Best Books to Learn Spanish

[@QrooSpanish]

Join the Qroo Crew for More Content www.skool.com/qroo Want to thank me? Buy me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/qroo

[@christsavesreadromans1096]

Jesus is the only way to be saved and enter eternal life, you should join His Catholic Church!

[@brianc-i2i]

A nice little bonus with the Madrigal book are the illustrations provided by an artist unknown at the time - Andy Warhol!

[@QrooSpanish]

I did not know that!

[@SkullsAndSugar]

I knew he did the illustrations but I didn't know it was before he was famous

[@kennethrjurekjr]

Looks like Andy became famous around 1962. The book was published in 1953 pretty neat! @@SkullsAndSugar

[@tommctague6282]

Absolutely agree with your selection. I"ve already got four out of the five and I'll be getting the other one. Maybe of interest, I would add the following book to your list. By Mark Cholij, it's called " Vamos Al Grano". A introduction to advanced Spanish usage (grammar and vocabulary). Well worth looking at!

[@alanguages]

I am sure there would have been a Magic Key to Italian and Magic Key to Portuguese, if it weren't for Margarita Madrigal losing the lawsuit, because of her co-author Sonia Bleeker plagiarizing the Russian work of Fedor I. Nikanov. It was reported Sonia did not even show up to court to testify, indicating her guilt.

[@gedwinstanley]

Breaking Out of Beginners Spanish isn’t just the greatest book ever written about Spanish, it’s the the greatest book written about any subject, any time, anywhere. And while I’m on the subject this is an excellent channel too!

[@QrooSpanish]

That's quite a review! You aren't the author, are you? Just kidding. ;)

[@kbats8332]

Just started working through Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish (purchased via your link!). I couldn't agree more with you Paul. Excellent method of correlating Spanish and English. I watched your Cero to Conversational Lesson 1 previously and loved how you discussed the cognate tricks. Thanks for sharing your tips on best books!

[@jhonyermo]

Thanks again Paul. Had the first 3 and just ordered the last two you mentioned Used your link too. Muchísimas gracias. Hot damn. Yeah, glad to be a crew-member. HINT! Being a crew member is so worth it.

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks!

[@annemiddleton2799]

What's a Crew Member?

[@monarene44]

501 Spanish Verbs helped me very much, and of course a very good Spanish English dictionary. Reading books or magazines in Spanish and watching movies in Spanish is also helpful. I listened to hundreds of hours of Spanish language CDs. Living in the Dominican Republic for 18 months (or any Latin American country) after four semesters of college Spanish will just about guarantee a high level of fluency.

[@student5487]

I will check for the first book. I used spanish verb tenses and the other book on pronouns like 20 plus years ago. Excellent books for intermediate students. However, I do not like the structure of the recent edition of Spanish verb tenses, particularly with the you-all construction. However, I still use it for my students. Native English speakers MUST read Spanish verb tenses. 😂..thank you!. Once you are grounded in grammar and have a vocabulary of 5-7 thousand words, you should be able to have good conversations on common topics. More technical/scientific language educators are needed..

[@kazhdomusvoyo7924]

What about audio to these books? None?

[@QrooSpanish]

Perhaps, but I haven't personally seen that option.

[@bonnyjanineweil9589]

I never buy Spanish books because there's so much available online and also I have a great notebook I've kept from one of the language schools I attended… But because it's your recommendation that goes along way! So I bought the Madrigal book. Looking forward to those illustrations!

[@markwhite4275]

Thanks Paul. Just finished all of your videos today and am planning to go through them all again from beginning to end as a refresher. Great stuff! Muchas gracias!

[@alynmahoney]

How do you recommend using the first book you mentioned? I bought it a while back but have only looked at it a couple times to see if it had info on a specific question I had.

[@QrooSpanish]

You're not the first person who has asked me that so I'll do a video on it this week.

[@davidhsherrod]

I'm a bit into Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish now, and I really love this book! Thanks so much for the suggestion! I ordered the newest version of Spanish Verb Tenses and am looking forward to devouring it next!

[@LawrenceNixon-u8b]

i just ordered these spanish books. creo que estos libros me ayuden. oops. yes, i need to practice. i enjoy your videos. happy 2024.

