Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Coverage of Data Base Design
Review: If you are moving out of basic databases into more advanced database design then this is the book for you. I have found this book to be an invaluable reference for building solid database designs for web applications. This book was easy to read, with a clear style communicating the concepts of database design, as compared to other texts I have read. I have been able to take to concepts from this book and improve existing application designs, delivering better applications. I would recommend Rebecca's book to anyone who wants to get a handle on this complex topic, in a clear, and easy to read manner.
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Summary: A practical approach to database theory.
Review: If you intend to develop database applications for professional usage, and have experience with VBA/VB and SQL programming, but are still uncertain of database theory. Then you are in the target group of Designing Relational Database Systems.The book consists of 3 parts:
First, relational database theory. Do yourself a favour and read this part again and again until you understand the definitions, since they will be referred to throughout the book. Second, designing relational database systems with focus on how and what information you should obtain prior to developing a database. Third, designing the user interface where the author describes the different standards behind a good user interface. The first part of the book is by far the most challenging and difficult to comprehend, as database theory is a rather academic subject. Ms. Riordan uses academic terminology only when needed, it is obvious that she knows the limitations of the theory in real world database developing. In the last 2 parts of the book, the experience and hands on approach of the author becomes evident. However, I disagree with her use of dialog boxes in chapter 16 (Maintaining database integrity), they are not user friendly at all. For beginners to relational database theory I recommend: Inside Relational Databases by Whitehorn & Markly (ISBN 354076092X). The advanced reader should try: Database Systems by Connolly & Begg (ISBN 0201708574). I strongly recommend this book to any Access/SQL Server developer who has already programmed a few applications, and needs to strengthen his theoretical knowledge.
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Summary: An excellent and much-needed book!
Review: Not since Database Design for Mere Mortals : A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design by Michael J. Hernandez has any book been so needed by the people who need to understand database design. And by focusing on the actual application of design concepts to Microsoft technologies, Rebecca's book takes an important step in the process that makes it more illustrative. Her easy-to-read style makes me hope that this is merely the first of many future works by this author.
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Summary: Microsoft test 70-100 bible
Review: Rebecca's book is never packaged as a study guide for microsoft 70-100 test - Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures. However, it covers almost every testing topic in the test. I am 75% done with the MSCD certification and I strongly recommend this book for preparing the 70-100 test. It is much better than any cram / study guides in the market.
Rating:
Summary: Microsoft test 70-100 bible
Review: Rebecca's book is never packaged as a study guide for microsoft 70-100 test - Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures. However, it covers almost every testing topic in the test. I am 75% done with the MSCD certification and I strongly recommend this book for preparing the 70-100 test. It is much better than any cram / study guides in the market.
Rating: 
Summary: This book turned me off databases forever
Review: This book claims to be for beginners, but it is not. The author's style lacks any flow. The examples are unrealistic and unclear. And the writing is turgid. I bought it to learn about normalization and other table design principles, and got nothing but frustration. It's some kind of university textbook, lacking any clear explanation of concepts. I've read several beginner books over the past few months, and this is not a beginner book. Nothing is explained. I've spent 4 hours on it, and am ready to send it back.
Rating:
Summary: a must
Review: This book is a must for everyone who deals with databases. Relational concept is fully covered and deeply explained, but it doesn't bother you with pure theory, so anyone can read it joyfully. I'm waiting for another book of Mrs. Riordan.. One last thing, this book has helped me a lot to pass the core MCSD Exam 70-100.. It is quite the only book at the market with content concerning with this design exam, much more than the MS Press training kit.
Rating:
Summary: Great explanations of essential database design concepts
Review: This book is a well written presentation of relational theory and real world database design. It fills the void between books covering the basics of normalization and the more theoretical writings of C.J. Date. Essential reading for anyone who understands the basic principles of database design but feels stuck on how to really go about implementing them in their own applications. One of those books that belongs on all database developers bookshelves.
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