As a second year med student, there are a few books I would call 'essential' for boards preparation and great references for classes. BRS Physiology, Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple, First Aid and BRS Pathology are, hands down, the four top books I would consider essential when studying for boards step I. This book came fast and on time, and was appropriately packaged. At first, I thought that the one layer of bubble packaging, with no plastic wrap over the book, was questionable. But it appeared to keep the desired “new book” look and feel, and there was no travel shipping damage to the covers or spines. Though this book is still a “thicker” type of review book, I believe it adequately hits all of the necessities you need to know for pathology – at least to pass class and standardized board exams! The author does extremely well describing and breaking down different pathologies, and helps explain differences in certain conditions which sound the same. In comparison to the 1,400 physiology textbook required for class, this BRS review by Schnieder hits the most important topics – clinical pearls, if you will – that are hidden within the thousands of pages of text. As medical students, I feel like we know remembering every single term and bit of information from day one of school is nearly impossible. But, this review book helps instill the most essential information you need to remember. The formatting is easy to follow, and the images appropriately build on what is described in text. The review questions following each section are great to test your ability to recall the information you just learned. Even though this book does not make it any easier to remember which –oma type pathology you have, it does help break everything down! And, if you put in enough time, I have no doubt you can fly through the pathology on your exams. It is DEFINITELY worth the purchase.