Illiterate America

Rating:
Summary: very difficult to read, but informative
Review: i read this book for an english class i am taking at skyline college in san bruno california, i found the book very informative on the topic of illiteracy, the author has a genuine concern for the illiterate population in america, he is educated on the topic and pontential solutions. But the text seemed rather difficult to understand and the messages that he is trying to say. his choice of words are sometimes confusing, it made reading the book very tiring and chore like. but, overall, for the audience i think he was trying to reach, and the information he wanted to share, the book did its job

Rating:
Summary: Startling, eye opener book on illiteracy in our country.
Review: Jonathan Kozol's "Illiterate America" is a shocking book that will most likely become a reference in your personal library. He doesn't just give a one-sided view about the typical illiterate person. Kozol writes about different types of illiterate and functional/semi-literate people. Many of the stereotypes that the public holds of illiterate people and of illiteracy get knocked down. Kozol tells us the truth through many statistics and details. If you don't know anything about the problem of illiteracy, then I urge you to read this book. It's not a problem that will go away, and Kozol tells us straight off that America is slacking. Illiteracy will only cause more damage to the family, the community, the workplace, and the nation. "Illiterate America" has so many scary details that you will think twice about the public educational systems, the mentality of disgruntled military personnel (trust me on this one), and the direction where America is heading. At times, the text can be somewhat difficult to grasp, but Kozol has an important message that needs to be heard.

Rating:
Summary: Startling, eye opener book on illiteracy in our country.
Review: Kozol gives the reader an overview of the problem of illiteracy in our country. Yet, he gives the information in a way that is not tangible to all readers. Kozol being an educated man writes the book in the way he thinks and comprehens the material. A way many individuals might not capture. In order to have illiteracy be known in our country Kozol should have displayed it in the way many people are able to understand. He would have caputured a bigger audience.

Although I feel Kozol should have written the book with the audience in mind he does give the reader startling facts. Facts that we are able to understand. Facts such as , illiteracy will just not go away by itself, and how damaging it is and has been in our workplace, family and society. He raises awareness that makes the educated reader want to find a way to participate in conquering this never ending battle.

Rating:
Summary: Informative but repetative.
Review: We had to read this book for our critical reading writing and research class. I found it very redundant and repetative. I can see his point that something needs to be done about illiteracy, but after about 2 chapters hes saying the same thing over and over again. Also, the statistics drove me nuts. But I learned quite a bit. Get this book if you are interested in this subject. If you have to read it for a class, try not to fall asleep.

Rating:
Summary: Informative but repetative.
Review: We had to read this book for our critical reading writing and research class. I found it very redundant and repetative. I can see his point that something needs to be done about illiteracy, but after about 2 chapters hes saying the same thing over and over again. Also, the statistics drove me nuts. But I learned quite a bit. Get this book if you are interested in this subject. If you have to read it for a class, try not to fall asleep.