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Editor's picks

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  Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary

  Book (Avalon Travel Publishing)
  

  Rating (144 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Most Useful and Entertaining!

  A friend bought Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary for me last summer before I embarked on my first trip abroad. My Italian speaking friend had actually lived in Italy for a few years, and after careful consideration, felt that this phrase book/guide would be useful for me. He was absolutely right. The book proved to be invaluable. It was compact enough that I could carry it around with me in a small purse/backpack that I carried with me throughout my entire trip. I did not speak any Italian whatsoever, and found the words and phrases in the book to be exactly what I needed to get around and communicate effectively. I especially appreciated the pronunciation guide to each Italian word in the book- that was extremely helpful. The practical advice given throughout the book proved to be invaluable, as well as humorous, and the menu decoder was also of particular help. I quickly got over any "qualms" I may have had over appearing too "touristy" on my trip and used the phrase... 5/5 Marisa Martin "Captivated" (Lemoore, CA United States) - See all my reviews, May 22, 2002

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  Prego...

  Now if you read this book, you'd know what that means (Can I help you. Do you speak Italian? Here it is). It's not a high school langauge class, but it's a lot more fun, and with some time you'll get pretty good.I think Rick does a great job is laying out the phrases that you'll need if you go to Italy. We're going in a few weeks, and it's really helping. Now if he could only improve the memory.The book is small, will fit in a shirt pocket. It's broken down into sections (basics, eating, chating, etc.) so you can focus in on a section that you need, master it, then move to another section. After you've been through it all, you can then start combining different phrases and make some great sentences. It's got a lot of mnaterial in it, so start early when you decide to use it.Thanks Rick, I actually feel that I can go into the Italian world and be somewhat understood. And, not to worry, I'll smile as I butcher the language, use my hands a lot, and laugh at the whole thing. 5/5 Mark A. Savage - See all my reviews This review is from: Rick Steves' Italian: Phrase Book & Dictionary (Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book, 4th ed) (Paperback) Now if you read this book, you'd know what that means (Can I help you. Do you speak Italian? Here it is). It's not a high school langauge class, but it's a lot more fun, and with some time you'll get pretty good.I think Rick does a great job is laying out the phrases that you'll need if you go to Italy. We're going in a few weeks, and it's really helping. Now if he could only improve the memory.The book is small, will fit in a shirt pocket. It's broken down into sections (basics, eating, chating, etc.) so you can focus in on a section that you need, master it, then move to another section. After you've been through it all, you can then start combining different phrases and make some great sentences. It's got a lot of mnaterial in it, so start early when you decide to use it.Thanks Rick, I actually feel that I can go into the Italian world and be somewhat understood. And, not to worry, I'll smile as I butcher the language, use my hands a lot, and laugh at the whole thing. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 22, 2001

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  Is there one better?

  Admittedly, maneuvering your way through the sections may be a little tricky at first, but we found that most relevant phrases and lingo was repeated in several different sections to reinforce the learning process. We had looked at and even purchased a couple of other phrase books and dictionaries but found this to be the best one overall. Great pronunciation guides, common everyday conversational items and even the humor is a good break in the studies. I already speak decent Italian, my wife did not, and she found Rick's guide to be much better in format and usability and was the one we chose to take to Italy with us. 5/5 circa1850 (North Carolina) - See all my reviews This review is from: Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary (Paperback) Admittedly, maneuvering your way through the sections may be a little tricky at first, but we found that most relevant phrases and lingo was repeated in several different sections to reinforce the learning process. We had looked at and even purchased a couple of other phrase books and dictionaries but found this to be the best one overall. Great pronunciation guides, common everyday conversational items and even the humor is a good break in the studies. I already speak decent Italian, my wife did not, and she found Rick's guide to be much better in format and usability and was the one we chose to take to Italy with us. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 29, 2005

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  List Price: $8.95
  

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  Domani Sarà un Giorno Migliore (Italian Edition)

  Book (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  A product of our modern society

