Confession time: I'm a word nerd. Which has me wondering why I wound up a psychology major and not an English major. Then again, neither one is likely to land you a decent job in the real world :-) I eat up this sort of book, full of entertaining tidbits about language and perfect for that quick trip to the loo. I enjoyed this one thoroughly; it seemed well-researched while written with tongue firmly in cheek. Recommended for anyone who loves words and fun tales. I happened across this book while searching for something else in my public library's card catalog. I couldn't resist the title and immediately put it on hold. I found it to be just what I expected - a fun and humorous look at "the forgotten people behind everyday words." John Bemelmans Marciano shares information in a light and enjoyable way. I learned quite a few bits of information that I hadn't known before, and I even learned a few new words. The danger with this type of book is that you are suddenly armed with all sorts of trivial facts to share with friends and co-workers. Be careful! They might not be quite as interested to learn all about how the graham cracker got its name (invented by a Presbyterian minister named Sylvester Graham to help people avoid more stimulating foods), or a run-down on the many hats that are eponymous - named after people, characters in plays, a title of a play, a horse race, and even a poem (bowler, derby, fedora, trilby, stetson, havelock, busby, and tam-o-shanter). As you can see, even a little bit of this information goes a long way! :) I did at times feel like the information given just skimmed the surface and was a bit short. I would have liked more detailed information for the words and people I found interesting. But I didn't feel that way about each word. So this is also a nice book for introducing you to some great bits of history, words, and people which can then act as a springboard to searching for additional information.Note: He did tend to emphasize some words dealing with adult-type subjects, so I wouldn't recommend this book for children.
What do You think about Anonyponymous Display (2009)?
I am currently reading this book and I just love it! Humorous and very sweetly written.
—hola123
Cute book and a quick easy read. Kind of forgettable though. Meh.
—MadzNelly97
Source: NPR book blogLibrary: NTR, Arlington
—mish
