't just research through books, but also practiced these herself.Mrs. Beers has included places for busy teachers to go easily to find the materials to use.All Language Arts teachers shoud use this book.

When Kids Can't Read What TEachers Can Do
This is a great book for ESL teachers, new teachers and even seasoned teachers that need to help their kids think higher level and need help with comprehension.I have enjoyed everything in it!!!I am not finished but I am already implementing many of the ideas for comprehension.This purchase has been the best money I have spent in a long time!

I love this book!
I love this book!As a future teacher, it is very helpful.It gives many tips on how to help your reluctant reader.It also is an easy read and not boring what-so-ever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Reading    5. Reading (Middle school)    6. Reading (Secondary)    7. Remedial teaching    8. Secondary    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    10. English    11. English language    12. Literacy    13. Reading skills    14. Teaching of a specific subject   

Editorial Review

Is there such thing as a Western Taoist? Benjamin Hoff says there is, and this Taoist's favorite food is honey. Through brilliant and witty dialogue with the beloved Pooh-bear and his companions, the author of this smash bestseller explains with ease and aplomb that rather than being a distant and mysterious concept, Taoism is as near and practical to us as our morning breakfast bowl. Romp through the enchanting world of Winnie-the-Pooh while soaking up invaluable lessons on simplicity and natural living. ... Read more

Reviews (187)

What An Awesome Book
I love this book. It isn't dogmatic and it doesn't so much alter one's thinking as it does challenge someone to pay attention to the nature of individual perception. Perception is not as it's claimed"everything" but it does go a long way toward shaping how a person views the world, and Pooh is simply a master of life. What else can you say?

Tao of Pooh is simple and easy to understand
I read this book in high school as part of epistemology course. It is very easy to understand the basic principles of taoism through the ideas of pooh and his friends. I suggest this book for all philospohy students.

Those who "mis-understand"
For those of you who are curious about this book and may be turned off by some of the "negative" comments, allow me to offer my humble opinion. I think that those people who did not like this book or felt it did not explain taoism, just really don't get the point. Taoism most certainly isn't something you seek and seek and then get frustrated at not finding, then angry, and then seek and seek. Taoism seen especially through Pooh's eyes and actions (or should I say "inactions") comes so near the mark to beginning to understand this ancient philosophy of harmonious existence on earth with the earth, and the duality of all things. I highly recommend this book for that open minded, non-judgemental, person open to the concept that indeed anything is possible...too many of us are so grounded in what we "absolutely know to be fact", when in reality anything in this universe is truly possible. Please explore this book on your path. I also highly recommend the companion book to this, The Te of Piglet, which delves ever more into taoism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Alan Alexander),    2. 1882-1956    3. 20th century    4. Books and reading    5. Characters    6. Children    7. Children's stories, English    8. Eastern - Taoism    9. General    10. Great Britain    11. History    12. History and criticism    13. Milne, A. A    14. Philosophy    15. Winnie the Pooh    16. Winnie-the-Pooh (Fictitious character)    17. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -    18. Philosophy / Taoism    19. Religion    20. Taoism   

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Reference Book
This book is an excellent reference, with up to date research results pertaining to the area of early literacy, by authors who are specialists in their field.While many research books are difficult to read unless you have the technical background to understand typical research jargon, this book is easy reading, with fascinating topics for those in the field of early childhood education.The topics are current, with a focus on what the burning issues are today. I have to admit, this is one of the best research books I have purchased in a long time.I would highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Language    3. Language Arts & Disciplines    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Language arts (Early childhood)    6. Literacy    7. Reading (Early childhood)    8. Research    9. Language Arts & Disciplines / Literacy    10. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. English Orthography    6. English language    7. Foreign speakers    8. Illiteracy And Literacy Education    9. Language    10. Language Arts & Disciplines    11. Literacy    12. Orthography and spelling    13. Spelling    14. Study and teaching    15. Study and teaching (Elementary)    16. Vocabulary    17. Education / Curricula    18. English    19. English language: reading skills    20. Teaching of a specific subject   

Subjects:  1. Action research in education    2. Cognitive learning    3. Education    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Literacy    6. Reading Skills    7. Reading comprehension    8. Research    9. Cognition & cognitive psychology    10. English    11. English language: reading skills    12. Language Arts & Disciplines / Literacy    13. Language learning: specific skills    14. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (3)

Fantastic book!!!
This book really helped mer to understand doiing a reading assessment and i felt extremely comfortable doing the assessment.

