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Best Study Guides

Summary & Study Guide: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion. “Every bit as churlish but lovable as Backman’s cantankerous protagonist in his debut, A Man Called Ove (2014), precocious Elsa will easily work her way into the hearts of readers who like characters with spunk to spare. A delectable homage to the power of stories to comfort and heal, Backman’s tender tale of the touching relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter is a tribute to the everlasting bonds of deep family ties. “Full of heart, hope, forgiveness, and the embracing of differences, Elsa’s story is one that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.” (Library Journal). "In his second offering, Backman ( A Man Called Ove ) continues to write with the same whimsical charm and warm heart as in his debut." “I can't remember the last time that I read a book where I alternately cried and laughed, and sometimes both at the same time.” (Marilyn Dahl, Shelf Awareness ). But her grandmother has left her a puzzle of sorts - one that forces Elsa outside of her comfort zone and into contact with her neighbors and others - leading to adventures and insights, along with some heartbreak. "The ability to write with both humor and sadness, to tell fairy tales without becoming sappy, to convey real love and grief, these are the remarkable gifts of Fredrik Backman. Her eccentric grandmother loves her fiercely and is willing to do many unusual, some may say crazy, things to bring joy and magic to Elsa’s life. When her grandmother passes away, Elsa discovers that some of that magic may be more than just a wonderful story spun by the woman that loved her. As Elsa unearths the roles played by the quirky inhabitants of her life, she also begins to find her way through her grief and to the discovery that being different may be the magic that saves them all." Cleverly constructed as a kind of treasure hunt, this is a book of colorful, unforgettable characters, warmth, humor - and wonderful lessons on living well. Elsa loves to spend evenings with Granny listening to the magical tales her imagination conjures up that take them into the Land-of-Almost-Awake where everybody is different and no one needs to be normal. If you enjoy characters with spunk, Elsa finds them and they will work them into your heart in this tender tale of the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter that comfort and heal. It is told from the point of view of Elsa, a seven-year-old child who loves Harry Potter, fairy tales, and her grandmother. The lyrical language is the confetti thrown liberally throughout this celebration-of-life story, adding sparkle and color to an already spectacular party. “A funny crowd-pleaser that serves up laughs to accompany a thoughtful reflection on loss and love… The author writes with winning charm.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). “This charming debut novel by Backman should find a ready audience with English-language readers… hysterically funny… wry descriptions, excellent pacing… In the contest of Most Winning Combination, it would be hard to beat grumpy Ove and his hidden,generous heart.” (Kirkus Reviews). A Man Called Ove seems deceptively simple at the start, yet Frederik Backman packs a lifetime's worth of hilarity and heartbreak into this novel. A Man Called Ove seems deceptively simple at the start, yet Frederik Backman packs a lifetime's worth of hilarity and heartbreak into this novel.
Reviews
"When Granny suddenly dies Elsa finds that her grandmother has left her a series of letters that must be delivered to the other tenants that live in the same apartment building as Elsa. As written, the letters are apologies from Granny, but they are really a way for Granny to build bonds of friendship between the lonely Elsa and the other tenants in the building. So a very enjoyable read, just pay attention to all those stories that Granny and Elsa tell in the beginning."
"Elsa's grandmother dies and charges Elsa with delivering a series of letters that explain things about Elsa's neighbors and about life itself through her apologies, and as Elsa begins to understand the world around her, so do you.That is because it is a book that draws you into the heart and soul of the characters, and leaves you scratching your head as to how you actually got there. And here is a spoiler alert: this is a book that will change your life."
"Disappointing after A Man Called Ove.The characters weren't as well-developed and the plot was very strained."
"I love the way the truth about the residents of their flats emerges from Granny's fairy stories told to Elsa."
"This treasure hunt reveals that family doesn't always have to be blood, that friendship can be formed between people of any ages, that blood creates unbreakable bonds, and that your heart will heal after loss."
"A story about a little girl who's grandmother told her fairy tales all her life."
