A Writer's Reference

by Diana Hacker

Integrated MLA 2003 update

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Education, Language

466 pages, Plastic Comb

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down the best reference I've ever used! It covers everything a writer needs in an easy to find, tabbed system. The copy I have is a Used Rental from the campus bookstore, but I'm hoping I can afford to keep it once the semester is ended. If I can't afford it right away, I am definitely buying a new one as soon as I have the money! This text is a Must-Have!

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Hacker, I wouldn't have made it through college!

[Marcy Winograd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the English teacher's bible. Thank you, Diana!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another text book for english composition class. I think I would like to own this one. Good information provided. One day I just might be able to write well without thinking?

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially bought this back in 2011 thinking I was going to need it for some college courses. Turns out I didn't.

But, as a "writer", I found it to be quite the indispensable tool and still use it as of today. I keep it on my bookshelf right by me. It's great for bloggers, writers, and students.

The "tabs" provide easy access for the sections you might need: composing/reviewing; academic writing; sentence style; word choice; word choice; grammatical sentences; ESL challenges; punctuation; mechanics; research; MLA (Modern Language Association) citations; APA/CMS (American Psychological Association)/(Chicago Manual of Style) citations; and basic grammar.

It can function not only as a textbook of sorts as well as reference for any kind of writing: creative, letters, blogs, or academic papers.

This is one of the rare reference novels I take with me on vacations in case I want to do some writing.

Of course, I should probably get a more recent version, this book is still in great shape.

[Taryl Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and other versions has always saved my academic life. I have used it during my undergraduate and graduate courses and I love it. It is the most helpful! The explanations are easy to read and understand. I still refer to it off and on when I need clarification on some things. This book is my bible.

[Lisa Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at least once a year to refresh my grammar. And I reference it more than that. It’s easy to follow and understand. I probably should get an updated edition. I think this one is left over from my college years. I highly recommend this if you are an author.

[Mark Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic reference book. Easy to use. Quick to find the answer. Fast to solve the problem. Spiral-bound, subject tabs, color-coded. Still useful for students, authors, professionals and teachers.

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive grammar and punctuation guide to the English language.

[Cait Spain · Rating 4 out of 5]

My college professors used this almost exclusively when we needed a reference for MLA, APA, etc. It is incredibly useful.

[Andrew]

Thriller.

[Jaguar · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Total times read: 2 times.
*ating: Currently 3 stars, possibly 3.5.*
Again, another book required for my first college class (English Composition 1). I think this book can be SUPER helpful, but some things I feel could be defined better, or even explained. I don’t always agree with their examples they provide, such as where commas are to be placed. I think I will just rate this 3 stars for now, and maybe in the future I will make it higher.

2016-Summer-Reading-Review

Updated November 12th, 2016.
Read for the second time, this time for English Composition 2. Still debating whether to rate this higher, but right now I am going to leave it because I have been stuck reading this book two times completely through since July 2016. Welcome to the college life. -_-

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

These reference books are all pretty much the same. I've seen dozens (publishers always send professors text books in hopes they'll adopt them for their classes) and they're all pretty much the same. Major points of difference are completness and ease of use. This is a good one for that. Besides, Hacker is a classic.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like I said, they're all pretty much the same. But, once again, if you don't know most of this stuff . . . do. Especailly if you're a writer. But even readers can increase their comprehension, vocabulary / diction, etc. Good standard stuff to have lying around the house. Get it.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guide of writing and the proper usage of the English language. It is a useful tool for students and anyone else who writes. As a retired teacher, I feel that that the section on proper references is mandatory.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great tool for writers. I found it very useful. I went through the entire book and ear marked some places for use at a later date. This is a reference book I'll use a lot. The book is in sections which make it very useful.

[John Wick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very excellent reference book for anyone who wants to know how to write using formal styles correctly. APA, Chicago, MLA, CMS, etc. This is my little writers bible for school.

[jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second handbook that I was required to get a different year of college. I use this when I need a source different from Little, Brown.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a reason this is required for students coming into University.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Clear, concise, easiest way to do MLA I've ever found.

[Kay Sterner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book since college, even took it with me when I studied abroad for two years, and I still find a constant use for it.

[Charmless · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my grammar bible since college. (Well, the one I had in college, in the early to mid '90s, was a much older edition.) Hacker's product is a very user-friendly reference book.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as Strunk & White's book, but a good reference, anyway. More up to date on some stuff that I rarely use, like business headers & such.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hacker writes a strong writer's reference here. This was my preferred text while teaching.

[Wednesday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible as reference guides go, more helpful information on writing and organization than most. I remember the old New Style manual we used to use that was crap. This blows that book away.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive look at grammar, mechanics, usage, and style. The corresponding textbook website exercises were very helpful to drive home the material.

[Emily Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting!

[Cory Brewster-greenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another necessary evil

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is helpful to whoever has something to write about from academic essays to personal essays.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an English major's best friend. On every paper that I have done I have had to consult this book at some point or another. It is a permanent fixture on my bookshelf.