 An Excellent and Engaging Learning Tool |
| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: B. Ostiguy, Northampton, MA |
This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary and/or standardized test scores. Fans of "Twilight" will no doubt appreciate the references to words and characters from that book, but one does not need to read the novel to find Mr. Leaf's methods engaging and highly effective.
As an educational professional, I am very impressed with Mr. Leaf's ability to increase the reader's vocabulary (and ability to determine the meaning of unknown words) while seamlessly weaving in loads of invaluable exam taking strategies and techniques. "Defining Twilight" is a powerful educational tool that I highly recommend to parents and teachers, fans of "Twilight," or anyone who is seeking an engaging and enjoyable way to harness the power of words. |
More appreciation for Twilight
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| Review Date: November 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Cherise Kachelmuss, IL |
Do the SAT, ACT, GED and SSAT have anything in common with the book Twilight? They do now thanks to author Brian Leaf, who is the author of the new book "Defining Twilight." Brian Leaf is originally know for his four-book SAT and ACT test-prep series McGraw-Hill's Top 50 Skills.
"Defining Twilight" is a workbook that contains 40 groups of vocabulary words selected from Twilight. Many of the words will show up throughout SAT, ACT, GED, or SSAT tests and his book makes it easier to learn 600 vocabulary words. What is neat too is that if you want to correspond with the book, each word tells you the page number it can be found in Twilight.
So what you do is read a word and write the definition. It does make it easier if you read it from the Twilight book though, because you can check the context to properly define it. What I thought made the book even easier to use if that after you define words, the next page has the answers, so you don't have to search in the back of the book for an answer key. It really does make it easy to learn and practice. The book will also show synonyms, word parts, and memorization tools.
I liked that this book is a 183-page workbook that is the perfect size to carry around and practice vocabulary, which is not one of my strong suits. Whether you are studying for a test or just want to brush up, I think Defining Twilight is worth checking out, especially if you want to become a Twilight Scholar! I know when I went through the workbook and then re-read Twilight I appreciated it more too!
Disclosure: I received this book to review it. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.
You can read more of my reviews (and check out my giveaways) at [...] |
Fantastic Workbook
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| Review Date: February 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: ***, Utah |
| My mother-in-law kept telling me about these books, I was so impressed when I actually saw them that I quickly ordered my own set. I like that Brian Leaf has used the vocab from a popular novel that so many can relate too and I especially like the layout! |
Best new test prep!
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Library Mom, NY |
| With Defining Twilight, Brian Leaf has done something next to impossible: he has made preparing for standardized tests like the SAT fun. The workbook helps you improve both your vocabulary and reading comprehension by reffering to Twilight, a book you'll actually enjoy reading. It's amazing that this hasn't been done before! I remember practicing for the SAT using workbooks with all of those dry reading comprehension passages until my eyes watered and my brain tuned out. Those endless lists of vocabulary words to memorize were worse. Instead of another boring test prep book, Mr. Leaf has created an accessible tool for anyone who likes to read and is a fan of Twilight (or even if you're not a fan already - come on, it's worth a shot to try something new and entertaining that can help you improve those test scores!). Absolutely brilliant! |
Can an obsession with Twilight actually help to improve your SAT scores?
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Evie, |
In Defining Twilight, Brian Leaf has given the worldwide bestseller Twilight a practical application, as an aid in studying for the all-important SAT, ACT, GED and SSAT tests.
Defining Twilight looks at 40 groups of words used throughout the novel, giving the exact page on which they occur. You start by writing what each word might mean by looking at the way it is used in Twilight, then immediately checking the definition against the answer on the next page. Following definitions, Leaf then looks at synonyms, analogies and completing sentence with the words and even includes a short quiz every few groups. Reading and defining are one thing, but with this unique connection to Twilight, comprehension and the ability to retain the word long term are improved.
While reading Defining Twilight, I enjoyed checking the words back and forth between the meanings, and finding them in Twilight. There are even examples in Defining Twilight where a previous word is compared to a later word such as prattled- A person who prattles is definitely verbose, such as Jessica when she talks about Mike. As someone who has read Twilight many times, I can attest to the fact that Jessica does indeed prattle, and is verbose when she prattles.
Another great part of Defining Twilight are all the pop cultural references. From Ferris Bueller, Austin Powers, Harry Potter and even Wii, Defining Twilight makes easy references that anyone can remember, while also making you laugh.
