Reading this book changed the way I think about language.
The authors reject the usual arguments about how language evolved on their head—universal grammars and language instincts. Instead, they suggest that the evolution of language is messy and improvisational, like a long-running game of charades.
This metaphor leads to interesting insights into communications, grammar, and more. It’s thoroughly researched but never stodgy, and if you love language, you’ll be as fascinated as I was.
'Marvellously clear... playfully persuasive' Richard Dawkins 'Full of Fascinating details. A delight to read.' Tim Harford 'Highly original and convincing ... a delight to read!' - Daniel Everett
What is language? Why do we have it? Why does that matter?
Language is perhaps humanity's most astonishing accomplishment and one that remains poorly understood.
Upending centuries of scholarship (including, most recently, Chomsky and Pinker) The Language Game shows how people learn to talk not by acquiring fixed meanings and rules, but by picking up, reusing, and recombining countless linguistic fragments in novel ways.
Drawing on entertaining and persuasive examples from across…
Just last year, a well-known publication unveiled its list of best books about writing—all by male authors. Talk about a missed opportunity!
I’m Still Writing compiles ideas about writing and creativity from a wide assortment of women authors. Some were new to me, but all are brilliant.
Two sections accompany each passage: A “Listen” passage encourages personal reflection, and a “Write” passage prompts you to pick up a pen. Designed as a weekly study, you could work through it and end up so much wiser after a year. Or just dive in and be inspired.
Thoughts and inspiration from some of the greatest female writers to challenge, encourage, and develop your writing!
In I’m Still Writing, beloved female writers, both past and present, share their thoughts on the joy and struggle of writing. Their words will nurture and challenge your writing, inviting you to dive deeper into your creativity and find power on the page.
Author Virginia Ann Byrd has gathered the words and wisdom of women writers―from different backgrounds, traditions, and times―pairing them with thoughtful reflection questions and inspiring writing prompts. From Jane Austen to Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende to Virginia Woolf, 52 authors…
Talking on Eggshells is about the power of words, and word choices, to make or break relationships and human interactions. The book is filled with great advice for dealing with difficult conversations that we would rather run from. I've learned so much from it.
While Horn writes of conversations, much of the advice applies to writing. It's a testament to the magical connecting power of words—and sorely needed in today’s divisive world.
Want to know how to speak up instead of shut down, face challenges head-on instead of run the other way, and keep your cool even when others don’t? Talking on Eggshells shows you how. This inspiring book shares everyday character-building situations and offers examples of what to say and not to say so you’ll never be tongue-tied or tongue-twisted again.
Sam Horn’s relatable, real-life stories and energizing, instantly usable insights will help you think on your feet, reduce stress, and deal more proactively and diplomatically with bosses, coworkers, customers, friends, family members, partners, children, even that date who just ghosted…
Writing to Be Understood is a guide to the art and science of writing nonfiction. If you write about complex or abstract topics, you’ll learn how to make your subjects more accessible to readers, sparking their curiosity and using analogies to aid understanding. To understand “What Works,” the book gathers advice from authors and writing pros. For the “Whys,” it dips into cognitive science and other research. You’ll find strategies and approaches to broaden your reach and resonate more deeply with your audience.
