The Critical Reader, Fifth Edition: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading

The strategies in this book are really helpful The questions were also good for practice It would have been nice if there were more practice questions though

The Critical Reader, Fifth Edition is hands down the most effective SAT Reading resource I’ve ever used. It doesn’t just give practice—it teaches you exactly how the test works. The explanations are incredibly clear, the strategies are practical, and every chapter breaks down the reasoning behind the correct answers in a way that finally makes the SAT feel predictable instead of confusing. What I appreciate most is that this book goes far beyond typical test prep tips. It teaches real reading skills: how to understand complex passages, how to recognize trap answers, and how to read with purpose instead of guessing. The practice questions match the style and difficulty of actual SAT questions, and the answer explanations are some of the best I’ve seen. If you’re serious about raising your SAT Reading score, this book is worth every penny. It builds confidence, improves comprehension, and helps you approach the test with a clear, repeatable method. I strongly recommend it to any student aiming for a top score. It’s easily a five-star resource and the best SAT Reading guide available.

Very helpful book! This book and taking multi practice tests helped my son boost his SAT score dramatically

As someone who has been mentoring and tutoring students for over 10 years, I can confidently say this is one of the best resource for SAT reading prep on the market. The Critical Reader systematically breaks down every question type the College Board loves to throw at students, from those deceptively simple vocabulary-in-context questions to the inferential tone and attitude ones that feel like they require psychic abilities (but don't since the answer is always in the text). The explanations are detailed and logical, making it easy for students to understand why an answer is correct rather than just memorizing patterns. What I appreciate most is how the book trains students to think like the test makers – an approach I’ve seen consistently raise reading scores, especially for students targeting a 1500-1600. The practice questions are well constructed and mirror the SAT’s phrasing and logic, providing realistic training instead of generic reading drills. Overall, if you’re aiming for a top score and are willing to put in the work, this is the prep book I recommend to everyone that asks – it’s as close to an SAT reading cheat code as you’re going to get.

As an SAT tutor for nearly three years, I’ve seen firsthand how the test has evolved—especially with its shift to a digital format. This book is an excellent resource for students making the transition, especially those who have previously taken the ACT or other written college entrance exams. One of the standout features is the variety of "complete the text," "author’s main idea," and "main purpose" questions, which cater to students at different skill levels. The annotation tools are a game-changer, helping students break down passages quickly and effectively—an essential skill for time management on test day! If you're looking for a practical, well-structured guide to mastering the new digital SAT, this book is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend for students and fellow tutors alike!