Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I think that this "Quick and Simple" set of CDs is the best way to get started with Pimsleur products, rather than buying the more expensive, more comprehensive products right away. You'll get a sense of whether this is the route you want to go if you want to learn more Spanish. At the same time, it is worth knowing that there are other high-quality competing approaches (e.g. Platiquemos Spanish). The Quick and Easy CDs will expose you to the heart of what makes Pimsleur unique. The approach is based on (1) The Principle of Anticipation (a mastery technique that is different than rote recall), (2) Graduated Interval Recall (an approach that provides new stuff to memorize at optimal intervals), (3) Core Vocabulary (an efficient, optimal selection of a small number of key words that you need to know, as opposed to an extensive vocabulary), (4) and "Organic Learning" (learn speech, eg sound, rhythm, intonations, as opposed to a bunch of textbook gramatical rules). I should add that there's something subtly humorous about the content of the CDs, so if you have a sarcastic or wicked sense of humor, you won't be totally bored. Like many, I find the approach efficient and useful, and I have had lots of fun with the CDs as I drive around town blathering away in Spanish. But it really isn't the only game in town. For instance, if you are going to speak in Mexico, then Platiquemos has some advantages. Don't be fooled by the $50 coupon that comes with the CDs. In my experience, a much better price can be found using Amazon.com.