The only criticism I have is that I wish there was a pronunciation guide included with the definitions. It could only help the comprehension to try and say the words out loud. I'm just sorry that my ACT and SAT days are over. I remember my mom trying to get me to study for mine, and how I resisted. If Defining Twilight had been around, I'd have gladly studied. All things considered, given Edward's obsession with Bella getting into a good college, Defining Twilight is exactly the kind of book he would approve of.
Evie- [...] |
Awesome!
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Joshua J. Kutchai, US |
| This book is the perfect gift for anybody who wants to actually have FUN while learning the vocab words needed to do well on all those standardized tests! Thanks, Mr. Leaf! :) |
Defining Twilight is fantastic!
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Book Worm, USA |
Brian Leaf has written an absolutely fantastic book which is the perfect tool to master vocabulary for the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT!!
Defining Twilight is not only the perfect tool - it's also FUN!! |
SAT review that isn't painful?
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Curtis, |
As anyone who has actually read this book knows, "Defining Twilight" makes an educational game of learning vocabulary in a way that actually makes words stick in your head (regardless of your personal opinions of Stephenie Meyer!). I personally haven't encountered a better, less painful way to study for the SATs, or any other standardized test that requires you to have a super vocabulary.
Brian Leaf has not only found the key to "Twilight's" vocabulary, but also to a new method of studying. I highly recommend his SAT books, "McGraw-Hill's Top 50 Skills," to anyone who appreciates a humorous, fun way of getting good grades. |
Excellent learning resource
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Summers, Boston |
| This book really stands out in a over produced field. It is so clear that the author works with kids on a regular basis and is writing from a bottom up perspective. This book i really an incredible help. Fun, engaging, and practical. Defining Twilight stands out! |
Priceless tool for learning vocab in an entertaining way
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: James Krayer, Greenville, NC |
| With this book, Brian Leaf makes it possible to learn test vocab in a fun, stimulating way, instead of putting me to sleep like lots of other workbooks. |
very helpful (and even fun :)
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Reading in the Mountains, Vermont |
| The book is easy to follow and has very helpful exercises for learning vocab. I really like how the concepts are explained in an engaging and fun way! |
Brilliant!
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Michael P. Kearns, Washington, DC |
Brian Leaf has hit on a brilliant idea here, matching the insane popularity of these books with a definite need by its fans for college prep help. Capturing the interest of Twilight fans and directing it in a productive way is a natural winner.
Whether you like the sparkly vampire series or not, you can't fault the logic of redirecting popular fiction into practical grammar and vocabulary skills.
I've shared the book with my sister, who is a guidance counselor in an Upstate New York school district and her kids are going wild for it. |
Great way to learn!
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| Review Date: September 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sab H., Houston, Tx |
The success that is Twilight is beyond limits. It was a defining point that separates the industry in before or after Twilight. It certainly made teens and young adults everywhere discover or rediscover an interest (or in my case, passion) for reading. And I believe it gave YA books the wonderful momentum we are now enjoying.
What an incredible and creative idea had Brian Leaf to make another learning experience out of an opportunity like this. I'm really hoping this workbook has an impact close to what the novel did on every teen specially for the Twilight fans.
Its amazing how much I enjoy reading Twilight. Yes, I read it again, you need it to complete the workbook. But it is way more amazing how we can now actually enjoy learning vocabulary. To be honest, I was a little skeptical about accepting this for review because its not a book. Now, I am so thankful and glad that I got this and really exited for the Defining New Moon that will be coming out next.
I am currently taking writing courses in college and my writing and vocabulary has definitely improved since I finished Defining Twilight. I even showed my writing consultant the workbook and she was thrilled and exited when she saw it. I think everyone can learn from it. So I cant thank Brian enough for putting this in my way, I know I would have never grabbed it on my own. So all of you crazy Twilight fans like, go get your copy of Defining Twilight. I bet you will come back and thank me! |
Mom can be hands off
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| Review Date: July 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Judith Howe Tucker, Paget Bermuda |
| This workbook removes the battle between parent and child when it comes to SAT prep. The format flows so naturally - the context for the vocab helps commit it to memory. My child just glides through it like a sport. Defining Twilight makes a dull drill a fun journey - so much so that I bought this book for three English teachers who also tutor students for the SATs and the ACT. Defining Twilight: Vocabulary Workbook for Unlocking the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT |
Makes learning vocab fun!
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Chuck Garly, |
| What better way to study for the SATs than with Twilight? Brian Leaf does a good job balancing the fun of the series with well-thought-out quizzes in the style of standardized tests--for just $10, it's a great primer to getting study time in for the dreaded SATs. |
Right on point, and fun
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| Review Date: July 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Joseph B. Basralian, Chatham, NJ |
| I bought it because i read i could skate through vocab learning, and did just that, and am now sharing it with my neighbors in high school who need a clever approach that makes it fun. All great feedback so far. |
This book is fun not only for vocabulary test preparation but for anyone who loves word play!