"A wonderful story about a little girls eccentric grandmother and the way she helped her granddaughter discover her life and accomplishments."
"I was charmed from the beginning and dreaded nearing the end because I just wanted to keep going."
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GMAT Prep Plus 2018: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Video + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep)
Customize your practice with a 200-question online Quiz Bank that lets you select problems by topic and difficulty Questions have been reviewed, revised and updated for 2017-2018 by Kaplan's all-star expert faculty. Expert Guidance Purchase of GMAT Prep Plus 2018 comes with one-on-one academic support from Kaplan faculty via our Facebook page: facebook.com/KaplanGMAT Video workshops with top Kaplan GMAT faculty help you master our proven methods and strategies for scoring higher We know the test: The Kaplan team has spent years studying every GMAT-related document available. Kaplan's expert psychometricians ensure our practice questions and study materials are true to the test. Our prep books and online resources provide the expert guidance that students need at every step of their educational journey – incorporating years of test-specific data and strategies tested by Kaplan students and our own expert psychometricians. Our guides deliver knowledge with clarity and simplicity while focusing on the specialized strategies that keep test-takers ahead of the clock and at the top of their game.
Reviews
"If you are new to the GMAT and looking for a quicker prep plan, Kaplan Premier is a good book to work with - it provides a good intro to the test (explains the mechanics, basic principles, gets you familiar with the test structure, etc), has solid strategies that you can use regardless of your level, and finally, comes with 5 Adaptive tests. ~~~ THE GOOD: ~~~. * Quite a few practice questions. * Solid material with proven Math and Verbal strategies as well as formulas/etc background. * 49 pages covering Integrated Reasoning. * 6 Full GMAT Tests (5 are in adaptive CAT format on the online and 1 is in a paper format in the book). * Online practice with additional exercises and quizzes - 18 online drills. * Much of general info on gmat has been moved into online video format, called Fast Fact Videos; that helps with learning when you have had too much reading for the day. * Great value for the money with 6 Full GMAT tests, practice questions, and many online Quizzes. * Good amount of coverage for the INTEGRATED REASONING. - not a travel size book. ~~~ OTHER STUDY OPTIONS & BOOKS ~~~. Many applicants, bypass Kaplan Premier completely and head straight for the more specialized books such as the Manhattan GMAT Set of 8 Strategy Guides, Fourth Edition OR Complete GMAT Course Set - 15 Book. These book sets come with 8-15 books that are targeting specific Math and Verbal areas. Veritas Prep books come with tests as well BUT only if you purchase from their website (Ugh) Finally, a book you should also now about is the The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 13th Edition (more on that is below). ~~~ SOME OTHER THOUGHTS: ~~~. * What is a good study plan using Kaplan Premier? Thorough/Methodical review of each area - If you have a bit more time, grab the Manhattan GMAT Set of 8 Strategy Guides, Fifth Edition OR Complete GMAT Course Set by Veritas - 15 Book. For Verbal Section: Foundations of GMAT Verbal by Manhattan GMAT. Let me know if you have any questions about the book - I reply to comments!"
"Bought this for a friend."
"This is an excellent study review for the GMAT exam, and I highly recommend anyone who is planning on taking the GMAT exam to strongly consider using the GMAT Premier 2017."
"The online content is great!"
"I love that the book comes with an online program to help you further."
"Good starter but the question back will only last you a week or two before you are going through repeats."
"Very happy with purchase."
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John Milton's Paradise Lost In Plain English
The PLAIN ENGLISH version you’ve been waiting for!
Reviews
"Very helpful."
"Really helpful for translating the hard to understand poem."
"I'm not bad at understanding archaic English, but Milton's language and symbolism is really too difficult for me."
"Considerably easier to understand in today's English."
"John Milton's Paradise Lost in Plain English was essential to my understanding of Milton's poetry."
"The book helped make my learning experience positive."
"Made the book much easier to read with the side by side translations."
