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| The Entertainment Review |
| By: June Casagrande Publisher: Penguin |
Many people have probably thought that there is no way that grammar can be fun, especially after having suffered
through junior and senior high school English courses. June Casagrande, the author of “Mortal Syntax,” her newest
book that humorously and educationally follows up “Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies” proves that even
though a particular subject can be extremely dry and as boring to learn as grammar, can actually be very interesting
it handle in the right way. It all depends on the way that the information is presented. She keeps the chapters in her
latest release short and to the point, with a touch of her twisted sense of humor along the way that helps the subject
stay fresh and fun. However, readers should beware; there is a slight chance that they may learn a thing or two
along the way while being entertained by Casagrande’s cultural references and wit throughout this book.
Along the way readers will probably also start to recognize the inner grammar snob in themselves, or notice a
particular personal pet peeve that they have regarding the incorrect use of words shared by others. This is a great
supplemental guidebook for students and teachers and is definitely a worthwhile book for anyone who speaks or
writes English on a regular basis. The book starts with a section title The Biggies and continues on to more chapters
in the book titled Adverb Adversity, Noun Sequitur, Verbal Abuse and many others. Along the way readers will find
the author referencing to popular culture, including The Office, The Simpsons, Seinfield and The Colbert Report.
One of the downfalls has to do with a particular chapter titled How Fortuitous That Your Haliburton Stock Has
Skyrocketed. The problem has to do with the fact that Casagrande claims that fortuitous means bad and she has
several sources that back her up and are unanimous with the definition. However, several dictionaries have the
meaning listed as having to do with luck and bringing about good fortune. A book about grammar that deals out
more odd grammar details is uncalled for, but it is okay, it can be forgiven because of its overall humor.
As readers work their way through “Mortal Context,” they will begin to realize that many highly respected sources will
disagree on language usage and word choices. Each source’s main argument can be well reasoned and logical yet
contradictory. Even the experts don’t always agree on the same conclusions about what is correct when it comes to
grammar rules. This is okay, there doesn’t need to always be a cut and dry way to look at grammar. The problem
comes when parents and teacher say that there is only one way to look at grammar, which isn’t always true. This is
just one of the many life and grammar lessons that “Mortal Syntax” and “Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies”
teaches to readers. This book is highly recommended, along with its predecessor, to anyone who writes, speaks,
reads or teaches the English language.
through junior and senior high school English courses. June Casagrande, the author of “Mortal Syntax,” her newest
book that humorously and educationally follows up “Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies” proves that even
though a particular subject can be extremely dry and as boring to learn as grammar, can actually be very interesting
it handle in the right way. It all depends on the way that the information is presented. She keeps the chapters in her
latest release short and to the point, with a touch of her twisted sense of humor along the way that helps the subject
stay fresh and fun. However, readers should beware; there is a slight chance that they may learn a thing or two
along the way while being entertained by Casagrande’s cultural references and wit throughout this book.
Along the way readers will probably also start to recognize the inner grammar snob in themselves, or notice a
particular personal pet peeve that they have regarding the incorrect use of words shared by others. This is a great
supplemental guidebook for students and teachers and is definitely a worthwhile book for anyone who speaks or
writes English on a regular basis. The book starts with a section title The Biggies and continues on to more chapters
in the book titled Adverb Adversity, Noun Sequitur, Verbal Abuse and many others. Along the way readers will find
the author referencing to popular culture, including The Office, The Simpsons, Seinfield and The Colbert Report.
One of the downfalls has to do with a particular chapter titled How Fortuitous That Your Haliburton Stock Has
Skyrocketed. The problem has to do with the fact that Casagrande claims that fortuitous means bad and she has
several sources that back her up and are unanimous with the definition. However, several dictionaries have the
meaning listed as having to do with luck and bringing about good fortune. A book about grammar that deals out
more odd grammar details is uncalled for, but it is okay, it can be forgiven because of its overall humor.
As readers work their way through “Mortal Context,” they will begin to realize that many highly respected sources will
disagree on language usage and word choices. Each source’s main argument can be well reasoned and logical yet
contradictory. Even the experts don’t always agree on the same conclusions about what is correct when it comes to
grammar rules. This is okay, there doesn’t need to always be a cut and dry way to look at grammar. The problem
comes when parents and teacher say that there is only one way to look at grammar, which isn’t always true. This is
just one of the many life and grammar lessons that “Mortal Syntax” and “Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies”
teaches to readers. This book is highly recommended, along with its predecessor, to anyone who writes, speaks,
reads or teaches the English language.
