As textbooks go, this is nothing like the standard American fare, with large margins, highlighted text in the margins, and lots of photographs. It is almost a scholarly journal and is totally text. Initially I dreaded reading this book, sure it would be dry, boring and/or above my head. I was TOTALLY wrong on all counts. I was happy to return to the book again and again, finding something interesting and insightful on every page. I have every intention of making this book a permanent part of my personal library!!! An exhaustive overview of the current thoughts in communication, this is a definate read for anyone interested in effective interpersonal communication.