This book stresses both practical computation and theoretical principles and centers on the early introduction of matrix theory and systems of linear equations, elementary vector-space concepts, and the eigenvalue problem. Featuring a gradual increase in the level of difficulty, an accessible writing style, and the integration of MATLAB, this text is an excellent introduction for engineering students.
So, in my opinion, if you read a whole text book, it deserves to go on the list. As far as rating the textbook, its fine. Not the best one I've read, but not that bad either.
Blood, sweat, and tears went into this book. Mostly tears. It was unfortunately not written with poor sleep-deprived Rebecca in mind, but she persevered, and then cried some more. I think non sleep-deprived Rebecca would actually enjoy this book, but alas, she was on vacation, leaving sleep-deprived Rebecca to struggle alone.