★★★★★ 5
PROFOUND
Format: Paperback
Mesmerizing, profound, even for a study machine such as myself. Cal Newport, a college student himself, wrote these books after interviewing extraordinary students around the country who had straight A's, full social lives, and did lots of extracurriculars such as starting businesses & non-profits, and being politically involved. The point of all his books is how to study more efficiently so you can be an outstanding student while fitting in other essential dimensions of the college experience such as friends, parties and guest lectures. And unlike "speed reading," his techniques are not smoke and mirrors; they are solid and make sense.
I didn't feel there was much overlap between his books. "How to Win at College" is composed of 75 two-page "tips" that cover a very wide range of topics. This is the book I originally fell in love with and ordered copies of for many friends, and I recommend reading it first. His second book, "How to Become a Straight A Student," focuses on a few key skills: the trap of "pseudo-studying," time management, how to actually study, conquer exams, and write papers. However once I read it, I liked it almost better than the first one!
In short, they are both indespensible, easy reads, hard to put down, and completely different from any other "study skills" books you might read. They are basically "myth busters" of conventional wisdom about school success. If you want to know the "secrets of the universe" regarding succeeding in and loving college, look no further.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2010
