Our Geese Have Gone, Level 2: 500 Words Level (Chinese Breeze Graded Reader Series) Paperback – 1 Jan. 2009

I have read all of the Chinese Breeze series (15 at the time of writing). I had little Chinese knowledge beforehand and wanted to learn without just trying to memorise words and characters. Initially the progress was very slow, but I now look back and am amazed at the progress I have made which is due to the graded reader style. The stories are straightforward and crafted to introduce new characters and words and then repeat them over the subsequent few pages. The two speed CD is also excellent as it helps to get used to a native Chinese speaker pronouncing the characters at a speed that can be followed. I did feel that the series could have more advanced levels, but I found other graded reader books which seem to do that job. If I was to make any criticism then it would be that there are a couple of typos and a couple of missed words in some of the recordings, but its nothing.

I've read the whole series (1rst and 2nd level). People who want to read Chinese texts read Chinese characters without pinyin or translation, but can search the words in a dictionnary with the help of audio files; The audio quality is very good and you can choose the reading speed (slow or nornal), yhich is very useful. The books are very well made: well graded language and interesting stories even for adults. This concrete one is very good,

I have to be honest, I tried reading this book after finishing a few of the Mandarin Companion series. I quickly discovered I didn't care about geese and wasn't motivated to read about them. I would recommend you look elsewhere if this book is anything to go by. It's only plus is it comes with an audio CD (and actual CD!). Though Mandarin Companion have their books on audible if you have that.

Book has arrived in excellent condition