"This traditional-style reader offers a wealthindeed a smorgasbordof useful material for instructors desiring to help students become fluent readers. The readings can be used selectively and cover a wide range of topics pertaining to contemporary German culture. The freedom instructors have to use the texts as they see fit is an attractive feature of this reader. Another strength in terms of flexibility is the numerous exercises that go with each text. These also vary in level of difficulty as the students work through them, starting with simple context questions and ending with open-ended writing prompts. . . . A striking feature of this collection is that most of the texts are exercises in and of themselves, in that students must supply the past tense (usually the narrative past) of the verbs required for the readings. The flexibility of this reader, the diverse texts, the opportunity to actively and thoroughly practice the narrative past, the authentic language, and the large variety of exercises make this collection well worth consideration." Julie Winter, Western Washington University, in Die Unterrichtspraxis / Teaching German
" Sammelsurium is half reader, half workbook and intended for the intermediate level, either as a "supplementary reader or as the main reader in the course" (vii). The 38 texts that make up this remarkable anthology range from the Brothers Grimm to contemporary German film but all have a special connection to German culture and are admirably suited for intermediate students. Moreover, there is no reason why AP students also should not find this text useful. As the unusual title suggests, there is something here for every taste. As I perused the table of contents, I found myself carried away and then I discovered the rich linguistic apparatus covering a variety of grammar and vocabulary topics, which a traditionalist like myself, who loves grammar, will be thrilled to explore. Sammelsurium lacks the bells and whistles of other more sophisticated web-supported texts but remains an effective teaching tool, especially if accompanied by some supplementary audiovisual materials. I personally like the emphasis on language and grammar and old-school approach, which is exemplary in its rigor." Tom Conner, St. Norbert College, in the NECTFL Review
