Let me start by saying this book is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's packed with accounting-specific Excel and Access knowledge that you won't find in generic tutorials. The step-by-step accounting examples are its strongest suit - when they work.

The good: When following along with a class (as intended), the structured approach helps cement accounting concepts through practical application. I particularly liked how it integrates real-world accounting scenarios into spreadsheet exercises.

The bad: Oh boy, where do I start? The 'implied steps' issue is real. You'll often hit roadblocks where the book assumes you'll magically know what to do next. The practice problems sometimes feel like they're from a different universe than the chapter examples.

Pro tip: If you're using this for self-study, have YouTube ready as backup. Many concepts that took me hours to decipher from the book became crystal clear after a 5-minute tutorial video.

Final verdict: 3/5 stars. Useful as a supplemental resource for classroom learning, but frustratingly opaque for independent study. The content is valuable if you can decode it, but prepare for some serious head-scratching moments.