Easy Italian Reader: A Three-Part Text for Beginning Students (Easy Reader Series) [Paperback]

Riccarda Saggese (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071439579 | ISBN-13: 978-0071439572 | Publication Date: November 3, 2005 | Edition: 1

The quick, easy, enjoyable way to learn how to read Italian

This new addition to the popular Easy Reader series allows beginners to start reading Italian right away and intermediate learners to hone their reading skills.

Rather than relying on dry grammar rules, EasyItalian Reader features engaging readings on Italian history, people, and contemporary literature that rapidly build comprehension, progressing in difficulty as readers’ abilities increase. Helpful review sections, comprehension questions, and proficiency-building games are included throughout to reinforce what is learned.

Easy Italian Reader:

• Provides timesaving new vocabulary footnotes
• Includes exercises and an answer key to test understanding
• Offers insights into Italian culture

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Learn how to read in Italian--instantly!

Easy Italian Reader is a unique, easy-to-follow guide based on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to start reading it immediately! Whether you're a brand-new beginner or an advanced-beginning learner, you will dive into the language with engaging readings that progress in difficulty to match your growing reading skills. This process will allow you to rapidly build comprehension and confidence as you enjoy the stories.

Easy Italian Reader begins with the story of Christine, an American girl whose family moves to Italy. She acclimates to her new home with help from her Roman friend Antonio. As you read about her experiences, you'll discover the nuances of language and culture right along with Christine. The second section provides a colorful history of Italy, from the founding of Rome to the present. And the third section contains readings from contemporary literature, giving learners the thrill of reading authentic Italian.

• Progressive format makes it easy to build comprehension quickly
• Helpful word glossaries conveniently present new words and phrases
• Exercises challenge language comprehension and build reading skills

About the Author

Riccarda Saggese, a native of Italy, is an assistant professor of Italian at the University of Delaware. In addition to various Italian degrees, she earned a Ph.D. in Italian literature from Johns Hopkins University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (November 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071439579
• ISBN-13: 978-0071439572
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,135 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Nonfiction > Italian
  • #33 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Italian
  • #33 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Italian

More About the Author

Riccarda Saggese, a native of Italy, is an assistant professor of Italian at the University of Delaware. In addition to various Italian degrees, he earned a Ph.D. in Italian literature from Johns Hopkins University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent book for intermediate students, April 11, 2006

By 

Keith A. Preble (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Easy Italian Reader: A Three-Part Text for Beginning Students (Easy Reader Series) (Paperback)

Definitely not for your beginner. I learned with book with a teacher, and I found it very useful. Also I would read some of the stories on my own -- it was a good way to see the grammar in action while at the same time learning new words, etc.

I enjoyed using this book, and if I ever got the chance to teach, I would use it myself.

So my assessment.........
If you are an absolute beginner, you can buy the book. But I'd wait until you were a bit more knowledgable before using it.

Intermediate students -- go for it. I think you will get a lot out of the book.

Advanced students -- probably too easy.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for beginners, January 11, 2007

By 

L. Barry (Morgan Hill, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Easy Italian Reader: A Three-Part Text for Beginning Students (Easy Reader Series) (Paperback)

I am just learning Italian and this book is great for the basics. The exercises really help make it fun and real-life-like. I highly recommend this book.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, But There's One Better, September 13, 2009

By 

WikkeWicce88 (Bklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Easy Italian Reader: A Three-Part Text for Beginning Students (Easy Reader Series) (Paperback)

I bought this book to keep my Italian fresh after taking one entire year of Italian at my college.

The first few chapters were easy to understand, and as I continued I noticed the vocabulary was getting tough as well as the grammar. As you read from cover to cover the text will become advanced.

As you notice, you're following a character who's also learning Italian. She goes to Italy with her family and slowly learns more about Italy and the Italian language, which I think is the most brilliant idea for a foreign language book. What better way to learn Italian than learning it alongside the main character. So the vocab and grammar the main character learns will later be used by her and her friends, which is a good drill.

Between chapters there will be questions in Italian with spaces for you to answer in Italian, which was helpful. Sometimes there's crossword puzzles, fill in the blanks, and true or false questions. I liked how this book had ideal answers in the back of the book so you can make sure you're understanding the question and know how to answer it. It leaves space for you to write in, but I like to use a separate loose leaf paper.

The reason why I gave this book 4/5 stars instead of 5/5 because I found the same exact book at my college library but with a CD. The story is on the disc so you can listen along as you read, which is helpful when you get to the dialogue portion of the book. I'm the type that can read and write a different language but as soon as you try talking with me... I'll blank out, lol. Oral is a big part of learning so try searching for the same book but with the CD accompaniment. Otherwise, I recommend this book to every beginner-intermediates.