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Rating: 
Summary: No index...?
Review: I found this book right before taking the AP exam and checked it out of my library hoping it would help. Unfortunately, I did not have much time to study it, but from what I could tell, it was a good book that would have probably been very effective preparation. The presentation was very nicely done and did not make my eyes ache. The variance in fonts, enlargement of important concepts, and obvious display of sample problems all contributed in keeping me focused. The explanations were pithy but never confusing or vague. I appreciated the reminders and descriptive side boxes for key concepts. In addition to the content, the narrative style was most helpful in its ability to introduce matter in a direct and affable manner without making you feel stupid or overwhelmed. My only complaint is the way topics are displayed. The chapters are listed in the beginning and there are clear headings throughout; however, this is somewhat difficult for quick reference. An index is indispensable and I wish they would have included one in this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book, not without errors
Review: This book is excellent, and will help you with the Chemistry AP test AND your class. It is, however, riddled with errors. The errors are small, and part of the learning process (I suppose) is finding them, crossing them out, and laughing in delight at your genius. "Planck's constant is 6.63*10^34, NOT 6.63*10^24!! I WIN AGAIN BARKER!" I had quite an adventure with this book, the name Brett Barker will forever be etched in my mind. My chemistry class was like this. The teacher knew more about her subject than any other teacher I've ever had, but alas, couldn't teach to people of less than average intelligence. She was cursed with knowledge that could not be shared. Hence, I learned close to nothing in the class. I suffered tremendously 2nd semester because of organic chemistry and earned a B. I still earned a 3 on the AP test, an average, unspectacular, but still PASSING grade. How did I do it? What was my secret? You guessed it - "Arco Master the AP Chemistry Test 2001: Written by Brett Barker." I picked it up 3 weeks before the test, spent over 3 hours a day taking notes on the entire book and doing all of the practice problems. Perhaps if I had gotten it 5 weeks before the test and spent 5 hours a day, I would have gotten a 5. Get this book BEFORE your class, if you know everything in it you'll get 2 A's and a 5. If only time travel was practical...I could travel back in time and fix my foolish ways.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book for a Full Review
Review: This book offers an extensive review of the material covered on the AP exam. There are a few typos, but anyone who is even slightly good at chemistry will be able to realize what they actually meant. I would not say that this book is a good one in a last ditch effort to try to squzze some chemistry in your brain. The review is meant to be studied at a moderate pace. In fact none of these prep books can take the place of a solid year of study in a rigorous class with a competent teacher. Nevertheless it is a very good book. It did help me achieve that 5. I didnt take the practice exams but from the looks of them they seemed to be a good reflection of the test. I actually took real AP tests from past years. Taking actual multiple choice and free-response sections of preious exams coupled with studying this book for a month, and a strong year in chemistry will get anyone a 4 at the very least.
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