Visual Phrase Book: Mandarin Chinese (EW Travel Guide Phrase Books)

Wonderful value, even if you dont have a proclivity for learning new languages. Repeat 15 to 20 minutes a day, though it may not stick in your head at first, along with a little immersion and this repetition, face-time with people you care about and you are there! I found that after a couple month's break I still had considerable recall and I definitely had more confidence than before.