Education Books

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time

Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin

Amazon Price: $8.51 List Price: $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Penguin (Non-Classics) Amazon Marketplace: 152 new & used starting at $4.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1471 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A window into life in the frontier regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Greg Mortenson and David Relin weave a fascinating tale of an adventurer turned advocate for rural education in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In some of the most remote and inhospitable areas of the world, Greg Mortensen succeeds in building schools where the government had failed. As a woman who lived in the region, I found Greg's story not only captivating, but also pin point accurate.
This true to life story of humanitarianism is one of my top ten favorite reads.

Editorial Review:

The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban’s backyard

Anyone who despairs of the individual’s power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan’s treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson’s quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.

Guinness: World Records 2009 (Guinness World Records)

Guinness World Records

Amazon Price: $17.37 List Price: $28.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Guinness Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $11.37

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Cool! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a cool book. Not only do you get the up-to-date list of the latest world records, but 3D photos as well (always loved that 3D glasses stuff when I was a kid). Some of the bizarre things people do to set world records never ceases to amaze (or amuse) me.

I must admit I'm a bit of an adict when it comes to records and statistics of any kind, and I've always loved this series of books. I buy a copy every few years and I'd rate this one (especially with the 3D glasses) the best edition yet. Have fun and have a read. Good stuff.

Editorial Review:

Guinness World Records 2009 continues to build on the intriguing, informative, inspiring and instructional records and superlatives that have made Guinness World Records one of the most famous brands and an annual best-seller around the world.

This year, we've created a revolutionary new design and filled it with more records than ever before. And the 2009 edition will have two gatefold spreads and over 20 pages of special records all with 3-D photos, which can be viewed with enclosed 3-D glasses!!

Combined with a new, research-tested, eye-catching cover, over 1,000 new records and 100% new photos, this year's edition once again sets out to be the best Guinness World Records book ever!!

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2009 (World Almanac and Book of Facts)

World Almanac Books

Amazon Price: $7.79 List Price: $12.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: World Almanac Amazon Marketplace: 23 new & used starting at $7.70

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

New for 2009—The World Almanac and Book of Facts includes the complete 2008 U.S. election results, and World Series statistics. Every family needs this New York Times best-selling reference book.

The World Almanac is the #1 best-selling American reference book of all time. It is the source for essential and authoritative facts for entertainment, reference and learning. The book contains thousands of facts and statistics that aren’t publicly available which are sourced and double-checked by the staff of World Almanac experts.

The 2008 Edition spent 12 weeks on the NYT Bestseller list reaching #2; 10 weeks on the USA Today Bestseller List reaching #51; and 9 weeks on the Book Sense List reaching a high of #11.

Features in The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2009:

· The World at a Glance: The most fascinating facts of the past year in science, economics, sports, arts and media, and more

· World Almanac 2008 News Quiz: For news junkies and snorers alike

· Election 2008 Coverage and Results: Twenty-four pages dedicated to the complete coverage of key issues, pivotal primaries, memorable moments, and election results from the presidential campaign.

· Beijing Olympics Recap: faces, Places and records from the Summer 2008 games.

· World Series: For the first time in 5 years, the World Almanac will contain facts covering the World Series.

· Celebrity Picks: notable names serve up their very own lists of Favorite People, Places, and Things

· Year in Pictures: 16 page color photo section of the top stories of 2008, as well as 16 pages of world maps and flags and easy-to-use side abs.

· Plus thousands of facts and statistics that aren’t publicly available; sourced and double-checked by our full-time editorial staff who are reference experts by category

World Almanac Online: www.WorldAlmanac.com

2009 will feature the third year of Bonus Content Online, extended reading to the printed edition for the same combined price of $12.99. This year will feature the Election Results from 2008, plus lots more free information available year-round at worldalmanac.com: historical presidential information, health news and features, and early access to WA09 info.

Once online, look for The World Almanac Blog, launched in 2006 and every weekday featuring

· New original entries, including provocative postings such as Unbreakable Sports Records; fascinating scientific and historical trivia; and new links to online tools and archives for almanac fans · This Day in History, Notable Birthdays and unusual anniversaries such as when Nixon met Elvis Presley in the Oval Office (1970)

· More useful links and tags to essential reads

The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th Edition

Graduate Management Admission Council

Amazon Price: $24.39 List Price: $36.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Graduate Management Admission Council Amazon Marketplace: 135 new & used starting at $17.95

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 151 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Essential for good score....master it completely 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Official Guide, as the name suggests, is an official collection of retired GMAT questions, published by GMAC, who own GMAT. Here, I will review this book and its importance in the overall preparation.

First, I was short on time in preparing for GMAT and applying in time. So, I didn't had time to go over all the material and guides available in this universe, and then compare and review them.

Second, before you start your preparation, or make your plan, you need to understand what GMAT is and what it measures. Then try to understand how much time and effort you will need to achieve a good score, for the school(s) you are applying to.

