This book was chosen as the textbook for the AP Computer Science C++ class at my school. Having programmed in C++ for quite a while, I must say I was disappointed. Most all of the basics are covered, and I believe a beginner would, after reading this book, "know" C++. However, the style of teaching isn't that great, and the order in which things are taught isn't the best either. Also, much of the code appears untested, and contains errors. The code also does not conform to the ANSI/ISO standard. I've read much worse, but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who asked me about C++, and I definately would not use it to teach a CS class.

-Alan Johnson

This book is intended to be a textbook for an introductory programming course for students who have never programmed before. You may agree or disagree with the premise (I disagree), but you have to admire the authors for trying.

What's in the book is pretty decent. The writing is clear. The examples are simple and clear enough to read without straining your brain. The authors do cover some fairly advanced topics, such as multiple inheritance and templates, but they concentrate on explaining the basics and make little attempt to cover the weird stuff and pitfalls of the language. You need a more advanced book for that.

Because the organization, writing, and index are better than average, I find that I am continuing to use this book. (I don't usually keep tutorial-type books after the first reading.)

I would recommend this book to undergrad students and beginning programmers who want to learn C++ or to anyone who wants an easy-to-read overview of the language. For advanced programmers who know C, Bruce Eckel's book "Thinking in C++" is a better choice.

This is the second play in Jones' A Texas Trilogy, and takes place in Bradleyville, West Texas. This three act play covers the life of Lu Ann, the title character. In Act One she is 17, in Act Two 27, and Act Three 37. In the opening scene we meet Lu Ann a young, spirited girl who dreams of leaving the small town and making something of herself. As the play continues we see many obstacles come her way- - such as a divorce, death, and an alcoholic family member. Lu Ann's spirit is eventually weakened and caves in. In this drama, the viewer is brought face to face with the struggles of failure in human life. The dramatic strength of the play is evident throughout, and therefore this play is a thought-provoking piece of art.