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March 14, 2006
Eats, Shoots & Leaves 1
Haha I really got a kick out of this book so far. I think like everybody else, I assumed I would find this material boring and dry, but I actually really enjoyed reading it.
Truss was very comical and even made me laugh out loud once during the part about "weapons required for the apostrophe war". I can't believe someone would actually take the time to not only analyze the use and misuse of a punctuation, but actually personify it. I'm not going to lie, Truss actually made me feel sorry for the apostrophe several times throughout the book. I felt pretty stupid, and actually had to remind myself it wasn't even something that has feelings.
As I was reading this, I thought about the author's style, and how a book about punctuation could have been written in other ways. These topics in the book could easily be written very dryly. I am so glad Truss actually makes the material easy to understand. I also really liked all of her examples throughout the chapter. I have seen many misuses of the apostrophe, but Truss points out mistakes made by people and companies that should really be ashamed of themselves.
I'm glad this material is being explained to us in such a fun and simple way, and I'm excited to read what else Truss has to say.
Posted by AmandaNichols at March 14, 2006 07:25 PM
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Comments
Haha, I agree Mandy. She made it fun to read. I just have to say that the book made me feel stupid too. Not because I felt sorry for the apostrophe (you losers) but because I really suck at grammar. Yeah, I'm admitting it. Not that I can't communicate, but that I probably wouldn't have noticed some of those signs, or even (dare I say it) made some of those signs myself). I definately had to think twice about a few of those examples. I tell you what though, after reading those sections, I now think about and double check everything I write, it's really annoying actually, and I only have Truss to thank. Real nice. And you know what else, we all can't be human proof-readers like you Amanda. LoL. I think that I've decided to go against you members of the stickler army and start making grammar mistakes on purpose just to frustrate all of yous. After all, its' pretty annoying when your always correcting people, isnt it? Their, how do you like that? :)
Posted by: Andy LoNigro at March 14, 2006 07:51 PM
I had a good feeling about this book just by looking at its cover (yes, I actually judged a book that way). You know it's going to be a good time when you see a Panda holding a revolver!
If it wasn't for the sometimes coarse language, I would say this book should be handed out in grade school. Get them while they're young. Maybe they won't hate grammar as much if we teach them with humor, instead of dull workbooks.
Posted by: Mike Rubino at March 14, 2006 08:11 PM
Mike - haha yes the panda with a revolver kind of freaked me out a little, but it definitely evoked curiosity.
I agree with you about it being given to younger students. Truss plainly explains grammar in the book and I mean, I haven't read a book for a class in a long time where I truly felt like I learned something. Truss really made me feel this way and I think younger grades should definitely get a hold of this book.
Andy - Haha, you are NOT stupid at grammar, silly. You're a great CREATIVE WRITER, and even if you do have trouble, you know your personal proofreader is just right downstairs. With a fee, of course =) Just kidding, I enjoy it.
We're definitely going mispunctuating hunting!
Posted by: AmandaNichols at March 15, 2006 04:55 PM