Books
Wicked French/Spanish/German/Italian, etc. Howard Tomb.
These are for pure enjoyment, very sarcastic and often crude. I still laugh out loud at some of the phrases he came up with. Wouldn't advise actually using them on vacation, though, unless you're willing to get pounded into the ground.
French in 10 Minutes a Day. Kristine Kershul, M.A.
Very basic, good for beginners. Anyone with a relatively firm grasp of French will find this unchallenging. This book is very visually oriented, with practical info that travelers in particular will appreciate. A few unique features:
1) Flash cards: These are pre-printed with verbs and phrases. You cut them right out of the book.
2) Menu guide: Filled with translations for lots of foods and dishes, it's meant to be cut right out of the book and taken along to the restaurant.
3) Pocket Pal: 4 Laminated cards (8 usable sides total)filled with useful, practical words and phrases. Excellent for carrying around with you.
4) Sticky Labels: I quote from the book: "When you are introduced to one of these words, remove the corresponding label from these pages. Be sure to use each of these unique self-adhesive labels by adhering them to...whatever object they refer to...For example, when you look in the mirror and see the label, say 'le miroir.' Don't just say it once, say it again and again. And once you label the refrigerator, you should never again open that door without saying 'le refrigerateur.'" Pretty nifty, and especially good for helping you to remember whether objects are masculine or feminine, something that causes me quite a bit of frustration.
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