The Longman Reader, 8th Edition

While I am just starting to use this edition (6th) of the text, I have been happy with The Macmillan Reader since I began using the 5th edition in 1999. The chapters on academic reading and the writing process are thorough (but a bit dry), and the portions of the text that deal with each method of development are well-developed and thought out so as to help students get the best idea of what a "good" essay of each variety should and shouldn't include.

The essays that are included are a wonderful assortment of old, tried-and-true and newer pieces from authors of varying backgrounds, ethnicities, and creeds. Students usually enjoy the readings I give them (I'd say 80% approval per piece), and with the average length being 5 pages, reading an essay for class and completing a journal entry is not too heavy of a burden any night of the week. The readings vary from "perfect" examples of what the text describes to even a few "what not to do when you write your own" essays that my students never fail to identify as such.

I feel that this is, by far, the best reader I have used while teaching Freshman English (this is my fourth text), and I plan on sticking with it for years to come. The price is moderate, the readings enjoyable, and the "educational" chapters stated in a way that both the slowest and most advanced student in the class can come to the same understanding of what "good writing" is.

This may be a textbook, but it is definately worth buying. The instructions on writing were clear and helpful, and the essays were wonderful. I can honestly say that I liked almost every essay in the book!