[@carltoni.2907]

Hi, any preferences so far? 😅

[@cachecow]

I'm a huge fan of Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish

[@southtxguitarist8926]

Same. It's the one I recommend to anyone who is learning Spanish, although so many young people won't read a book; they rely on Duolingo, etc.

[@ghostfrm]

@@southtxguitarist8926 is the fact that it only uses the “Usted” form instead of “Tu” get in the way of learning or no?

[@southtxguitarist8926]

@@ghostfrm I would say it's not ideal. I understand why she does it that way, especially as the book is 70 years old, but I would go ahead and include all the tenses with the caveat that you need to be careful with the familiar.

[@tensaijuusan4653]

I bought the first book you mentioned on your advice and it is indeed a treasure trove of useful information. I found the graded series of novels by Argentine Author Paco Ardit, from level A1 up to C2, useful as well and am currently reading at C1 level. I try to stick with Mexican Spanish but I have had next to no problem reading these enjoyable and amusing books. Are there any similar Mexican novels like this you could recommend?

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks for sharing that. I can't think of any Mexican novels that I would recommend. I read in Spanish, but they are often translations of novels written in other languages.

[@southtxguitarist8926]

I'm a fan of Isabel Allende. She's not easy to read because her vocabulary seems pretty advanced (I keep a dictionary at hand and have to use it at least once every two sentences on average), but she is a vivid author and deals with adult topics.

[@janaslechtova5504]

Thank you for another great video! Commenting "for the algorithm", because you deserve the new viewers, followers and success, but also because you deserve the praise!

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks for that!

[@robinsierra1029]

I am new to your channel and I just want to let you know that these are the best Spanish lessons that I’ve ever found on KZbin. Thank you so much for doing this and making it free.

[@QrooSpanish]

Thank you! 😃

[@vamosspañol]

Qroo, I want to ask you a question. For example, if you're someone that has attained a certain level of fluency in Spanish on your own, let's say "B2"... And along the line, you happen to stumble upon these books, would you still buy them and read them? Would it still be necessary? Because I think at that level, all that's needed is just complete exposure to the language and such, no? I would like to get your opinion on this. Thanks for all you do.

[@Lillychanshiteiru]

What about 501 Spanish verb. I want review on it. Should I buy it.

[@CosmicBrownie35]

If you want to learn very basic words and how to say stuff im telling you el nombre es Nacho: Libro Inicial de Lectura everyone in the dominican read it to thier kids

[@paulbradford6475]

Paul: I have four of your recommended books except for the Keenan edition. I'll add that one to my library. The Madrigal book is excellent and it's been around since the 50's.

[@jprozehd506]

Bought the first book you showed us through your link! I’m sure you get asked this all the time, but will Duolingo and listening to Spanish music really help me learn Spanish? My roommate at college is from the Dominican Republic and Id love to speak with him in his native language. Thank you!

[@jamesfreese4700]

Gracias for the books and link to amazon!!!! another good y informative video!!!

[@janaslechtova5504]

All five of these are going on my Christmas wish list right now! Also, thank you for the British Amazon link for those of us who are in Europe!

[@caro1591]

Very easy to get cheap second hand copies in the UK - except for the super-duper reference guide.

[@janaslechtova5504]

@@caro1591 On Amazon, or what site? Because I'm in the Czech Republic, and I need a site that delivers to my country.

[@charleneangelo2122]

Hola Paul. Do you have a link for Amazon MX for your top 5 books? I just ordered the first one, but since I'm already in Mexico I had to use Amazon MX.

[@annemiddleton2799]

Yes, I need that as well. Thanks and great videos. I just signed up yesterday

[@shamimgough1714]

Hi, it's me again living in Spain. The last 2 books are the ones I've used and all the following ones before and after. They are fabulous. I could highly recommend it❤🎉

[@JLZwissRN1950]

Thanks Paul! I have been using the first two recommended on your list along with the latest edition of Barron’s 501 Verb book. I’m definitely going to check out the other three books.

[@QrooSpanish]

Fantastic!

[@JLZwissRN1950]

@@QrooSpanish I also shared this link with Spanish Homework group in San Miguel de Allende!

