Words to the Wise: A Lighthearted Look at the English Language [Paperback]

Michael Sheehan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2004

A compilation of questions and answers about the English language from the author's weekly "call in" radio program, Words to the Wise, heard on WTCM 580 AM in Traverse City, Michigan. Listeners ask about spelling, punctuation, grammar and word origin, and Mike answers with his particular brand of humor, clarity, and precision. Words to the Wise will make you laugh at zany word facts and clever slogans and make you learn but he always gravitates to the fun side of language.

"Who put the cat in kitty-corner?"
"Did Jimi Hendrix actually sing, 'scuse me while I kiss this guy?"
"Is rhinotillexomania contagious-and are you sure you don't already suffer from it?"

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sheehan does it all-figures of speech, history of the language, punctuation, spelling, usage, writing tips-with accuracy and humor." -- Doug Stanton, author of "In Harm's Way", May 2004

"Sheehan...succeeds because he has the wit of a class clown and the erudication of a venerable English Professor." -- Steve Cook, Production Director, WTCM Radio

"Travel with Michael on his joy ride through language. He's the English teacher you wish you had had. -- Richard Lederer, author of "A Man of My Words", May 2004

About the Author

Michael Sheehan taught English classes for 26 years in the City Colleges of Chicago. He is a member of the Society of Midland Authors, the Dictionary Society of North American, and Michigan Writers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Arbutus Press (May 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096653168X
• ISBN-13: 978-0966531688
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,241,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Sheehan retired in 1994 after teaching English for 26 years in the City Colleges of Chicago. He lives in Leelanau County with his artist wife Dona. In his spare time he is a writer, and he does a weekly guest stint on Tuesday mornings from 9:00-10:00 EST on AM 580, WTCM. The show is called Words to the Wise, and it covers the joys and vicissitudes of the English language. It may be heard in real time on streaming audio anywhere in the world by going to wtcmradio.com and clicking on "Play Now." Podcasts are available 24/7 by signing on to the same URL and selecting "The Ron Jolly Show."

He holds an appointment to the Commission on Services to the Aging (MI); his term ends in 2013. He formerly sat on the Board of Advisors of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan, and he is a member of the Bay Area Senior Advocates.

Mike is a member of the Society of Midland Authors, the Dictionary Society of North America, the American Dialect Society, and Michigan Writers. He maintains a language blog at verbmall.blogspot.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eats and Stays, June 7, 2004

By 

Nancy Pearman (Lakeville, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words to the Wise: A Lighthearted Look at the English Language (Paperback)

"Words to the Wise," in my opinion, is much more useful than "Eats, Shoots and Leaves." There are a couple of reasons for this.

First of all, the British book contains a number of punctuation rules which simply don't apply in America; quotation marks are handled differently on each side of the Atlantic, for instance.

Secondly, Sheehan's book doesn't limit itself merely to punctuation, as Truss' book does. He gets into word meanings, the origin of phrases, language history, and an incredible range of language humor.

In addition, the format of the book (Q & A) lends itself to easy reading. You don't have to plow through dense chapters to get the answers you need.

This book will serve as my graduation gift to nieces and nephews this season.

Nancy Pearman