Recommended Reading: Banana Skin Words by Suzan St Maur

Guest reviewer: Catherine Poole Virtual Assistant – www.catherinepoole.co.uk, Twitter – @cathpooleva

I was very pleased to be sent this e-book to review, as I am a self-confessed pedant when it comes to punctuation, grammar and spelling, so its subject matter is one I am particularly interested in.  However, I also realise that it’s an area that many people often find confusing and incomprehensible.

In the context of this particular forum, the book is relevant for those who write or blog for business. Of course, it would also be useful for anybody who needs a reference guide. If you’re unsure about the difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect’, or ‘your’ and ‘you’re’, for example, or where to put that pesky apostrophe, and when to leave it out (one of my pet hates), then this book answers all your questions.

First of all, it’s very easy to navigate. The first section of the book alphabetically lists words that sound the same, but are spelt differently, and gives a useful definition. This is interspersed with some common misspellings, plus little sections providing definitions of certain aspects of punctuation and grammar, including the aforementioned apostrophes, the use of ‘who’ and ‘whom’, and my favourite, split infinitives. This is followed by a list of different word endings, for example, words ending in –able,  or –ant. The book finishes off by inviting readers to send in examples of words and phrases that need clarification, but don’t yet appear in the book. The beauty of this being an e-book means it can be updated as and when anything new is suggested! As the author says herself, it’s an organic work.

I would recommend this book to anyone who’s ever been perplexed by punctuation or aggravated by apostrophes.

BUY ONLINE: Banana Skin Words by Suzan St Maur