First, this book is heavy,can't be held while turning the pages nor will it fit into my book holder. It is more in the form of a text book for professional chefs and though I could glean a little info regarding methods, if I were a beginning cook, this book would overwhelm me. Also, I found it hard to find just what I wanted in the book - it would take quite a while searching before I would find what I needed to know...first trying the table of contents, then the glossary then endless reading of text. There has got to be a easier format for a method book!