Basic Reading Inventory
Immediate results from the assessments. Not as easy to use as Marie Clay's running Records, but all inclusive. The CD-ROM is great for reproducables, but many pages have to be pulled out of the book and put in page protectectors. Still a great method to diagnose and assess children's reading. One of those college books you will keep.

Excellent Reading Assement
This is an excellent book for professionals who can take the time to learn to give this kind of informal reading assessment. The format is very organized, clear, and easy to read. The author has numerous years of experience as a teacher/educator and it is apparent in the assesment he has designed. The information the assessment generates is very useful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ability testing    2. Education    3. General    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Language Experience Approach    6. Reading    7. Reading (Elementary)    8. Reading (Secondary)    9. Reading Skills    10. Language Arts & Disciplines / Reading Skills    11. READING COMPREHENSION    12. READING_ABILITY TESTING   

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Education    3. Elementary    4. Elementary School Language Arts    5. English language    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Orthography and spelling    8. Problems, exercises, etc    9. Teaching At The Elementary School Level    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    11. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    12. Primary / junior schools   

Reviews (9)

Fabulous Book but Better with Behind the Wheel English
William Harvey's 'Ingles Para Latinos' is a classic which is loved by Spanish speakers for its ease of use, pronunciation guides and easy to learn practical basics presented in a non threatening and friendly manner.
Ayuda practical para los que quieren aprender Inglés
Soy maestro de Inglés como segunda idioma, y estudiante de otras idiomas.Me considera este libro unos de los mejores que apoya a la gente rapidamente platicar en Inglés.No solamente esto, pero tiene también un libro que funciona al reves; se llama "Spanish for Gringos" que apoya a los gringitos que quieren aprender Español.
ESL Teacher
This book gives my students a wonderfully easy-paced way to learn English. We have had much success with it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English as a Second Language    2. English language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Language    5. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    6. Linguistics    7. Reading materials    8. Spanish    9. Spanish language    10. Textbooks for foreign speakers    11. Foreign Language Study / English as a Second Language   

Subjects:  1. Developmental - Child    2. Education    3. Infants & Toddlers - General    4. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    5. Language acquisition    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Linguistics    8. Literacy    9. Preschool & Kindergarten    10. Psychology    11. Child care & upbringing    12. Reading skills   

Reviews (2)

Good book to strengthen writing skills for students
I actually purchased this book becuase it helped give me some inspiration for addtional exercises for my ESL students because I thought that some of the material in the text we were using was not covered effectively.I really like this book, and can be used for high level ESL or native English writing.Easy to follow, well-ordered, and overall a good writing skills text.

A very useful text
We use Susan Fawcett's book 'Evergreen' in writing courses at the community college where I work, as well as in our Tutoring Center (we also use her book 'Grassroots', which is a good companion at the more basic level).Whereas 'Grassroots' is for those who need help writing sentences and with more basic grammar concepts, the 'Evergreen' book is for those who have mastered that level of writing, and are ready to develop more fully structured themes and essays.
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Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. General    3. Grammar    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Reading Skills   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Introduction to SA Spellers
This book is a great guide to teaching word study to SA learners.The reading is more simplistic and easier to understand than Words Their Way while offering appropriate sorts for this stage.It gives a more in depth view of SA spellers with an excellent sequence of instruction.It's only downfall is that many of the sorts are a little too complicated or have too many headers.It also only offers one sort for each part of a stage, even though some students may need to work within a sort for more than a week.Regardless of these negative aspects, I have really enjoyed this book and it is a great resource for any teacher's or school's library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. Elementary School Language Arts    6. English Phonetics    7. English language    8. Language    9. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    10. Linguistics    11. Orthography and spelling    12. Problems, exercises, etc    13. Suffixes and prefixes    14. Syllabication    15. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    16. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    17. English    18. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (18)

Fantastic Compilation
Regarding the earlier comments about how some books are favored above other, "better" books by certain authors:
Add this one to the list
If the title had instead been "1001 Books Worth Reading" it would have been more accurate but less provocative and thus less marketable. This book is a nice production - synopsis of each book listed, a few key facts or trivia and often an relevant illustration - either a cover the book has appeared in, the author or a film poster.Most of the inclusions are well known but there are a few more obscure and that is really the value of this book.A worthwhile purchase for any library and for anyone interested in books.

