Book Review: Actually, the Comma Goes Here by Lucy Cripps

Fun, funny, and factual–the most complete guide to punctuation for beginners and experts alike. Period.

No one’s ever said that learning punctuation is fun–until now. Actually, The Comma Goes Here takes a lighthearted yet highly informative approach to ensuring you never misplace a comma again.

Whether it’s semicolons or exclamation points, this primer has you covered with chapters that dive deep into the correct use for each and every piece of punctuation. You’ll find plenty of fun (and funny) examples of proper writing while also learning how punctuation has changed throughout history.

Actually, The Comma Goes Here includes:


A complete crash course–Keep things simple with chapters that progress from the most basic punctuation (like periods) to more advanced or uncommon punctuation (like brackets).

Memorable advice–Never mix your clauses up again thanks to easy-to-remember breakdowns, handy mnemonics, and entertaining sample sentences.

Matters of style–Discover a quick reference chart that details the differences between the most common style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style and Associated Press.
Perfect your punctuation with the help of this comprehensive guidebook. 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

When I’m proofreading, commas are the most difficult. There are hard and fast rules for some of them, but some are subjective. Many authors have difficulty with commas, so I try to make sure the sentences convey their intent.

Whenever I come across a punctuation book that looks interesting, I get it because I’m not an expert, and I want to see what the author has to say. I think I can say that this is the first book about punctuation that is humorous.

Most of the information here is what I already know, but it never hurts to brush up. And near the end is some punctuation that isn’t used very often that I may find helpful in the future. At the end, there is a reference chart that lists the different style guides. Remember when there had to be 2 spaces after a period? The American Psychological Association, which is used by engineering, social sciences, and business, still does. I had no idea!

This is a great little reference for anyone who writes and wants it to be punctuated correctly. The best thing about it is the author’s style which makes it easy to learn or use as a reference.

About the Author

In my two decades of lecturing university students in grammar, writing, and punctuation; teaching high-school English; moderating writing courses for the Professional Writing Academy; and editing for large global corporations, such as Red Bull and Expedia, I’ve seen all the mistakes people make with the rules of our language–and I know the answers you need to correct those mistakes, quickly and simply.

Whether you write emails, reports, or copy for business; struggle with writing term papers; or you’re learning English as a second language, this Professional Writing Academy publication is for you. It demystifies punctuation, presenting it in a straightforward, accessible way that explains the rules–and exceptions–clearly.

You can dip in and out; flick to the reference section; or settle in for an enjoyable, entertaining read that takes you as deep into punctuation as any academic tome would, but without that pompous academic voice.

Gain confidence to write more clearly and get your message across.

Book Review: The Dragon Grammar Book by Diane Mae Robinson

Finally! An easy-to-understand grammar book with fun grammar lessons. The Dragon Grammar Book is the ideal grammar book for kids, dragons, and adults alike. From multi-award winning children’s fantasy author, Diane Mae Robinson, The Dragon Grammar Book introduces middle grades through adults to the basic rules of the English language with easy grammar lessons. Featuring the zany fantasy characters in the author’s The Pen Pieyu Adventures series, The Dragon Grammar Book is sure to be enjoyed by the whole kingdom.

“With clear examples and fun activities, this book is a must-have for readers and aspiring writers.” -Peter Takach, English Teacher and Grammarian

Purchase Links: Amazon, Amazon.ca, Smashwords, B&N

 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

What an amazing book! Diane Mae Robinson has taken the complexities of grammar and made them as easy as possible. Although she uses the characters of The Pen Pieyu Adventures series, this grammar book is a great resource for adults as well as children. In fact, there are a couple things listed that I often have to look up when I’m proofreading. I tagged those chapters and will keep them as a reference.

At the end of each chapter is a short quiz about that chapter, and at the end of the book are a couple longer and more involved tests. These are good practice to make sure the reader understands the concepts.

I definitely recommend The Dragon Grammar Book. Thank you to Diane Mae Robinson for a helpful resource for everyone!

 

About the Author

Diane lives in a hilltop castle surrounded by a magical forest. In this forest, many magical and fantasy creatures dwell and are Diane’s inspiration for writing fantasy. The author’s fantasy/adventure children’s chapter book series, The Pen Pieyu Adventures, has won 11 prestigious book awards. Diane is also an artist, art teacher, writing instructor, international short story contest judge, and children’s book editor.

Book Awards:

Sir Princess Petra, Sir Princess Petra’s Talent, Sir Princess Petra’s Mission
– 2013 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award (Literary Award)
– 2013 Purple Dragonfly Book Award
– 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award
– 2014 Sharp Writ Book Award
– 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award
– 2015 Children’s Literary Classics Book Award
– 2015 Children’s Literary Classic “Seal of Approval”
– 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award
– 2015 Los Angeles Book Fair Award
– 2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award
– 2016 Book Excellence Award
– 2017 Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval
– 2017 Children’s Literary Classics Book Award
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