[@leahlion851]

Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish is my favorite book, ever. Great video; thank you.

[@bookerdog1234]

Is there a common rule that applies to speaking Cuban Spanish?

[@daveboberg]

I bought Madrigal through your link and can't wait to receive it. Me encantan sus videos!

[@EntreJordan]

Verb tenses book has an updated edition. May want to adjust your buy link

[@fathertime209]

Any chance you could do a deep dive on that first book that you recommended? A video specifically outlining what's in this book and where to find it and how to use it? I just ordered it and I'm very excited. Thank you very much for all your helpful videos here on KZbin...🙏

[@QrooSpanish]

A few people have asked me to do that so I am planning on doing that this week. I have a video to finish for my other channel first and then I'll film it.

[@fathertime209]

@@QrooSpanish Thanks! You're awesome!

[@glendastucker8267]

I just ordered 4 of the books…from your links.. I already own Routledge Reference Grammars and it has been my go to so far!

[@QrooSpanish]

I hope you enjoy the others as much. Thanks for using the links. Take care.

[@carsonnova4193]

On month 4 of my journey, your videos have helped me so much, you really are the best on KZbin. I will be getting a few of these books :)

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. You made my day. I'm so happy to hear that my videos have helped you.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

All great books, Pablito. The prepositions, pronouns and articles are not worthless in the beginning but they may not pay off until you revisit them after going out and getting your ass kicked a few times. They are not so trivial if you seek to eliminate doubts and hesitations. They can change the meaning of verbs greatly like with acabar + con, acabar + por, acabar + de. I'm sorry but knowing the infinitive of acabar isn't going to help with that!

[@katecarterbrown1927]

I cant find any links? I am in Spain 😂

[@QrooSpanish]

I don't have any for your area. You'll have to do a search for the titles.

[@davidhsherrod]

I have the 5th book, although 2nd not 4th edition. Another in this series I've enjoyed is simply called "Spanish Conversation" - lessons and exercises. Started working through it again at the start of the fall.

[@QrooSpanish]

I'll check out that book you mentioned.

[@RAKESHKUMAR-ms3jl]

Please tell me the name of this book

[@toonarmy1946]

Qroo,if you could only afford to buy one book,which one would it be?

[@sheilawiora9472]

I just ordered all of them! Thank you!

[@martinogbu4221]

Waaoo, interesting... Algorithm hacking

[@santhoshkumar-kq3de]

Very helpful. Thank you very much

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks for watching and commenting. :)

[@mariasamartzi3138]

unfortunately the fourth book is out of stock everywhere. Only e-book is available

[@QrooSpanish]

That's too bad.

[@clownpocket]

Is it worth getting these books on Kindle? I travel by motorcycle full time.

[@QrooSpanish]

Yes, I think so.

[@theresapuckett7786]

Muchas gracias. Acabo de comprar dos del cincos libros. Me encanta su canal! 💜

[@cigartuber]

The workbook that goes along with Modern Grammar, with answers , is indispensable. You can start the workbook which references the grammar section of the book. Except for you it is the best way to improve your intermediate to advance understanding of Spanish!

[@martio10]

Que pena que ya poseo todos esos libros. Es cierto que necesito userl0s más. Una pregunta... ¿Qué diccionarios usas? Mis favoritos son: 1 -- Word Reference to be sureSpanishDict, especially for beginners as it also has lots of lessons on common vocabulary at all levels.

[@kavitasheorain5567]

Hi!! I live in India n I want to purchase two books. 1. Routledge Reference Grammer 2. Breaking out of beginner spanish Do you have like that works on Indian Amazon? If you want to set one up , I can wait for a week. :) I highly value your lessons , I have taken like 6 of them right when I started my Spanish learning. They have been of immense help. I am studying on my own for some time and will watch your lessons when I have progressed little bit. Everytime I encounter something unfamiliar like tengo hambre, lavanto los manos.. I'm like.. oh yeah. Qroo Paul was telling it's not literal translation but a variation like this and this. You have truly mastered the structure of spanish language. And you are one of the top teacher's on YT. I am almost finished with Madrigal book and it has truly propelled my beginner to A2 (approx) within two months. I'm on my day 114 and want to keep this moment going. I take your words as gold standard :) :)

[@johnpritchard5410]

teachers love Margarita Madrigal, and the charming illustrations by Andy Warhol!