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Best GRE Test Guides

5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems (Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides)
Book of GRE Practice Problems is an essential resource for students of any level who are preparing for the GRE revised General Exam. Founded in 2000 by a Teach for America alumnus, Manhattan Prep is a leading test prep provider with locations across the US and the world.
Reviews
"However, I've glossed through other Kaplan/Princeton/Etc GRE books and have to say that this book is one of the best study materials you can get. I scored a 325, and the questions I mostly got wrong were in the vocabulary section and because of timing, because I didn't feel like studying vocab, and because I only timed myself on a practice test once. I would go through at least 1 of each section in this book - READ THROUGH THE EXPLANATIONS OF WHAT YOU GOT WRONG. If you have the time and means, what I suggest to do is to read news editorials and opinionated articles and look up the words you don't know."
"The practice material from PR and Kaplan isn't the same level of rigor as the ETS exam, and ETS's book has a limited number of practice problems. I wish I had known about this book with more time before taking the GRE again, I probably would have also invested in some of Manhattan Prep's other study material for the quantitative section. 500+ pages of just math practice and explanations (nevermind all of the reading and essay practice in this beast of a book). -- 30-50 practice questions for EACH topic. I agree with other reviewers that ETS is still the best practice material, but this is definitely the second best book you can buy to prepare yourself."
"A lot of problems, 850, were enough for me to familiarize to each theme like Algebra, Geometry, Standard deviation, and so on, in comparison with ETS's official guides having up to only 300 problems. A caveat is that some problems in the book are straightforward, if not easy or instructive, and this is not the way actual GRE questions take."
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Best Study Skills

A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)
The companion book to COURSERA®'s wildly popular massive open online course "Learning How to Learn" Whether you are a student struggling to fulfill a math or science requirement, or you are embarking on a career change that requires a new skill set, A Mind for Numbers offers the tools you need to get a better grasp of that intimidating material. When she saw how her lack of mathematical and technical savvy severely limited her options—both to rise in the military and to explore other careers—she returned to school with a newfound determination to re-tool her brain to master the very subjects that had given her so much trouble throughout her entire life. How do you come to love math and science, and how do you come to learn math and science? Barbara Oakley is the magician who will help you do both.” —Francisco J. Ayala, University Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, and former President and Chairman of the Board, American Association for the Advancement of Science. But now that learners have a handy guide for ‘knowing better’ they will also be able to ‘do better.’” —Shirley Malcom, Head of Education and Human Resources Programs, American Association for the Advancement of Science “ A Mind for Numbers is an excellent book about how to approach mathematics, science, or any realm where problem solving plays a prominent role.” —J. Given the urgent need for America to improve its science and math education so it can stay competitive, A Mind for Numbers is a welcome find.” —Geoffrey Canada, President, Harlem Children's Zone "It's easy to say 'work smarter, not harder,' but Barbara Oakley actually shows you how to do just that, in a fast-paced and accessible book that collects tips based on experience and sound science. —Glenn Harlan Reynolds, Beauchamp Brogan Distinguished Professor of Law, The University of Tennessee “ A Mind for Numbers is a splendid resource for how to approach mathematics learning and in fact learning in any area. This is a must-read for anyone who has struggled with mathematics and anyone interested in enhancing their learning experience.” —David C. Geary, Curators’ Professor of Psychological Sciences and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, University o f Missouri. “For students afraid of math and science and for those who love the subjects, this engaging book provides guidance in establishing study habits that take advantage of how the brain works.” —Deborah Schifter, Principal Research Scientist, Science and Mathematics Programs, Education Development Center, Inc.
Reviews
"Dr. Oakley does a masterful job in introducing the science of learning to readers in a way that is very engaging, practical, infectious and liberating."
"The author explains in details why the strategies presented work and this makes a difference with merely reading about “how to study”. I need to read it all over again because it is so full of information... Good luck to you all."
"It really helps to understand how our brain works and what we can do to achieve our objectives not only in math but in any subject or in general."