  I am an Italian native speaker. I downloaded this book because of the other three positive reviews. My expectation was probably too high, nonetheless this book does not deserve more than one star.The reasons of my rating are the following:1) There are several grammar mistakes. I mean serious grammar mistakes.2) There are many typos, sentences that don't make sense because the book has not been proofread.3) The author is too "fond of" ellipsis points. Just about three sentences out of four end with ellipsis points. Most of the times a classic, boring period could do the job.4) The writing style is quite immature in my opinion. Too much dialog, not enough description. The dialog is also quite boring.5) The idea behind the plot is not bad even if the main topic is trite, but it needs to be polished. There are in fact significant plot holes.I am quite intolerant when it comes to grammar mistakes in books and newspapers, as well as tv shows... 1/5 Elly Jones - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Domani Sarà un Giorno Migliore (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) I am an Italian native speaker. I downloaded this book because of the other three positive reviews. My expectation was probably too high, nonetheless this book does not deserve more than one star.The reasons of my rating are the following:1) There are several grammar mistakes. I mean serious grammar mistakes.2) There are many typos, sentences that don't make sense because the book has not been proofread.3) The author is too "fond of" ellipsis points. Just about three sentences out of four end with ellipsis points. Most of the times a classic, boring period could do the job.4) The writing style is quite immature in my opinion. Too much dialog, not enough description. The dialog is also quite boring.5) The idea behind the plot is not bad even if the main topic is trite, but it needs to be polished. There are in fact significant plot holes.I am quite intolerant when it comes to grammar mistakes in books and newspapers, as well as tv shows... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 13, 2013

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  Da leggere tutto di un fiato

  Avvolgente e appassionante, Da leggere tutto di un fiato. . . . . . . . . . . . 5/5 Nico - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Domani Sarà un Giorno Migliore (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) Avvolgente e appassionante, Da leggere tutto di un fiato. . . . . . . . . . . . Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 29, 2013

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  interesting title

  I chose this book for practicing my italian. The title seems to be right, and the prologue is quite interesting, I think i'll enjoy reading this 5/5 Erick Cambran - See all my reviews, December 24, 2012

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  List Price: $12.50
  Price: $11.25
  You Save: $1.25 (10%)

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  Italian For Beginners: Your Guide To Learning Italian! Learn To Speak Italian, How To Speak Italian, How To Learn Italian, the Italian Language Basics, Most Common Italian Vocabulary Words and More!

  eBooks
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Good beginning

  If you don't want to go beyond the basics then this book is a good choice. I bought it for my daughter and I am very satisfied with the results. She can use and understand common words and phrases in Italian and she is very eager to practice it. 5/5 Morgan C. (New York) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian For Beginners: Your Guide To Learning Italian! Learn To Speak Italian, How To Speak Italian, How To Learn Italian, the Italian Language Basics, Most Common Italian Vocabulary Words and More! (Kindle Edition) If you don't want to go beyond the basics then this book is a good choice. I bought it for my daughter and I am very satisfied with the results. She can use and understand common words and phrases in Italian and she is very eager to practice it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 10, 2012

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  Great choice.

  This book is a great choice if you want to learn how to speak Italian the easy way. You will not master all the grammar rules to perfection but you will be able to communicate and make yourself understood and this is the most important thing. 5/5 Bailey Pearce (Los Angeles, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian For Beginners: Your Guide To Learning Italian! Learn To Speak Italian, How To Speak Italian, How To Learn Italian, the Italian Language Basics, Most Common Italian Vocabulary Words and More! (Kindle Edition) This book is a great choice if you want to learn how to speak Italian the easy way. You will not master all the grammar rules to perfection but you will be able to communicate and make yourself understood and this is the most important thing. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 5, 2012

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  Helpful

  With this book I learned the essential words in Italian, so I knew just enough to spend a very enjoyable timethere during my holidays. The everyday conversation phrases were the most useful. 5/5 Drew Miller (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian For Beginners: Your Guide To Learning Italian! Learn To Speak Italian, How To Speak Italian, How To Learn Italian, the Italian Language Basics, Most Common Italian Vocabulary Words and More! (Kindle Edition) With this book I learned the essential words in Italian, so I knew just enough to spend a very enjoyable timethere during my holidays. The everyday conversation phrases were the most useful. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 4, 2012

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  Pensa in Italiano - Think in Italian: Use all your senses to acquire Italian (Italian Edition)

  Book (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
  

  Rating (9 reviews):

  (3.3/5)

  

  Basic Italian

  Well done (especially the section with sinonyms), but just a bit short and just for beginners. I wish there were more phrases and would pay more than 1$ for it. For $1 is a good deal if you are doing your first teps in Italian. 4/5 Noitebranca - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Pensa in Italiano! Think in Italian! Carte 1-50 (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) Well done (especially the section with sinonyms), but just a bit short and just for beginners. I wish there were more phrases and would pay more than 1$ for it. For $1 is a good deal if you are doing your first teps in Italian. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 27, 2012