[@strong60s]

I might recommend the Madrigal's Magic book as it reminds me of the Pimsleur method. My only hesitation is that there is no use of the "tu" form of verbs...at all! Not practical for learning Latin Spanish. Otherwise, it's an interesting way to present the information.

[@teamtdm4life704]

Hi Paul, thank you for your hard work and dedication to our learning Spanish, you are very generous ❤🎉! Quick question: why do they call this Spanish tense el Pretérito Indefinido if we know exactly when the action ended ( last year, 3 days ago, etc.)? Just curious, thank you, again! 😊

[@QrooSpanish]

That is an interesting question. I've never really thought about it.

[@bonnyjanineweil9589]

I have the exact same question!

[@teamtdm4life704]

Almost feel like El Pretérito Imperfecto should be called el Pretérito Indefinido😉

[@Daniel-gj1fx]

Hi Paul, just a selfish video suggestion... I would love for you to make a video on the use of "hacer falta". It's confusing to me, and I know that if you explain it, then I will finally understand it; it's root and it's many uses, and why people use it. Thank you in advance :).

[@luke11.35]

¡Hola mi amigo! No recuerdo si antes vi este video, pero compré todos estos libros menos un. No tengo el libro "Breaking out of beginner's Spanish" así que lo compré y algunos otra libros en diferente temas ahora misma con su enlace a decir gracias. Me gusta tu videos. Vive en Tampa, Florida y quiero a hablar con más gente. Cuando usted dijo ¿lo que cuanto tiempo necesitas para aprender español? entonces yo dijé a mismo «¡aprenderé español empezar ahora mismo!» ¡Muchas gracias otra vez! What I *think* I was incorrectly saying: Hello my friend! I don't remember if I saw this video, but I bought all these books except one. I don't have the book "Breaking out of beginner's Spanish" so I bought it & some other books on different subjects with now with your link to say thanks. I like your videos. I live in Tampa, Florida & want to talk with more people. When you said how much time you needed to learn Spanish then I said to myself "I will learn Spanish starting right now!" Many thanks again!

[@Sifatullahsolo]

thank u

[@southtxguitarist8926]

I've purchased Madrigal's book for several people who are learning Spanish. It has stood the test of time!

[@RM-jb2bv]

Thanks for the info. Most of the YT language learning community has ditched ‘nuts and bolts’ lessons and grammar in favor of Comprehensible Input. I have 2 of the titles you mentioned, and like your videos, they are a HUGE time saver bc they explain difficult concepts in plain terms instead of having to figure them out through CI osmosis.

[@annemiddleton2799]

Thanks for your comment. What books do you have? I am trying to learn and speak Spanish

[@QrooSpanish]

Thank you very much.

[@icanspeaklikeanative]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@yongyutang2453]

I actually have all of these except Madrigal’s Magic Key. 😅

[@QrooSpanish]

You have a nice selection of books!

[@ramidos007]

Which is the most appropriate for beginners?

[@QrooSpanish]

Madrigal's Magic Key.

[@signorferrari9103]

Thanks Paul! I'm ordering one of the books now - more later.

[@swimsterx]

Thank you! I will definitely buy those books. I watch and listen to your videos every day. Thank you for making them!! 👍

[@user-zy8ct8yr7n]

Wasn’t able to cut and paste your link to the books

[@QrooSpanish]

They should have been clickable links.

[@Sara-sn6lg]

I have all of these books Sir, but I don't know why I cannot focus to finiah per books😅 just trying to jump from one to another.

[@southtxguitarist8926]

I'm an old guy with lifelong ADHD. I HIGHLY recommend going through the Madrigal book from page one to the end, even if only do it for five minutes per day.

[@Sara-sn6lg]

Thank you. I wasn't clinically diagnosed with ADHD but I suspect I had it. Thanks for the recommendation, will try it.

