This was the textbook for my introductory marketing course. It has only provided one insight for me, and that is that business schools often find horrendous ways to teach.

The cover should be a warning for anyone considering this book. It's a big ad for Krispy Kreme. A box of Krispy Kreme donuts. A tray of their popular glazed donuts. A cup of Krispy Kreme coffee. The words "Glazed, Jelly, Chocolate-Iced, Custard-Filled." What is this book trying to do, teach us about marketing or make us crave sticky pastries? There's something wrong and disgusting about using an educational tool as a form of product placement.

It only gets worse inside. The book tries to make up for its lack of substance with bright colors, strangely designed diagrams and weird anecdotes in the margins that barely even relate to the topic at hand. Even worse are the constant display of ads with captions that struggle to justify why they're there at all. Certainly, promotions is a key part of marketing, but I can't help but get the feeling that the reason why these particular ads are included is because the company paid the publisher, not because they're good examples.

The only reason why I'm even keeping this waste of paper is to remind me of why I'm so disgusted with the attitudes endorsed here. Unfortunately, this isn't the only business class I've hated because of its poorly developed ideas and lack of objective proof. As such, I plan on focusing more on my psychology degree and dropping business - a person shouldn't have to endure this kind of frustration for the sake of getting an education.

If you're a professor, let me make this clear, THIS BOOK IS A VERY BAD CHOICE. I would only suggest you use it if you want your students to come to class, as they won't be able to glean anything intelligent from the book by itself. If you're a student who has to buy this book for a class, I offer my most sincere condolences.