Official Review: Grammar for a Full Life: How the Ways We...

[Ruba Abu Ali]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Grammar for a Full Life: How the Ways We Shape a Sentence Can Limit or Enlarge Us" by Lawrence Weinstein.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”— Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Grammar for a Full Life by Lawrence Weinstein is an unconventional grammar and personal development reference. It demonstrates how the ways we shape a sentence can limit or enlarge us. On a starting note, the author had taught writing at Harvard, from 1973 to 1983, where he co-founded Harvard’s Writing Center. He then joined the English Department at Bentley University, where he was, among other things, Director of Bentley’s Expository Writing Program.

With that in mind, I was clueless as to what this book would hold for me and was a little worried it would be a dry and purely academic read. How wrong yet pleasantly surprised I was!

Through the analogies and the revelations that the author made, one could find the answers to the common question of why to fret and fuss where language satisfies its basic, communicative function? Weinstein says, “Grammatical correctness of the trivial sort- epitomized by proper use of the apostrophe- serves us in the same way propriety works to our advantage in settings ranging from a track meet to a formal wedding: it helps us to obtain respect.”

Weinstein points out when to use the transitive verbs’ active voice, for we are not mere victims, and within certain limits, we remain the makers of our fate. Furthermore, he elaborates on the connection between punctuation and agency, which is the felt capacity to make things happen.

I particularly liked the correlation between grammar and mindfulness and how grammar comes into play in the various aspects of our lives, including freedom, sex, and death!

I also appreciated the author’s explanation of the subtle connection between the proper use of grammar and helping one become not just a better writer, but a better person and communicator. Who knew that a trivial action such as placing a comma or an exclamation mark could reveal so much about one’s character?

There is nothing I disliked about this book. Moreover, it is clearly professionally edited, as I did not come across any grammatical, spelling, or typographical errors. I think this book would appeal to a wide scope of readers. I’d recommend it to those who appreciate grammar and are keen on visualizing it in a new scope. Readers who want a fresh look on life and are on the quest of becoming better writers, as well as better persons, are bound to find in Grammar for a Full Life an enriching and thought-provoking read. It is, therefore, my pleasure to rate Grammar for a Full Life by Lawrence Weinstein 4 out of 4 stars.

On a final note, I reckon my stars were in alignment when I picked this book for review, for I drew an immense joy from diving into its lavish content. Weinstein’s words sum it up best; “If you care about fostering a sense of community between us- a sense of shared presence, don’t just write to me. In your writing, be that person who you are in the flesh.”

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Grammar for a Full Life: How the Ways We Shape a Sentence Can Limit or Enlarge Us
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[Tablito]

Interesting how unconscious acts like the use of a comma can tell alot about the character of an individual.

[Mtibza eM]

As a writer, I should definitely get this book. Ha! Ha! Lol.

[KMGR70]

I am definitely reading this one very soon! It already sounds similar to issues I fuss about constantly. I'll refrain from going into my own rant on the subject, for now, but am so glad to see your review. Thanks for picking that book!

[Atieno Magero]

Wonderful review! Your review has definitely changed my opinion of this book. I thought that it would be dry but it's far more interesting than I expected. I love how unique this book seems.

[Shahina C A]

I read many books about this topic. Wanna know what this particular book can offer me. Thanks for the review

[Fozia RYK]

Your review is very interesting and after reading your review I would like to read this book also.

[CConfounded]

I'm glad to hear that the book seemed professionally edited, Ruba Abu Ali; if there were grammatical errors in a grammar book, that would be quite the travesty.

It sounds like the book explored grammar in an engaging manner. Considering it is typically seen as one of the more boring aspects of the school curriculum, that's quite the accomplishment!

[Ayora]

It is to be expected that a book on grammar should be free of grammatical errors. Thanks for a nice review.

[cd20]

I clicked over to read your review on this book because I have been trying to get my score higher on this site. My problem? Commas!!! It looks like the author does cover that, correct? It might be a GREAT idea for me to pick up a copy of this book and read it. Also, to learn what commas say about me, LOL!