Search - Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation

Yes, that's right, 5 Stars for a book about proper punctuation. I fully expected to get through this book only for my 2008 Challenges. In my mind's eye I saw myself reading a page or two and then falling sound asleep from boredom. I could not have been more wrong.

Not only does Lynne Truss make punctuation interesting, she makes it funny. She knows just were little punctuation puns fit. Who knew there were 17 proper uses for the apostrophe?! There was, at onetime, a movement to have a special mark to indicate a rhetorical question. As is stated on the front flap, "Through sloppy usage and low standards on the Internet, in e-mail, and now "txt msgs", we have made proper punctuation an endangered species." (not to mention proper spelling)

I've given this book 5 Stars not only because I enjoyed it, but because I think all of us who have been out of the classroom for 10 years or more could use a refresher.

I enjoyed reading this book! It definitely made me laugh, since I'm kind of retentive about grammar. I got a little bogged down in the middle, though. Even with her good humor it's hard to keep on reading about punctuation!

I shared this book with my small circle of friends. The experiment quickly sorted the Anglophobes from the Anglophiles. Beyond that- it's ENGLISH, folks, and it is as fluid and dynamic as any other lingo, but there are certain rules. Puncuation is very important to meaning.
"The crux of the biscuit... is the Apostrophe". - Frank Zappa

This book is very entertaining while discussing punctuation and grammar concepts we may be unaware of or simply confused about. The writer does an excellent job of leading us through each humor-filled chapter. A great review for writers everywhere and a must read for anyone who does more than text a message or two throughout the day!

Does seeing the words "Egg's for Sale" drive you to distraction? How about "Lands' End"? You'll love this book if you are a member of the so-called society of "Punctuation Vigilantes".

Ever have the urge to take a permanent marker and correct a grocery store ad? Me, too!
If so, this book is for your knowledge (and entertainment!) Oops, I used one of those dreaded exclamation marks/points, didn't I? Wait'll you find the OTHER name for them!

Fun to read, it's no wonder why English grammar is so confusing!!!!