College English Books: Five Recommendations for Students

We all have our weaknesses in writing. Maybe you can't quite master the technical aspects of MLA. Or dangling modifiers have a nasty habit of popping up in your writing. Perhaps you're struggling to find your personal voice.

Whatever your problem, the advice you need to succeed in your college English classes can be just a library visit away. The following five book recommendations cover common trouble spots for writers.

Best of all, these recommendations are inexpensive compared to standard English textbooks.

MLA Handbook by Modern Language Association

The MLA Handbook is a must-have guide for English majors. As implied in its name, the MLA Handbook covers the rules set by the Modern Language Association in formatting a research paper. These rules include citation mechanics, spelling, and punctuation. It also takes you through the entire process of writing a research paper.

The MLA Handbook is most useful for those struggling with how to use MLA citations. Learn when you must include an in-text citation, what information to include within citations, the difference between a works cited page and a bibliography, and much more.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White
Free version (without White's introduction) available at http://www.bartleby.com/141/

Strunk and White's, "The Elements of Style," is an iconic writing guide, full of edicts bound to be discussed in your English class. In fact, this book may already be required for your class.

The guide covers common grammar, punctuation, and style mistakes committed by students (and professionals too). Some hail the book as one of the best on writing, while other critics feel the authors are too rigid and traditional. Still, the advice from "The Elements of Style" will help you become a better writer. Better still, the slim volume can be read in an afternoon.

Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wickedly Effective Prose by Constance Hale

If you find "The Elements of Style" to be too stuffy, or you need more instruction on the parts of speech, then try "Sin and Syntax." "Sin and Syntax" is a more accessible, more personable approach to grammar, punctuation, and style.

Here, you'll find more in-depth information on grammar rules and the different types of nouns, adjectives, and verbs. But what makes this book valuable is its instructions on how to develop your own voice in writing - and when you can break the rules.

Beginning Theory: An Introduction of Literary and Cultural Theory by Peter Barry

English classes obviously aren't just about writing. You'll also learn to read with a critical eye, and explore different literary theories, which you will use to examine your readings.

If your head hurts trying to figure out the difference between post-modernism and post-structuralism, this guide will help clear your confusion. Barry gives a clear and concise overview of the major literary theories. You'll be thankful that someone seems to be speaking English.

Figures of Speech: 60 Ways To Turn A Phrase by Arthur Quinn and Barney R. Quinn

You've probably heard about alliteration and hyperbole, but do you know what an anadiplosis is? What about a zeugma? A symploce?

Relax. You'll probably never see these terms in most English classes. Then why read a book about them? You'll learn how to add poetic flair to your writing. The terms themselves aren't important, but knowing how to use these style devices is. Why settle for alliteration when you're feeling saucy when you can break out an epistrophe?