Eats Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
25 journalers for this copy...
A few weeks before I bought it, this book was featured on C-SPAN's book channel. I found the author so engaging that I couldn't resist when I saw it at a small local bookstore. It was purchased for eventual release.
A delightful read, I found the author's writing style to be very much the way she spoke as well. I was thoroughly entertained, but I think that it could be quite instructional to those without a strong foundation in punctuation usage (allowing for differences in American and British usages, which are frequently mentioned). It is also nice to know that there are those out there that among other things share my secret love affair with the semicolon.
I lent this book to my mom, as she had expressed an interest in reading it. It was returned nearly a month later on April 24th, 2005 after she and my grandmother both read it.
I lent this book to my mom, as she had expressed an interest in reading it. It was returned nearly a month later on April 24th, 2005 after she and my grandmother both read it.
I am offering this book as an international bookray. As of this time it is open, and people are welcome to join it. Please PM me if you are interested. The current list participants is:
**would prefer not to ship internationally
***can not ship internationally
Rules of this bookring:
- macdonv (Ontario, Canada)*
- diamondlucy (Austria)** (Europe)
- StoryChaser (UK)** (Europe)
- janiemac75 (UK)*
- Cable (UK)
- Smurphie (UK)*
- keksi2 (Germany) *
- rubyjules (VT, USA)
- melydia (VA, USA)**
- Everett-Reader (WA, USA)***
- monkeyflower (CA, USA)**
- babykittysmama (CA, USA)**
- a1856 (CO, USA)* (skipped by request)
- HallieK (TX, USA)*
- DragonGoddess (KS, US)
- rapturina (Netherlands)
**would prefer not to ship internationally
***can not ship internationally
Rules of this bookring:
- When you receive the book please ensure that you journal it.
- Read it as soon as you can.
- When you've finished reading it, make a journal entry and contact the next person on the list.
- If no response is received after two attempts, contact me and then next person on the list.
- When you send the book on please make a journal entry.
Received this today, and dove right in. I think this whole book is like preaching to the choir, since I too have been referred to as a pedant, and more frankly, a Grammar Nazi.
I'm going to enjoy reading this, all the while wishing I could whack grammar transgressors upside the head with this book. :-)
Thank you, omly, for the chance to read this.
I'm going to enjoy reading this, all the while wishing I could whack grammar transgressors upside the head with this book. :-)
Thank you, omly, for the chance to read this.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. This is the sort of book that Grammar Nazis will love, and Grammar Clueless will find accessible and friendly. I especially liked all the little author thoughts spoken out loud. Of course, now I can't think of any to cite, but when you read it, you'll probably think "Hey! She's got it exactly!"
Thanks, omly, for the chance to read this! Mailed by surface mail (unfortunately air was just too much) today to DiamondLucy.
Thanks, omly, for the chance to read this! Mailed by surface mail (unfortunately air was just too much) today to DiamondLucy.
Got it yesterday. Thanks will start reading it tomorrow. Weekend shouldn't be that busy.
After reading the preface only I was sure that I need to have that book in my private collection. I bought it immediately.
I am no native speaker and wasn't aware that there are soo many rules concerning the punctuation, I don't know whether I ever will be able to use commas and consorts in the correct way, but nontheless I will try and do my best.
The book is already on its way to StoryChaser!
I am no native speaker and wasn't aware that there are soo many rules concerning the punctuation, I don't know whether I ever will be able to use commas and consorts in the correct way, but nontheless I will try and do my best.
The book is already on its way to StoryChaser!
Journal Entry 8 by StoryChaser from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Thursday, December 1, 2005
Arrived safely, thanks Diamondlucy. Thanks also to omly for starting the ring. Will get to it in the next couple of days.
Journal Entry 9 by StoryChaser from Waterlooville, Hampshire United Kingdom on Monday, December 19, 2005
I enjoyed this book at the beginning, but when it got into the finer points of grammer, I found it didn't really care that much. I am obviously not one of those sticklers, that the author talks about.
Hellie has skipped, so sending on to janiemac75 today.
Hellie has skipped, so sending on to janiemac75 today.