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  a little too simple

  It was less advanced than I needed, but would be helpful if one is just starting to learn Italian. I read it once and probably won't read it again 3/5 Karen Fukutaki - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Pensa in Italiano! Think in Italian! Carte 1-50 (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) It was less advanced than I needed, but would be helpful if one is just starting to learn Italian. I read it once and probably won't read it again Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 2, 2013

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  for now that is ...

  i just learn italian right now so i can tell this ebook is okay, but i don't finish it. plus the audio help me so much 3/5 GACBO "G" (Colombia) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Pensa in Italiano! Think in Italian! Carte 1-50 (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) i just learn italian right now so i can tell this ebook is okay, but i don't finish it. plus the audio help me so much Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 17, 2013

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  List Price: $5.99
  

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  Italian: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition

  Book (Wiley)
  

  Rating (26 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Italian: A Self-Teaching Guide: An Excellent Overview

  This book is packed with value for the money. There are many books out there that are much more expensive, but are not as coherently put together. I am an older student who last studied Italian in the 1950's. I decided to sign up for an adult education course in Italian this fall as an Advanced Beginner. I bought this book to get me up to speed. I have not been disappointed. I find the explanations of irregular verbs and nouns to be easy to follow, and the exercises are actually fun to do, with all the answers in the back. You have to work, but it is worth it. I find I love Italian as much as I did when I was young. 5/5 Lynda G. Christian (Burlington, MA United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition (Paperback) This book is packed with value for the money. There are many books out there that are much more expensive, but are not as coherently put together. I am an older student who last studied Italian in the 1950's. I decided to sign up for an adult education course in Italian this fall as an Advanced Beginner. I bought this book to get me up to speed. I have not been disappointed. I find the explanations of irregular verbs and nouns to be easy to follow, and the exercises are actually fun to do, with all the answers in the back. You have to work, but it is worth it. I find I love Italian as much as I did when I was young. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 26, 2000

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  does the job

  This review is of the paperback edition which I assume is the same as the hardcover. I've worked through this book twice using it, as intended, as a self study guide. It works reasonably well and is agreeably free of Idiot Guide annoyances ('takin it for a walk!', adolescent jokes, etc). The approach is conventional with readings, vocabulary lists, grammar sections (in quite bite sized pieces), many excercises and drills and (essential for a self study guide), three review sections and a complete answer key for all exercises. If you work through it in a systmatic way you should get to about the equivalent of a university level It 101. You'll have reviewed all essential grammar and will have a vocabulary of about 600 words. There are however some problems. There is no index so looking up something you've already covered involves a lot of flipping. The grammatical discussions are a little brief in places and a supplementary reference grammar is recommended - but you should have one... 3/5 Tony Alton "Tony" (Toronto) - See all my reviews This review is from: Italian: A Self-Teaching Guide (Self-teaching Guides) (Paperback) This review is of the paperback edition which I assume is the same as the hardcover. I've worked through this book twice using it, as intended, as a self study guide. It works reasonably well and is agreeably free of Idiot Guide annoyances ('takin it for a walk!', adolescent jokes, etc). The approach is conventional with readings, vocabulary lists, grammar sections (in quite bite sized pieces), many excercises and drills and (essential for a self study guide), three review sections and a complete answer key for all exercises. If you work through it in a systmatic way you should get to about the equivalent of a university level It 101. You'll have reviewed all essential grammar and will have a vocabulary of about 600 words. There are however some problems. There is no index so looking up something you've already covered involves a lot of flipping. The grammatical discussions are a little brief in places and a supplementary reference grammar is recommended - but you should have one... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 3, 2007

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  Straight No-Nonsense Approach That Works

  I am currently using this book as a student in an adult beginner Italian course with great results. The book immediately plunges into some of the more difficult concepts which normally would perplex the English speaking student with great ease. Each page consists of sidebar type boxes where verbs are conjugated, vocabulary lists abound, and grammar rules are succinctly laid out. Each chapter begins with new vocabulary revolving around a specific event like "Buying a Ticket in a Train Station" or "A Family Birthday". Dialogues using the vocabulary words in typical uncomplicated sentences accompany each topic and a variety of exercises follow along with detailed grammer explanations. All exercise answers are provided in the back of the book.Unlike some of the more colorful workbook type language guides, this book omits the cutsy pictures and cartoons and concentrates on what's really important: getting the rules of the language down by engaging in... 4/5 Diana F. Von Behren "reneofc" (Kenner, LA USA) - See all my reviews, October 10, 2003

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  List Price: $18.95
  

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  Omicidio alla Moda (Italian Edition)

  Book (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
  

  Rating (23 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  Just right.

