by Ben Parker
Valley Press
2016
The book title and description will probably attract readers with diverse expectations: Those linguistic types who enjoy reading about the history of words and language, and those who are intrigued about this particular word. Readers with both perspectives will find the reading enhanced by an enjoyable humorous touch to both the scatological and the academic.
What's different about this book
Like the elephant in the room, The Word never appears in this book. But we all know what the author is talking about. What I did not expect was the wry and deft humorous touches, slipped in where least expected. The book may be short on academic linguistics and empirical evidence, but it is strong in pleasurable reading and mental exercise.
What I'll do now that I've read it
I'm thinking of both my adult patrons who enjoy a good story and laugh, and my upper level students who do "serious" etymological studies. This book will be a great resource for both audiences, as well as the random reader who wants to consider a topic not often considered in literature. A short and very accessible read.
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