If you are a language nerd like me, or simply enjoy learning interesting things about words, speech, and grammar, I think you'd like Alphabet Juice, by Roy Blount Jr. If you don't care to read about the quirks of the English language, however, stay far away from this book.
I heard about this book from my friend Amanda, and I was interested in reading it because I am a fan of Roy Blount Jr. as heard on NPR's WWDTM podcast. He is consistently one of my favorite panelists. His speaking style reminds me a little of the late Joseph B. Wirthlin's in that he often doesn't seem to be making a lot of sense - maybe he's even rambling a bit - and then he delivers the punchline (or spiritual message) and it's the cleverest/most insightful thing you've ever heard.
So it was fun for me to read the book and hear Roy Blount Jr.'s voice in my mind. I loved reading it, even though it is just a book with 26 chapters, one for each letter of the alphabet. It's basically like going through the dictionary with a witty friend (who happens to be a member of the usage panel for the American Heritage Dictionary) and picking out the best parts. Here are some of my favorites.
Try singing this:Shop ar-TIS-an-al and you'll be glad!Now try singing this:Shop AR-tis-an-al and blehhh...
On the word "consonant" being defined succinctly and superbly by a certain dictionary (p. 65):
[Dictionary entry quoted.] Can you imagine how sweaty but proud the lexicographer was when that was done? The punctuation alone must have involved hours of meticulous stitching. "People," that lexicographer's supervisor must have announced over the intercom, "we are knocking off for champagne. Loretta has nailed consonant."
On folksy figures of speech (p. 99, and I think he made these up himself):
I feel like a hog starin' at a wristwatch.So ugly he looks like a homemade child.
On "headlinese," the quirky language of headlines that must convey maximum meaning while taking up minimum space (p. 131, these are actual headlines):
REPRESSED-MEMORYCANNIBALISM CASEHAS SHRINK IN PICKLEHOGS LOOSED AFTER COLLISIONCREATE HAVOC ON A HIGHWAY
On the proper use of if vs. whether (p. 148):
But here's something I heard on NPR: "The agreement did not address if detainees or their lawyers would be able to see any classified evidence."That if sticks out like a sore conjunction. "D**n it," that if cries, "this is not my job."
On neologisms (p. 210):
The only word I can think of that I've coined on purpose is antepenultimatum. I've never had occasion to use it till now. It's when, for instance, you're absorbed in something outdoors, and you hear your mother calling, "For the last time, come in for supper," and you know from the tone of her voice that you really will absolutely have to come in, not this time, and not the next time she calls you, but the time after that.
On the word polyurethane foam (p. 234):
Why do I derive so much pleasure from saying, to myself or out loud, "polyurethane foam"? No one seems to get anything out of hearing me say it. From my perspective, feeling it running around in my mind's ear and mouth is like watching otters play in the water.
On writing poetry, specifically a triolet (p. 331):
Slightly Irregular Triolet Occasioned by an Official Explanation in an Airport of Chicago"We have to seize your toiletriesIf liquids/gels exceed three ounces."For your sake (your security's),They have to seize your toiletries.You didn't weigh your Crest and squeeze...?There! The keen-eyed sentry pounces.He has to seize your toiletriesIf liquids/gels exceed three ounces.
Reading this book is probably the most fun with words I've ever had, certainly since I worked as a lexicographer editing the dictionary. If that sounds like a good time to you, you should read it. If not, you probably shouldn't.