It is not required. I've been homeschooled since 4th grade (public schools in Texas are not good). I like the book, it is clear for the most part, except for a couple of places. It has 2 audio tracks with it, translations, Russian to English dictionary and an English to Russian one too. It also has pronunciations.
Why would it be a bad choice? Also, wouldn't the fact that it was written by a native speaker make it even better?