Fantasmas del pasado (Paperback)

It’s difficult to find this type of reading material when you are first learning Spanish and wanting to try your hand at reading the language. This book is geared toward the intermediate level Spanish language student and I found it extremely interesting and helpful. The fact it covered all forms of past tense really helped me solidify my understanding of the conjugation. The story line was so interesting that I wanted to read every night. I found many words I didn’t know, and it introduced me to Spanish phrases which, in an English context, would make no sense, but the professor highlights these phrases that translate as “nonsense” to English speakers, and he gives a definition page at the end of every chapter. I’m looking forward to reading another of his books. But I plan to reread this book first because I listed the words I didn’t know, have reviewed them a few times, and hope to have them embedded in my head and reinforced with the second reading. It is a great way to refresh your memory of vocabulary you have learned from his books.

I loved this book. I recommend starting it when your whole day or evening is free, because it's a page-turner, and as it's not that long, it's perfect for binge-reading the whole thing in one sitting. It is especially important to read this book if you are aware of the objective fact that Juan is the best Spanish teacher in the world, because that enhances the experience. But even if you aren't familiar with the author, you will still enjoy this book, especially if you enjoy learning really useful expressions and grammatical structures that model the way real people actually speak (as opposed to the very dry and formal vocabulary you may have learned in Spanish class.)

First of all, thanks to Juan Fernández for another novel focused on teaching Spanish. This book has a fairly interesting story line. Sr. Fernández has a focus as much on instruction as entertainment but it is interesting enough to keep you reading. Each chapter is heavily laden with recaps of previous chapters, which I found a little irritating but I understand why it is there. If you want something to read that will expand your vocabulary and natural use of grammar, this is a good one. He uses much repetition of new words and phrases and includes a summary of these at the end of each chapter. This is my 3rd Fernández book to read and I must say I am eager for more at advanced levels. Four stars are for good didactic content rolled into a story.

Juan Fernandez put together an amusing story that demonstrates so much grammar in everyday use, new vocabulary and sayings,as well as the familiar - I enjoyed it a lot - Gracias a ti Juan !

Although I speak Spanish at a slightly higher level than its book, it was perfect for me. First the plot was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading.

Secondly, the "repetion" which some complained about was reassuring and reinforcing. Just a pretend example, is it darse cuanto de or cuenta de? By the time you finish you've got it.