The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature

Rating:
Summary: All Educators NEED This Book!!
Review: As a high school English teacher of American Literature, I find this book extremely valuable to review before introducing a new author or piece of literature. It is brief, informational and fun to read. It would be a great resource for any student, in high school or college, who wants to cover as much literature as possible. It does not replace reading the actual work, but it does offer highlights of authors, summaries of literature, terminology and definitions. It also covers each major American literary movement that makes up our nation's literary history, as well as many of the popular authors of that particular time. Anyone who teaches, writes or covers American Literature in any form, would benefit from having this book!

Rating:
Summary: Easy to read and great for the CLEP
Review: Based on recommendations here, I bought this book and used it over a period of 4 months to prepare for the American Literature CLEP. I found the book easy to read and would guess that it directly covers about 85% of what I saw. The book didn't cover a few authors and left out some of the works discussed but otherwise was right on target.

In addition to the book, definitely study the playwrights (Tennessee Williams and Eugene O'Neill) as suggested by another reviewer. Also, the only chapter I didn't need was the one on Canadian authors.

As a study guide, I used this book almost exclusively and wouldn't have had a chance without it.

BTW, I scored a 72.

Rating:
Summary: Good idea, poor writing
Review: I bought this book because I needed a quick refresher in American Literature for my M.A. comprehensive exam. I was delighted when, upon early reading, I discovered that the book delivers a bounty of facts in an easy-to-read, easy-to-remember fashion. But then I came upon a few things that were just outright wrong, not the least of these being that Ben Franklin was born in Philly. True, that isn't a big deal when one looks at the larger scope of what the author has done, and that is to provide an interesting survey of American Literature. But if she gets this fact wrong, how far does the misinformation go? The lesson: Evaluate your sources carefully. The second complaint I have with this book is that while it is a literature guide for the rest of us, Rozakis has taken the concept of "complete idiot" a little too far in her tone. Kudos to her for not using obscure speech to make herself and her subject appear above the common folk, but when a writer resorts to using the phrase "cling like a cheap suit" not once but twice within the space of the first 100 pages of the book, that should be a signal of someone with poor command over the English language.
Criticism aside, if you buy this book and read it, you'll find the layout marvelous, the "litwit" callouts fascinating, and the presentation of the material interesting. But as even the author would probably suggest, don't take this as the ultimate source for American literature. It wasn't meant for that.
As you read this book, just keep in mind, "What would Mark Twain say about this?"

Rating:
Summary: Good idea, poor writing
Review: I bought this book because I needed a quick refresher in American Literature for my M.A. comprehensive exam. I was delighted when, upon early reading, I discovered that the book delivers a bounty of facts in an easy-to-read, easy-to-remember fashion. But then I came upon a few things that were just outright wrong, not the least of these being that Ben Franklin was born in Philly. True, that isn't a big deal when one looks at the larger scope of what the author has done, and that is to provide an interesting survey of American Literature. But if she gets this fact wrong, how far does the misinformation go? The lesson: Evaluate your sources carefully. The second complaint I have with this book is that while it is a literature guide for the rest of us, Rozakis has taken the concept of "complete idiot" a little too far in her tone. Kudos to her for not using obscure speech to make herself and her subject appear above the common folk, but when a writer resorts to using the phrase "cling like a cheap suit" not once but twice within the space of the first 100 pages of the book, that should be a signal of someone with poor command over the English language.
Criticism aside, if you buy this book and read it, you'll find the layout marvelous, the "litwit" callouts fascinating, and the presentation of the material interesting. But as even the author would probably suggest, don't take this as the ultimate source for American literature. It wasn't meant for that.
As you read this book, just keep in mind, "What would Mark Twain say about this?"

Rating:
Summary: Passed with 65!!
Review: I just took the CLEP on June 10, 2004. I had read this book through during the previous week. I highlighted and took 3x5 notes on each chapter (except the Canadian authors). I also checked out a few audio book classics from my library, Daisy Miller, by Henry James and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by RL Stevenson...and some movies that were based on American classics. The night before the test, I reviewed all my cards and did some internet searches for poetry by some of the contemporary authors I wasn't familiar with...In taking the test, I found it challenging, but that I had studied the right material. There were some questions I did guess at, but many I was able to nail on the head...thanks to this book...absolutely excellent, and highly recommended! The school that I'm applying to offers 6 credits for this exam too, so I'm doubly excited...one week, and six credits to your transcript...YES!!!

Rating:
Summary: The only BOOK necessary to pass the American Lit CLEP!
Review: I passed the American Lit CLEP yesterday with a score of 69...the test was easier than what I thought it would be. I ordered this book and the Barron's Study Keys (a complete waste of money) for test preparation. I found myself constantly referring back to this source over and over again as I studied.

To prepare for the exam, I would suggest reading this book completely (except for the chapter concerning Canadian Literature). While reading, write down all of the authors and works mentioned. Take this information and look for online summaries (I liked sparknotes) of the works. This should prepare you to pass the exam with room to spare.

I would also suggest examining some of the most popular American playwrights (O'Neill and Williams). The Complete Idiot's Guide does not provide much information on them, yet there were several questions on the actual test about them.


Rating:
Summary: All you need for the CLEP test!!!!
Review: I purchased this book in order to take the 6 credit CLEP test. It was very easy to read, gave me more than enough info, and was the only thing I needed to pass the CLEP (college test). I recommend this highly. I had also purchased the Barron's EZ study key which was a HUGE waste of money. So, save money and purchase this book alone. It will help you if you are in an American Lit course, taking a college credit test, or just wanting to read about American Lit for your own satisfaction.

Rating:
Summary: Great reference for the American Lit Clep
Review: I took the advice of the reviewer that said 'This is all you need to pass the American Lit Clep,' and he was RIGHT. I just took the test and passed with room to spare. I read and highlighted the book on Monday and Tuesday, studied my hightlights on Wednesday, and passed the test Thursday morning. The book has just enough information to keep it interesting without bogging it down. A well written book.

Rating:
Summary: Great reference for the American Lit Clep
Review: I took the advice of the reviewer that said 'This is all you need to pass the American Lit Clep,' and he was RIGHT. I just took the test and passed with room to spare. I read and highlighted the book on Monday and Tuesday, studied my hightlights on Wednesday, and passed the test Thursday morning. The book has just enough information to keep it interesting without bogging it down. A well written book.

Rating:
Summary: Great for CLEP, but not so great in editing!
Review: I used this book as a guide to CLEP out of American Literature. It had all the detail I needed for taking the exam. It's a good book to get the basics of a very large subject area; most American Lit. text are seperated into two books of 1100 pages each. So it does do a good job of giving you the basics on American Litature. ALthought it good for CLEP the editing need to be greatly improved. Lots of spelling errors and a major error in stating that Ben. Franklin was born in Phil.,PA. All and all a good book with the basics of American Literature.