I have attempted to read other books on the finite element method, but have found their approach unsatisfactory. Most books seem to present the method in such a way that it appears to come out of blue. As a result, I am left with a lack of confidence in the method--especially since I am loathe to apply theories when I am not comfortable with their derivation. Reddy's treatment, however, made the derivation of the important equations and the concepts behind them completely clear. I love it!