A review by cinchona
Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English by John McWhorter

4.0

A splendid audiobook, really fun to listen to! It was read by the author, which really showcases his characteristic style--fiercely academic but definitely for the layperson, at turns both erudite and folksy, very thesis-driven but with lightning-fast, delightful meanderings. I always know a book is good if I have to keep stopping it to bug people with nifty things I just heard. I DEFINITELY recommend the audiobook perhaps even over the text version: some of the words just need to be heard. 

McWhorter is argumentative, bordering on cranky, and his style won't be for everyone. Watch a TED talk of his before you commit so that you know if you're gonna hate it.