<p>Does anyone recommend this book? I'm debating on whether to get this one or the Barrons 2400. Or maybe I should get both? </p>
<p>What are some of the pros and cons of Grubers? The summary of it sounds very convincing.</p>
<p>I recently purchased this book and so far I like it. It has an extensive list of vocabulary that I have just barely glanced it, but from what I hear, it is very useful. It includes a lot of roots, which is always helpful. The math strategies and the math refresher are terrific. The critical reading strategies seem okay to me but some say that it is not sufficient. </p>
<p>I haven't tried Barrons 2400, but I like Gruber's just fine. I have yet to look over the writing hints, but they seem to be good. Basically its a book with strategies and basic math/reading/grammar concepts (great for reviewing things you may have forgotten over the years). There are 5 practice tests, but I'd rather do the ones in the blue book. There are a lot of helpful test-taking tips which I really like. I says its worth the 13 bucks. If you can afford it, I say get both! Why not? It'll always be cheaper then taking a prep class.</p>
<p>I have Barron's 2400.</p>
<p>Heaven sent.</p>
<p>Gruber's = Only for math and vocab</p>
<p>There isn't much critical reading. It doesn't even have its own chapter. Only part you can find critical reading is under 19 strategies which are basically rip off from Kaplan, Barron, and PR. Those problems are close to real ones but I don't think it's helpful for CR.</p>
<p>On the other hand, math part is very very comprehensive. But it was pretty useless to me since I was getting 800's there anyway. But if you're not getting 800's, it's the best book for review even though I heard that math problems in Gruber's are quite difficult. I didn't go over the roots part but it look pretty decent.</p>
<p>Writing part is OK. It emphasizes on only grammar though. This is the problem with Gruber's ------- not much practice problems unless it's math. It teaches you some decent stuffs but not like the way you'll see on the test (in questions I mean).</p>
<p>So, get if vocab and math are what you look for. If not, go for another book.</p>
<p>TruthfuLie, </p>
<p>If you are looking for quality practice tests, Gruber's math sections are very good. They are challenging in a very SAT-appropriate way. I do not think Gruber's critical reading practice sections are very good, however.</p>
<p>I think Barron's has the worst practice tests on the market. The best practice tests are in the College Board's book, The Official SAT Study Guide.</p>
<p>Please note that I was only commenting on the quality of the practice tests, not the instructional portions of the books (which I have never reviewed). </p>
<p>Good luck. I hope my input helps.</p>
<p>Karl S, other than the College Board book, what do you think is the best source of practice tests?</p>
<p>thecomisar, You may want to check out the last couple of messages posted in Xiggi's SAT prep advice thread. I am waiting for a reply myself.</p>