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| Review Date: September 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: M. E. Johansen, Washington State, USA |
"Defining Twilight" is one book that I never thought I would be reviewing. This is a study guide for the SAT's, SSAT's, GED & ACT. When Brian Leaf asked if I would consider reviewing his book I thought at first that I would say "no thanks" because the last time I took the SAT was in the dark ages and I have no children so it would make no sense for me to review a book that was a vocabulary study guide. Ah Ha! As we emailed back and forth a bit I realized that his little study guide was not simply a study guide but that it is about words and vocabulary - something that I thoroughly adore. I said that I would enjoy having a look at "Defining Twilight" and a few days later this little gem arrived in the mail.
In short, I think that this study guide is genius - especially for this time and place when we are all (well, at least many of us are) still enthralled with Stephanie Meyer's 'Twilight" book series. What Brian Leaf has done, and done very well, is to craft a vocabulary study guide framed by the pages of these very popular books. I make a 760 something on this part of SAT (we will NOT discuss the deplorable 500 something that I made on the math part!!), but if I had had the benefit of this sort of study guide I know that I would have aced the exam. No kidding - this book would make studying - and studying with a group - more like a fun scavenger hunt than like study/work!
Take a look at some of these questions - see how well you might do! Perhaps it will bring up some of the more decent memories of high school for you too! All in all I have to say that Brian Leaf has accomplished what I believe many parents have long wished for: a study guide that makes learning fun and ties in with a book series that so many young people know and love. If I had had a similar guide for math I might have aced these dang SAT's .. but alas, it's still only words that enchant me - not math! I highly recommend this little book for anyone who has teens about to take any exam that requires vocabulary knowledge or for adults who are still enchanted by the wonderful world of word play. Well done Brian Leaf! |
One Persons Journey Through A World of Books Thoughts:
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| Review Date: December 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sheila A. Dechantal, Brainerd, Minnesota |
Honestly? I think this is brilliant! What a clever way Brain Leaf has put together here to learn great vocabulary words and actually make learning fun. Right from page 1 you have the words from the book Twilight with the page number provided to look it up. AT this stage of the book you are to write down what the word might mean. Flip to the next page and the definitions are there so you can see how you did. From there you move on to synonyms for each word, choosing analogies, and sentence completion. I had a wonderful time going through this workbook page by page and seeing what I did and did not know.
"Did I learn from this book?" I would think would be a question you may be asking. The answer is yes. Even words that I thought I had a good grasp on, I discovered in a few cases I did not quite hold their correct meaning. When I read Twilight I did not notice the words that were put into use but now as I see how they are used in Defining Twilight, I am even more impressed with Stephanie Meyer's work.
For a person who is a lover of words... this was a great exercise for me and I would think if you have a YA in your life who is a fan of Twilight, this is a great companion read that could be very beneficial. |
For the rest of us
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| Review Date: July 22, 2009 |
| Reviewer: James R. Tucker, Martha's Vinyard, MA |
| Although clear and direct, you feel as if you're having a casual conversation with the author, a pretty funny author at that. And even if you are not on board with the twilight phenomenon, you'll be infinitely entertained by its many pop culture references, ranging from an absurdly hilarious Dr. Evil monologue to the verbal spars of Jerry and Elaine over the questionably "enigmatic" character of Newman. Ultimately a very entertaining study guide, (so much so that I hesitate to even discredit it with the ominous label "study guide" and its burden of dreadful associations). I strongly recommend it to anyone who is falling asleep reading the run of the mill, dilbertesque vocab book, or becoming annoyed and discouraged from the poor attempts at humor of a prep book audaciously attempting to stand out and be cool or hip. |
An Interesting Concept
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| Review Date: September 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Zia, Pacific Northwest |
I know that there are folks that have had enough of anything Twilight, but I have to say this is an interesting concept. What a fun way to learn some new vocabulary, whether you are studying for a test or just want to learn something new. I think one can never have enough tools available to increase one's knowledge.
The book is easy to work through and understand. You can pick up the book and literally start on page one and know what you need to do, it's that simple. There are page references back to the Twilight book if you want reference points, etc.
In short I think whatever gets someone excited to learn is a good thing. If you have a Twilight fan or are one and want to pick up some more vocabulary, this is a great, fun way to do so. |
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