Having the right tool to a task often helps us more than dexterity and wit. This is the reason we value toolboxes with lots of tools for our trade. Bob Bates's book is such a toolbox. Full of tools for various coaching situations, the book can help us review coaching models, recall memories of familiar models, and find new inspiration. Each description starts with a use case, a summary of theory, and a short guide for application.
If you use the book the right way, it can be your treasure box. Do not expect to learn new theory and models, though. Two pages per model cannot give you the depth needed for learning. If you are familiar with underpinning theory, these summaries are friendly reminders. If you find a model you are not familiar with, this book can be a source of ideas and references but not a full guide and training material which is not its purpose.