I think it depents of the person and how much does this person want to learn to play the game.
As like the most things in life, you have to give from your time to learn. Cause its easy in the lessons, they giving you the most right choice to make in the current situation. But some of the situations are so different from the things you are reading for.
So, you have to learn from your mistakes and get more experience on the tables.
It will be not quicky but it will be easier for you as your friend explain you the current situations and how to figure with them. But its good also to read forums and try to improve your skills.
You have to be patience friend.