Reading, writing, and the study of literature

This book is a good introduction and guide to the basic skills needed for any college humanities student. And it's not really limited to college humanities students -- I use it as a text for high school seniors, who have found it generally helpful and illuminating. One of the most helpful aspects of the book is the frank testimony of actual college students which is sprinkled through the chapters. Arthur Biddle and Toby Fulwiler are colleagues at the University of Vermont, and they asked fellow instructors in the English department there to contribute chapters to this book, so there is a nice range of opinion and expertise. The book begins with a general overview of attitudes toward reading and writing in college, then continues with chapters on using journal writing (Fulwiler's favorite subject); reading fiction, poetry, and drama; and a brief overview of major schools of literary theory. The second part of the book is about writing, with chapters on writing critical essays, personal essays, essay tests, and research reports. All of the chapters are clear and concise, though at times more depth would have been helpful.Overall, the book is the most direct, accessible, and affordable introduction to college reading and writing that I've seen.