i hope i get some where learning out of the CDs. yup the books is a backup not an essential tool for learning. the ALL TALK decided on that tech which is you learn better by listening to explanation and conversation . it breaks down one single conversation to multiple lesson. it lacks repetion . the single italian word should be repeated more than twice. the mentionèd words listed in the text book in some order ( i didnt figure it yet what the hell the order is like that) that is different from the CDS. the order makes pay attention more to the audio to enhance first thd listening then the speaking skills.