Recommended Books for JLPT N5 & N4 Exam Study Preparation (reviewers)

To make your Japanese / JLPT study more efficient,
I recommend using books for this purpose.

You learn faster; in less study time, while getting better test results.

The list below has been carefully picked from my personal experience -
these are books that helped me pass the exam, plus a few others having very good recommendations.

BOOKS FOR STUDY. 
LEARNING JAPANESE, APPLICABLE FOR N5 and N4:
(For EXAM REVIEW BOOKS, SCROLL DOWN)

• A Dictionary of Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Japanese Grammar (3 books) - covers all grammar from JLPT N5 to N1. For N5 to N4 level, just use the 1st book (basic). This series has the highest ratings of all grammar books on Amazon, as explanations are very clear and useful. Based on reviews, people who previously couldn't talk straight Japanese were able to apply the grammar points in the book successfully... Published by the Japan Times newspaper company which also provides the good Genki textbooks. 

• Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar (A Guide to Japanese Grammar: A Japanese approach to learning Japanese grammar) - The best basic Japanese grammar book hands down for beginners. For Useful for JLPT N5. I would suggest downloading the Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar text for free (it is under Creative Commons license) or using the Android app which contains the text and purchasing the above 'Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar" instead.  

• GENKI I, 2nd ed - Orange: For JLPT N5 and N4. The most recommended textbook for new Japanese learners. Comes with CD plus a separate workbook. Good for grammar, reading, listening, and vocabulary. Most people who've used this book like this a lot, and prefer it over the Minna no Nihongo.
• GENKI II, 2nd ed - Green. For JLPT N4. The 2nd book for more advanced learners wanting to take N4. 

  

• MINNA NO NIHONGO Bk 1 - For JLPT N5 and N4. Somewhat controversial, a lot of people prefer the Genki book over this. But I did use this book and it helped me pass the exam, as its coverage is really complete and you really have no choice but do dig into Japanese from page 1. There are no English explanations, you'd need the companion teacher's guide for that, probably the reason why Genki is preferred. For JLPT N5, you need to go until around the middle chapter. For N4, you can use this plus the Minna no Nihongo II. 
• MINNA NO NIHONGO Bk 1 - TRANSLATION BOOK - This is the partner book containing the English translation and grammatical notes, otherwise you could get lost in the Book 1, especially without a teacher.

   

• MINNA NO NIHONGO Book 2 - For JLPT N4. You'd need to read until about the middle chapter to learn the exam coverage. I also used this and it was very helpful in passing the exam. I still have to find the English translation, but you may or may not need that by this time. 

• FOR KANJI, I'd recommend any flashcard app, but if you take a liking, you can always use Heisig's formula - it works for some. It did work for me a bit, too, although this is a bit difference from your usual Kanji list. Here's Heisig's book, Remembering the Kanji. or the Kondansha which teaches you the 2300 Kanji you need to know, which is highly rated too. Check it out: