Things That Make Us [Sic]: A Grammar Book Review

Have you ever read a book whose ideas resonated so strongly, you felt compelled to call up everyone you know and tell them about it? You want to throw up your fist and shout, “Yes! Yes! That’s exactly how it is!”

I often feel this way about novels (Atlas Shrugged is my latest infatuation), and sometimes about business and marketing books. (Seth Godin’s Purple Cow was the last one I read that had that effect.)

As much of a logophile as I am, rarely does a grammar book hit me in such a way. Until I read Things That Make Us [Sic] by Martha Brockenbrough, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar.

Not only does Brockenbrough know her grammar, she’s a master wordsmith. I found myself reading words I haven’t used in years, and learning a few new ones in the process. She never uses a big word when a smaller one will do, but has a knack for choosing exactly the right word at the right time. Her sentences are lyrical works of art, evoking emotion as they teach. Speaking of teaching — I learned more than a few interesting grammar rules I didn’t know before. (Hard to believe, right?)

Uproariously funny (until last night, I had never laughed out loud at a grammar book), informative, authoritative yet light-hearted, and structured as an easy reference guide for specific grammar topics, Things That Make Us [Sic] is a must, an absolute MUST, for any writer’s book shelf.

Some highlights include:

Brockenbrough’s letters
Everyone is fair game, from Justin Timberlake to the Toronto Maple Leafs [sic]. When the author founded SPOGG in 2004, her goal was to launch a secret society devoted to the preservation of good grammar. But writers sometimes find it hard to keep secrets and grammar gurus simply can’t stay mum when we spot grammatical infractions.

Brockenbrough exposed her society by writing letters to celebrities, advertising agencies and the store on the corner with that annoying misspelled sign. She published the letters in the book for our edification and amusement.

A brief history of the English language
I found this segment utterly fascinating, as the author explores the myriad roots of the English language and its evolution. I’ve never read such an in-depth history of our language outside of textbooks. Brockenbrough made it easy to follow and held my interest throughout.

“The Ten False Commandments of the English Language”
Here, Brockenbrough explores one of my favorite grammar topics — the “rules” it is okay to break. She does it with the same wit and wisdom you find throughout the book.

The segment on SPAM
While everyone else on Earth is fair game to receive a letter from SPOGG, Brockenbrough refuses (smartly) to reply to spammers to correct their grammar. She takes out her frustration in a segment of the book in which she corrects the grammar of spammers.

A quick note: If you are offended by the use of the word Peni-5, or discussions about how bad grammar can affect your love life, you’ll want to add a tamer title to your writer’s bookshelf. I personally loved Brockenbough’s sprinkling of almost-raunchy humor. 

The moment you’ve been waiting for…
I noted earlier that it’s rare I read a grammar book I feel compelled to share with everyone I meet. To satisfy that urge, after careful consideration, I’ve chosen Things That Make Us [Sic] as the book I’ll give away in the latest contest.

You have until tomorrow to read this post and submit your sentence in the comments section. I’ll be picking a winner at midnight, Eastern time, January 31, 2010.

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