<p>I would go with Assimil French with Ease. It’s one of my favorite books. Also, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could always get Ultimate French Beginner-Intermediate.</p>
<p>Last summer I taught myself two years of French so I could place into French III H, and then I took the AP at the end of this year and got a 5. I"m not saying this to try and show off, I’m trying to show how effective those methods were. However, I still think the most important thing is to speak with natives or at least other learners (try sharedtalk.com or interpals.net), watch movies/tv in French, and read a lot. </p>
<p>If you want any more specific suggestions let me know. I can give you links to things or help you with anything else.</p>