A fun and interesting way to build your vocabulary
I reach for this book every time I have a free minute. The selection of words are ones I can really use, not off the wall words that will not help my professional growth. As a guidance counselor, I'm always looking for cool words since I talk to people all day! The book gives excellent examples about using the words in the correct context and provides interesting tid bits about word origins. This is a great resource.

Why all the hype?
The program appears sound in that it asks users to build their vocabulary by study and repetition; this is the basis for any good vocabulary program. The word entries are interesting and each varies a bit to retain interest - some discuss etymology, some synonyms, etc. It is novel in that it claims to build vocabulary from easier to hard words.

However, the narrative accompanying the work is very overblown and full of hype. This probably appeals to an uneducated reader who needs to be convinced that building vocabulary is a good thing, or who is looking for a concrete payoff from the boss, but is off-putting to anyone with an understanding of basic research and publication practices.

1) There are numerous references to research and expert opinion, but there are no citations or bibliography to lend the work credence or credibility to the experts.
2) How are the words selected and by what criteria were they placed in their levels?
3) The pre-test / post-test is a bit of a joke. As one reviewer pointed out, a post-test taken immediately after the pretest revealed something like a 25 point gain. The inference the reviewer made is that the post-test is easier than the pre-test, ostensibly to give the reader a fasle sense of achievement. Since there is no discussion of validity or controls in the tests, one is left to assume the worst.
4) The quotes on the jacket are from program users, I don't see anywhere in the book support from experts.
5) The book does not claim to have expert authentication of the material it contains or any research to support it's effectiveness. And since the author's only offered qualifications are the support of his customers and his own assertions, one is left to wonder who made up the material in the book? Who has determined the effectiveness of the program?
6) I did not see these obvious objections in the other reviews. I am left to wonder if there is not a Le Tip operation going on here to promote books?

Other than that, Random House, we enjoyed the play ;-)

Great starting point....
I am not one that usually buys books like this but I thought it mught be interesting. This book was much harder and more intense than I had thought it would be. I knew that I did not have an exceptional vocabulary but I did not think it was average. This book proved me wrong. The book has a great layout and works through the words in a progressive manor. With I little time you can improve immensely. Good luck.

A Wonder!
This book is literally the BEST vocabulary book ever!! It's useful for everyday speaking, and even standardized tests such as SAT, PSAT or ACT. I got nearly 100 % on the PSAT with this book. Ingenious!!

Best vocabulary building book
For any non-native English Speaker who wants to have as much proficiency in this as in your primary language!
A must have!