  This novella was just the right level for me, an intermediate level. I especially liked the definitions for more difficult vocabulary right in the text. I only wish there were more like this available. 5/5 rhonda sentochnik - See all my reviews This review is from: Italian Easy Reader: Omicidio alla moda (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) This novella was just the right level for me, an intermediate level. I especially liked the definitions for more difficult vocabulary right in the text. I only wish there were more like this available. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 27, 2010

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  Fun practice for Italian learners, perfect for intermediate level

  I wish I had a dozen books like this!It was perfect for an intermediate level- a good mix of verbs and verb tenses, use of pronouns, etc. Handy cultural info included and enough vocabulary to let you learn a bit without making it tedious. The story is cute and keeps you interested (which also stops the urge to constantly grab a dictionary for words you don't know).It's not long, but it's an excellent value for the price.Only one complaint- towards the end in a pivotal scene for the plot I am quite certain the author used the wrong name a couple of times in a dialogue. I read over it a few times and it just couldn't make any sense unless the names were backwards. I understand that this comment might sound suspect, as I am the language learner here, but I wouldn't include it in my review if I wasn't certain. 5/5 Rachel W. - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian Easy Reader: Omicidio alla moda (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) I wish I had a dozen books like this!It was perfect for an intermediate level- a good mix of verbs and verb tenses, use of pronouns, etc. Handy cultural info included and enough vocabulary to let you learn a bit without making it tedious. The story is cute and keeps you interested (which also stops the urge to constantly grab a dictionary for words you don't know).It's not long, but it's an excellent value for the price.Only one complaint- towards the end in a pivotal scene for the plot I am quite certain the author used the wrong name a couple of times in a dialogue. I read over it a few times and it just couldn't make any sense unless the names were backwards. I understand that this comment might sound suspect, as I am the language learner here, but I wouldn't include it in my review if I wasn't certain. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 28, 2011

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  Fun Mystery

  I really enjoyed this book, but I could never have read it without the help of my integrated Kindle Italian-English Dictionary by Andrei Pushkin. (I am a beginner at Italian (5 months), but know Spanish.) I was so surprised when I discovered that I only needed to move the 5 way button to get the definitions from the dictionary. This helped me read the book at a faster pace. I recommend getting both books for more convenience. Omicidio alla moda takes place in the fashion industry, and gives you the flavor of Milano. It's a good read. By the way, another Italian Easy Reader, Un amore per la tua cucina, has the same main character, Alessandro. I might even like it better than Omocidio. 5/5 Naturally - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian Easy Reader: Omicidio alla moda (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) I really enjoyed this book, but I could never have read it without the help of my integrated Kindle Italian-English Dictionary by Andrei Pushkin. (I am a beginner at Italian (5 months), but know Spanish.) I was so surprised when I discovered that I only needed to move the 5 way button to get the definitions from the dictionary. This helped me read the book at a faster pace. I recommend getting both books for more convenience. Omicidio alla moda takes place in the fashion industry, and gives you the flavor of Milano. It's a good read. By the way, another Italian Easy Reader, Un amore per la tua cucina, has the same main character, Alessandro. I might even like it better than Omocidio. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 24, 2011

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  List Price: $8.95
  

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  Domani Sarà un Giorno Migliore (Italian Edition)

  eBooks
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  A product of our modern society

