The role that extensive reading (ER) plays in language development and literacy has been widely researched. A number of experimental research studies have provided abundant evidence of the positive effects that reading has on SLA. This is particularly important for increasing language exposure in foreign language learning conditions.

This book is quite an ambitious project that presents writings from 35 contributors. It discusses views derived from empirical and theoretical literature, which range from reading skills to reading strategies to cognitive aspects of the reading process. Following the assumption that ER promotes language acquisition, the authors examine different aspects of ER methodology such as the use of simplified or graded readers, child and young adult literature, and the effects of ER on writing in a second language, on vocabulary development, and on grammar improvement. It is relevant to note that although the focus of this volume is the use of ER in English-as-a-second-language or English-as-a-foreign-language programs, there are two chapters that do not specifically relate to this focus. Sivasubramaniam vehemently argues in favor of using literature to help students build their understanding of the world, to boost their self-esteem, and to stimulate their personal growth. Although this is an interesting chapter, it does not relate directly to the use of ER in language teaching but to the importance of reading literature. The focus of Pulverness’s article, which considers a body of literature that reflects immigrants’ experience, is not on ER either. Such writings reflect the displacement that immigrants and second generations feel when moving from their native culture to the new culture they have entered. Pulverness suggests that language teachers use such literature in their classrooms because English-as-a-foreign-language learners may often feel culturally displaced while learning a foreign language.

Overall, this book presents a comprehensive overview of ER. Even though it does not necessarily present new ideas to experienced second-language or foreign language teachers, this volume will be valuable for graduate students interested in the area of reading.