Merde, It’s Not Easy to Learn French: A Story In Easy French with Translation Volume 1 (The Merde Trilogy)

by France Dubin, Zoë Dubin (Illustrator)

In this book, the first in a trilogy, Helen, an energetic American woman, decides to learn French to get her brain working. For Helen, learning French is not easy, but it's an exciting adventure!

Reading a book in French can be difficult, even for advanced students. This fun novel, written in easy French, contains grammar exercises and a complete English translation. It's the perfect book to improve your French! It's recommended for both students and teachers.

this book contains adult language.

A note about the other books in the

Merde, French is Hard… But Fun! (Volume 2)
In the second book, Helen continues to learn French. Except now she has a to visit Paris to use her French!

Merde, I'm in Paris! (Volume 3)
In the third book, Helen finally lives her dream to see Paris. With a lot of humor, Helen tells us about her visiting the Orangerie Museum, the Père Lachaise cemetery, and other interesting places.

Genres: France, Language

92 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2019

About the author

If you want to improve your French, my books are for you.
I write fun books in easy French for adults.

Reviews

[Dave Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a good first french book, especially after having already studied general grammar. - it is however quite short. theres only 41 pages of french text, the rest are the english translations. and theres a lot of white space on each page. The good news is part two looks longer.

[Dr Dabbler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read, ideal for English-speaking adults who want to practice reading in French.
I think there were only two words that I didn't know in a text of over 5000 words. It uses present, passé composé, imparfait tenses and is in the form of diary entries of a person who decides to learn French. (No passé simple here.) It also provides useful phrases for conversation.

The author has interspersed little exercises, completely in the context of the protagonist's story. Given the language level of the text itself, they are largely revision for those reading as "extensive reading". However, the book can also be read "intensively" at lower skill levels, by making use of the complete translation and vocabulary, in which case, the exercises may be more useful.

There are humorous moments and a happy ending and there is a second volume to look forward to.

It's nice to see a growing list of FLE books for learners of all ages to choose from. This is one I recommend.

[Lethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book. I am level A2 and for me the speed was just about right. I knew most of the vocabulary used and there was a lot of repetition and review of verb conjugations and some grammar. The story was about as interesting as one can make a beginner level text. My complaint is with the audio book there is no included pdf with any English translation, vocab list or grammar exercises. It sounds like with the printed version you get these. I feel — as this is a language learning book — it should at minimum have a pdf of vocabulary with translation. While it was a useful exercise in listening comprehension, I think I would prefer the printed version.

[John Reschar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Great format. Easy to read and follow the French. Great way to learn entrenched in an interesting and funny story, one every student who has taken a frenc h course can relate to. My wish is for a sequel of the visit to France. Highly recommended

[Jazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I studied intermediate French but not practicing in over 10 years has made me forgot somethings. However this book made me feel confident. It was an easy read and loved the translation in case we didn't understand something.

[Paul Szydlowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this one on the overnight flight from Cincinnati to Paris. The title rings true, though this one was ideal for someone with a late beginner/early intermediate understanding of the language. It's written as a diary of her journey learning and living the French language and way of life.

[Jordan Pie · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a university french student, this was a great and fun book to read. already purchased the other books to follow along!

[Taotao Ouyang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lol

[Shannon Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Easy to read and a super fun story!

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Très mignon

J'ai acheté ce livre pour essayer d'apprendre le français.
J'aime ça, mais je n'ai pas appris la langue.
Will definitely check out the rest of the series.

[Ben Mizrahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice story in the form of a diary of an A1.1 French student, but way too short to my liking.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book for learners of French- beginner level but too easy for intermediate level and very short as well.

[Jerry Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a book in French!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic in making you learn French without you realising it.
There is a simple story, complete with plot and resolution, that is entirely in French. The back of the book contains the English translation. I read with 2 digital copies in front of me, switching after 1 chapter in French on one screen directly to its translation in English on the other screen.
The protagonist is learning French too. She decides to record her journey by writing in a French diary, which we get to read. We accompany her in her French life, even to her class to learn from her French teacher. We learn some vocabulary that's actually used in real life eg grocery lists, going to the gym, swears etc. The book can be finished in a day.
I don't have anything negative to say at all. I hope the author will write more.

[Sandy]

The perfect first book for beginners. The format is a diary entry of a 55 year old American woman trying to learn French. I appreciate the sense of humor; very relatable for those in a language learning journey.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great way to learn to read French. Using apps and textbooks is fine, but to sit down and really feel like I’m reading a regular book in another language is what my aim is, and this series really provides that. Thank you France Dubin!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this gem in a used bookstore, and thought I'd give it a try, since the other dual language novels I'd picked up were still too advanced for me. This was excellent for a beginner. It introduces new words, and makes sure to repeat them so you keep coming back to reinforce what you've learned. I read through it twice, and have ordered all of Dubin's other books.