Category: (Book)
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It's been called "possibly the most popular book on grammar ever
published." Now the witty bestseller that took the nation by storm
is back in a revised, expanded edition with new dos and don'ts from
top to bottom.
In this new Woe Is I, Patricia T. O'Conner displays the same fresh,
irreverent humor that has charmed hundreds of thousands of readers.
There are new chapters on spelling and pronunciation, and updates
throughout. But you'll find the same down-to-earth explanations in
clear, plain English-the same sensible solutions to the grammar
mysteries that bug even the best of us. O'Conner manages to
unscramble the most complicated problems in simple, easyto- swallow
language. So you won't encounter the kind of intimidating
terminology that made you want to skip your high school English
class. This funny, wise, and indispensable guide shows readers how
to:
• avoid the persistent grammatical errors that tie everyone-even
presidents!- in knots
• watch their tongues and learn to pronounce commonly mangled
words
• correctly use dozens of much-abused words and phrases Whatever
your problem-intimidated by possessives? puzzled over pronouns?
clueless about how to say "banal"?-the updated Woe Is I provides
witty, jargon-free answers to all your questions about the basics
as well as the subtleties of grammar, style, and usage. No wonder
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called O'Conner's classic
"the best primer on English usage to come along since Strunk and
White's The Elements of Style."
Written by Patricia T. O'Conner, an editor at the New York Times Book Review, Woe Is I gives lighthearted, witty instruction on the subject most of us dreaded in school--grammar. Discussion is brief and concise, and much more engaging than the grammar books you may remember. With chapter titles such as "Woe is I: Therapy for Pronoun Anxiety," "Your Truly: The Possessive and the Possessed," "Verbal Abuse: Words on the Endangered List," "Comma Sutra; The Joy of Punctuation," and "Death Sentence: Do Cliches Deserve to Die?," O'Conner proves that even grammar can make for entertaining reading.
A little too basic for meReviewed by Leo Scanlon, 2010-03-04
Many of the Amazon reviewers said this book is valuable for both
novices and experienced professionals, and it's funny to boot. I
read four chapters and put the book aside. I've been a technical
writer since 1970, and knew I wouldn't find too much new here, but
decided to take a chance on it for the humorous aspects. In my
opinion, it's funny in spots, but waaaaay too basic. I don't need
to be told again the difference between there, they're, and their.
Nor do I need to be told when to use it's instead of its.
For a writing-related book that's valuable for both novices and
experienced professionals, try "Eats, Shoots & Leaves."
Egad! Understandable grammar! *exuberant cheering*Reviewed by Sacramento Book Review, 2010-02-28
It is not often that one comes across a truly helpful handbook on
grammar, let alone one written in discernible prose. Rather than
disparaging the state of the spoken and written word today, the
author offers methodical, attainable tips for improving one's
current skill in wielding English. Even able to be read,
understood, and utilized by elementary students, this book typifies
the word `handy,' especially to self-published novelists who may
not have a budget for proper editing services.
O' Conner also knows when to stop, a rare gift among academics,
though not unexpected from a former publication editor. The writer
articulates just enough about each rule, tosses up a succinct
example to illustrate the point, cracks a witty joke and then skips
gaily onward to the next portion. In coupling simplicity with sheer
efficacy, this has to be one of the most enjoyable books on the
subject. It a book that can be expected to grace one's desktop for
years to come, covered in the telltale marks of frequent use.
Reviewed by Meredith Greene
FineReviewed by P. Bachleitner, 2010-02-01
Very engaging and descriptive. It's not a comprehensive grammar guide, but it's quite entertaining and covers the basic concepts well.
A Must-Have for Your DeskReviewed by tomkitten, 2009-12-04
This is the book I turn to time and time again. It is packed with information and very fun to read. I read it the first time through in very little time, then I went through again with a highlighter. I have little tabs sticking out so I can reference different topics with ease. This book is on the shelf right next to my dictionary and "Gregg Reference Manual," but I turn most to "Woe is I." GET THIS BOOK!!!
not a bit painful...Reviewed by Elizabeth Frenchman, 2009-10-10
... in fact, quite the opposite. How many grammar books can you pick up and read like a short story? And laugh out loud? If one (ahem) needs a quick fix, there is a useful index but if you want to give yourself an amusing review of grammar's ups and downs, go for it. How many handbooks can boast that? Ms. O'Conner's sly cultural references (she uses the classics-- including Homer Simpson) are fun and effortlessly instructive. (My favorite clever reference is the Paul and Bette/cigarettes one illustrating lit/lighted. Next edition please use Bush 43 for the there's/there're example!) That/which will always trip me up but if I keep "Woe" at hand, perhaps soon I will master them.
