Review of Beware of the Old Bull

[Vivian Writes]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Beware of the Old Bull" by david withey.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Beware of the Old Bull is a satirical play written by David Withey and performed by the Wellington Heath Amateur Dramatics Society (WHADS), revolving around the use and abuse of the English language in the most creative of ways.

We commence with an inquiry from Mr. Alan to Bovine Excretion, a company that interestingly sells bovine excretion, also known as BE, or more popularly BS, a tool that different industries have used for centuries to highlight a product's best features. Unfortunately, despite its best intentions, there remain those, including Alan, who are concerned about its deceitfulness. What eventually unfolds is a visit to the British Library (the citadel or guardians of the English language) to find clarity on the matter. Here, we are introduced to numerous interesting characters of the English language and immersed in enlightening debates for the ages.

The book explores very relatable topics on the use of the English language that I enjoyed following from start to finish. I'm sure we can all remember times when a marketer, presenter, or motivational speaker employed combinations of fantastically sounding big or unclear words to bamboozle or impress an audience. A good example raised in the book is Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan, which sounds great but is very vague. The fact that the author can help readers draw comparisons between the happenings in the book and real life makes the book stand out, and this was the first thing I liked about the reading experience.

The poor use of verbs in society today is also not left out of the discussion, as well as educative insights on the subtle differences between "shall" and "will" in the first person versus the second or third person. This distinction is often overlooked in everyday conversation, but Withey's thoughtful treatment sheds light on the subject, which provides readers with a deeper understanding of the English language.

The characters in the book are equally impressive. The author has created an intriguing world that breathes life into the English language, as we meet different idiomatic expressions and even letters in person. Meeting the letter "F" and listening to her complaint about getting rid of the "f-word" and how that is the first word that defines her these days was an interesting case. The book has a comedic undertone throughout, which makes it a joy to read. I found myself laughing uncontrollably from the beginning to the end.

Interestingly, the book does not contain any profanity, even though the main argument revolves around BS. This clever approach makes the narrative and arguments accessible to a wider audience. You will have to pick up a copy of the book to find out the conclusion to these arguments as well.

Ultimately, Beware of the Old Bull is a form of awareness, educative, and entertaining. It is a thought-provoking commentary on the power of language and will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the English language's nuances. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy satire, wordplay, and clever storytelling. It is an audiobook that is easy to listen to and flawlessly edited. I found no aspect I did not like. Therefore, a rating of five out of five is deserved.

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Beware of the Old Bull
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[Uzoma Ezeme]

The book is a good piece for high intellectual with love for play on word and English word dynamics. The author made good use of figures of speech especially in satirical way. The book ignites my interest. I would love to read it. Thank you for a wonderful review.

[Ajiboye Hammed]

This book is a wonderful one. I give the accurate use of English languages which is most used language in the world. I love all the work he put into it. It helps to educate and inform good review.

[MB Reviews]

This review sounds incredibly entertaining! I love the idea of a play that delves into the intricacies of the English language in such a humorous way. It's refreshing to see a book that can make language learning and analysis so enjoyable.

The concept of giving human qualities to letters and words is genius. I'm particularly intrigued by the character of the letter "F." It sounds like a witty and thought-provoking exploration of language and culture.

[Naushin Moledina]

"Beware of the Old Bull" by David Withey, performed by the Wellington Heath Amateur Dramatics Society, is a satirical play exploring the misuse of the English language. The reviewer praises the book for its relatable themes, insightful language discussions, and comedic undertone. The clever treatment of controversial topics without profanity makes it accessible and engaging. They highly recommend it for its thought-provoking commentary, flawless editing, and clever storytelling, awarding it five stars. Thank you for a great review!

[Daniel__Smith]

"Beware of the Old Bull" by David Withey appears to be a satirical play that explores the intricacies and occasional absurdities of the English language. It seems to combine humor with insightful commentary on how language is used and sometimes misused. I will love to read this soon.

[Okafor Prosper]

The level of creativity displayed here is impressive. The author has done well to educate readers on the proper application of the English language, doing so in a fun, humorous manner. I enjoyed the listening session from start to finish.

[Youngreader720-OluwabukunmiWilliamsOso]

A fantastic audio book on the use and misuse of the English Language. The author has shown a high level of creativity in executing this. Nice review.

[Dubem Jecinta]

Your review of Beware of the Old Bull captures the play’s clever satire on language use and marketing deception really well. I appreciate how you highlighted its relevance to real-life examples like Trump’s slogan. It sounds like a fun and insightful read!

[Enkay Favour]

“Beware of the Old Bull” offers a sharp and entertaining exploration of the English language through satire and clever wordplay. David Withey’s imaginative portrayal of language-related issues and its humorous take on linguistic quirks make it a must-read for anyone interested in the art and absurdities of communication.

[Smart Link]

"Make America Great Again" is such a vague slogan, but it's incredibly catchy. This book seems to nail how powerful yet ambiguous language can be in shaping public opinion. I'm fascinated by how a few simple words can have such a massive impact. It makes me wonder about all the other slogans and catchphrases I've absorbed without really thinking about them.

[Priscilla Kurah]

I've definitely been bamboozled by fancy jargon before, especially in work meetings. This book sounds like a hilarious way to learn how to spot those linguistic tricks. Maybe I'll finally understand what my tech support is really saying, or be able to decode those lengthy terms and conditions I always skip. It could be like having a secret decoder ring for corporate speak!

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

"Beware of the Old Bull" by David Withey is a witty and insightful satirical play that delves into the nuances of the English language. It skillfully combines humor and education, offering a fresh perspective on language use through inventive characters and engaging debates. A must-read for fans of clever wordplay and satire.

[Nuella Joseph]

*Beware of the Old Bull* makes the play sound incredibly engaging and witty. The way it satirizes the use of language and brings idiomatic expressions to life is intriguing. It seems like a clever and entertaining read for anyone interested in the quirks of English. I'll definitely consider picking it up!

[Mercy Ndungu 9]

Beware of the Old Bull by David Withey is a clever and entertaining satirical play that delves into the intricate and often absurd use of the English language. The narrative unfolds with a humorous exploration of language, focusing on the misuse and manipulation of language in various contexts, particularly in marketing and communication.