Thank you StoryChaser the book arrived yesterday.
I'm in the middle of another ring, But this will be next on my list.
Thanks to omly for starting the ring.
I'm in the middle of another ring, But this will be next on my list.
Thanks to omly for starting the ring.
Thank you Omly I really enjoyed this book.
I'm sending Cable a message for address.
I'm sending Cable a message for address.
It arrived in the mail today. I've been looking forward to reading this book for a while now so it's going to the top of my TBR pile.
Finally got this book read. It was really quite enjoyable and it seems that my grammar isn't as good as I originally thought. :-)
Arrived today. Have a feeling I have much to learn about punctuation.
A humerous book which didn't take me long to finish at all. But boy, oh boy am I worried about my punctuation now!!!!
Journal Entry 16 by smurphie at -- By Post or by Hand/ in Person RABCK , bookring/ray in --By Post or by Hand ✋ , Scotland United Kingdom on Monday, March 27, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (3/28/2006 UTC) at -- By Post or by Hand/ in Person RABCK , bookring/ray in --By Post or by Hand ✋ , Scotland United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Finally managing to get omly's bookring moving again :)
Finally managing to get omly's bookring moving again :)
Caught in the mail today - thank you omly for sharing and smurphie for sending the book and the great bookmark :-)
All your journal entries made me even more eager to read this and it´s right on top of Mt. TBR!
All your journal entries made me even more eager to read this and it´s right on top of Mt. TBR!
When I chose English at school as my 2nd foreign language I was told I would find it "easy" (after studying "difficult" French before). Now I know why I didn´t! But this book really made some things clear for me and I think I even understand now what the famous semicolon is used for. So, thank you again omly for starting this ring, it was a great read!
Sent to rubyjules today.
Sent to rubyjules today.
Sorry it took me so long to journal! Thank you!!
I'm about done, and will be sending this along soon!
I'm about done, and will be sending this along soon!
This book wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be, but it was interesting, nonetheless! Sending off to Melydia today.
Thank you, Omly for sharing.
Thank you, Omly for sharing.
This arrived today. I have two short books ahead of it but I will read it ASAP! Thanks so much!
What a charming little book! With genuine affection for the subject matter and a large helping of wit, Truss methodically runs down the rules for apostrophes, periods, commas, exclamation points, question marks, dashes, quotation marks, hyphens, and brackets. If the very word "punctuation" causes you to yawn despairingly, this book is probably not for you. However, if you have even a passing interest in communicating more effectively, I heartily recommend picking up a copy. Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of punctuation is not to drive you bats, but to clarify the written word. It's quite useful, really, as is demonstrated so well in this book. I learned a lot without ever feeling lectured to, and even laughed quite a bit.
beautyredefined and Everett-Reader both asked to be skipped, so I sent this to monkeyflower this morning.
I received this today. Thanks for sending it, I'll put it next on list and keep it moving along.
Ahh... the book has arrived, albeit somewhat beaten-up from the postal service machines. Hope you don't mind, omly. Though the book travelled a short distance from monkeyflower to me, the postal machine chewed a bit of the spine and cover.
Can't wait to read this -- it's on the top of my pile and I'm looking forward to seeing what many mistakes I'm making with punctuation.... *smiles*
Can't wait to read this -- it's on the top of my pile and I'm looking forward to seeing what many mistakes I'm making with punctuation.... *smiles*
Journal Entry 26 by babykittysmama from Redondo Beach, California USA on Saturday, February 10, 2007
It's nice to know that I don't make as many mistakes as I had previously thought. This was an interesting read. My pet peeve still remains with misspelling with punctuation as the close second. Thank you for sharing this book. a1856 asked to be skipped as the book was purchased, so this is on it's way to HallieK.
Just got this in the mail and can't wait to start reading! It's next on the list!
This is a wonderful book and totally hilarious! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks very much for sharing!
The book arrived in the mail yesterday. I actually have one book that I should read before this one, but made the mistake of reading the Foreword and Preface in Eats, Shoots & Leaves and I am now a third of the way through the book! Will post again when I'm finished.
