There are not a lot of choice in finding a book on learning Lao, but I think I made an excellent choice! This book covers many topics on writing, reading, and speaking the language in a great step-by-step method. Being a tonal language, I would STRONGLY advise purchasing the CD (still in the old packaging - but with new CD cover art).
One part of the book I really took to heart was the advice to learn to read Lao and not become tied to the transliteration. However, my most enjoyable part is writing Lao onto various items and on labels around my home. I also have had a lot of fun practicing with my friends, some of whom are from the Isan region of Thailand and are familiar with Lao.