Español en español

Rating:
Summary: Almost, but not quite
Review: This book is excellent in some respects, but lacking in others. The basic pedagogical method of using only Spanish with essentially no translation is not totally effective when used without a teacher. I am already proficent in another language, having been trained in one of the most famous systems in the world, and in my opinion certain explanations have to be delivered in the native tongue of the speaker in order to expedite progress. So that's my real criticism: more English was needed. However, the stories and grammatical lessons are excellent and there is a real sense of excitement as you read articles on genuinely interesting topics and find that you're understanding the Spanish! I do recommend this book, but suggest also that you check out "Repaso" (available on Amazon) and also "Spanish Now" (also available here).

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book!
Review: What I like the MOST about this book is that it is only in Spanish. I've been teaching for 13 years, and I've noticed that when people struggle to find the meaning they retain better what has been learned. I've used other texts like Churros y Chocolate, Dos Mundos, Horizontes, Dímelo Tú... and nothing compares to the way Español en Español is written. Grammar points are nicely explained with lots of examples, and the author made sure his book was not only interesting, but fun. There isn't a single class in which people don't laugh about the examples or excercises that are given in those pages. So, let them struggle with the "only-Spanish" approach, and you'll see the progress that inevitably comes with it.