The Glamour Of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English By Roy Peter Clark (Book Review) + Giveaway

Oh grammar, how you are always a bane and a mystery. *Shakes fists*

Ahem.

Roy Peter Clark's The Glamour Of Grammar is one of the rare grammar resource books that is easy to swallow. Clark gives practical ways to improve writing skills through correct and thoughtful grammar and word usage. I know, that doesn't sound too terribly interesting, but it really is a very good read! What I like best about The Glamour Of Grammar is that Clark's approach is very realistic: the book it isn't so much about defining the parts of speech as it is about making you think about ways to improve your writing and how that might be done. Each chapter in the book is dedicated to a grammar or writing subject and includes lots of useful examples. A concise lists of main points (a list of "keepsakes" as Clark calls them) can be found at the end of each chapter, so if you're antsy, just skip to the end of each chapter for the major stuff. Super useful!

Whether you're a blogger, a novice writer or don't write at all, The Glamour of Grammar is an entertaining (and useful) read that will make you think about not just your own writing, but just about everything you read.

Note from the webmaster: Please refrain from scrutinizing this post ;).

From the Hachette website:

"Early in the history of English, the words 'grammar' and 'glamour' meant the same thing: the power to charm. Roy Peter Clark, author of Writing Tools, aims to put the glamour back in grammar with this fun, engaging alternative to stuffy instructionals. In this practical guide, readers will learn everything from the different parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs. THE GLAMOUR OF GRAMMAR gives readers all the tools they need to"live inside the language"--to take advantage of grammar to perfect their use of English, to instill meaning, and to charm through their writing. With this indispensable book, readers will come to see just how glamorous grammar can be. "

Hachette Book Group is generously offering THREE of my readers their very own hardcover copy of The Glamour Of Grammar (ARV $19.99)!

To enter all you need to do is:
* Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS or via email (post your email address) and let me know which method you use to follow

For 1 extra entry each you can:
* Follow The Wide World Of via Twitter + tweet about the giveaway and leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day)
* Post this giveaway in your blog and leave a link to your post

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Also make sure to leave your contact info (email address, twitter ID, facebook link) in one of your comments OR have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end on September 26, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US & Canadian readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winners: kalea_kane, Penny W, Katie B.