[@spanishinput]

Hi, Paul. I'd like to know your thoughts about Madrigal vs. Language Transfer vs. Michel Thomas. All 3 follow the same main idea. At least for me, Language Transfer is the most up-to-date and usable. I found Madrigal to be full of uncommon words. Some were so uncommon, I don't know them, and I'm a native speaker. BTW, congratulations on your channel growth! You should be reaching 100K subscribers before the year ends.

[@QrooSpanish]

I'm not familiar with the other two. I just checked out your channel. You are creating quality content. I wish you good luck. :)

[@SerenaBrann]

I’m curious, could you provide some examples on which words were uncommon to you?

[@spanishinput]

@@SerenaBrann First chapter: I have no idea what "El permanente" means. I have a vague idea what "candor" could mean. I have an idea what "afable" and "laudable" could mean, but I've never ever read or heard them. I'll stop here. The book is just full of words that are easy to learn, not words that are useful to learn.

[@southtxguitarist8926]

Your channel is excellent! Both my wife and I are professional educators, and you have a very well-organized approach.

[@paros320]

Bought them all 😂. After many false starts with Spanish since 2019, I’m finally about to break out of beginner this year.

[@QrooSpanish]

This is your year!

[@NikhchansGaming]

Thank you for this list of books! One of my colleagues is going to work in USA and Mexico, so Mardigal's Magic Key to Spanish would be a perfect book to gift him. Sorry I couldn't use your link because I'm not from those regions.

[@QrooSpanish]

That's a great book.

[@WC4WCRN]

Been SLOWLY trying to learn. Had one of your books recommended. Ordered the 4. Thanks.

[@QrooSpanish]

I think they all have a lot to offer. Thanks for following the channel and good luck on your journey to master Spanish.

[@drmshewa]

Thanks for the book references. I've been struggling with verb tenses

[@QrooSpanish]

Happy to help. :)

[@gg4358]

Does anyone have recommendations on Spanish books that are intermediate level and are books about stories/fiction, rather than books directly about learning Spanish?

[@QrooSpanish]

This book was one of the best I have read in the last 10 years: amzn.to/3uNCE91

[@slfullen]

So glad I took your advice about the reference guide. Worth every penny . I’ve moved into advanced intermediate and am really exploring more nuances of Spanish! Answers all my questions.

[@QrooSpanish]

That's great to hear! That book is full of tips and language hacks.

[@msand63]

Hi Paul, long time listener, first time commenter. Thanks for all your instructive content for learning Spanish.

[@QrooSpanish]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment.

[@ranthonybab8670]

Gracias! Best English to Spanish dictionary? Paper book not online

[@QrooSpanish]

Not sure about paper, the bet online one is this: www.wordreference.com/

[@tobiathon]

Excellent video, Paul. I really appreciate you making this.

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks for watching. Take care.

[@BernardGreenberg]

Had 2, ordered another through your link. Love your channel!

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks!

[@AndreAngelantoni]

If one were to buy only one of Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish or Breaking Out of Beginner Spanish, which one? Not quite clear what's different about them (though it sounds like you prefer Madrigal's).

[@QrooSpanish]

If you are an absolute beginner, go with Madrigal's. If you have some basics under your belt already, go with Breaking Out.

[@davidhsherrod]

Great question, Andre, and super helpful response, Paul! Purchased Breaking Out based on this through your link. Also pre-ordered Verb Tenses (next edition) after clicking on your current link. I think that still credits you something, if Amazon hasn't changed their affiliate rules since I last reviewed them...

[@AndreAngelantoni]

@@QrooSpanish thank you

[@msjaejontelle]

Thank you so much for this video. I will be adding to cart in the near future😊

[@QrooSpanish]

You are so welcome!

[@me-sd1sq]

Do you have any recommendations for audiobooks? Gracias!

[@QrooSpanish]

Do you mean stories in Spanish?

[@me-sd1sq]

@@QrooSpanish that would be good, but an instructional book for beginners if it's out there would be better for me. Muchas gracias!

[@andreewoodson]

Thanks for the tip, Paul. I just used the links in the video to order 3 of the 5.

[@QrooSpanish]

Awesome, thanks!

[@stevevoyles3816]

I just woke up one morning and started speaking spanish..i know that is hard to believe, but check this out..hola means hello, adios means good bye..😮😮

[@Mtfrederick]

The only thing missing from Madrigal is your favorite subjuntivo!!

