As an 11th grader who was in love with the Earth, I was convinced AP environmental science would be one of the easiest, therefore best choices I ever made. But I had been completely wrong. There was so much reading of similar material; it was getting hard to keep up. Trying to understand the difference between an undernourished and malnourished person in a developing country seemed impossible to memorize. Along with the concept that the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere and Stratopause were entirely unlike things. I needed help and The Princeton Review gave me just what I needed.

The first thing I noticed about this inexpensive book (10 dollars on Amazon.com) was the language. It wasn’t the typical dreary textbook style of writing. It was the type of book you’d have no problem looking over after a long day of school. The words flowed fluently into your mind and paired with a few seconds of self-comprehension tests, ensure a memory attachment. Sometimes I couldn’t even believe I was learning; time flew by as I turned pages and interpreted a detailed summary of my boring textbook.

I told myself I’d look in my Princeton Review book at least 3 times a week, or complete 2 chapters by the end of 2 weeks. Then, I’d complete the quizzes at the end of each chapter I read on the nearest Sunday. The ability to be able to test myself on what I’d been reading was uplifting. I have a tendency to convince myself I’ve understood something when I clearly haven’t. But that wasn’t an option with this guidance book. I would answer the multiple choice and written responses then check them on the following page. Along with the answers came detailed explanations which would either open my eyes or confirm what I already knew.

Straightforwardness is how I operate. My teacher gives me a set review, I master it, understand it and ace my test. I was worried this book would be a replica of my original AP book with its filler information and unneeded details which often blindsided me from the main idea. However, Princeton was exceptional once again. It held the same bolded words my textbook did within 10 pages instead of twenty-something. It also tied each term together, allowing me to idealize and identify what I was really trying to uncover in a chapter. But, in a few instances it was too vague and even then, the author told me to relate back to my textbook if I needed a more detailed explanation.

All in all, this little book has done wonders for me. My class has seemed a lot easier since I’d gotten it in the mail. It isn’t to replace your textbook, but only to help it help you. It gives you tips and easy ways to remember the small, tedious yet important details. This is my first Princeton Review purchase, but it will definitely be far from my last.