Reference Books
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Reference books are needed in every household for quick alternative information sources to the Internet. Books offer a nuance that the web cannot. A good reference book has heft, pictures and organized readable text that you can refer to anytime, anywhere. They're also great for answering those questions kids always seem to have.
Buy a good dictionary
Every home needs at least one. A child’s dictionary has pictures and word definitions geared toward children. Adults need something more substantial, like Webster’s or the Oxford American Dictionary. Our language changes rapidly, so buy new copies every other year. Specialty dictionaries deal with jargon of the medical profession, business, industry or science and are helpful in determining working definitions. A good dictionary is also the final authority for all acceptable multi-letter words in games like Scrabble.
Best dictionary choices
- Merriam-Webster's Collegiate
- Concise Oxford English Dictionary
- The Official Scrabble Player's Dictionary
Thesaurus
Thesauruses are handy writing tools providing usable substitutions for words. Roget’s is the best-known thesaurus, but there are others.
Top thesaurus choices
Secretarial reference books
There are many different kinds of books that provide personal and business letter writing basics. A good secretarial book will list letter formatting rules.
Top Secretarial books
- Bantam Book of Correct Letter Writing
- The Encyclopedia of Business Letters
- Business Letters for Busy People
Medical books
These books will provide information about illnesses and problems we all encounter, especially our children. These references are useful as a way to check symptoms and decide upon treatment you need to undertake. Herbal remedies or home remedies book provide information about alternative prevention or treatments for medical conditions.
Top Medical reference books picks
- The Merck Manual of Medical Information
- American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia
- American Medical Association Family Medical Guide
Scientific reference books
The sciences continue to advance at rapid rates. With a good reference you can find answers to questions about past and current science issues Top Science book choices:
- New York Public Library Science Desk Reference
- Scientific American Science Desk Reference
- The Way Things Work
Encyclopedias
You’ll find the answers to all of your children’s questions about the world here. Price will be an important factor in deciding which encyclopedia to buy. Buy the best you can afford.
Top Encyclopedia choices:
Almanacs
A world almanac is useful for learning basic facts and recurring yearly events in countries, newsmakers and celebrities. These reference books are handy for journalists and others who need to know what has happened in recent history and correct celebrity name spellings.
Top Almanac picks:
Movie guides
If you’re a movie buff, movie guides provide capsule movie reviews. Several well-known reviewers such as Pulitzer Price winner Roger Ebert have written several, including reviews of Academy Award winners and lists of movies they consider the best of the 20th century.
Top Movie guides picks:
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