A Man of My Words: Reflections on the English Language ~ by Richard Lederer, 2003, language
Popular author and speaker Richard Lederer is one of the foremost and funniest commentators on the pleasures and quirks of the English language. In this far-ranging and career-capping collection of essays, Lederer offers readers more of the irrepressible wordplay and linguistic high jinx his fans can't get enough of, along with observations on a life in letters. From an inner-city classroom to a wordy weekend retreat, from centuries-old etymological legacies to the latest in slang, dialects, and fadspeak, these essays transport, inform, and entertain as only wordstruck Richard Lederer can. Iluminating everything from secrets of the writing life to the last word on the pronunciation of nuclear and offering his thoughts on "Sex and the Singular Pronoun" and an open letter to Ann Landers (signed "English Lover in San Diego"), along with games, quizzes, and a Declaration of Linguistic Independence, this collection has something for everyone who delights in our language.
The Celestine Prophecy: An Adventure ~ by James Redfield, 1993, fiction (Peru)
In the rain forests of Peru, an ancient manuscript has been discovered.
Within its pages are nine key insights into life itself — insights each
human being is to grasp sequentially; one insight, then
another, as we move toward a completely spiritual culture on earth.
Drawing on ancient wisdom, it tells you how to make connections among
the events happening in your life right now and lets you see what is
going to happen to you in the years to come. The story of discovery is also a guidebook with the power to crystallize your perceptions of why you are where you
are in life and to direct your steps with a new energy and optimisim as
you head into tomorrow.
I read the
Celestine Prophecy a couple of decades ago and am only re-reading it to discuss it with a small group. It's a library book, but Lederer's book of essays on words and language is mine, all mine. It was on the library's sale table for a quarter. Don't you love finding books for practically nothing?
Ooh both of these books look like a lot of fun! I love reading books about language, especially when the author himself or herself is really funny! 'The Celestine Prophecy' sounds like an enlightening read as well. I really wish I had a fiction library close to me! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteJuli @ Universe in Words