The Word Book from Writers.com

Guran admits she's no expert on the English language:""If they licensed language users, I'd probably have trouble getting a learner's permit."" Yet, as an editor and writer, she's fascinated by words and presents this dictionary of sorts that will be a boon to word trivia wonks. She dissects common mix-ups, such as the difference between""fewer"" and""less"" and homonyms from""affect"" and""effect"" to""yolk"" and""yoke."" Nearly every entry contains a quote as an example, so personalities like W.H. Auden and Henry Miller explain rules such as when to use""on"" and when to use""upon."" Sidebars (which Guran calls""tangents"") cover etymology, literary devices (e.g., irony), punctuation and diacritical marks. The whole time, Guran's spunky humor prevails, making her readable guide an entertaining complement to standard resources like The Chicago Manual of Style.