<p>As long as you’re a disciplined and independent student, Spivak shouldn’t be too tough to go through. The inherent problem with independent study is that you’re not coerced into thinking too hard about any problems, especially if you already have the answer key. This breeds poor problem solving skills, and it won’t help you much in the future.</p>
<p>So what I suggest is that you go through Spivak and do every single one of the exercises, and don’t ask anyone any questions (or look in the Answer Book, which I don’t suggest you buy) until you’ve thought hard about it for a good three days or so. The double- and triple- star problems are a great way to prepare for Honors Analysis.</p>