A fun and easy new way to quickly acquire or enhance basic reading skills
These unique guides are based on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to start reading it, immediately. Suitable for raw beginners to intermediate-level language learners, the new editions of these popular titles feature engaging readings of progressive difficulty that allow learners to rapidly build comprehension.
Easy French Reader begins with the adventures of two friends, an American and a Parisian, as they learn about their respective cultures. This is followed by readings on the history of France, from ancient Gaul to the present. The final section features four abridged short stories by famous French authors.
Similarly, Easy Spanish Reader begins with the story of two high school seniors involved with their Spanish Club, followed by a history of Mexico, from the Conquistadors to the present, and an abridged version of the classic story of ''Lazarillo de Tormes.''
Progressive format makes it easy to quickly build comprehension
Marginal word glossaries conveniently present new words and phrases
Exercises challenge comprehension and build reading skills
Attractive new editions, fully updated and featuring appealing new artwork and expanded exercises
What Others Say
Not Done Right
I give this 2 stars because the first part is good. They will list 30 to 40 words, with their translations, which are used in the short conversation stories that follow and it works well.
Then in Part 2 they got lazy and stupid. Part 2 is made up of much longer stories but suddenly the amount of words they list with translations goes down to as few as 15. Part 2 is about the history of France. By it's nature, it uses many words that you will rarely come across, and most aren't listed and translated with the story. There is a small dictionary in the back of the book where you can find some of these words but most are missing. Part two is also a dry and boring read because it covers the history of France which doesn't do anybody ... Read More
Excellent Value - Accessible
This is an excellent self-teaching French language guide - and a good value for the price. The book is divided into three sections. The first section is a typical boy-girl 'let's learn about our two cultures' storyline. Nothing exciting here. But the second section is more interesting and consists of twenty-two short biographical and historical sketches (from Vercingetorix, Clovis, and Charlemagne through the two world wars and accounts of more recent figures like Estaing, Mitterand, and Chirac). These little essays are sufficiently interesting and accessible to almost make the reader forget that this is primarily a language learning effort. The third section offers four short stories by Daudet, Theuriet, Zola, and Maupassant. It's an excellent ... Read More
Easy first dip into reading French
I found Easy French Reader well organized and written as a first reader. The concepts were introduced in a carefully thought out fashion with progression from easy to difficult.
Easy French Reader
I studied French for two years back in High School. It has been over 40 years since I have had any contact with French. Easy French Reader is excellent for someone with a small amount of knowledge of the French language and is trying to rebuild their reading skills. There is a small dictionary in the back which helps with some of the words.
Easy French Reader is laid out in such a way that you progress with each chapter. It is divided into three sections. The first section is simple french dialogue; the second section covers French figures in history and the third section has four short stories from well known french authors (Alphonse Daudet, Emile Zola, Andre Theuriet and Guy de Maupassant)
If you are looking for pronunciation ... Read More
What a great book!
With very little French (what I got from a phrasebook on holiday for a couple of weeks), I bought Easy French Reader and started reading it on the train to work. It was great. It has a good lexicon in the back, and as you progress most new words appear in the margin with a translation. It still takes effort, but is a great way to get your vocab and reading up and running. I am now reading it again, as my French improves, and it is still improving my vocab and comprehension.
It has been the best book I have had as a beginner learning French.