"Perhaps the flipped classroom idea will encourage more exercised which develop this skill, but I think we have just scratched the surface on new techniques to encourage innovation in school settings."
"Mrs. Oakley was able to capture with words (and scientific explanations) our mind's phenomena which makes it possible now to share the wisdom of experienced learners with novice ones."
"Highly Recommend to take the course "Learning how to Learn" on Coursera.org."
"Wish I have read this book years ago."
"Wonderful book, not only for being good at math, but at any task of your life where you need to focus, even when you don't really love doing it."
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Best Book Notes

Summary: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
(Note: This summary is wholly written and published by readtrepreneur.com It is not affiliated with the original author in any way). Should you find this book unworthy of the original coffee price of $3.99, get a REFUND within 7 days! Highest Quality Summaries Delivers Amazing Knowledge Awesome Refresher Clear And Concise. Readtrepreneur is your ultimate provider to the World’s Best Book Summaries of all the top self-development books in the world.
Reviews
"Really good book that builds a nice understand about humankind history."
"Interesting book, nice summary."
"Encourage others to read it if they are interested in understanding society better."
"Exellent summary of the book it pin points the principle and important ideas."
"Great outline of the evolution of culture/religion/politics/science."
"Just loved it."
"concise...well written...good summary."
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Best Education Workbooks

Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students
If so, Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students is the blueprint. Written for the early career college professor , this easy-to-implement college instruction guide teaches you to: Think like advertisers to understand your target audience—your students Adopt the active learning approach of the best K-12 teachers Write a syllabus that gets noticed and read Develop lessons that stimulate deep engagement Create slide presentations that students can digest Take charge of your college classroom management Get students to do the readings, participate more, and care about your course. “A really useful book for any college professor who wants to move beyond lectures and give students deeper engagement. - LINDA B. NILSON, Director Emeritus, Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation, Clemson University, and author of Teaching at its Best "Dr. Eng tackles one of the biggest problems facing higher education: so few professors are adept at the art of teaching. - JO BOALER , Professor of Mathematics Education, Stanford University, best-selling author of Mathematical Mindsets , and co-founder of YouCubed.org. "This is a terrific collection of tried and true teaching strategies that, unlike most other books on university teaching, is written forthe adjunct or contingent university teacher, by someone who's been there. - KAREN KELSKY , best-selling author, founder, and president of The Professor Is In " Teaching College is the most 'bang for your buck' resource that I have seen for new college instructors. In Teaching College , Norman Eng closes that gap brilliantly, synthesizing education and marketing into a fresh approach thatwill significantly change the way college classes are taught worldwide. - DAVID H. MONK , Dean, College of Education, Penn State University. "Agreat resource for college instructors who are interested in excellent teaching--accessible, practical, and full of actionable research-based suggestions." As an adjunct assistant professor for local colleges in the City University of New York system, Norman realized that much of what he gained as a marketer and as an elementary school teacher held true for college instructors: Students--whether undergraduate or graduate--need to see the value of what you are teaching to their lives. With consistently high student and departmental evaluations in two separate colleges every semester, Dr. Eng hopes to share what he has gained so far from these three industries--marketing, K-12 education, and higher education--with the larger community of higher education instructors, whether they are graduate students, adjunct lecturers, assistant professors, or beyond.
Reviews
"The author, a university professor himself, who has worked both in marketing and K-12 education, clearly masters his subject and provides numerous examples that make it easy to put into practice the strategies he proposes."
"Teaching College is a wonderful resource guide for college professors, especially beginning adjunct professors, that will have students more engaged and giving higher performance evaluations."
"If only those teacher's had read this book."
"I thought your book was useful."
"I've started reading this book in preparation for my first adjunct teaching position upon retiring from 30 years in the ESL field in K-12 education."
"Eng has helped me to get over this discomfort, as he offers advice on how to implement cold-calling in a way that benefits the entire class discussion."
"I highly recommend this book for all college teachers."
"Written by a true expert on the art of a student centered classroom."
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