Real Spanish. Real people. Real stories.
Novels and guides for adults who want to learn Spanish the way the brain actually likes it: through stories, not grammar drills. From complete beginners to upper beginners.
See the books ↓
I didn't learn English in school.
I spent years memorising grammar rules, making lists of verbs and doing boring drills. I couldn't understand movies, and speaking? Forget it. So I gave up, for a while.
Then I started doing what I loved most: reading stories and watching shows. Not to study, just to enjoy. That's when I started to understand. That's when I finally started speaking. In a few months I learned more than in all those years of classes.
- Studied
- Forced
- Acquired, naturally
That's why I write stories. A man who sold his soul. An alien lost in a Spanish Christmas. A carnival trip across the Hispanic world. You read, you enjoy… and you understand. Even if you're a beginner.
How to Speak Spanish with a Narco, a Philosopher and a Real Human
For people who are tired of apps that don't work. Why your brain freezes, the 5% grammar rule, a conversation blueprint you can steal, and a story built in.
- The book, plus Spanglish stories and private extras
- A free 30-minute Spanish Speaking Roadmap with me
Spanish novels for learners
Short, funny stories with a glossary and the most common words repeated, so you remember them without effort.
Juan Nadie
A mysterious, slightly dark story about a man who sold his soul. 200+ basic words you'll remember without trying, a full glossary and short grammar notes.
Get it on AmazonPesadilla de Navidad en Madrid
Christmas in Madrid through the eyes of an alien trying to understand humans. Playful and festive, with 200+ common words and the expressions people really use in Spain.
Get it on AmazonLa vida es una carnaval
Pure movement, colour and energy. Travel across Hispanic celebrations with an alien who is more human than most humans, and feel the language as the fiestas unfold.
Get it on Amazon
Semana Santa Sangrienta: the chaotic, cinematic one
Mystery, religion, culture and twists, with famous names popping up where you least expect them (yes, there's an alien disguised as Enrique Iglesias). An illustrated story with a glossary after each chapter, comprehension activities and an ending you won't see coming.
Coming soon
3 Spanish booklets for beginners, free
Tired of scattered resources? Three step-by-step booklets (A1, A2.1 and A2.2): grammar, vocabulary and everyday phrases made simple, so you can start speaking from day one. Tell me where to send them.
- 20 well-structured units
- Perfect for learning at your own pace
- Audio activities and real-life dialogues
- Links to online exercises
- Introduce yourself, order food, describe people
- Hold basic conversations
Reading is the start. Speaking is the goal.
When you're ready to use your Spanish with real people, book a 30-minute Roadmap (symbolic price: $20) with me.
Book my Roadmap ($20) →— Monica Bernabe Perez