Spanish for Gringos (Book and Cassettes)

Rating:
Summary: Funny AND useful -- similar style to the video version
Review: I bought this and a few other books/tapes on learning Spanish, and this is BY FAR my favorite! I started listening to the tapes in my car on the way to work, and was instantly hooked! You do not need to do the book and tapes together. That's a big plus! I recommend this book/tape set to anyone intimidated by the thought of learning a new language... the speaker on the tapes puts you instantly at ease! Grab up this wonderful teaching aid and enjoy learning!! I'll be getting volume two soon!!

Rating:
Summary: A rare gem in the world of language learning!
Review: I had taken some Spanish courses in high school and needed to brush up without the inconvenience of formal courses. Mr. Harvey presents the language in a very innovative and entertaining way - it was completely painless, not tedious whatsoever, and great for those who have no training in Spanish or need to brush up. You will be conversing in no time once you take his suggestion to heart to go out and practice on native speakers! I highly recommend this book - even my 10-year-old son picked up key words and phrases after only 30 minutes of listening to the tapes.

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Summary: Practical, Fun & Effective Guide for Learning Basic Spanish
Review: I highly recommend this book for anyone who speaks no Spanish and wants to be able to communicate with Spanish speakers, but doesn't need to speak textbook Spanish. As someone who spoke absolutely no Spanish (besides taco and margarita), this book is the only one I found at all helpful. Instead of spending time learning how to conjugate verbs, you learn simple phrases and then simple methods of constructing sentences that will enable you to carry on a conversation. If you can conjugate "to be" and "go" you have the past, present and future tenses covered. Confused about learning formal and informal verbs, pronouns, etc? Forget it! The author wisely advises you that you'll never go wrong using the polite form, and then you can pick up the familiar form later as you converse with your spanish speaking friends. Plus, the author is a great cheerleader and confidence builder. This book is the best, and it really works!

Rating:
Summary: Spanish/English language learning
Review: I was glad to find this book and Inglés Para Latinos to use as the vocabulary for our class of partners who help each other learn English and Spanish. (and their second levels for the more advanced speakers.) I've developed lesson plans that coordinate the 2 books and give practice (because the books are nearly all vocabulary.) The students like the encouraging tapes and the easy explanations in their own language of the meanings. And they want copies for their friends.

Rating:
Summary: Forget books and cassettes - get the video!
Review: I was glad to find this book and Inglés Para Latinos to use as the vocabulary for our class of partners who help each other learn English and Spanish. (and their second levels for the more advanced speakers.) I've developed lesson plans that coordinate the 2 books and give practice (because the books are nearly all vocabulary.) The students like the encouraging tapes and the easy explanations in their own language of the meanings. And they want copies for their friends.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Way to Learn Spanish Ever Devised!
Review: This book (and the accompanying tapes) are great! For years I've resisted learning Spanish, although it is becoming more and more a necessary skill in America. After only reading the INTRODUCTION to this book, I was already more comfortable with Spanish speakers. This approach teaches you to relax, and as soon as you do that you'll be surprised at how much you already know. This book not only gave me great skills, it also boosted my confidence. I am now able to communicate with my Spanish friends and coworkers. Don't look any farther, this book is the best!!

Rating:
Summary: excellent way to learn spanish-nontraditional w/great pics
Review: This is the best book I've ever used for learning the basics of Spanish. It has a nontraditional approach, good pictures, and actually makes learning Spanish fun. It's a very quick read and can be read several times to reinforce the message and pick up new words and usages. I've read it 3 times over a several year period and recommend it to friends regularly.

Rating:
Summary: Forget books and cassettes - get the video!
Review: This video is the best way for people with no prior knowledge of spanish to learn the language! The video allows you to copy the pronunciation better by "watching" the speaker's mouth. William Harvey is the first spanish "teacher" to speak slowly and clearly enough to understand and pick up the pronunciation. The video is very entertaining to watch. After watching it four times within two weeks, most of the vocabulary was imbedded in my brain. The video teaches you enough pronunciation tips that you can continue your spanish instruction with books and cassettes more easily. Great for any age. The vocabulary is all purpose and useful.