Complete Modern Persian Book/CD Pack

Enjoyable and useful, but far from perfect - Rated
I have certainly learnt a lot with this book but there are some things about it which left me quite dissappointed. First of all there are many words which you can't be sure how to read because nowhere in the book can you find the vowel signs to read them (not even in the dictionary in the end). Also, it makes no sense to ask the student to form sentences using the present perfect when this tense has not been introduced yet (examples of exercises demanding vocabulary or grammar which is not introduced until some lessons afterwards are numerous). Because of this and some other things I realised that the best way to learn with this book is actually skipping anything you don't understand (no matter how bitter the feeling you may get from this), go through the whole book and then start again from lesson 1. Many things will be much clearer.

A great start for beginners - Rated
I have just received this book/CD pack through the post and am pleasantly surprised at the layout and introduction. The book uses the Nastaliq style of writing which apparently is most popular in Iran. It gives cultural information and introduces the student not only to verb tenses, irregularities and useful vocabulary but also focuses on the written/reading element of learning Farsi. It begins by introducing the student to the alphabet in a clear and concise manner. The only criticism I have is there is less attention focused on grammar, however it is a great tool for beginners wanting to learn the basics.