It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Killer Sentences Paperback – July 27, 2010

In grade school I never paid attention to learning grammar and syntax because I could read at a level 2-3 grades ahead of my class. What I didn't know was that grammar would help me write better. June Casagrande's slim book is fun to read, may improve your writing, and as a result, could enthuse your readers if you have any.

I can’t recommend this book strongly enough. Not only is it informative, but it’s presented in such a way that it’s not tedious. Dare I even say . . . fun?Though I already knew many of the basics that dealt with punctuation and grammar, I bought this book with the intention of honing my editing skills. Sentence structure is something I’m always on the lookout to improve while editing, so I truly enjoyed the chapters that dealt with word-by-word dissection of ad copy, paragraphs, opening lines, and more. I have to admit, I looked at some of those and thought, “Well, that’s not so bad,” and then cringed at how many things had to change to make the clearest sentence possible. As I continued to read, though, the errors became more and more obvious, and I didn’t feel nearly as lacking in my observational skills.If you’re a writer, you need to read this. Perhaps more than once. It can only help you in making your writing tighter.If you’re an editor, this little book should be on your reference shelf as one of the handiest guides you’ll ever own. The very end of the book, in fact, is one of my favorite parts: an appendix that lists the most incriminating errors you can make—the ones that will brand you as a hack and tell your readers “the writer is out of her element,” according to Ms. Casagrande. They’re the misused words that drive grammarphiles insane, and the very stuff that will drive an Internet argument off-topic and down the road of personal insults in a heartbeat.If you’re a homeschooler, you need to get this for yourself and your kids and start them off right, with an instructional book that won’t bore them to tears.After all, with chapter titles such as “Antique Desk Suitable for Lady with Thick Legs and Large Drawers,” how can you go wrong?

Funny book with good writing tips from an opinionated editor and writer.

This book is a gem.Buy it. Read it. Immerse yourself in it.I've bought several books on writing; this is the only one I've finished reading. In fact, I'm reading it a second time. And when I'm done, I'll read it a third time.In this book, June shows us how a basic knowledge of grammar can improve our writing. Appendix A on the formation of sentences complements the book proper. Each chapter abounds with cogent instruction--examples are provided, errors are pointed out and suggestions given on how to fix them. Great teaching pedagogy for this kind of thing.I do have a quibble, though. For some reason, Miss Casagrande despises the semicolon. So much so, that she omits it from Appendix B--on punctuation. Sure, she does state that a lot of people having trouble using the semicolon. But isn't that all the more reason to explain it? So that we don't continue to misuse it? Furthermore, I have seen deft uses of the semicolon by expert writers; surely, the semicolon has its place.One qualification: I am a novice writer (and I use the term "writer" loosely); therefore, the great benefit that I have gained from reading this book--is because there is much I don't know. However, I suspect that writers who are more skillful than I, can still pick up a thing or two. Regardless, it's always good to review the fundamentals.Overall: Great book. Full of humor. Marvelous read.

I bought this book because I was having a horrendous time writing. Casagrande pulled me in from the start, and somehow I found myself flipping through pages as if I were reading the most exciting tale of the year. Loving her style as much as I did, I had no qualms about throwing my arms wide open and accepting the advice she had to offer. All of the topics and examples are deftly chosen and clearly illustrate her points. Just as she preaches the old "show, not tell," you'll find yourself nodding in agreement at contrasting sentences before she even tells you what's been improved. The most incredible achievement of all? She actually made me enjoy consulting a dictionary to sort out English's nuances.Casagrande's is the way to go if you're looking to improve your writing and fall in love with the art all over again. She'll take you through the rules - both of grammar and of thumb - and help you write with the coolness of a master.

This book made me laugh as well as understand writing styles. After reading it I am more aware and critical of common mistakes. I wish I had this in high school - grammar classes were sooooooo boring. Schools should offer this in every early English class or at the very least every library. My writing has improved for sure!

The little book that could (explain grammar in a way that builds a writer’s confidence).I’m not a big believer in hard and fast writing rules that must be obeyed. So, I loved the focus in this book, which says reader understanding is what matters. Grammar just serves to help us achieve that reader understanding by finding the easiest and fastest way to get our point across, without confusing the reader.With short easy to consume chapters, I read this in small chunks with my morning coffee each day before starting work on my novel. Practical and inspiring, I thoroughly recommend this little guide.