Eats, Shoots, and Leaves by Lynne Truss

[snugglekitty]

This book was recommended to me by katkt, and it really tickled my fancy. The subject of this extremely funny runaway bestseller? The history and correct usage of punctuation.

You do not need to be an English major to enjoy this book, although if, like me, you are one, it will probably make you laugh out loud. Unless, of course, it makes you shake your fist in the air and cry, "It's about bloody time!" If you have ever cringed at a sign that said "Fresh Tasty Pizza's" then you should read this book. Heck, if you know what makes "Fresh Tasty Pizza's" an incorrect turn of phrase, you'll probably enjoy it too. If, on the other hand, you feel you don't really understand the rules of punctuation, then you'll definitely want to read it, and probably keep it on hand for a while. It's much more fun than The Elements of Style.

I am definitely not as fanatic as the author. I do not think that the Internet is dragging the English language down into the roiling pits of chaos, as she suggests in her conclusion; nor do I carry around a Sharpie in my bag to correct grammatical mistakes on signs (although if a random stranger handed me one in a moment where I was feeling particularly inspired, I might very well use it). I didn't feel that I was that far from her position, though, and I found the book very entertaining. Who knew grammar could be funny? Er, those of us who know grammar, of course, but who knew it could be intentionally funny?

Comments

[chienne-folle.livejournal.com]

Let's join the Apostrophe Protection Society!

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Indeed, let's! We can dedicate ourselves to the preservation of the species. We'll save apostrophes from abuse, and help unwanted apostrophes find work worth doing. :)

[rabbitorf.livejournal.com]

I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed it, too :)