[@QrooSpanish]

Yes, that's true!

[@jhonyermo]

Page 394-410. Chapter 41. Title is The Present Subjunctive. Page 411-423. Chapter 42 Title is The Past Subjunctive. Right there in good old Madrigal. 😀 I refer to it now and then.

[@Mtfrederick]

​@@jhonyermoyep. At the very end. 😅

[@glendastucker8267]

Margarita Madrigal…author of Madrigals Magic Key to Spanish….must have had a ex-someone named Roberto….in most of her translation exercises, he is referred to as lazy, incompetent, etc….but a good dancer! I find it hilarious! I’m finding the book VERY useful and enjoyable to read and understand despite the fact it was originally written 60 years ago! Just wondering…..why isn’t the tú form of conjugations ever discussed in the book?

[@QrooSpanish]

You can get by in Latin American Spanish without using the tú form. It is a very polite Spanish. Eliminating an entire conjugation does make it easier for beginners. I tend to take a different approach. I teach beginners the tú form right away because it is so much easier than the usted form for several reasons. It gives them confidence and gets them talking to folks faster. The native speakers know they are just learning Spanish so no one is ever offended by the use of that tense. The focus is on communication.

[@southtxguitarist8926]

She does discuss the tú form briefly towards the end of the book. My experience is much different than Paul's because I started learning formal Spanish in 3rd-6th grades in El Paso, TX in 1964 (it was required), but didn't get serious about studying it until I was an adult. I've found that native Spanish speakers sometimes DO get offended if you use the tú form. I work PT at a big box home improvement store and I get a LOT of Spanish speaking customers from various countries. I always start with the polite form unless the person is teens/early 20's (or younger), and then sus it out from there. I also have surmised that as a male using tú with females can be perceived as me hitting on them, which is obviously not good in a business setting.

[@kristydassow6724]

Do these books come with any links to videos as well?

[@QrooSpanish]

I don't believe so.

[@LatinAmericanSpanish-wl1mb]

Another great video Paul, thanks for the recommendations! FYI: When talking, your audio & visual looks out of sync, so I'd suggest checking into that so that your videos can become even better than they already are. Also, not sure if you're aware, but Amazon requires that affiliates include a written disclosure next to affiliate links - else you risk being cancel from their program. And I don't want that to happen to you, so just a heads up to review their terms of service because they are very strict - especially with people on KZbin.

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks. I'm not sure why the video and audio are out of sync on your end. It shows fine on my end. I checked on a few devices and resolutions as well (I am in a class with some helpful classmates). What type of device are you watching it on? Thanks for the heads up on the affiliate links. I'll review the policy and make changes.

[@LatinAmericanSpanish-wl1mb]

@@QrooSpanish Windows laptop. Oh well, guess video can be fickle like that sometimes.

[@lisadeharthansen7076]

Thank you.

[@QrooSpanish]

You're welcome!

[@annemiddleton2799]

Thanks!

[@QrooSpanish]

Thank you! :)

[@annemiddleton2799]

@@QrooSpanish You had mentioned purchasing books via on your link. I'm in Mexico and I was wondering in you have a linki for Mexico to purchase those books. I'm new to your channel and so far I connect the most to your approach and lessons.

[@QrooSpanish]

No, not for Mexico Amazon. I really should set one up. You can still find them via their search bar though. I do appreciate you looking to use my links though.

[@brianchambers1399]

I would highly recommend a pair of work books by Marcial Prado, Practical Spanish Grammar and Advanced Spanish Grammar ... although published in 1997 or thereabouts, they are still very good for establishing a sound base. I am self-taught but with extensive background in French, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese, but I feel that even a complete beginner to language acquisition will find these two books to be accessible and enjoyable-my Spanish really took off as I worked my way through them, and I still pick them up for the occasional refresher. I would also recommend following along in print with an audiobook (preferably by a Spanish speaking author)-don't stop to translate, you will gradually get a feel for the shape, rhythm and pronunciation, and develop an ear for frequency of vocabulary which can be explored separately ...

[@QrooSpanish]

Thanks for the recommendations.

[@supercrass]

Nice one. Gracias!