Streetwise Spanish

Streetwise Spanish is a language-learning book with a difference. Its informal style enables the reader to grasp those colloquial, slang and everyday terms often overlooked in the average classroom. Like most phrase books, it is divided into easy-to-handle sections of daily importance, like meal times and emergencies. It allows students to brush up on their people skills in the real world and is a welcome break from rigid grammar books for the keen Spanish learner. After reading this book, you'll be able to dazzle the locals with vibrant phrases spoken like a true Spaniard.

However, the reader must be aware that, as I found out, some of these phrases are country-local and do not always translate across the Hispanic world. Whilst this is a minor setback, it also has the advantage of encouraging you to discover the local equivalent of a specific phrase, and thus rising to a higher level of cultural knowledge. The relaxed, humorous nature of the book makes it a useful acquisition for learners of all ages, as was suggested by one customer review, "Streetwise Spanish has a unique flavour. I have been exposed to Spanish for many years and I have learned some good stuff. You can teach an old dog new tricks!" Michael Nees, Colorado, United States.

To conclude, this book has become a poolside bible for me and has helped my vocabulary hugely. I would recommend it to anyone thinking of spending time in a Hispanic country. It is also available in an audio version, perfect for ultimate relaxation and easy learning in the dazzling Spanish sunshine.

One suggestion I would make to the author, is to produce the book in a smaller, pocket-sized format so you can refer to it wherever you are - supermarket, bar, bank, beach, nightclub...

To conclude, this book has become pool-side bible of mine and a great help to my vocabulary, I would recommend it to anyone thinking of spending time in a Hispanic country. It is also available in an audio version, perfect for ultimate relaxation and easy learning under the Spanish sunshine.