Reviews

The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson

wander_er's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Some of the chapters were interesting. But it mostly seemed like random facts and myths about languages slapped together into a book. That being said, it was still entertaining.

abigail_reading's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative medium-paced

2.5

Some interesting tidbits and I definitely learned things. I was even entertained. I will say I was turned off by the author’s feelings that English was the most superior language on earth. I don’t mind a love for the language but acting like it is better than all other languages was just yucky. 

courtagonist's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative lighthearted slow-paced

3.0

georgiamay26's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative slow-paced

3.0

leftyjonesq's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

becca_clifford's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative medium-paced

4.0

ljc35's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative reflective relaxing fast-paced

5.0

davecorun's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A bit dated (1987) but very enjoyable.

klebere's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Entertaining but dated. Take everything Bryson says with a grain of salt.

alidottie's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I loved this book! If only it wasn't 26 yrs old!!! Finding out why a word is what it is, is one of my favorite things. It was particularly fun when he talked about Japanese and said things we know to be true from Gracie's experiences--he even addressed those wonderful finds that Grace sent us weekly: funny Engrish!