  I am an Italian native speaker. I downloaded this book because of the other three positive reviews. My expectation was probably too high, nonetheless this book does not deserve more than one star.The reasons of my rating are the following:1) There are several grammar mistakes. I mean serious grammar mistakes.2) There are many typos, sentences that don't make sense because the book has not been proofread.3) The author is too "fond of" ellipsis points. Just about three sentences out of four end with ellipsis points. Most of the times a classic, boring period could do the job.4) The writing style is quite immature in my opinion. Too much dialog, not enough description. The dialog is also quite boring.5) The idea behind the plot is not bad even if the main topic is trite, but it needs to be polished. There are in fact significant plot holes.I am quite intolerant when it comes to grammar mistakes in books and newspapers, as well as tv shows... 1/5 Elly Jones - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Domani Sarà un Giorno Migliore (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) I am an Italian native speaker. I downloaded this book because of the other three positive reviews. My expectation was probably too high, nonetheless this book does not deserve more than one star.The reasons of my rating are the following:1) There are several grammar mistakes. I mean serious grammar mistakes.2) There are many typos, sentences that don't make sense because the book has not been proofread.3) The author is too "fond of" ellipsis points. Just about three sentences out of four end with ellipsis points. Most of the times a classic, boring period could do the job.4) The writing style is quite immature in my opinion. Too much dialog, not enough description. The dialog is also quite boring.5) The idea behind the plot is not bad even if the main topic is trite, but it needs to be polished. There are in fact significant plot holes.I am quite intolerant when it comes to grammar mistakes in books and newspapers, as well as tv shows... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 13, 2013

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  Da leggere tutto di un fiato

  Avvolgente e appassionante, Da leggere tutto di un fiato. . . . . . . . . . . . 5/5 Nico - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Domani Sarà un Giorno Migliore (Italian Edition) (Kindle Edition) Avvolgente e appassionante, Da leggere tutto di un fiato. . . . . . . . . . . . Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 29, 2013

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  interesting title

  I chose this book for practicing my italian. The title seems to be right, and the prologue is quite interesting, I think i'll enjoy reading this 5/5 Erick Cambran - See all my reviews, December 24, 2012

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  Italian, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Italian with Pimsleur Language Programs (Pimsleur Instant Conversation)

  Book (Pimsleur)
  

  Rating (66 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Simple crash course before your trip. Basic, but effective.

  From an Italian teacher's perspective, I highly recommend the Pimsleur series. I do think they're the best. And the reason is because they get you to repeat the phrases over and over and over again. Learning a language takes time, but if you need some essential expressions before your trip, this is the audio CDs you want.The important thing in learning a language is repetition, and you'll get plenty of it with these CDs, as well as learning correct pronunciation. As far as books go, you may end up using a combination, but I do like the Living Language Beginner's book a lot.Definitely join a course in your area - there's no better practice than to practice in a group! Perhaps you can ask if a community college has it as a continuing education program - although you won't have big problems with the language in the bigger cities, Italians do appreciate if you know at least a little bit.If instead, you're planning on visiting Southern Italy, or the... 5/5 Nada Vergili, Italy Guide & Language Teacher ... (Charlotte, North Carolina) - See all my reviews This review is from: Italian, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Italian with Pimsleur Language Programs (Pimsleur Instant Conversation) (Audio CD) From an Italian teacher's perspective, I highly recommend the Pimsleur series. I do think they're the best. And the reason is because they get you to repeat the phrases over and over and over again. Learning a language takes time, but if you need some essential expressions before your trip, this is the audio CDs you want.The important thing in learning a language is repetition, and you'll get plenty of it with these CDs, as well as learning correct pronunciation. As far as books go, you may end up using a combination, but I do like the Living Language Beginner's book a lot.Definitely join a course in your area - there's no better practice than to practice in a group! Perhaps you can ask if a community college has it as a continuing education program - although you won't have big problems with the language in the bigger cities, Italians do appreciate if you know at least a little bit.If instead, you're planning on visiting Southern Italy, or the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 15, 2006

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  fun to learn with this program

  I have tried several audio language learning programs, but have really enjoyed the Pimsleur Italian program & found it most helpful for learning. I believe the best features of this program are the variety of topics and complexity of each lesson, the way repetition is used while complexity of phrases and sentences increases (i.e., they start with a word, then a phrase, then making the phrase negative, then a sentence, then incorporate prior learning with the new, so on), and it's fun. It helps to enjoy learning a language. Not sure if it is just me or is intentional but the stories/subplots in the lessons are entertaining. It makes me laugh often when the American male traveller in the lessons strikes out with Italian women! Certainly makes my drive to work more enjoyable! I highly recommend the introductory lessons & plan to continue with the more advanced ones myself. 5/5 kittydawg (San Francisco CA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Italian, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Italian with Pimsleur Language Programs (Pimsleur Instant Conversation) (Audio CD) I have tried several audio language learning programs, but have really enjoyed the Pimsleur Italian program & found it most helpful for learning. I believe the best features of this program are the variety of topics and complexity of each lesson, the way repetition is used while complexity of phrases and sentences increases (i.e., they start with a word, then a phrase, then making the phrase negative, then a sentence, then incorporate prior learning with the new, so on), and it's fun. It helps to enjoy learning a language. Not sure if it is just me or is intentional but the stories/subplots in the lessons are entertaining. It makes me laugh often when the American male traveller in the lessons strikes out with Italian women! Certainly makes my drive to work more enjoyable! I highly recommend the introductory lessons & plan to continue with the more advanced ones myself. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 9, 2006

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  Great!