This book was awsome! I finished it a couple days ago. This afternoon while running errands, I came across a sign that read "No truck's in this parking lot". It made me laugh this time instead of giving me an urge to go at it with a white out brush.
I've already posted the book so it is winging its way to rapturina in the Netherlands. Enjoy!
I've already posted the book so it is winging its way to rapturina in the Netherlands. Enjoy!
It's here! Thanks DragonGoddess, for being so incredibly speedy about sending it! :D
I really enjoyed reading this! The author has a very engaging and witty style and I really like her. I also learned a thing or two about punctuation. :D I guess I already knew most of it, I just never realized there were distinct rules! :D
mlbish asked to be skipped, so I'm waiting for omly to get back to me about what to do with the book.
mlbish asked to be skipped, so I'm waiting for omly to get back to me about what to do with the book.
Omly wanted me to send this to someone who'd like it, so it's on its way to aunt-sophie as a surprise. I'm sure she will like this book, I just hope she hasn't read it yet!
In the mail as of May 14th.
In the mail as of May 14th.
It was with the two other books rapturina sent me as a trade. What a nice surprise! I haven't read it, but it does seem like the kind of book that might amuse me. :) Thanks for thinking of me!
Sending to mikime as a RABCK. Sent on Jan. 11, 2008.
The book has just arrived yesterday. Thank you so much, I'm looking forward to diving into the mysteries of punctuation! ;)
This book was so much fun to read!! I had always thought I was the only one worrying about commas and semicolons and, most of all, about the shocking "apostrophe abuse"! ;) And here I found a whole book devoted to the defence and clear explanation of where and how and why using each single punctuation mark! Great! Such a satisfying reading! :D
Thanks a lot for sending it to me, aunt-sophie!
I'm looking for someone who might appreciate this precious gem just as much as I did!
Thanks a lot for sending it to me, aunt-sophie!
I'm looking for someone who might appreciate this precious gem just as much as I did!
This book was sent today to my friend Nadine, who I'm sure will enjoy it as much as I did! Have fun!
Journal Entry 39 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Thursday, July 3, 2008
Received the book today! Thanks so much, Miki!xxx
Journal Entry 40 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Tuesday, September 2, 2008
I finished this book a while ago already but forgot to make a JE. It was ok. It made me laugh out a couple of times but towards the end I was bored with it. I didn't find it too informative, either - yes, some things were interesting but I seemed to have known most of the rules of punctuation after all... I'll release this as a ring/ray soon.
Journal Entry 41 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Monday, September 15, 2008
Will offer this as a ray -
Participants so far:
Laui (Netherlands - prefers EU shipping)
Brujula (France - prefers EU shipping)
gingergeoff (UK - will ship int'l)
OnlyLiana (UK - int'l shipping)
snapdragon (US - will ship US/Canada)
acountkel (NC, USA - will ship US/Canada)
amidabutsu (Canada - int'l shipping)<- The book is here at the moment
Chantie (Canada - will ship US/Canada)
Participants so far:
Laui (Netherlands - prefers EU shipping)
Brujula (France - prefers EU shipping)
gingergeoff (UK - will ship int'l)
OnlyLiana (UK - int'l shipping)
snapdragon (US - will ship US/Canada)
acountkel (NC, USA - will ship US/Canada)
amidabutsu (Canada - int'l shipping)<- The book is here at the moment
Chantie (Canada - will ship US/Canada)
It was in the mail yesterday. I've started reading today, and it seems quite interesting.
I just can't seem to finish it. It's interesting, it's funny, but somehow it's not really for me. It's been with me for about a month, so it's time to pass it on. I'll PM the next one on the list ;)
Journal Entry 44 by Laui at Netherlands, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, October 30, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (10/29/2008 UTC) at Netherlands, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed the book yesterday to Brujula.
Mailed the book yesterday to Brujula.
Journal Entry 45 by Brujula from Valenciennes, Nord-Pas-de-Calais France on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wow! this book has travelled a lot!
So it found the way to my mailbox today.
Thank you for sharing!
So it found the way to my mailbox today.
Thank you for sharing!
