Yeah I totally understand that. If it helps to give you an idea of the books layout, each chapter is split into 3 parts: first is a short sample text (closer to genki length than tobira) to show upcoming grammar, no comprehension questions for the text IIRC; second are the grammar points, as can be seen on the samples on page 44, usually a brief explanation – followed by a やってみよう: usually 4-5 sentences with 2 multiple choices for each grammar point; last are the review questions(まとめの問題), usually 3-4 pages worth [edit: all multiple choice with 4 options for each question]. Some chapters are split into two parts, e.g. 9-1 & 9-2, and in this case only the second part of the chapter will have the review questions.
I do like the Try series and am perhaps biased, but I do absolutely recommend it for JLPT study, or for someone looking for traditional textbook learning that follows on from Tobira. However, since you’re already reading native material, own SKM, and perhaps arn’t set on JLPT specific study, it may not be ‘essential’ as such. Though I’m sure it’ll be useful the cost/benefit factor is obviously something only you can decide.
I guess some other alternatives would just be a traditional grammar dictionary(or free online resources) to learn from before reviewing with SKM? I personally really like ‘A Handbook of Japanese Grammar Patterns for Teachers and Learners’ or if you’re brave you could even get the monolingual version ‘Nihongo Bunkei Ziten’. Both of these are a single volume – as opposed to the Japan Times Grammar Dictionary’s which that are split into 3: basic, intermediate, advanced – and seem to me way easier to navigate within a single volume, though of course YMMV.
) So I suppose one approach would be to read a chapter of SKM, read the Handbook explanations for all those grammar points, then do the SKM exercises for that chapter.
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