My book review on Patricia O'Conner's 'Woe Is I'

Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O'Conner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


After a certain period, writers have to seek out help to update themselves on the rules on grammar, changing conventions, metaphor formulation, correct spellings, plus tips and brief materials to make them the best word-smiths in the English language. This becomes a necessity as a lot of distractions are taking place that eat much of the span of attention of writers and readers in English. This book has provided that need (to be updated and be reminded gently) to me, certainly. I didn't feel like I'm being harassed nor intimidated by an insensitive editor who seems to take abnormal pleasure in correcting mistakes I commit every now and then. There were no direct nor subtle remarks about writers who use English as their second or third language whenever they write.

I've experienced being advised by editors or those who teach English as a second language about the usual faults or mistakes (they expect) I would make just because English is a second language to me (actually it's my third). I don't know why I sense these editors are just making things difficult for me. Or as I assume how things are: is it because I notice these editors are using English as a tool to dominate others (whom they think) are inferior to them (or perhaps for some other reason)? Or maybe they're ensuring that writers who use English as a second language won't get the bigger share of better-paid writing assignments from publishers found all over the world?

In reading O'Conner's book, I didn't feel like she's talking to someone whom she feels is her inferior (at least in certain aspects, specifically on the English language). Mind you: a lot of those so-called English language native speakers have made it their petty business to police the use of correct form of English out there. In the process they intimidate and alienate those who prefer to learn, improve on their abilities, enjoy the fun of the language, and become among the best English-language users based outside of these countries who seem to perpetuate these strange notions on the 'English-native-speaker/s' who are thought to be using fault-free English.

Ms. O'Connor seems to like to sincerely help writers (who are patient enough to improve themselves). Refer to this book when you have questions on how-to-use English in writing, and take all the time to get reviewed on what works properly and appropriately about the English language in its written form. There's really no point in getting intimidated or even feel a little-bit anxious about being teased when you are caught reading this book. Believe me, I've known a lot of other native born English speakers and writers who mangle the language at their convenience. For example: read the Bible and you'll find passages that are so-confounding and simply un-clearly written. I can only wish English-language users take all the time to re-learn and understand what this book is probably-all about (i.e., as a valuable tool in clarifying issues that come about whenever we engage in a very alive language such as English in our daily, becoming-more-and-more-complicated undertakings).





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