Evaluation:  
Conclusion: Not as I had hoped
Review: I ordered this hoping that I could give it to a highly motivated student in my class and have him go ahead of the class on his own. I did not find it able to meet either my or his expectations.
I forgot that I had it, but was able to return it easily---thanks to the generous return policy at Amazon.com.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: The Most Useful Spanish Grammar Reference I Own
Review: I bought this grammar reference as part of the TOPT study set by the same author. During my study, I found myself increasingly relying on this little red book as the fastest and easiest place to double-check my Spanish grammar. The whys and hows of Spanish grammar aren't buried in between long lists of vocabulary and workbook exercises. I can quickly and easily locate what I need to know, which is precisely what one needs in a reference book.
As a secondary Spanish teacher, I've found myself using this reference to augment and sometimes replace the grammar explanations found in the textbook. The clear and simple breakdown of Spanish grammar found in Spanish Grammar for Independent Learners works well with both my Spanish I and Spanish II students. With my beginning level students, the simple and clear explanation of the most basic parts of the language (usage of nouns, articles, adjectives etc.) has helped to clear up the confusion that the textbook explanation often leaves behind. With my second year students, I completely discarded the textbook for teaching preterite and imperfect and have used the explanations and ideas in SGIL to teach my students how to tell a story in the past. For myself, I've found that the section at the back of the book that lists verbs with all of their complements is something I don't want to be without.
From my beginning first year Spanish students to my own post-graduate study, I've found Spanish Grammar for Independent Learners to be the best grammar reference out there for all levels. It sits on my desk right beside my Oxford Spanish dictionary.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Perfect Starting Point and Indispensable Reference
Review: This book has been so useful to me, I had to write. When I started learning Spanish, I bought this and read it straight through (well, except for the appendices). It's a great overview of the language and I'm about to start over and read it again.
I use the conjugation tables almost every day instead of "501 Spanish Verbs" or the "Verb Manual."
It's so packed with what you need to know that if I had to pick one book to take on a trip, I'd have to think long and hard before choosing between this and a dictionary.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: I strongly recommend SGIL for intermediate spanish students
Review: I have been studying Spanish for about a year, taking Spanish classes in Mexico, Central America and South America. When not taking formal classes, I study on my own, using high school textbooks I find locally (e.g Peru), reading books and newspapers, watching T.V. and movies, and conversing with the locals. At this point, I would classify my proficiency as intermediate to advanced. Now that you know where I coming from here is my review.
The SGIL generally answers any question I have about Spanish grammer. It provides clear and concise explanations in English, with numerous examples in Spanish and English. The index and the page number references used throughout the text make it easy to quickly find any topic of interest. There is an extremely useful list of verbs with examples of different usages, meanings, complements, and modes for each verb. The only thing I have found not to like is that a few times I have looked for verbs in the verb list that were not there. Bottom line, I am very pleased with this purchase.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Innovative Approach designed for the self-learner
Review: There are a few things that you need to learn Spanish on your own.
Besides a Spanish verb conjugation book (501 Spanish Verbs - highly recommended), a Spanish/English dictionary, Spanish audio course (Learning Spanish Like Crazy - highly recommended), you'll need Spanish Grammar for Independent Learners. Alternatively, you can use the Practice Makes Perfect book series to learn the Spanish grammar. But if you are learning on your own you may like this one better. That's because this book was specifically made for the person that is learning Spanish on his own.
Although I sometimes have the opportunity to practice with native speakers, for the most part, I am learning on my own. This book is giving me plenty of value, especially by teaching me different self-correcting techniques that I can use in place of an instructor. Avigail Azoulay and Arie Vicente's self-correction method has also helped me build my confidence in speaking Spanish without the aid of a Spanish teacher.
If you are an independent learner, get this book, get 501 Spanish Verbs, and get Learning Spanish Like Crazy (Nivel Uno and Nivel Dos), and you'll learn plenty of Spanish without attending classes or having an istructor. If you are not an independent learner and need someone to keep you motivated to study, then you shouldn't even be considering this book.
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