Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation: Amazon.ca: Lynne Truss: Books

Inside This Book (Learn More)
Browse and search another edition of this book.

First Sentence
Either this will ring bells for you, or it won't. Read the first page

Explore More
Concordance

Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover

Tag this product

Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items.

Customer Reviews

236 Reviews

5 star:		(126)
4 star:		(47)
3 star:		(28)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(23)

Average Customer Review

4.0 out of 5 stars (236 customer reviews)

Share your thoughts with other customers:

Create your own review

Most helpful customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining romp through English grammer, uh, grammar, Jun 23 2004

By

Charles Sutherland (Indy, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tollerance Approach to Punctuation (Hardcover)

I remember a long time ago seeing a headline in a paper that read "Milk Drinkers Turning to Powder." This is the kind of English that really sets off Lynne Truss. I saw an interview with her on television, and while she had a sense of humor, and that is apparent from the book, she also had a very serious side, and I was sure that for certain grammatical errors she would not hesitate to shoot and leave!

The title of this book comes from the kind of problem that people can encounter in the difference between spoken language and written language. Being a fan of poetry, I am very aware of the difference between spoken words and written words on the page, and what a difference simple intonations and voice changes can make. Punctuation and spelling can make a big difference, too. Is it here, or hear? Here here! or Hear! Hear! There are lots of arguments for the need for correct grammar and punctuation, and there are lots of pieces in here that talk about the history and misuse in the past of punctuation in key times.

This is a very British book in many senses, and some of the American rules of grammar are different, but it is still fun to read and see what happens with the differences. Truss has a dry wit and this comes through most of the time fairly well. There were times I did laugh quite a bit, and times I copied things down to email to friends.

This is a fun book. You won't want to leave it behind, eating or shooting.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

5.0 out of 5 stars Read it first in London, Jun 20 2004

By

Kelly Theodor (Slinger, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tollerance Approach to Punctuation (Hardcover)

I read the British version of this book first, and I have to say, it's funnier in its "original language." I never thought a book on punctuation would be funny, but after reading an excerpt in a British newspaper, I made a special trip out to buy it. I was laughing out loud the whole way home while reading it on the plane.

I suppose the book is not funny if you don't think there's anything wrong with misplaced punctuation, but if you do, this book is a treat!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it., Jun 2 2004

By

Jenny (Providence, RI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tollerance Approach to Punctuation (Hardcover)

I loved this book. Grammar is hardly something the normal person would think to be interesting, especially in book form. This is truely one of a kind. Lynne Truss has such a great way with witty and intelligent humor. I would recommend it to anyone! Besides, I've just about had it with seeing grammar mistakes all over the place.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Report abuse

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 236 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Want to see more reviews on this item?

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 613 reviews 4.0 out of 5 stars

Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Deliery
The book is excellent.

The delivery was too long. I ordered it on the 17th of December and it didn't arrive until well after Christmas via Europe !!!

Published 16 months ago by Barbara Nethercot

5.0 out of 5 stars Sieze the Power of Punctuation
Lynne Truss' guide to punctuation EATS, SHOOTS and LEAVES is easy to read, complete without being overly didactic, and often hilarious. A true delight! Read more

Published 18 months ago by Cybergirl