The authors transform learning French vocabulary and grammar into an excursion into the rich culture of France and the French-speaking world, with special sections on history, literature, and shared expressions in English. Titles in Barron`s extensive Painless Series cover most subjects taught on middle school and high school levels, and are written for students who find the subjects unusually difficult and confusing - or in some cases, just plain boring. Painless Series authors, all of them experienced educators, are experts at clearing up aspects of their subjects that students are likely to find confusing. These books also perk up students` interest by emphasizing the attention-catching ways in which the subjects can be put to practical use. Most Painless Series titles take a light-hearted approach to their subjects, and all of them present fun-to-solve challenges with puzzles, games, and Brain Tickler problems.