Reference Books...

How are ColesNotes in general?

Don't know ColesNotes. And a good reference for British English will vary from a good American reference.

In the U.S. I'd recommend The Chicago Book of Style as a reference on the nuts and bolts of English, that is, the correct way to put words, sentences, and paragraphs together. That's just one of many good ones, though. The New York Times Stylebook is also used by many.

Pearson, or Longman as they have been known in much of the world, are top for English learning textbooks in my view.

Anybody know of any good books to improve communications/social skills?

I mean it's not even about going out to social events etc. more specifically interpersonal relationship skills with people who you are trying to know, thanks.

Anybody know of a good book to write up a "book report" for University students? I'm just asking for books or anything that will give me hints as to better summarize a book (or to know what the book is completely about) that way I can prepare myself better for presentations or pop quizzes.

I know other people mentioned a few things before such as character, plot and setting which helped a great deal, thanks. I'm also looking for more specific things, e.g. symbolism or any other aspects that I might be missing that can be picked on, thanks.