If you're looking for a book on grammar, this is it. "Things That Make Us [Sic]" by Martha Brockenbrough had me chuckling the entire time. I'm not a huge fan of learning the rules of English and such, but I thought I should pick up a few books on this subject as I am editing my manuscript. This book I found randomly at the library and read it like one of those books that you don't want to end because it was so funny and I felt like I was having a conversation with the author right there in front of me. She was telling me all about our language and I was actually enjoying it!
I am questioning all of my comma placements and word choices now because I feel like since I read about it I should know it now, but I am not claiming to be an expert on this stuff, not even close. I will point something out if I notice it and welcome corrections from others.
It makes me feel better that the author doesn't put too much emphasis on correct punctuation. She explains that it was originally meant for telling people when to breathe as they were reading aloud. "Punctuation isn't meant to make the author's state of mind clear. Well-chosen words do that, and the day serious writers turn to punctuation to communicate their ideas will be a :-( day indeed."
Have you ever experienced a moment where something or someone you knew about or did or saw was referenced? For example, before Zappos was famous for fabulous free shipping I had known about it and did a research project on it for one of my undergrad business courses. So now I see commercials for the company on TV and think back to when no one knew what it was and feel "in the know." Anyway, I felt like that as I was reading this current book and Nabokov was mentioned! Woo-hoo! I know who that author is and have actually read one of his books. And don't try to ruin my excitement by telling me that he is one of those classic authors, I don't care, I wouldn't have known who he was if I hadn't just read his memoir. Getrude Stein has a few books on my to-read list, too. This book wasn't the first I've been reading where she is talked about (and it typically seems to be brought up with some negative vibes). This lady really seems like something for all these other authors to keep bring her up...maybe the type of person I would've like to have known? In "Things That Make Us [Sic]" she is talked about because of Stein a few times. I guess I should bump up one of her books on my library requests.
Have you ever experienced a moment where something or someone you knew about or did or saw was referenced? For example, before Zappos was famous for fabulous free shipping I had known about it and did a research project on it for one of my undergrad business courses. So now I see commercials for the company on TV and think back to when no one knew what it was and feel "in the know." Anyway, I felt like that as I was reading this current book and Nabokov was mentioned! Woo-hoo! I know who that author is and have actually read one of his books. And don't try to ruin my excitement by telling me that he is one of those classic authors, I don't care, I wouldn't have known who he was if I hadn't just read his memoir. Getrude Stein has a few books on my to-read list, too. This book wasn't the first I've been reading where she is talked about (and it typically seems to be brought up with some negative vibes). This lady really seems like something for all these other authors to keep bring her up...maybe the type of person I would've like to have known? In "Things That Make Us [Sic]" she is talked about because of Stein a few times. I guess I should bump up one of her books on my library requests.
Wow, what insights!! I wasn't looking for a book on grammar, but for all the writing I do, I'd love to read this one. Maybe you'll loan it to me?
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