Effective Reading in a Changing World (3rd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Good basic reading text
Review: I have been using this textbook to teach my reading development and basic study skills community college class for two years and like it's logical format and easy-to-understand explanations. The examples are good, for the most part. It is good for reviewing concepts learned throughout high school, such as an author's tone, figurative language, distinguishing fact from fiction.

Rating:
Summary: The description of the book is not what it is.
Review: I have great difficulty seeing how this book is holistic or for adult readers. It consists mainly of readings that are less than 3 pages and avoids abstract ideas or inferential questions beyond the lowest level. As another reviewer said, it is good for developmental learners, perhaps.

According to the manual, the essays included are mostly between 9th and 10th grade level, yet the description from the publisher implies that it is for more advanced readers. The book is skills oriented with more pages of isolated skill instruction than actual mature readings. The editorial review is misleading. To call this book holistic is simply inaccurate. Each reading has a few unimaginative comprehension questions and some vocabulary but that is by no means what "holistic" means. I used it once for a college level reading class and found it to be less challenging than some books used in developmental courses.

Doesn't anyone know what "holistic" means?