French learning books, The best books to improve your French

So you want to learn French?
Books are a great source to learn or simply improve your French.
Unlike studying with computers they do not steal time from your daily schedule, you put the time you sitting on the buss or your lunch-break for improving your french.

There are two main types of books: Complete methods and exercise books.
These books usually come with a audio CD which can offer you invaluable assistance with pronunciation.

I would say if you are a complete beginner you are far better starting with a 'Method' book. as they offer a more round and complete approach to studying.

Method Books:
 I tried several books that I simply don't believe are worth mentioning.
the book which I found the most effective for learning French is:
ASSIMIL: New French With Ease
The book is structured with between 50-100 lessons (depending on the version)
Each of which has a dialog (with a corresponding audio file if you have your MP3 Player with you)
and an English translation on the other side of the page, after the dialog you have several exercises to complete.


Now I found it one of the most effective books to learn the general vibe vocabulary and basic grammar of French, it is convenient with all the answers translations and explanations readily available. Which is why you will most likely be able to find this book in your local library.
Or if you prefer you can also find it in amazon for 30$ and you have something to read on the plane!


Workbooks:
After I finished my Assimil book I decided I want something to ground in the rules grammar and conjugation.
Most workbooks I found were in French, which is alright, because by the time you start them you should already have the basics. (or simply a teacher to work them over with). 
Workbooks are usually rated in scales of A1-C2 after finishing Assimil I think I am roughly around A2-B1.

Workbooks are really a matter of personal choice, So I suggest you head to the bookshop or library and see them for yourself.
I particularly fond the A1 Grammaire en Dialogues (niveau grand dèbutant)
by Odile Grand-Clement
Don't let the title fool you as this book is perfectly fit for more experienced users too.
It comes with an audio CD and consists of dialogs, grammatical rules, and then exercises, then it features a test to see if you need to review some of the things in every chapter.




So, to conclude, Dig in your books! Bon Apatite