Spanish for Gringos Level 1: Shortcuts, Tips, and Secrets to Successful Learning

The book is very funny yet informative, making it an easy read for the beginner. The video version (also published by Barron's) runs along similar lines, but with the added benefit of being able to see Bill Harvey in action.

I brought this book to help me brush up on my Spanish. I spoke a little before I brought the book. I am a Cuban / Dominican that was born in the States and never really learned Spanish. This text helpped me like no other. What is great about this text is that it also give you words specific for different countries. The author gave words that are used in Cuba and Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. I highly Recommend this book to anyone first pass at learning Spanish.

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!!

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!!

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!