A review of Barron's AP Computer Science A prep book - DJ

 Hello everyone, the past five days of my life, I have been extremely invested in a particular piece of literature—to the point where it is all I read the moment I get home. "What is this fascinating book?", you might be asking. Well I shall make you wait no longer. This book is none other than the Barron's AP Computer Science A prep book. Second in the Barron's book series, I decided to pick this one up after finishing the first book in the series last year, Barron's AP Calculus BC Premium prep book, since it was so fascinating. While I had originally planned to read this earlier, I didn't have time to start until last Sunday due to an interesting phenomenon known as procrastination. Nonetheless, another interesting thing called the AP CSA Exam deadline spoke true words to me, so I did end up summoning the motivation to read it after all. Now, I will share with you my completely unbiased observations.

Having been student's choice for 80+ years, Barron's, one of the most well known brands when it comes to the realm of Advanced Placement preparation, boasts the following features on their AP Computer Science prep book:

  • Six full length practice tests with detailed answer explanations
  • Online practice with a timed test option and scoring
  • Comprehensive review and practice for all topics on the exam
  • Expert tips plus Barron's "Essential 5" things you need to know
Despite these remarkable features, there are also other, less obvious portions of this book, which include:
  • Over 450 pages of dense material
  • Holes in the torn pages (Those typically appear at around day three)
  • Tears every other page (Appears at around day two)
Usually I would consider myself a stable-minded person—there are very few pieces of literature that have brought me anywhere close to tears. When it came to inciting anger however, this book was able to surpass all the other ones I've read over the course of my lifetime. I don't think I've even yelled at a book before. 

Despite these imperfections however, Barron's AP Computer Science A test preparation book was so interesting I stayed up until past midnight, invested within the pages. Despite all the suffering and energy it took to comprehend the complex story taking place in this ginormous work, I learned a multitude of things I never would have expected to. Firstly, I didn't even know I could throw a ten-pound book across the room. 

Since I finished this book very recently, I have also picked up the third book in the Barron's prep series—Barron's AP Biology Prep book. Again, I hadn't gotten around to reading it, but as the exam date looms closer (next Thursday), each day I feel a strong unexplainable urge to begin. I hope this next book is as interesting and more durable than the first two. I will keep you updated.

DJ

Comments

  1. Henry GMay 8, 2024 at 8:17 PM

    Hi Dj, while an AP review book might not be relatable to many people, I feel like after reading your review, I would use this book if I ever take AP Computer Science A. Thank you for your review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Y_Jemina_FMay 8, 2024 at 11:43 PM

    Fantastically written, perfectly encapsulates the author's intense emotion! 10/10 would recommend and read again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RuijingMay 9, 2024 at 9:01 AM

    Hello DJ, I guess it you did find Barron's book on AP CS helpful? Thats cool :D. I also recently begin the grind on Barren's biology, I thought the information provided in there were kind of limited? It may just be me :/ Great blog though

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnthonyMay 9, 2024 at 6:18 PM

    Hi DJ! I also used this book for the CS A exam, and while I can't say it made me cry and yell and throw the book across the room in rage, it did prepare me very well for the test. Good luck on biology! Also I think Barron's Biology may be a tiny bit less detailed compared to Princeton's (I only have the 2021 version though), but both are pretty much the same. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnthonyMay 9, 2024 at 6:28 PM

      Nevermind forget what I said 😅 I just looked at the Princeton version again and I feel like it just gives more basic information, similar to our school biology textbooks, while Barron's is a bit more in-depth

      Delete
    2. DJMay 14, 2024 at 7:35 AM

      barrons likes to over prepare people lol

      Delete
  5. AndrewMay 9, 2024 at 8:45 PM

    This is quite an interesting review! Even though I didn't take the test, I might try to read this over the summer.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SophiaMay 11, 2024 at 3:02 PM

    Hi DJ! As someone who took an AP test this Tuesday and studied for it in about 3 days using only the Princeton Review textbook, I feel we share a kinship. Cheers to that, I guess. Personally, I've always found that PR is better than Barron's, but to each their own!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AsmaraMay 13, 2024 at 4:12 PM

    Hi DJ! Interesting review. I also took the AP CSA test this year, but I have only read the Princeton version of the AP CSA prep, so I can't compare them. I agree with Sophia's opinion that the PR series is better than Barron's. Luckily, the book didn't get me too emotional to the point of shedding tears (thankfully). Nice blog post!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Shlok C.May 20, 2024 at 2:45 PM

    Hey DJ, I took AP Psychology this year, and I also used a Barron's book. I found my book very annoying and confusing as well. Although not for the same topic, I have a Princeton Review Macroeconomics book as well which I found much more easy to read and simple. Interesting blog though! (especially with the torn pages stuff)

    ReplyDelete

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