  I've taken language courses in the past, and listened to audio cassettes (dating myself), and none have been as effective as this. I am 90% through the course now, and had a native Italian speaking client today. I understood much of what she said, and she was impressed by what I could say and understand! Great price if you think you will stop studying here!If you think there's a good chance you'll want to learn more, just go for Italian I instead since the first half of it is in this course. I was skeptical at first, and I didn't want to invest in the more expensive 30 lesson set. Now I'm hooked and I'll be buying Italian I. Wish I had just paid the full price in the first place instead of buying BOTH Conversational Italian and Italian I, since they overlap by 16 lessons. 5/5 J. W. Geiken-Joyner "Wynne" (Flagstaff, AZ USA) - See all my reviews, July 24, 2006

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  List Price: $49.95
  

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  Italian For Dummies

  Book (For Dummies)
  

  Rating (22 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  needs a proofreader badly

  This is a very good intro to Italian. I was pleasantly surprised that it approaches the language in more depth than I expected. However, I am half-way through the book and already found around 50 typos, misspellings, left out translations. The typos are mostly Italian words, so a newbie to the language is stuck. I am in a class using this book so the teacher points those out to us. The authors and publishers need to hire a competent proofreader quickly. They should be embarrassed that this--2nd edition--is so full of errors. 3/5 farkle - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian For Dummies (Kindle Edition) This is a very good intro to Italian. I was pleasantly surprised that it approaches the language in more depth than I expected. However, I am half-way through the book and already found around 50 typos, misspellings, left out translations. The typos are mostly Italian words, so a newbie to the language is stuck. I am in a class using this book so the teacher points those out to us. The authors and publishers need to hire a competent proofreader quickly. They should be embarrassed that this--2nd edition--is so full of errors. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 24, 2012

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  Love the book

  Getting ready for a trip to Italy and wanted to be prepared with basic phrases. I am using several different resources and found that rote memorization is fine to a point, but this book takes you a bit further. THis is not a book of phrases. The author actually explains why the language is constructed the way it is and how the phrases are used in different circumstances. If you are looking for a phrase book, this might be a bit much. If you want to combine a phrase book with a bit of "beyond the basics" this book would work well for you. 5/5 RopeMan (Spokane WA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian For Dummies (Paperback) Getting ready for a trip to Italy and wanted to be prepared with basic phrases. I am using several different resources and found that rote memorization is fine to a point, but this book takes you a bit further. THis is not a book of phrases. The author actually explains why the language is constructed the way it is and how the phrases are used in different circumstances. If you are looking for a phrase book, this might be a bit much. If you want to combine a phrase book with a bit of "beyond the basics" this book would work well for you. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 9, 2012

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  Order a pizza in Firenze

  This book is a great way to start learning Italian at your own pace, so make sure to pick up this recently released second edition. The writing flows quickly and manages to entertain while teaching. The Audio CD is a nice bonus to make sure you are pronouncing things correctly. Each Italian word in the book has the phonetic pronunciation next to it along with the definition. This can be a little distracting if you are trying to avoid looking, but is useful for beginners. Now I just have to learn how to roll r's.I started learning with , but found that even though I was learning phrases and how to have a conversation, there were not enough explanations. This book will tell you why you say something a certain way and with the Italian language, this is critical.I went into this book with only a basic... 5/5 Rocco Wake (Fountain Valley, CA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Italian For Dummies (Paperback) This book is a great way to start learning Italian at your own pace, so make sure to pick up this recently released second edition. The writing flows quickly and manages to entertain while teaching. The Audio CD is a nice bonus to make sure you are pronouncing things correctly. Each Italian word in the book has the phonetic pronunciation next to it along with the definition. This can be a little distracting if you are trying to avoid looking, but is useful for beginners. Now I just have to learn how to roll r's.I started learning with Pimsleur's Italian 1, but found that even though I was learning phrases and how to have a conversation, there were not enough explanations. This book will tell you why you say something a certain way and with the Italian language, this is critical.I went into this book with only a basic... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 3, 2011

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  List Price: $24.99
  

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  Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian Grammar (Practice Makes Perfect Series)

  Book (McGraw-Hill)
  

  Rating (24 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  excellent!

