I bought this book to study for my SAT exams. I haven't taken them yet, but so far, I've managed to learn a ton new words. This book not only makes learning easy and fun (at least compared to the other SAT wordlists I've bought) they have tests and quizes at the end of every group of 10 words. It really helps you to memorize and retain the words. Overall, this is a very good book and it comes in a convenient size so you can study on the go. GET THIS BOOK ASAP!!<--especially if you plan to take the SAT's!

Like anything worth doing in life, remembering and retaining all 290 words in this book will not be easy. Will it still be worth your effort to master these words? YES! YES! YES! Why?, because a HUGE component of reading comprehension comes down to understanding vocabulary words.

VC teaches words commonly found on SAT exams. In turn, the SAT tests words (such as "melancholy" [depression of spirits] or "countenance" [a person's facial expression]) that are commonly found throughout English Literature. Thanks to VC, I now know these two words by heart.

I should also point out that this book is not political! You will not take "umbrage" [a sense of insult; to take offense] by the content.

Now on to the important part of my review. I can honestly say that it took me well over a year to remember and incorporate all 290 words into my everyday vocabulary! Why so long? Even with the excellent cartoons, there are simply too many words to remember all of the subtle differences between the words. For example, what is the difference between the words "abhor" and "abominate"? "beleaguer" and beset"? How about "allure", "assuage", and "balm"? Also, many words have different meanings. For example, "pique" [as a verb - to arouse curiosity] or [as a noun - resentment or irritation stemming from wounded pride].

That said, I believe the most fool-proof method to memorize ALL of the words is via the lowly flashcard. There I said it. Here's how to do it. Write three words per flash card. On the front, write the word, grammar type (noun, adj. etc.) and the link word to the right. Then under each word write the caption sentence. On the back of each card write the definition. The best definition to use is the short definition that is used in the Reviews at the end of each section. Does this method work? After going over each of the vocabulary cartoons in the book a few times, I successfully taught a 5 year-old all of the 290 words as well(a little each day).

You can do it too!

Unlike all the vocabulary books he read before, my 13 year old really enjoyed this book. The cartoon pictures have eased the pressure of "studying". Learning becomes easy when you are having fun, and he's able to memorize the words. I have just purchased the second book in its series.