Recommendations for Best Book re PSE 14, please

Julie,

I have hands-on experience with the four books you mentioned. Here is my opinion.

The Missing Manual -- It is exactly what they say; it is "The book that should have been in the box". It is written in the concept of a "manual", a resource which will help you with the ins and outs of Elements.  I always refer to it by paraphrasing a familiar credit card slogan -- "Don't use Elements without it".

PSE x.x for Digital Photographers -- It is mainly a book of tutorials. In this way, it is assumed you already know the basics of Elements.  I see this book as a complement to The Missing Manual.  Barbara Brundage's book provides you with a solid foundation so that you can follow Scott Kelby's tutorials.

Classroom in a Book -- The title says it all. This book provides you with "lessons". You follow the lessons and you do the homework. It is an excellent book but I found that, once I was done with the lessons and the homework, I had no more use for it. I donated my copy to our local library.

How to Cheat in Photoshop Elements -- This is mainly a book of tutorials. I find it very useful when I am searching for techniques to create a certain effect.

I believe, in the end, you have to make a decision based on what you expect to gain from acquiring a certain book. If feasible, you could try getting a "preview" of these books via your local library, your local bookstore, or even via Amazon's "Look Inside" feature.

I am not sure David Asch is still publishing his "How to Cheat in . . ." series. You can always contact him via his website. Also, you can check what this book is all about.

www.howtocheatinphotoshopelements.com/