Customer Reviews

Words at Work: An Insider's Guide to the Language of Professions

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Recently I've been traveling quite frequently for work and was getting bored with the same issue of "Skymall". While at a friend's house I came across this lively little book on her shelf and eagerly flipped through the pages. The content was so fun and interesting that when I returned home to Nashville I purchased a copy for my next flight. These little pearls and glimpses into a variety of professions have kept me entertained for hours. So now while traveling I keep this little gem in my carry on. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves variety and who loves to impress their friends with industry lingo. A real must have!

This book is an utter delight for so many reasons. As a word-lover, you'll enjoy discovering the clever twists and turns of language that arise in terminology specific to these professions. You'll also get a revealing behind-the-scenes glimpse at the worlds in which these professionals work. I was, frankly, surprised at how much I didn't know! And simply, you'll have fun paging through this book that will certainly equip you with plenty of bon mots to impress your friends and should you be so inclined, come up with the right "question" on Jeopardy. Mim Harrison's love for language and deft hand has resulted in a little gem...will be looking for Part II.

Fifteen professions are analyzed to uncover the unique vocabulary which lends to specialized communication skills and colorful approaches. WORDS AT WORK: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE LANGUAGE OF PROFESSIONS covers all kinds of positions, from everyday jobs such as a printer or hotelier to a pharmacist or symphony musician. As a light reference which doubles as a leisure browser's delight, it will provide special attraction for trivia and word fans and is a pick not just for business collections, but for general-interest libraries.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Words at Work by Mim Harrison. Illustrations by Lee Passarella, Walker And Company. New York.



Mim Harrison picked fifteen professions and in her professional and thoroughly charming style, she has introduced her readers to some unusual vocabulary that is unique to those professions. The range of the professions that Mim has chosen encompasses everything from words used by pharmacists and microbiologists to airline pilots and venture capitalists. Rather than being just a dictionary this is a unique compendium of sayings, words and phrases that you may not have encountered before but may want to know.
As I prowled through this book I marveled at the scope of the vocabulary used and the remarkable patience Mim had in selecting the words and phrases. For instance, once you know that those scratches on many airline passenger windows are caused by volcanic ash, you may dazzle your seatmate with the information. Do you know that "a tipping fee" and garbage collection have something in common? The next time you're in a restaurant, your table might be referred to as "HM" by the staff. Mim's book will translate this for you.
Words at Work by Mim Harrison is one of those rare books that comes along every once in a while and is delightful and educational. Lee Passarella's charming illustrations capture the essence of the words. You really should have a copy.

A charming book that entertainingly unlocks the secret language used by different professions. The book's short, well designed and easy to read. It's good to know that people still play with words and even better to know that Mim Harrison has recorded them and explained their meanings.

I picked this up originally to pass time at retail store in Chicago. It was small and looked fun. I was first drawn to the Symphony Orchestra Musician section, where I've had some experience, and was very impressed by the detail. Some terms I thought were pretty common to most musicians, others I've only heard while playing in an orchestra or big band. The terms brought back fond memories and I found myself smiling as I read this section.

The other sections are much the same, giving a brief but solid perspective of the terminology used by each professional. The Author gives thoughtful insight, which often left me wanting to know more. I can see where a person could use this to brush up or get a quick understanding of basic terminology before an interview or a business meeting with a person in the related field.

I found it a quick and easy read and an all around fun and enjoyable book.