Mortal Syntax

February 15, 2008
Casagrande, who pens a grammar column for L.A. community newspapers, brings a livelysense of humor to hercoverage ofcommon grammar mistakes.In 101 short chapters, each prefaced by a sentence using thephrase under discussion, she pinpoints the errors that have launched many a heated discussion between language snobs and regular folks. She uses a down-to-earth approach and plenty of jokes to makethe whole topic of grammarless intimidating while explaining in simple and direct language the reasoning behind the rules. Ranging from 17ubiquitous errors (e.g., between you and I) to more rarifiedterrain (agreement between a relative pronoun and its antecedent), Casagrande covers a lot ofground in pithy prose designed to keep readers turning the pages.This compact guide to correct usagewill work both for those in need of a refresher courseongrammar and those still struggling to assimilate the basics.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)