This is a quirky punctuation guide; more anecdote than rote—sort of a Bridget Jones’s Elements of Style. The author uses lots of good examples (“cute” may be more accurate) and is good about pointing out the differences between British and American usage.

Although aimed at punctuation sticklers, it would be an entertaining introduction for the punctuation-challenged. It covers all the basic punctuation marks and rules, but not the trickier stuff.

I’d give it three and a half stars, which in my rating code means I think it is good enough to recommend to certain people, but not generally (which would merit four stars).

Lynne Truss is a stickler. For sticklers, seeing bad punctuation will make them pull their hair out, grab a pen and correct the mistakes. I am not one of these people. I am like the woman who approached her at a book signing, who continually repeats, “I really want to learn about correct punctuation” but I never really practice it. However, this book, has made me much more aware of my bad grammar and how lazy I am with language. I am not one to pick up an MLA handbook because honestly, they are dull and boring and so specific but with exceptions that I cannot keep straight (I should not admit this because I love cataloging). Truss’ book is really enjoyable and makes punctuation a lot more interesting for those of us, who care but are not obsessed. She is funny and light-hearted and a little self-deprecating which makes it even more fun to read.

easy read but bored me to tears…
i see everyone else enjoyed this. oh well, probably more than one will be throwing a fit upon reading this punctuationally incorrect entry. laughs

I am one of those rare beings with an appreciation for correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Although I must admit, however much I try to avoid errors in orthography, I frequently make mistakes, as I have probably done in the first sentence of this entry… Generally when I am unsure of the grammatical correctness of a statement, I will revise it until I am certain it is correct. The spelling capabilities of the average web-surfer are disappointing.