Fluent in 3 Months by Benny Lewis

A new blueprint for fast language learning. Lewis argues that you don't need a great memory or "the language gene" to learn a language quickly, and debunks a number of long-held beliefs, such as adults not being as good of language learners as children. --

Everyone before reading this, “Does it work?!” There's no magic trick to learn a language, you have to study. There are tips and ideas on how to learn a language fast but it's all about the work you are willing to put in.

I thought this was a very interesting approach. Lewis puts an extreme emphasis on beginners making speaking practice with partners a priority and structuring your learning into learning the vocabulary, phrases, and a handful of verbs that will get you through first. Once you can handle rough conversations (B1 level) go back and start tackling the grammar. I think this deals with the motivation issues I had as a youth - French classes were “school” rather than a way to communicate with people. Living in a language puts an entirely different perspective on the work - I still need to work on my intermediate skills however and I still have a grammar block :/ (Lewis has suggestions! But still)

This book offers several practical tips about learning languages but to be honest I don't think there was a real need to write a whole book: the main takeaways could fit in medium-length blog post