I finally purchased the book "Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish"

Question

I finally have it. Should I read it like a book, from cover to cover? I have already found it so helpful

• Thanks for the tip on the book. Sounds like I must check it out due to all the enthusiasm from everyone. If it was not a snowstorm out right now I would be on my way to the bookstore today. - yogamamaof2 Dec 23, 2009
• Stay safe!!!! - sunshinzmomm Dec 23, 2009
• yogamamaof2, one word: amazon :) - Valerie Dec 23, 2009

Answer 1

Sunshinezmom,

Yes definitely read it from cover to cover. Besides being informative, it's fun! Take notes, like Nick says. But then put it away, and pick it up again several months later. I find that each time I re-read it, different things "stick" For me, it was simply too much good information to digest all at once. And it's such a good read that I don't mind rereading it several times.

• I totally agree with you. I got like 80 or so pages into it and realized "Wow. This is a ton of info. I need to write it all down!" - Nick-Cortina Dec 24, 2009
• And it really is fun! Very witty while being informative as well. The wit helps things stick. - Nick-Cortina Dec 24, 2009
• I haven't read it, but...isn't already all written down...in the book :))...sorry, I couldn't resist. I know it may be beneficial to write it down yourself, too. - webdunce Dec 24, 2009
• Well... everything's all written down in a textbook too, but we take notes from that. :P - Nick-Cortina Dec 24, 2009
• I agree, Valerie...terrific book....I read it several times. - alba3 Mar 9, 2010

Answer 2

I loved this book. This kind of sums it up:

Many language books are boring--this one is not. Written by a native English speaker who learned Spanish the hard way--by trying to talk to Spanish-speaking people--it offers English speakers with a basic knowledge of Spanish hundreds of tips for using the language more fluently and colloquially, with fewer obvious "gringo" errors. Writing with humor, common sense, and a minimum of jargon.....

• I know. I read your comments about it a onth or so ago and that's why I wanted it. I put it on my Amazon.com wishlist that very day. - Goyo Dec 23, 2009
• I have to pick this up! Sounds useful - TheSilentHer Dec 23, 2009
• Yes! Sums it up indeed! - Valerie Dec 23, 2009

Answer 3

I've found it hard to put down. I've read the first third of it, and skimmed the rest. It's fun to read, and I'm learning a lot.

It's like knowing someone who learned Spanish ten years before you, who is now giving advice about mistakes they have made, what worked, what didn't.

And it's filling in the gaps for things you need to know that you might not get in a normal education, such as social adjectives, filler words, and ways to sound fluent.

It was my best Christmas present this year.

• I agree!! Merry Christmas :) - sunshinzmomm Dec 26, 2009
• Yes!! Precisely! :) - Valerie Dec 26, 2009
• Mine too! :) - Nick-Cortina Dec 26, 2009

Answer 4

Heck yeah it's the only thing I asked for! I can't wait to get it. Soon we will understand Echar and all it's forms!

Answer 5

This book was among many of the Spanish-related books that I received for my birthday... and I absolutely love it! I've literally been reading it cover to cover. Not only is it educational and incredibly informative, it's also really funny, with in-depth examples and chapters.

I'm in the process of taking notes on different chapters. I definitely recommend it!

• jejeje told ya so! :) - Valerie Dec 23, 2009

Answer 6

I've never heard of it. What's it like? I guess it is different from most Spanish textbooks?

• It really isn't like a text book. I am about to dive in this evening :) - sunshinzmomm Dec 23, 2009
• It's more like a "tip" book. Lots and lots of good info! - Valerie Dec 23, 2009

Answer 7

I asked for it too. I can't wait!

• Wow this book sounds like a hot commodity! I might need to ask for it too - 003487d6 Dec 23, 2009
• Mine came in the mail yesterday :) :) :) Santa rocks! - sunshinzmomm Dec 23, 2009

Answer 8

There is a preview available on google books.

Answer 9

¡Suena genial amigos! Fui "on-line" hace cinco minutos y compradolo.

(I went on-line five minutes ago and bought it). Annie.

• I wish that I could vote you up five times!! - sunshinzmomm Dec 24, 2009

Answer 10

I've never heard of it until now...what's it like and what does it teach?

• Well, I will let you know tomorrow what I think :) I will post it on this thread or you can check out the link that you can find on google :) It is only 12 dollars with shipping, worth the money!!! - sunshinzmomm Dec 23, 2009

Answer 11

In spanish = Finalmente he comprado el libro "Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish"

" Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish" = Empezando español para no principiantes. also traduction = Spanish for no beginners

I think= I created= I believe=fodder I = I thik I yo pienso= yo creo =------------ creo yo = pienso yo.

  ?????? jesua.

• Algo me dice que he metido un gambazo como una catedral, anda traducirselo a los entendidos. - jesus-llasta Dec 24, 2009
• un gambazo como una catedral!? you tossed in a big shrimp like a cathedral!? jejeje Tradúcenos éso por favor!! - 003487d6 Dec 27, 2009

Answer 12

I love this book too. I have read it cover to cover about 5 times, and have underlinings it in at least 4 colors to prove it!

Would anyone be interested in an occasional (maybe weekly?) thread to work through some of the verbs? I'm thinking of the chapter called "64 verbs, up close and personal".

Answer 13

Who wrote this book? From your comments, it reminds of a book called "Streetwise Spanish" by Peter Christian. It also is fun to read, entertaining as well as very useful.

• The author is Joseph Keenan - Valerie Dec 26, 2009
• I like Streetwise Spanish, but this book is much much more -- its really about understanding how Spanish works, rather than gaining a bit of vocabulary - kattya Dec 26, 2009

Answer 14

Is it for Spanish learners in general, or, for example, Mexican-Spanish oriented? Maybe I'll get one too.

• Is for every Spanish speaker in the world my beautiful Issabela :) - sunshinzmomm Dec 27, 2009
• Thanks :) - Issabela Dec 30, 2009

Answer 15

I'm buying it.