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March 13, 2006
Truss and the Tractable Apostrophe
Truss, Eats, Shoots & Leaves 1 -- Jerz: Intro to Literary Study (EL150)
I have to admit I thought I was going to hate this book, I was wrong. They way the author delivers her self through her writing makes the reading go by faster as well as enjoy it. The introduction excites you to read the chapters. Chapter 1 was very helpful to me actually. I myself, like the author, tend to have difficulty with double possesives and apostrophes. The way Truss explained the reason and how to use it helped me out a lot. I also always get confused when it comes to last names ending with S. I never know when to put the apostrophe, before of after. But the way Truss came across the whole ordeal really makes you think of why it should be this way.
Lynne Truss is very blunt and witty which probably makes the reading so much fun. The way she personifies the apostrophe is a great way to let the reader relax while reading this very informational book.
I notice many 'accidental' mistakes here and there in the first chapter. I think it is a great tactic to make the reader realize mistakes and helps them get the feel for where and when to put and use apostrophes.
Another thing, I think that it is very sad to hear all her examples of public signs, articles and papers that show the mis-use of the poor apostrophe.
Posted by Denamarie at March 13, 2006 04:02 PM
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Comments
Thanks for the feedback, Denamarie. If you ever feel annoyed by part of this book, remember that the alternative would be a series of worksheets.
I'm glad that you can pick out precisely what elements of the author's writing style make you want to keep reading.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at March 13, 2006 04:06 PM
Dena,
I've done some web surfing and found an entire website on mistakes on public signs. I put it on my blog if you want to check it out. Now back to your blog, I also believe that Truss can teach better grammar than some of the teachers that you or I may have had in the past. Face it, English Grammar is BORING! When someone can fall asleep on a lesson, they will most likely forget it. Also think about this... if grammar is bad in the UK, imagine how terrible it must be here.
Posted by: Kevin "Kelo The Great" Hinton at March 13, 2006 08:50 PM
I agree, Dena. Remember Dr. J's presentation on the last day of Newswriting last semester on grammar and spelling mistakes in Idlewild? To think that a place where children and families are going to have fun, spelling and grammar mistakes are running amok. It's no wonder we have so many problems. This book will help correct them. No doubt about that. Kevin, can't wait to check your blog out.
Posted by: Erin Waite at March 14, 2006 10:59 AM
I totally agree peermate's! I really ca'nt wait to teach my students' about this book because its' style and technique are not only interesting but fun to read. Looking at from a teachers point of view, Im' very anal about apostrophe's and punctuation mark's. This book will definately lift our heavy heart's by making us think that english grammar is'nt borin' and is infact FUN! :) thank's 4 takin' the time to listen' to me. ur gr8 :)
Posted by: ElyseBranam at March 14, 2006 01:24 PM
Elyse, I'm chuckling out loud.
Not exaclty LOL, but I didn't think that COL or ChOL would be recognized.
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at March 14, 2006 05:15 PM
The sad thing is, I didn't realize anything was wrong with Elyse's comment until the end. GOD PLEASE HELP ME!
Posted by: Andy LoNigro at March 14, 2006 07:55 PM
I completely understand what you are saying. I also didn't think that I was going to like the book because I don't pick up on things fast enough.. but I though that this book was an easy read and very enjoyable because I think that she is a bit funny. I also am very shocked and amazed how many people and businesses have grammar mistakes on their signs etc..
I am also glad that you pointed out the grammar mistakes that you saw in her text because as I was reading I thought is this a joke or have I been writing this wrong the whole time?
Posted by: Brittney Aller at March 15, 2006 07:56 AM