Customer Reviews

Mortal Syntax: 101 Language Choices That Will Get You Clobbered by the Grammar Snobs--Even If You're Right

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love Casagrande's style of presenting grammar, style, and usage rules. I also like that she really explores the ins and outs of these rules, discussing at some length (but not too much length) and with great humor how and when to use the rules and how and when to break them.

Book has wit. I really like how the author takes the guess work out of difficult situations that arise in grammar. She references many different styles (APA, MLA, CMS) and lays it out for her readers. Easy, breezy writing style helps too. See also "Grammar Snobs".

This smallish book can't decide if it wants to be a style guide, vocab primer or grammar guide. Most examples are straight-forward and covered to some extent in many other sources, online and otherwise. Often, what the author describes as a "language choice," is rather an incorrect usage or spelling.
Someone actually spells out the word COULD'VE as COULD OF? That is not a choice; that is ignorance.
This is a gift for friends who have lapsed into writing (if they write at all) at a grade school or middle school level, and can find the humor in being called on it. It is certainly not of use to those "grammar snobs" mentioned in the title.
[edit May 27, 2008] I have since re-read this book in a more generous light, and have come to appreciate the writing style and humor Ms. Casagrande has included. I maintain it still suffers from a lack of specific identity, and the substance trails off toward the end as if in an attempt to make "101" at all costs, but I can no longer deny that the author is, in fact, clever, thoughtful, and imminently resourceful.
Sorry, June.

I'm the kind of person that sees the grammatical "flaws" in others' writing, and visibly cringe when I see any in my own. Thanks to an 11th grade English teacher, I relentlessly stamp out split infinitives, even though doing so makes the flow awkward.

I really enjoyed this book, but do find her political rantings aggravating. The insertions seem so obvious and unnecessary. I would have given this book four, maybe even five stars, but this "I've been so wronged by Republicans" bent takes light-hearted material and taints it with bitterness associated with much more weighty issues.

I discovered this book while visiting a college bookstore with my son. As an author, I found this book very entertaining and educational. I loved the sarcastic tone of the author and have already ordered her first book. A very fun read! Well done.