There are many grammar books on the market that try to kid learners into believing a language can be learned by osmosis; Maria Valgimigli's book on the other hand is clear, simple and really helps the learner to acquire an independence with the language, The reading passages may be a bit dated and simplistic, but the lay-out and explanations are excellent and really useful and the book is ideal for self study and the classroom situation. It would be great if this book had a tape for each of the lessons. Otherwise a very wise buy.