Just 1001 Books Some Prof Likes
Like so many bad, bad movies, this book is a beautiful production.It features slick, heavy paper; a million color pictures; attractive, readable typeface; witty contributors.Its proportions seem just right for its weight.
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Subjects:  1. Books & Reading    2. Books And Reading    3. Literary Criticism    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Literary Criticism & Collections / Books & Reading   

Editorial Review

An inspired blend of memoir and literary criticism, Read more

Reviews (287)

A book of books.
Nafisi's memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran", takes its readers deep into the life of a woman living under the ever increasing repression of the Iranian regime.She is an academic whose love of books drives her to use them as lenses through which to view the horrifying events that surround her. Each of the book's four sections takes the works of a different author and uses them to illuminate aspects of the oppressive Islamic regime under which she lives. The book presents a startlingly vivid picture of day to day life in Iran as suffered by a woman who, though very intelligent, is unsure of whether her allegiances lie with her government or with the west. Though Nafisi explains the political events surrounding the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, she does so not from the view of the history that's been written, but from the view of a citizen living in the times, providing an essential shift in perspective.
A Stunning Reality
Although many people might question whether everything in this novel is true or not, it states on the front that it is a memoir, therefore that is how I thought of it while reading.As far as I am concerned, everything but the names and some situations ("to protect individuals") is the truth, and since I have not been to Tehran, I would not know any different.I found this book captivating in most every way from the detailed descriptions of the "girls" in the book club to the references to other novels such as The Great Gatsby.Although I have not read all of the books Nafisi referenced in her memoir, I still understood her story and appreciated her sharing the private (or public) moments with her readers.I was shocked when I read about some of the laws that women (and men) must obide by in Iran, and this book sparked my interest regarding the stunning ways of the country enough from the very beginning to encourage me to look even further into the culture.Being a secondary education English major, I would suggest this book to anyone from the age of 13 on, with hopes that he or she would read it, appreciate it, and try to gain some knowledge on a very different culture than our own while recognizing the everyday freedoms we take for granted on a daily basis.

A Vision of a Fundamentalist's Dream
If anyone wants to know what living in post-revolution Iran is like for a woman, this is the book.Great detail is given to how the messages of western literature apply to life in the theocratic totalitarian state. The scariest thing, for me, is how closely the vision of Iran held by muslim extremists conforms to the stated vision of the U.S. held by christian extremists.This touched me with reality the way The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood touched me with fictional possibility.
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Subjects:  1. American literature    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Books & Reading    7. Books And Reading    8. English literature    9. English teachers    10. Ethnic Cultures - General    11. Iran    12. Regional, Ethnic, Genre, Specific Subject    13. Study and teaching    14. Women    15. Women In Islam    16. Women's Studies - General    17. Biography & Autobiography / Women    18. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (30)

Obviously not everyone is going to like your book
It's rare you see such gushing praise for an essay collection, more impressive is the average length of these Amazon reviews.It seems the reviewers like to look at their own words as much as this author does.
A merited dystopian view of our declining culture
Theodore Dalrymple (Anthony Daniels in real life) has been viewing the bottom of British culture for many years as a psychiatrist and social commentator. As a psychiatrist, Dalrymple practiced in a prison and at a hospital in Birmingham, England. Nearly all his patients are from what can be fairly considered the "lower class" in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries.
An important cultural critique
Theodore Dalrymple is a top-notch English commentator and a gifted essayist. The articles featured here represent some of his best and most recent writings. The volume is divided into two major sections: arts and letters, and society and politics.
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Subjects:  1. Books & Reading    2. Civilization, Modern    3. Culture    4. General    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Philosophy    7. Social Science    8. Social problems    9. Sociology    10. Cultural studies    11. Political Science / Social Policy    12. Social Science / General