- OG will certainly help you to understand what is GMAT, what it measures and how the different sections test your those capabilities.
- The Diagnostic Test, taken under strict examination conditions, will measure your current performance and identify the areas you need to focus.
- The Verbal and Quant sections of OG are mainly a collection of past GMAT questions, their answers, and explanatory solutions.
- There is very little theory/concepts and very generic strategies. However, do read them carefully.

Once you identify the areas you need to focus on, find the guides with concepts, fundamentals, and tips and tricks. Do your research by reading reviews, and consulting your peers who have used them in past. Every guide is different and have different difficulty levels. What works for one may not work for another.

For Sentence Correction, I will recommend Sentence Correction GMAT Preparation Guide (Manhattan GMAT Preparation Guides). For other sections, I used an old, borrowed edition of Nova's GMAT Prep Course (with Online Course). Unfortunately, I cannot comment about Kaplan, Princeton, Veritas etc since my aim was to get a good score and not compare all these guides. (I spent 3 weeks overall and got a very decent score)

Coming back to OG, here is what I recommend:
- Do all the questions.
- Do all the questions, at least three times. By doing so, you can master a lot of concepts and calculations.
- Do not get discouraged if you get low scores on simulated tests of the other study guides. Actual GMAT level is closest to this OG. Other guides' sample exams have a hidden marketing motive too. They want you to buy their books or take their course. So, their questions' level may not be same as that of actual GMAT. In fact, I found some of them very difficult. (Won't take names, but I took those online free sample exams from those famous names in Study Guides & preps)
- If you have time, get GMAC's Verbal and Quant supplements to practice more & more.

At last, it's all about speed & accuracy. Best of Luck!

The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary

Merriam-Webster

Amazon Price: $7.50 List Price: $7.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Merriam-Webster Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $3.36

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 152 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

scrabble dictionary 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This scrabble dictionary is by Merriam-Webster is very easy to read. I keep it near my computer because it's doesn't take up a great deal of room.

scrabble dictionary 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

this book shows scrabble words that the regular dictionary does not..it is really a great asset to the game

Great purchase 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have gottne hooked on Scrabble on my iPOD and this book has been a great help..you also learn new words. Keeps the mind fresh too.

Perfect Gift For Scrabble Fans 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Looking for a gift for your Scrabbled-obsessed friend? Look no further. This guy is perfect and it quickly resolves any word disputes that come up. Fits nicely in my Scrabble box.

Great Book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book was in like new condition or was new. Would buy again from this sender. Thank you

Editorial Review:

New edition! An inexpensive edition of the book that SCRABBLE® players call their bible. Ideal for recreational and school play. More than 100,000 playable two- to eight-letter words including 4,000 new entries. Includes variant spellings. Endorsed by the National SCRABBLE® Association.

Alphabet Juice: The Energies, Gists, and Spirits of Letters, Words, and Combinations Thereof; Their Roots, Bones, Innards, Piths, Pips, and Secret Parts, ... With Examples of Their Usage Foul and Savory

Roy Blount Jr.

Amazon Price: $16.50 List Price: $25.00 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Amazon Marketplace: 20 new & used starting at $15.86

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Subjects -> Reference -> Words & Language -> Etymology
Subjects -> Reference -> Words & Language -> Linguistics

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Ali G: How many words does you know?

Noam Chomsky: Normally, humans, by maturity, have tens of thousands of them.

Ali G: What is some of 'em?

—Da Ali G Show Did you know that both mammal and matter derive from baby talk? Have you noticed how wince makes you wince? Ever wonder why so many h-words have to do with breath? Roy Blount Jr. certainly has, and after forty years of making a living using words in every medium, print or electronic, except greeting cards, he still can’t get over his ABCs. In Alphabet Juice, he celebrates the electricity, the juju, the sonic and kinetic energies, of letters and their combinations. Blount does not prescribe proper English. The franchise he claims is “over the counter.”

Three and a half centuries ago, Thomas Blount produced Blount’s Glossographia, the first dictionary to explore derivations of English words. This Blount’s Glossographia takes that pursuit to other levels, from Proto-Indo-European roots to your epiglottis. It rejects the standard linguistic notion that the connection between words and their meanings is “arbitrary.” Even the word arbitrary is shown to be no more arbitrary, at its root, than go-to guy or crackerjack. From sources as venerable as the OED (in which Blount finds an inconsistency, at whisk) and as fresh as Urbandictionary.com (to which Blount has contributed the number-one definition of “alligator arm”), and especially from the author’s own wide-ranging experience, Alphabet Juice derives an organic take on language that is unlike, and more fun than, any other.

An Incomplete Education: 3,684 Things You Should Have Learned but Probably Didn't

Judy Jones, William Wilson

Amazon Price: $23.10 List Price: $35.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ballantine Books Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $20.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 91 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not Accurate 2 out of 5 stars.
3 of 7 people found this review helpful.

