I am teaching myself Syriac. After reading through an introductory grammar, this book is the perfect next step. Like any reader, it presents selected texts in ascending difficulty. But Prof. Hayes's discussion of each text goes above and beyond. He discusses related words, orthographic quirks, idiomatic collocations, and potential troublesome spots. Years of experience are evident in the notes. And the text is written in a very approachable manner. You really get the sense that you are sitting in class with Prof. Hayes and discussing each text together. This book is enjoyable and immensely rewarding.