This was my first Dummies book.
Why on earth did I choose to read a Dummies book for learning Italian? Well, first I wanted to see how these books works and I thought that seeing how they present my own mother tongue would be the best way. Second, it's always interesting to see how foreigners learn Italian. I mean, what's difficult for them and what things get them confused. In addition, it's a reflection on Italian from a foreign student point of view. I mean, I've never though about the come se sentences before.
To be honest, I liked the first two book better. They presented the basic language even if I was a bit taken aback by the language they choose to present. I mean, truzzo?!? This word was used between my second and third year of high school (circa 1996-1998) and referred to a particular teen tribe. Buffalo shoes (those with a 10cm platform, perfect to walk across puddles), synthetic fabrics, skinny jeans and greasy hair seemed to be their must-have. Not a nice sight, I swear. If you say truzzo to an Italian teen nowadays, they will look at you with wide eyes because they don't know what it means.
Book V was a bit confusing. I don't know if it was me or if it was the book. I know subjunctive is hard but they made it confusing as heck, as well. SIGH!
Next Dummies book? Polish!