Journal Entry 46 by Brujula from Valenciennes, Nord-Pas-de-Calais France on Monday, December 1, 2008
I've really enjoyed this little book. It is so well written that one reads it almost as a novel.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing!
Released 15 yrs ago (12/6/2008 UTC) at
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
mailed to gingergeoff.
mailed to gingergeoff.
Thanks for passing this on Brujula, I'll put this on my pile to be read next.
Journal Entry 49 by gingergeoff from Swindon, Wiltshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I found this book a lot more enjoyable than I expected to. Let's face it, the subject matter is pretty dry, but the way it is presented is very entertaining and enjoyable to read.
I have PM'd OnlyLiana so that I can send it on.
Thanks for sharing!
I have PM'd OnlyLiana so that I can send it on.
Thanks for sharing!
Journal Entry 50 by gingergeoff at Controlled Release in -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (12/17/2008 UTC) at Controlled Release in -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to OnlyLiana as she is next on the ring.
Sent to OnlyLiana as she is next on the ring.
Journal Entry 51 by OnlyLiana from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, December 27, 2008
This arrived a few days ago while I was away so apologies for the delay in Journalling it. I have two other books in line before this but i'll try and get through them asap.
I'll keep you posted.
Cheers,
I'll keep you posted.
Cheers,
Journal Entry 52 by OnlyLiana from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Friday, February 6, 2009
I feel so awful for holding this book hostage for so long but I finally got around to finishing it yesterday!
I found the book really enjoyable! I can be a bit of a stickler for punctuation myself but I know that I never get it 100% myself, it annoys me more when people don't use punctuation at all or speak in 'txt spk'. I did find the explanations of punctuation rules quite long winded and sometimes confusing but I would certainly recommend this book to any other sticklers out there!
I have PMed acountkel for their address as snapdragongirl has asked to be skipped! I will post this out asap.
I found the book really enjoyable! I can be a bit of a stickler for punctuation myself but I know that I never get it 100% myself, it annoys me more when people don't use punctuation at all or speak in 'txt spk'. I did find the explanations of punctuation rules quite long winded and sometimes confusing but I would certainly recommend this book to any other sticklers out there!
I have PMed acountkel for their address as snapdragongirl has asked to be skipped! I will post this out asap.
Journal Entry 53 by OnlyLiana at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/4/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posting out today!
Posting out today!
Caught today!
Will get to it soon!
Thanks for including me.
Will get to it soon!
Thanks for including me.
One thing I did like about this book. It was short. This is a book about punctuation. I did learn a little. There are punctuation rules listed in here on the proper use of the comma, apostrophe and hyphen (among others). I just thought the examples chosen were so outdated, I couldn’t relate. I understand the author’s concern about the fate of the English Language and its punctuation rules due to email and texting. However, I found some of her rambling on and on about the how important it is to place a comma or apostrophe in the right spot was on the verge of becoming an OCD. Not my cup of tea.
I have the next person's address and will send to her this weekend.
Thank you for including me in the ring.
I have the next person's address and will send to her this weekend.
Thank you for including me in the ring.
received it two days ago in the mail.
i started reading it while waiting for my coffee to be ready. one hour later, i figured it was time to have my coffee and register the book. i'm really enjoying it, as any stickler should.
i started reading it while waiting for my coffee to be ready. one hour later, i figured it was time to have my coffee and register the book. i'm really enjoying it, as any stickler should.
i really enjoyed the book (she would not enjoy my lack of capital letters though) and i am considering getting my own copy. i'm a teacher and it can be quite painful to correct students' essays. i'm keeping some of her examples to show them what a difference punctuation can make sometimes.
update: the next - and last - person in line has pulled out. so i guess the book is mine until i pass it along?
update: the next - and last - person in line has pulled out. so i guess the book is mine until i pass it along?
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
passed it to a fellow bookcrosser at our monthly meeting.
passed it to a fellow bookcrosser at our monthly meeting.
I had no idea what to expect: Lynne Truss has done for punctuation what the Magna Carta did for, well, whatever the Magna Carta did for...Constitutional law? The barons? Anyway, it's hilarious and informative. I highly recommend it.
