2008 Woodie Awards
Study Guides, Life Guides
Notes from a guy named Cliff and books for dummies
Natalie Shirkey
Issue date: 3/4/04 Section: Features
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Hopefully you are not a dummy when it comes to certain school subjects or simply life in general, but maybe you are a dummy when it comes to calculus, or you might not be the greatest at dating.
Alas, there is someone smart enough to figure these things out for you. Wow, now if only that someone could actually sit there and take the test for you or go on the dreaded first date in your place!
One popular study guide is called "Cliffs Notes;" there are also "Books for Dummies," guides for varied interests.
Here is a little history lesson for you on the beginnings of a small study guide called "Cliffs Notes." The Cliffs Notes company was actually started by a Nebraska native named Cliff Hillegass in 1958. He was working in a bookstore when he met the owner of a series of Canadian study guides called "Coles Notes;" Cole suggested that Hillegass create an American version.
Hillegass started with booklets covering 16 William Shakespeare titles, and now "Cliffs Notes" exist on thousands of works. The "Cliffs Notes" all have an unusual signature style that includes a screaming neon- yellow cover. These compact handbooks are actually helpful because they summarize several topics and break them down into smaller, more concise understandings for the time-limited college student.
If you need help breaking down Shakespeare or other literary masters; maybe "Cliffs Notes" are for you.
What do people think of these study guides? A review from amazon.com by Nick from Louisville, KY says, "The only reason you would need cliff notes for this book is if you are lazy or short on time, and there's a test the next day. Yet the Cliff Notes aren't descriptive enough for you to get the whole book. Don't even bother with these Cliff Notes."
On the other hand, Lakeland Mirror Copy Editor and writing tutor Mara Carpenter says, "They are a really good idea for students who are struggling with a complex subject such as Shakespearian plays. However, they will not replace the actual reading; they are a supplement."
Alas, there is someone smart enough to figure these things out for you. Wow, now if only that someone could actually sit there and take the test for you or go on the dreaded first date in your place!
One popular study guide is called "Cliffs Notes;" there are also "Books for Dummies," guides for varied interests.
Here is a little history lesson for you on the beginnings of a small study guide called "Cliffs Notes." The Cliffs Notes company was actually started by a Nebraska native named Cliff Hillegass in 1958. He was working in a bookstore when he met the owner of a series of Canadian study guides called "Coles Notes;" Cole suggested that Hillegass create an American version.
Hillegass started with booklets covering 16 William Shakespeare titles, and now "Cliffs Notes" exist on thousands of works. The "Cliffs Notes" all have an unusual signature style that includes a screaming neon- yellow cover. These compact handbooks are actually helpful because they summarize several topics and break them down into smaller, more concise understandings for the time-limited college student.
If you need help breaking down Shakespeare or other literary masters; maybe "Cliffs Notes" are for you.
What do people think of these study guides? A review from amazon.com by Nick from Louisville, KY says, "The only reason you would need cliff notes for this book is if you are lazy or short on time, and there's a test the next day. Yet the Cliff Notes aren't descriptive enough for you to get the whole book. Don't even bother with these Cliff Notes."
On the other hand, Lakeland Mirror Copy Editor and writing tutor Mara Carpenter says, "They are a really good idea for students who are struggling with a complex subject such as Shakespearian plays. However, they will not replace the actual reading; they are a supplement."