Customer Reviews

E-Z Spanish

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Let me preface this review by noting that this book is essentially a re-issue (or revised edition) of Spanish the Easy Way (E-Z Spanish) by the same authors and publisher. If you already have the aforementioned book, then you already have this book!

Now, on to the review. If you have any vague familiarity with Spanish one of the romance languages, you'll be able to breeze through this book while gaining a pretty impressive vocabulary and grasp on grammar. The text is divided into about five "units" each with a specific theme: home, office, around town, foods, etc... with grammar and vocabulary integrated within the context of the themes. There are lots of cartoon-style illustrations and varied exercises to keep you entertained. The answer key includes answers to both the written and multiple choice style exercises.

I would consider this a book good self test to see if you really have the passion to study the Spanish language. If you finish this book wanting more, then invest in a higher dollar study package. Otherwise, you come out of it having spent less than $20 and more than enough knowledge to carry on a basic conversation on your next trip to Mexico

The only weaknesses I can comment on will be particularly of interest to students using this as a supplement for their courses. This book does not emphasize grammar (though it does touch on it) so you may find yourself memorizing phrases instead of learning to construct your own grammatically correct sentences if you don't use caution. If you would like to supplement your course textbook I would suggest you consider a similar volume Spanish Grammar the Easy Way which rigorously covers grammar.

Scared of grammar and all its complexities? Barbara Bregstein will wash away all your fears with this excellent piece of volume. Everything you need to know about the Spanish language without enduring the agony of long, boring drills is here.

Of course, there are rules and concepts you still have to understand but the author has presented them in a very down-to-earth manner so that you can absorb it with ease and build up your Spanish skills quickly.

Divided into three parts, Easy Spanish Step-By-Step gives you a thorough yet fascinating explanation of the basics and essentials of the Spanish language. What's better is that the author gives a lot of practical tips that really encourages you to speak and write Spanish the right way.

The elements of a sentence and the fundamentals of language in the present tense can be found in the first few chapters. Here in the first part you can find lessons about numbers, days and months, seasons, and time. There is an easy-to-understand reading comprehension section that uses the English and Spanish sentences in the same word order.

The second part talks about objects, reflexive verbs, present subjunctive - its use and function in a practical conversational set-up, most frequently used phrases and expressions, and the basis on how to use it in your day-to-day interaction.

The third part discusses the two most commonly used past tense of verb - preterit and imperfect. Vocabulary words are provided in each chapter and you get to read paragraphs, letters, and stories that test your newfound skill.

All the topics given and the engaging exercises you will find here are connected in a clear and logical way that will help you quickly understand how Spanish-speaking people speak and write the way they do in our present times.

For those who are as passionate as I am about learning Spanish I have listed My Top 10 Tools For Learning Spanish:

1. Practice Makes Perfect Spanish Verb Tenses, Second Edition (Practice Makes Perfect Series)

Best book on the topic of verb tenses.

2. Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Pronouns And Prepositions No other book covers the topic of Spanish pronouns and prepositions as thoroughly as this author.

3. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) Best software for learning how to conjugate over 500 Spanish verbs and also helps improve pronunciation.

4. A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish Most comprehensive and complete Spanish grammar book I have found.

5. Learn Conversational Spanish Now Great for listening to during long commutes or on your Ipod for improving your listening skills and actually understanding conversational Spanish when you hear it spoken.

6. Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish: A Creative and Proven Approach This is one of the classics for learning Spanish and increasing vocabulary by using words you already know in English.

7. Easy Spanish Phrase Book: Over 770 Basic Phrases for Everyday Use (Dover Easy Phrase) (Spanish and English Edition) Excellent phrase book at a great price.

8.Casi Casi Only for advanced students who think they are up to the challenge of watching a hilarious Puerto Rican comedy completely in Spanish

9. Fluenz Version F2: Spanish 1+2+3+4+5 with supplemental Audio CDs and Podcasts Comprehensive course with an excellent and knowledgeable instructor.

10. First Spanish Reader: A Beginner's Dual-Language Book (Beginners' Guides) (English and Spanish Edition) Best book that I have found for learning Spanish through reading.

The previous edition was far superior to this feeble attempt to be "relevant" to today's generation of students. The readings have been shortened or replaced by selections that insult the intelligence of the reader. Some of the selections are of doubtful taste. Exercises include constructions that have not been presented, which causes much frustration to the student. I used the previous edition for four years without any negative feedback. We bought the new edition only because we could not buy enough copies of the old edition. Next course I shall replace the book entirely, as my students are requesting even now. IAH, M.A. in Spanish

An OK book but not one I would recommend for real beginners as it jumps in and jumps around. The book needs to organize in a more logical, building block order.

Am using this book for a class at our senior center Spanish class. Very helpful. Learning quickly. I see myself progressing. Answers at the back of the book is a great "cheatsheet".

Easy to use format, good explanations make this a good purchase even for a beginner like me.

I enjoyed being able to understand Spanish better with this book. It's clear and follows the same good teaching methods as other Barron's books. Excellent companion to E-Z Spanish Verbs.

The book arrived before on time, in perfect condition. Its a great book to help you learn your rules and do lots of practice writing.

I am very distraught that Barron's has allowed a textbook like this to be published. I was looking for a reputable Spanish textbook at a reasonable price. Barron's in my mind seemed like it would be reputable and of good quality, but to my dismay the material is spoiled by the use of vulgar and distasteful drawings and introductory dialogues throughout. Why would you put so many images and innuendos like this in a popular Spanish language textbook? They are so repugnant that they distract from the material itself. Who wants to be reminded of man's fallen nature and the vices of this dark world while simply trying to learn another language? The publishers should have used more common sense and discernment. I wish I could send this book back. It is that bad.

Just getting starting trying to use it. The index is basically worthless. Topics such as possesives (not in the index) are treated piecemeal in multiple locations.