Rating: 
Summary: Steps to save $200+ and learn more
Review: A previous review, Xavier, was about to buy the $300 CDs, but bought the $15 book instead. Xavier may have saved $285, but a book, even with similar text, is not as effective as the CDs. Listening to the audio, may or may not be worth $285, but listening, not just reading the words is virtually necessary to learn the correct pronunciation. If you pronounce idiot, I-D-ot, people will think you are an idiot. To learn more, buy several inexpensive books, which have plenty of explanations, and the Elite Word Power CDs, which has 5000 words, but very limited explanations.
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Summary: It's actually fun
Review: After browsing through many vocabulary-building books, I decided to get this one simply because it seemed to have lots of information besides just plain old definitions and examples of usage. And, like the previous reviews have said, it's actually very interesting and enjoyable to read. I tend to have a short attention span when reading non-fiction sometimes, so I find it strange to be getting lost in this material. I can feel my brain working! It reveals many misconceptions, mispronunciations, and improper applications of lots of words -- some of them "difficult," and others simply things I thought I knew but didn't. The review tests and the arrangement of words into levels of difficulty allow for a very natural sense of development throughout the book.
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Summary: This book is excellent
Review: I don't usually take time to write a review about books I read, but I will for this book. It is an exceptional book. The words are carefully chosen and precisely defined. The author has superb diction, and he really makes a sincere attempt to impart some of that knowledge to the reader. I have bought many vocabulary books and have been disappointed many times. Most vocabulary books list too many arcane words, do little to help the reader with pronunciation, and often rely on absurdly contrived examples to help the reader with usage. Verbal Advantage stresses proper pronunciation and gives realistic examples of the words used in context. Kudos to Mr. Elster.
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Summary: In short...an excellent and highly entertaining "vocab" book
Review: I never thought that I would be writing a review of a book, let alone a book dedicated to building one's vocabulary...but here it is. In short, I'm writing this review while I am purchasing my 2nd copy of the book...as my girlfriend is constantly "stealing" this book from me to read. This book has several excellent points.
1. The author divides his vocabulary building "program" into 10 different levels, and lets the user progress from easier words to much more esoteric words at the very last levels (anyone know the meanings for what "tergiversation", "crepuscular", "hieratic", "fugacious", "or "glabrous"?).
2. Each word is clearly defined, and the author provides a plethora of synonyms (and relevant antonyms) and explains the nuances among the different synonyms.
3. The author provides highly amusing side notes on various words, especially related to the "beastly" mispronunciations and wrong use of certain words.
4. Each level has around 50 words, and they are broken down into sections of 10 words each. This makes it convenient for those who do not have alot of time, as you can read a section at a time. All in all, I'm halfway through the book, and I can't wait to get through it...not just because I learned some new words in this book, but because this book has provoked me into buying a new Merriam-Webster dictionary and reading all types of materials that I once eschewed because they were not within the domain of what I already knew!
Rating:
Summary: One Easy Step To Save $285!!
Review: I was just about to purchase the complete CD series of this item online for $300 when I found this book at a nearby Borders store. I just saved myself $285!! And from reading all the reviews, I belive I've made a very wise "self-improvement" investment. Granted the CD's would help somewhat with certain pronunciations, but the book has a very useful key guide to guide along as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, but desperately needs an index
Review: I would have given this book 5 stars, but was dumbfounded to realize that there is no index or alphabetical listing of all the words in the book! Each of the ten lessons covers 50 words (called keywords), plus there are hundreds of synonyms and antonyms thrown in with the discussions of each word. I think every one of these words should be indexed, so if I learn a word (or want to) I can find it. At the very least the keywords should be indexed. An egregious shortcoming in an otherwise superb book.
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Summary: The best you can imagine!
Review: If you just finished 1100 words and are looking for a vocabulary bood, as good as that, this is the book you should buy. Some of the vocabularies are the ones you learnt in 1100 words, so you can review. There are a lot new words as well. If you liked 1100 words, don't miss this one.
(It may be difficult for someone with a knowledge of vocabulary less than 1100 words level, though!)
Rating:
Summary: Impossible - a FUN vocabulary builder?!
Review: Over the years I have tried hard to increase my vocabulary and enhance my English skill. Among the many books, audiotapes and techniques I have tried, I am confident that this book is by far the most productive, efficient and inexpensive tool to improve one's vocabulary. May I also add "entertaining?" The author does a superb job in keeping the reader interested while reading the book - page after page. (I accredit this to author's teaching approach, which is personal, detail oriented and full of enthusiasm.) This book isn't limited to just telling you what the words mean. It actually discusses their history, mistakes made by people due to nuances of meaning among similar words, author's personal experience from observing how people use them in various settings. The author's sincerity in trying to help improve one's vocabulary is evident in every page of this book. You will not find the usual dry quality of other vocabulary builders that often drive one to boredom. Like one of the readers mentioned below, you will actually feel your brain start working as you start reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: Impossible - a FUN vocabulary builder?!
Review: Over the years I have tried hard to increase my vocabulary and enhance my English skill. Among the many books, audiotapes and techniques I have tried, I am confident that this book is by far the most productive, efficient and inexpensive tool to improve one's vocabulary. May I also add "entertaining?" The author does a superb job in keeping the reader interested while reading the book - page after page. (I accredit this to author's teaching approach, which is personal, detail oriented and full of enthusiasm.) This book isn't limited to just telling you what the words mean. It actually discusses their history, mistakes made by people due to nuances of meaning among similar words, author's personal experience from observing how people use them in various settings. The author's sincerity in trying to help improve one's vocabulary is evident in every page of this book. You will not find the usual dry quality of other vocabulary builders that often drive one to boredom. Like one of the readers mentioned below, you will actually feel your brain start working as you start reading this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Buy another book, not Verbal Advantage!
Review: The $11 Verbal Advantage book has the exact same content (word-for-word) as the $299 audio program under the same title. This program has been around for at least 12 years, and it uses an old and outdated learning model: The Verbal Advantage program contains entirely too much unnecessary information. Save your money and buy Word Smart (the book) or Verbal Power (the audio program) if you don't want to waste two years trying to build your vocabulary.
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