Scan barcode
krisaacs's review against another edition
2.0
I just...I was expecting some fun Malcolm Gladwell interesting approach to grammar. But, it was more like a textbook on grammar that was trying to be cool.
birdinflight1's review against another edition
3.0
Funny approach to punctuation history and usage; I laughed out loud several times.
happylilkt's review against another edition
5.0
Completely and utterly delightful. I remember when this came out 20+ years ago, but only read it this weekend while visiting my mother and combing through her bookshelves in search of something to read (just like my childhood!)
Anyway, I'm glad I didn't read it before now, because I think I might have missed much of Truss's dry wit. If you don't take her too seriously (trust me, you shouldn't), and you enjoy language, this book is for you.
"If there is one lesson to be learned from this book, it is that there is never a dull moment in the world of punctuation."
"I have been told that the dying words of one famous 20th-century writer were, 'I should have used fewer semicolons' — and although I spent months fruitlessly trying to track down the chap responsible, I believe it nonetheless. If it turns out that no one actually did say this on their deathbed, I shall certainly save it up for my own."
Anyway, I'm glad I didn't read it before now, because I think I might have missed much of Truss's dry wit. If you don't take her too seriously (trust me, you shouldn't), and you enjoy language, this book is for you.
"If there is one lesson to be learned from this book, it is that there is never a dull moment in the world of punctuation."
"I have been told that the dying words of one famous 20th-century writer were, 'I should have used fewer semicolons' — and although I spent months fruitlessly trying to track down the chap responsible, I believe it nonetheless. If it turns out that no one actually did say this on their deathbed, I shall certainly save it up for my own."
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I loved, loved, loved this book! I also learned a lot. I didn't realize how much I actually didn't know about punctuation until I read this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a lot and laugh a lot at the same time.
bookwormjimmy's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Punctuation can save lives. And it can also lead to political squabbles. And everything in between. In this somewhat humorous yet notable exploration on the roles of punctuation, Lynne Truss does her best to explain exactly what to do with those commas and apostrophes. Don't think of this as some strict explanation on how to use punctuation. Rather, here are all the general rules but don't be absolutely beholden to them - except when they absolutely should be used.
Written in 2003, I appreciated the forward look at emoticons and their ephemeral role in language. Well, Truss was half correct. While emoticons are gone, our society has fully embraced emojis in their place. I wonder what Truss must think of those now?
Seriously, I have no idea if I've been using all of my punctuations correctly: commas, dashes, question marks, apostrophes. Perhaps I've learned to appreciate the way that good punctuation is only noticed when it's done poorly.
If you've ever listened to "A Way with Words" podcast on NPR, you might appreciate this classic book on punctuation.
Written in 2003, I appreciated the forward look at emoticons and their ephemeral role in language. Well, Truss was half correct. While emoticons are gone, our society has fully embraced emojis in their place. I wonder what Truss must think of those now?
Seriously, I have no idea if I've been using all of my punctuations correctly: commas, dashes, question marks, apostrophes. Perhaps I've learned to appreciate the way that good punctuation is only noticed when it's done poorly.
If you've ever listened to "A Way with Words" podcast on NPR, you might appreciate this classic book on punctuation.
guppyur's review against another edition
3.0
This is a book with a pretty specific audience. It's nonfiction, about punctuation -- not grammar, not usage generally, but punctuation. It's basically an ode to the stickler. It's pretty short, at a hair over 200 pages, which is for the best. If it went on much longer you wouldn't want to continue.
Each chapter is about a specific punctuation mark, or occasionally two (colon and semicolon), covering the rules about when and how to use each mark. But it's presented mostly in the form of funny essays, so it's not like reading a textbook. (You'd never try to read Strunk and White cover to cover... would you?) You'll also get little asides like the etymology of "O'" in Irish names.
Worth noting that the author is British and writes based on British English, with the occasional note about how it's done in American English, so you'll want to make sure you don't observe the wrong lessons for your side of the pond.
Each chapter is about a specific punctuation mark, or occasionally two (colon and semicolon), covering the rules about when and how to use each mark. But it's presented mostly in the form of funny essays, so it's not like reading a textbook. (You'd never try to read Strunk and White cover to cover... would you?) You'll also get little asides like the etymology of "O'" in Irish names.
Worth noting that the author is British and writes based on British English, with the occasional note about how it's done in American English, so you'll want to make sure you don't observe the wrong lessons for your side of the pond.