More Nitty Gritty Grammar

There has never been a friendlier invitation to master English usage basics than Nitty-Gritty Grammar until its new companion, More Nitty-Gritty Grammar. I recommend them for all my community college students. Not in the ivory tower crowd, authors Fine and Josephson are, however, astute observers of language ills and, if laughter is the best medicine, most-palatable healers. Their topics are relevant, their well-researched explanations straightforward, their examples fresh and funny. My students agree.

Better organized and more comprehensive than even the popular _Transitive Vampire_ series or _Woe Is I_, this second book by Josephson and Fine is whimsical and easy to use. It's packed with humorous examples that are current and uncontrived. This is the only book I've found to cover some of the finer points that have always bothered or confused me--such as when British convention differs from that in America. Indispensible!

On this cold, winter day in January, I'm reading More Nitty Gritty Grammar. Who would have thought that a grammar book could be entertaining? Edith Fine and Judith Josephson have found the perfect formula. Similar to their first book, Nitty Gritty Grammar, this one is organized in an appealing, accessible way. I actually enjoyed testing my grammar skills with the quiz. Their compilation of nationally-syndicated cartoons addressing grammar issues adds visual interest and levity. They explain the rules, state the exceptions, and give plenty of examples. It's an excellent resource guide for yourself or for a friend. I highly recommend it.

This is THE ONLY grammar book I can fully recommend to my adult writing students who attend my popular online classes through Education to Go and at the university. As the author of more than 60 books, including Shovel It: Nature's Health Plan and the creativity journal, Writeriffic, I know the importance of learning the "rules of the road." The authors have done a smashing job explaining them all and with style. It's definitely a thumbs up. Yes, it IS a fun read.

More Nitty-Gritty Grammar and its predecessor, Nitty-Gritty Grammar, are simply terrific! The team of Fine and Josephson have created a duo of books which gently teach an elusive subject and yet entertain the reader. Imagine a book with a CNN-style scroll at the bottom of each page. Follow the scroll and learn something new in grammar or refresh yourself on something half forgotten since high school. Then, viola!, the scroll also gives the reader a page reference to read more. Go a step further. Check out the cartoons (good ones like Baby Blues and Heathcliff) for more grammar pointers. Who woulda thunk it? Cartoonists as grammarians!! Wonderful!Fine and Josephson make their points without insulting the student nor overburdening the teacher. Nitty-Gritty is well organized and well explained. I have used these books very successfully in tutoring adults. A recent forty-five year old student, Cheryl, remarked she followed her book's CNN ticker in her text and "couldn't get enough of it." I agree with Cheryl.