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A review by kris_mccracken
Says Who?: A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words by Anne Curzan
4.0
If you've ever found yourself caught in a grammatical quagmire or debated the "proper" use of a word, then "Says Who?" by Anne Curzan will feel like a breath of fresh, non-prescriptive air. Curzan's approach to language is refreshingly agnostic, embracing its quirks and evolutions without the rigidity that often stifles our love for words. This book is as much a celebration of language as it is an insightful guide to navigating usage in a way that is both kind and fun.
Curzan demystifies the world of grammar, exploring why we care about words in the first place and how the rules we cling to are sometimes more fluid than we might think. Her tone is conversational, and she doesn't take herself too seriously. I found myself nodding in agreement with her astute reflections on how language shapes, and is shaped by, our culture.
Curzan's world is one where grammar is less about being "right" and more about communicating clearly and effectively with others. It's a kinder approach, one that acknowledges that language is a living, breathing entity. This shift in perspective feels liberating and empathetic. Curzan's philosophy echoes the idea that language is, at its heart, about connection, not perfection.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves language but perhaps wants to love it a little more gently and have a laugh along the way. It's a splendid reminder that language, like life, is ever-changing, and sometimes the most important rule is simply to embrace the journey.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Curzan demystifies the world of grammar, exploring why we care about words in the first place and how the rules we cling to are sometimes more fluid than we might think. Her tone is conversational, and she doesn't take herself too seriously. I found myself nodding in agreement with her astute reflections on how language shapes, and is shaped by, our culture.
Curzan's world is one where grammar is less about being "right" and more about communicating clearly and effectively with others. It's a kinder approach, one that acknowledges that language is a living, breathing entity. This shift in perspective feels liberating and empathetic. Curzan's philosophy echoes the idea that language is, at its heart, about connection, not perfection.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves language but perhaps wants to love it a little more gently and have a laugh along the way. It's a splendid reminder that language, like life, is ever-changing, and sometimes the most important rule is simply to embrace the journey.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