  This workbook is fantastic. I am very pleased with the logical layout and the in-depth discussions of verbs, adjectives, nouns, etc. This workbook has so much information in it, it can easily replace a textbook and be used on its own. The exercises are relevant and straightforward, but also varied.Something I didn't know, however, before I bought it: this book is intended for intermediate users. Don't let this discourage you from purchasing it, though. As long as you know a few of the basic concepts of Italian, and understand a little about how languages work in general, you will be able to begin at the start of this workbook.One thing it is slightly lacking in is vocabulary. There are many other books in the Practice Makes Perfect series intended to work together, so while this book will certainly help you with all the grammar you could need for an Italian I/II level understanding, you'll need to either get the other workbook(s) or find some other source of vocabulary. I... 5/5 C. Hill "cinemaparadiso" - See all my reviews, December 26, 2009

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  A big help!!

  ~I've spent many hours in the last few years going through 5 or 6 books in the Practice Makes Perfect series. This was my first Italian PMP book but I knew what I should expect and this book did not disappoint.~It is well organized, and organized in a way I've come to expect (explanation of the topic presented in the chapter, followed by examples in the form of sentences or phrases usually, followed by many exercises, in this case often translating sentences, filling in charts with the conjugation of verbs into a certain verb tense, answering questions [there is more but I won't list all the types of exercises here - but that's another thing I like: the variety of exercises and the wide range of topics the chapters cover]). Answers are in the answer key in the back of the book as usual, and at the back you'll also find the Italian - English and English - Italian glossaries as well as irregular verb tables.~To let you get a better idea of what's covered in this... 5/5 Andrea N. (Canada) - See all my reviews This review is from: Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian Grammar (Practice Makes Perfect Series) (Paperback) ~I've spent many hours in the last few years going through 5 or 6 books in the Practice Makes Perfect series. This was my first Italian PMP book but I knew what I should expect and this book did not disappoint.~It is well organized, and organized in a way I've come to expect (explanation of the topic presented in the chapter, followed by examples in the form of sentences or phrases usually, followed by many exercises, in this case often translating sentences, filling in charts with the conjugation of verbs into a certain verb tense, answering questions [there is more but I won't list all the types of exercises here - but that's another thing I like: the variety of exercises and the wide range of topics the chapters cover]). Answers are in the answer key in the back of the book as usual, and at the back you'll also find the Italian - English and English - Italian glossaries as well as irregular verb tables.~To let you get a better idea of what's covered in this... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 21, 2010

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  Opinion from a native Italian: excellent!

  I was born in Italy and Italian is my first language. I got this book for my boyfriend who wanted to learn Italian.Even if I have not gone through the process of learning from this book myself, I checked it carefully and among all the books I found to teach Italian this seems the very best, for various reasons:1) It does not stop at the basic levels (many - too many - books only teach the present tense for example. That is just useless!). This books covers all the main tenses and all the important parts of Italian grammar.2) It "categorizes" as much as possible the grammar. Now, Italian is a very complex language and unfortunately it has tons of exceptions. But I think when you teach a language to a grown up person, it is easier for them to learn if you present the grammar rules clearly, categorizing the rules. Many other books adopt a completely different approach, more similar to how children learn, that is learn through speech and figure out the... 5/5 G0NZ0 (Planet Earth - Solar System - Milky Way) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian Grammar (Practice Makes Perfect Series) (Paperback) I was born in Italy and Italian is my first language. I got this book for my boyfriend who wanted to learn Italian.Even if I have not gone through the process of learning from this book myself, I checked it carefully and among all the books I found to teach Italian this seems the very best, for various reasons:1) It does not stop at the basic levels (many - too many - books only teach the present tense for example. That is just useless!). This books covers all the main tenses and all the important parts of Italian grammar.2) It "categorizes" as much as possible the grammar. Now, Italian is a very complex language and unfortunately it has tons of exceptions. But I think when you teach a language to a grown up person, it is easier for them to learn if you present the grammar rules clearly, categorizing the rules. Many other books adopt a completely different approach, more similar to how children learn, that is learn through speech and figure out the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 16, 2011

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  List Price: $15.00
  

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