This thematic reader provides 60 short, contemporary, and engaging readings to help students develop analytical reading and writing skills.Brief, accessible readings--ranging from personal topics such as >169>Identity" and "Relationships," to broader categories like "Work" and "Pop Culture," --engage readers and encourage critical reading and analytical discussions. The text is organized around 10 contemporary topics, each illustrated by a diverse selection of essays, as well as non-traditional sources including letters to the editor, articles from a college newspaper, travel writing, and dictionary entries.Individuals who want to improve their critical reading skills and learn to shape their writing for different audiences and media.