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Title: Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Conner ISBN: 0399141960 Publisher: Putnam Pub Group Pub. Date: September, 1996 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.3
Rating: 5
Summary: Who would have thought grammar could be this much fun?
Comment: This is one of the most valuable 'Grammar Texts' I have read. In fact, as I write this review, I'm hoping that what I have learned will demonstrate itself (yikes!). This book is funny, informative, and makes learning very fun and easy.
Patricia O'Connor demonstrates the proper use of verbs, pronouns, plurals, how to write with ease, avoiding split infinitives, etc. Essentially everything one needs to know about the elements of the English language are in this text. Moreover, O'Connor's neat remedies and jokes make learning very fun. O'Connor emphasizes punctuation, verbal usage and misuse of certain words, especially certain verbs which often get confused (i.e. 'lay' and 'lie'). There is a lot in this book that is valuable to writers, students, and anyone who simply wants to sharpen their grammar skills.
If you have been wanting a book that is not your typical grammar text, then this book is for you. I highly recommend this book!
Rating: 4
Summary: Useful reference
Comment: I agree with several recurring criticisms in these reviews: O'Conner's neglect of the issues surrounding the title (though you can roughly figure it out for yourself, something she may have intended), her arbitrary approach to other grammarians--one moment scoffing at their rigidity, the next moment unloading stink-bombs and rhetorical miscues of her own--and the relentless witticisms. But I use this book almost every day; when I read, I keep this and a copy of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary close at hand. Having read it, I'm proud to be able to pinpoint all sorts of grammatical errors in stuffy scholarly journals like the Wilson Quarterly. Her glossary and bibliography are immensely useful, and the indexing and chapter layour make it easy to relocate relevant material. It is not very comprehensive, but it has the potential to sharpen your awareness and basic understanding of grammar. I've moved on to the 'Elements of Style,' and have found O'Conner's book helpful in navigating that text as well.
Rating: 5
Summary: A funny look at a serious subject!
Comment: Yes, I am a Grammarphobe! When I write, I always have a nagging little feeling that perhaps I have been tripped up by some grammar rule. With this book in hand, you will have a handy reference guide to look up plain English usage. It is a free-flowing, fun read for all those who aspire to good grammar. Patricia T. O'Conner, presents the seemingly arbitrary rules of English in terms anyone can understand.
She uses words in sentences so you can easily see the difference in usage. As the editor at the New York Times Book Review, she looks at life in a lighthearted way and gives us all a look at grammar on the funny side. Her entertaining and instructive writing will help you see all those funny mistakes in an easy-to-understand way.
"Wow! Who would have thought that you could have such a delicious time with a grammar book? Woe Is I is great fun." --Susan Isaacs.
Now tell me...is anyone really fooled by that title?...I thought it was great! If your editor drives you absolutely crazy, this might be a nice break! Perhaps a fun gift from editor to writer. No matter what...I still like "Woe is me!" It just seems more personal. As far as a book title, it is just brilliant and is sure to get everyone's attention.
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Title: Words Fail Me: What Everyone Who Writes Should Know about Writing by Patricia T. O'Conner ISBN: 0156010879 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: 07 September, 2000 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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Title: Lapsing Into a Comma : A Curmudgeon's Guide to the Many Things That Can Go Wrong in Print--and How to Avoid Them by Bill Walsh ISBN: 0809225352 Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books Pub. Date: 01 May, 2000 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White, Roger Angell ISBN: 020530902X Publisher: Allyn & Bacon Pub. Date: 15 January, 2000 List Price(USD): $7.95 |
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Title: Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wickedly Effective Prose by Constance Hale ISBN: 0767903080 Publisher: Broadway Books Pub. Date: 01 June, 1999 List Price(USD): $20.00 |
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Title: Sleeping Dogs Don't Lay: Practical Advice for the Grammatically Challenged by Richard Lederer, Richard Dowis ISBN: 0312263945 Publisher: Griffin Trade Paperback Pub. Date: April, 2001 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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