Painless Spanish

Painless Spanish promises to teach Spanish as long as the student applies him/herself. While Dr. Carlos Vega writes in an engaging style and doesn't abandon humor, this is a Spanish language book and not some quick romp through "uno, dos, trés...." and "como estan." In the introduction Vega warns readers that they can expect to study plenty of grammar in the pages that follow, and that it doesn't matter if they enjoy grammar or not, its study is essential for the proper understanding of any language.

This is North American Spanish, not the Castilian dialect of Spain. Because Vega takes an immersion approach, students will learn about Hispanic culture alongside the language itself because the culture provides the context. Mostly, however, students will memorize lots of rules and lots of vocabulary and lots of grammar as they become familiar with a prevalent yet often disregarded language.

Plenty of Brain Ticklers make sure students really understand what they're learning....and there's a lot to learn. But this isn't a full Spanish course. It's an excellent introduction, though if readers really want to know the language they'll have to continue studying. Also, unlike most of the other Barron's Painless books, this one doesn't work too well as a remedial text. And while pronunciation is covered, it doesn't get as much attention as most non-speakers would hope for.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.