This anthology presents extended, lively essays meant to spur ideas for writing, suggest ways to approach a topic, and illustrate methods for organizing and presenting information. It incorporates high-interest reading material with traditional concerns about correctness, coherence, and meaning; and step-by-step writing assignments that guide readers and writers in composing successful papers. Approximately sixty readings address a variety of current topics, from the ordinary (french fries, shopping) to the controversial (immigration, the Internet). Many of these essays include proven favorites by Langston Hughes, Gary Soto, Joan Didion, Alice Walker, Diane Ackerman, Amy Tan, Lewis Thomas, Mark Twain, John Holt, Stephanie Ericsson, Scott Russell Sanders, Barbara Ehrenreich, and Bharati Mukherjee. Others feature new favorites by Bill Bryson, Malcolm Gladwell, William Finnegan, Phyllis Rose, Stephen King, Amy Wu, Steve Silberman, Claudia Dreifus, Ian Frazier, and Thad Williamson. For readers and writers interested in a wide range of issues and strategies, expanding their perspectives, and building lifelong reading and writing skills.