Prep Books for SAT 2016

Test Preparation
1

I am planning to use the official CB SAT 2016 guide and Barron’s new SAT. I have a multitude of questions here.

  1. Are these two books enough along with multiple practice tests to get a good score(for me that would be above 1300) I know that it depends on how much and how smartly one studies but a general quality of preparation these books provides?
  2. How do I improve in critical reading? I have been practicing but have not shown much improvement.
  3. How much time beforehand to start studying? (Currently a sophomore in English Honors and College Prep Algebra 2 if it matters) Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you!