There are things in this book that are inaccurate. I can only speak to the religious section because it is a subject I know well but I know others who have complained about the inaccuracies in the science section. For example, the author mentions that the Hadith (written traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) are widely accepted to be unauthentic. In fact, there is a whole science of deciphering whether or not a hadith is authentic, with many books rating thousands of Hadith. These books are so detailed as to include the character, education, public opinion, etc. of all the people who have transmitted a particular hadith. Needless to say, the subject isn's as simple as the author would have the reader believe. There were also some problems in the Zorastrian section that I don't really want to go into now. I think that with a book of this nature, accuracy is paramount so I would consider such mistakes unacceptable. I would venture a guess and say that perhaps the authors themselves have an incomplete education.

Editorial Review:

You'll find everything you forgot from school--as well as plenty you never even learned--in this all-purpose reference book, an instant classic when it first appeared in 1987. The updated version takes a whirlwind tour through 12 different disciplines, from American studies to philosophy to world history. Along the way, Judy Jones and William Wilson provide a plethora of useful information, from the plot of Othello to the difference between fission and fusion. It's not a shortcut to cultural literacy, the authors write in their introduction, but it's an excellent "way in" to the building blocks of Western civilization: the "books, music, art, philosophy, and discoveries that have, for one reason or another, managed to endure." Think of it as finishing school for your brain; study up and you'll gain a lifetime's worth of cocktail conversation--as well as a new list of books you simply must read.

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead

Max Brooks

Amazon Price: $11.16 List Price: $13.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Three Rivers Press Amazon Marketplace: 91 new & used starting at $7.47

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 372 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Zombie Survival Guide is your key to survival against the hordes of undead who may be stalking you right now. Fully illustrated and exhaustively comprehensive, this book covers everything you need to know, including how to understand zombie physiology and behavior, the most effective defense tactics and weaponry, ways to outfit your home for a long siege, and how to survive and adapt in any territory or terrain.

Top 10 Lessons for Surviving a Zombie Attack

1. Organize before they rise!
2. They feel no fear, why should you?
3. Use your head: cut off theirs.
4. Blades don’t need reloading.
5. Ideal protection = tight clothes, short hair.
6. Get up the staircase, then destroy it.
7. Get out of the car, get onto the bike.
8. Keep moving, keep low, keep quiet, keep alert!
9. No place is safe, only safer.
10. The zombie may be gone, but the threat lives on.

Don’t be carefree and foolish with your most precious asset—life. This book is your key to survival against the hordes of undead who may be stalking you right now without your even knowing it. The Zombie Survival Guide offers complete protection through trusted, proven tips for safeguarding yourself and your loved ones against the living dead. It is a book that can save your life.

Harry, A History: The True Story of a Boy Wizard, His Fans, and Life Inside the Harry Potter Phenomenon

Melissa Anelli

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 30 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Harry Potter Books Were Just The Beginning of the Story...

During the brief span of just one decade, hundreds of millions of perfectly ordinary people made history: they became the only ones who would remember what it was like when the Harry Potter saga was still unfinished. What it was like to seek out friends, families, online forums, fan fiction, and podcasts to get a fix between novels. When the potential death of a character was a hotter bet than the World Series. When the unfolding story of a boy wizard changed the way books are read for all time.

And as webmistress of the Leaky Cauldron, one of the most popular Harry Potter sites on the Internet, Melissa Anelli had a front row seat to it all. Whether it was helping Scholastic stop leaks and track down counterfeiters, hosting live PotterCasts at bookstores across the country, touring with the wizard rock band Harry and the Potters, or traveling to Edinburgh to interview J. K. Rowling personally, Melissa was at the center of the Harry Potter tornado, and nothing about her life would ever be the same.

The Harry Potter books are a triumph of the imagination that did far more than break sales records for all time. They restored the world's sense of wonder and took on a magical life of their own. Now the series has ended, but the story is not over. With remembrances from J. K. Rowling's editors, agents, publicists, fans, and Rowling herself, Melissa Anelli takes us on a personal journey through every aspect of the Harry Potter phenomenon -- from his very first spell to his lasting impact on the way we live and dream.

The Official SAT Study Guide

The College Board

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: College Board Amazon Marketplace: 368 new & used starting at $4.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 113 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, solid study guide 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book for my daughter. It is easy to navigate, well laid-out, and fairly clear and precise in its presentation.

No explanations!?? 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book comes in handy because it has great tips and sources coming right from the creator of the SAT's and also tells you what to expect on test day. The only problem is that it gives no explanations for the answers.There are explanations on the sample questions only, but there are none on the practice tests(there are eight practice tests). It is so frustrating, especially in the math section, don't just tell me the answer is "B", explain to me WHY it is "B" and HOW to solve the problem. If you want an effective and easy to understand study guide, I recommend "11 Practice tests for the SAT's and PSAT's" by the princeton review. That one actually explains the answers for every single question(both math and English) in the book. You can buy the college board's if you want great tips but don't rely on it for your practice tests because its not going to help.

Editorial Review:

The Official SAT Study Guide is the only book that features official SAT practice tests created by the test maker. It's packed with the information students need to get ready for the exam. They’ll gain valuable experience by taking eight practice tests and receiving estimated scores. With 900 pages and 21 chapters, the book helps students raise their confidence by reviewing concepts, test-taking approaches, and focused sets of practice questions.