This is the interesting journey of Z, a young Chinese woman, who goes to England to study English, and while there, falls in love with an older man. Very interesting story, written to demonstrate the improvement of Z's English from the moment she arrives in England to the moment she returns home to China. A good book, and an engaging read.

This was a very interesting book about language and culture. I especially liked the chapters about the Isle of Man and the Yuchi Indians.

Before reading, I was definitely in the "how interesting can it be?" category. But it was informative, interesting and entertaining. A few things I thought were just a tad absurd, but most of her complaints made me want to cheer since someone feels the same way I do!
I've always made fun of grammar nerds, but this book affirmed that I am, in fact, one of them.

My boss lent me this book, I still don't know if it was a hint about my sometimes lazy punctuation. We both agreed that it was a very funny read but I'm not sure anyone who wasn't already keen on the workings of grammar would get through it purely on the humour. Still, if you're into that kind of thing, definitely look for a copy of this book for a quick read.

It's the kind of book closet (and not so closet) nerds love because it encourages indulgence in all the geeky ways. If you've ever been peeved by the misspelt sign at the grocers, find solace within these pages.

it's just awesome. hysterical and accurate.

This was such a fun read! Who knew that reading about grammar could actually make you laugh? I loved the history that the author included as well.

hits home in many ways....poetically written

Me Talk Pretty One day is an extremely funny book. It's hard to pick a favorite story, but I remember liking the one where he clogs a toilet at a friend's party.

I've always thought that David Sedaris is only funny when listened to, and reading him is never as good. When I borrowed t his book from Justin, he said it wasn't very funny. I read it on the trip to Mexico, and laughed out loud so many times Justin decided he might need to reread it. Only the abridged version is available in audiobook, but I think I'll listen to the ones that are available.
I wonder if his life is really as absurd as he makes it sound, or if he just has a knack for making normal things sound absurd.
I loved it and can't wait to read more of his books.

The essays about trying to learn and speak French were hilarious, but the rest of the book was not as good (or as funny) as Sedaris' "Dress You Family in Corduroy and Jeans."

Funny and fast to read. Not something to read more than once, but Sedaris is someone I'd read again if something he wrote appeared in my hands.

I was expecting this to be funnier... It was good but not great

One of the funniest books ever. I actually 'laughed out loud.'

The only time I encountered diagramming was in junior high English, in the late 1960's. I can't believe someone wrote a book about this, and that I read it. Actually, an article would probably have been long enough, but the author goes off on many rambles, some more interesting than others.

What I learned:

The first attempt at diagramming used circles or bubbles to represent the parts of speech, rather than lines.

You shouldn't sneer at people who say axe for ask, or axed for asked. Apparently axe and ask have been used interchangeably since the 1500s, including in the first English translation of the Bible. Who knew?

Avoid Gertrude Stein at all costs. A nut is a nut is a nut. (Apparently G.S. loved diagramming, but it didn't seem to help her write understandable sentences!)

An interesting insight into what it means to be autistic. My favorite parts are where he discusses learning language. It boggles the mind.

I'm quite impressed at what a "normal" life he's made for himself. Lots of autistic people I know are not capable of that.

This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. Daniel's life is so fascinating.