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EATS, SHOOTS & LEAVES: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation, by Lynne Truss, is an entertaining overview of punctuation, its history, and its modern misuse. As an international bestseller, it has no doubt raised appreciation for punctuation. On the other hand, the book is no substitute for a good reference book.

The book is filled with delightful examples of how faulty punctuation can be misleading, embarrassing, or even hilarious. Tidbits of history help put modern-day punctuation in perspective. The author's breezy style and British sense of humor help keep the reader engaged in an otherwise bone-dry subject. Congratulations, Lynne Truss!

However, readers looking for a glass half empty will find plenty to fault. The author spends a lot time focusing on apostrophes and commas, while ignoring a myriad of other punctuation concerns. Some Americans may have trouble appreciating the British humor. The tone of the book comes across as scolding at times. And the author makes occasional appeals for some unnamed higher authority to do something about the situation.

The faults of the book are also part of its appeal. The tongue-in-cheek tone of righteous indignation is an important part of what makes the book successful as entertainment and in raising awareness of punctuation abuse. The Briticisms are part of the book's charm.

Bottom line, EATS, SHOOTS & LEAVES is worth owning and reading. Hopefully, it will help spawn a whole new generation of punctuation sticklers. Just remember to consult a good grammar-and-punctuation reference for the specifics.

Learn more about this author, Mike Klaassen.
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