Dr. Blair's Spanish in No Time: The Revolutionary New Language Instruction Method That's Proven to Work!

by Robert Blair, Various (Reading)

<!--StartFragment--> You're on vacation in the Caribbean when you find yourself caught up in a web of intrigue and adventure. Suddenly, it's up to you to save the island from an eccentric local industrialist-and success will depend on your ability to learn enough Spanish to complete your mission ... .
Say adios to the notion that learning a language can't be fun. DR. BLAIR'S SPANISH IN NO TIME uses compact-disc audio (and a bonus CD-ROM for optional reading/writing practice) to get you speaking Spanish more quickly and enjoyably than you ever thought possible.

With DR. BLAIR'S SPANISH IN NO TIME, you will:

Immediately learn Spanish that you can use in real situations
Learn the practical applications you need
Develop vocabulary through entertaining stories and games
Master easy and effective memory tricks
Discover ways to practice on your laptop while traveling


Whether you're a businessperson, student, or traveler, whether you're brushing up on a forgotten language or just interested in learning a new one, DR. BLAIR'S SPANISH IN NO TIME teaches you the skills you need at the pace you want, jump-starting your study with a variety of methods that keep the experience fun, fresh and motivating.

Why rely on old, out-dated techniques to learn a new language? DR. BLAIR'S SPANISH IN NO TIME offers the up-to-the-minute advantages that you won't hear anywhere else! <!--EndFragment-->

Genres: Spanish Literature, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Language

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
For the Scottish poet, go to Robert Blair.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy, but the theory is decent. Actually pretty helpful.

[E.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable way to practice some Spanish learning. It went beyond the usual memorization and repetition to include stories and games. It included sections predominantly in English with the Spanish words thrown in to allow you to determine the meaning from context. This was then followed by a reveal of the meaning so you could confirm or correct your interpretation. For example, you went to the aeropuerto (airport) and bought your boleto (ticket) for your vuelta (flight). Once on the avion (plane), you put your maleta (bag) above the seat while standing in the pasillo (aisle).
I found the section with the repetition of the silly, nursery rhyme annoying but otherwise thoroughly enjoyed it and learned some new words.
Highly recommend as a change from the usual monotonous repetition of language learning tapes.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually add books like this to my list, but I felt compelled to make sure this one counted and to support it with rating. I've struggled for almost half a year with babel and digging out old text books trying to reacquaint and actually learn Spanish this time around. Feeling very little progress I've turned to trying out different audiobook lessons to see if a different style will help.

When I started this my first thought was "what the HECK is this?" By the end of the first couple lessons I was hooked. This approach is so incredibly approachable to my brain. While I definitely need to visit it more than once as I am a slow learner (clearly) not once did I feel overwhelmed and frustrated with this. I am VERY thankful for this. I wish there are more editions for me to move onto when I'm completely comfortable with this.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting way for any beginning Spanish learners. You are pulled into a story where you apply what you learn at the very end to finish “a mission.” I wouldn’t recommend it for intermediate or advanced Spanish learners (it’s slow and boring), but this would be good for someone who knows only a handful of Spanish or has taken Spanish level 1 and/or 2. It goes at a challenging pace for beginners and uses a lot of useful phrases and unique vocabulary.

One thing I’d keep in mind is that they don’t really teach you about the differences between formal and informal uses of Spanish, such as the difference of tú and usted, until near the end. Make sure you research these differences so it can give you a heads up as you’re learning phrases. ¡Buena suerte!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book presents a fictional situation in which you are stuck in a foreign country and you need to practice spanish to help the general. The challenge is helpful for kids but could be a bit dull for adults.
The phrases were quite basic and only useful for beginners and kids.
The translation and voice over work is done well. The pacing and word selections are easy to follow.

[Juliet K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes fun, but often too fast and a little painful.

Still, I liked the use of mixed-language sentences and the practice of a/some/the/that/those/these interchangeably ... but if it’s your introduction to Spanish, it will feel overwhelming.

A good second / third / fourth “introductory” practice.

3 1/2 which I’ll round to 4 for the poetry-loving sharks.

[Matt McLain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to freshen up on some Spanish. I love this style of intermixing English and Spanish in the sentences and stories. Even if you don’t know the word, the context helps you figure it out. This book in addition to my nightly DuoLingo has helped me not only improve on a new language but fall asleep! The perfect combo.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting way to learn Spanish. Although I knew majority of the words in this book, I found it engaging because you are learning through real world context. In order to complete your secret mission you are provided with vocabulary memorization activities that will later help you crack the case. I wouldn’t mind listening to a part two.

[Kristin Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook from library Overdrive. A very good refresher tool to help me with Spanish. The repetitive practice as well as the explanations and the Spanglish stories were helpful.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for learning Spanish! Will listen again! Learned really well this way.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not my style of learning at all but may be great for some. If you love context clues and trying to figure things out without just being told, you’ll like it.

[Heather Heckman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, I think Duolingo is better, but this gave me some variety.

[Carlissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook does not replace an actual course in Spanish, but should be used as a fun way to learn some new words and reinforce words you already know. I did enjoy their method of combining English and Spanish in the stories and then practice sessions after the story. It's good for listening to in the car or while doing housework, etc. I wish there was a more advance version of this audio also.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the method of this program. The combination of english and spanish and learning in context worked really well. It is just not enough by itself, but I don't think any of the recorded programs I have done are enough.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this entertaining Spanish course. It was based on a story of a mysterious force that altered radio transmissions and changed people's behaviour. in order to solve the mystery, I had to learn Spanish!
It's king of hokey but it helped!

[Mallorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun way to learn!