Language Arts Books

This book has great content for use with a home school speech and rhetoric program. Not to lengthy, it is an interesting and easy read.

"Fair is foul and foul is fair."

"Circumstances rule men; men do not rule circumstances."

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you."

By now, you may have noticed the similarity among these three phrases: an inverse repetition of words. But you may not know this style has its own technical term (epanados). Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn a Phrase, a tiny tome, lists and explains the technical terms of 60 such style devices.

Rooted in Latin, these terms are not important in that each and every one should be memorized. In fact, the author himself notes the foolishness of such a pursuit. But writers (and editors!) should know how to recognize them, and, ideally, experiment with them in their own writing.

Arthur Quinn does a solid job of explaining how to use these figures of speech. He provides brief definitions and illustrates them by listing examples from eminent writers and the Bible. However, I do have a few complaints. Sometimes Quinn glosses too quickly over a term, not giving it a full definition. He also often does not explain how his examples show a particular style device (it would be nice if he bolded them, when possible). Sure, sometimes the examples are self-explanatory but for the confusing concepts it would aid comprehension. His glossary is also a little erratic, sufficiently explaining one term while insufficiently explaining another.

Overall, however, Quinn has created a valuable resource for creative writers. It's a gem of a book in its brevity, and I wish another edition would come out to renew people's interest.

I recommend this book for anyone who would like a few more clues on the many ways masterful sentences are put together. If you have the soul for good writing, but need a little more concrete guidance on how powerful phrases from the Bible to Virgil to Shakespeare to Churchill are constructed--this book will be a delightful little teacher.

I was impressed by the lighthearted and humble approach of the author. Although he gives the formal (and quite forgettable) names for the figures of speech, he says he doesn't expect readers to remember the names, but rather to "taste" the examples he cites, and to get a feel for how to apply these patterns in their own writing. He repeatedly stresses that knowing how to use words and rhetorical patterns is far more important than memorizing their names or even agreeing upon their proper classifications.

The author also cites classics ancient and modern in making the unconventional and refreshing point that we need not slavishly follow the dictates of the now-popular rules of usage as promulgated by Strunk and White and other like-minded authorities. For example, while contemporary authorities repeatedly (yes, ironically) stress the importance of avoiding any unnecessary words, the author of Figures of Speech cites many passages from the Bible, Shakespeare, and other sources of distinction, that clearly do not follow such strictures--and choose elaboration and repitition over spare economy.

Overall, the book is informative, accessible, generous-spirited, and, in places, even humorous and playful.

When I got to the end of the slim volume I found myself wishing there was more.

Short, easy to read. Full of great examples. Will make you a better speaker and heighten your appreciation of great literature, as well as showing you the techniques used by playwrights, poets, politicians, lawyers, clergy, and all others who earn their bread with their tongues. An eye-opener.

Professor Quinn's slim volume is perhaps the best treatment of the subject of rhetorical devices that I have ever read. I say "best," not because it is the most extensive, nor because it is the most detailed coverage of the subject. I say "best" because I feel it is the most *useful* coverage I have ever encountered.

In concise fashion, Professor Quinn takes the reader through many of the most common figures of speech, tells us the formal names, and provides numerous illustrative examples.

It is true that simply knowing the name given to a particular turn of phrase will not guarantee that one can effectively employ it in one's writing. Nevertheless knowing the
forms and having names to identify them makes it easier to see them in use in the writing of others. By thus making them memorable, they also become a more ready part of one's writing toolkit.

The engaging and entertaining style which Quinn uses throughout the book makes even the most daunting technical terms readily accessible. His well-chosen examples are also entertaining and informative, and most are quite memorable. I can't be certain that merely reading this book will improve every reader's writing, but I believe that most folks will benefit from reading it.

Took a workshop with a teacher of the Linklater method. I was hooked. A former singer and actor, a car accident left me with a permanent trach and very little speaking voice. These exercises are helping me to recover volume and expression in my voice. I watched the effects of the exercises on "normal" participants and was blown away.

Don't try to reinvent the method- give it a real try as is. I think it would be extremely valuable when working with new actors. Teaching projection can be tough but this leads right to it.

While nothing can compare to the real deal of a professional Linklater voice instructor, this freshly updated and expanded 2nd edition (from the 1976 inaugural printing) brings with it 20 years of Kristin honing her voice exercises, and it truly shows in the meticulous explanation, improved illustrations and the careful word choice.

And when the book cover says expanded, it isn't kidding. Many warm-ups have been extended with additional exercises, and one useful feature is the commentaries at the end of exercises, which manage to put the exercises into a real world perspective that makes easy sense.

This book's language never gets caught up in intellectual logic. Instead, the text is so well laid out that exercises move from explanation to actual practice, and then to the next exercise before you realize it. The text is a definite improvement from the 1st edition, and that says a lot considering that when it first came out in the 70s, Freeing the Natural Voice became a staple in the voice acting industry and in many American acting curriculums.

When read, the text feels like Kristin is there having a conversation with you, and that is impressive considering that it is an exercise book, though so much more than that. It should be used as a helpful reminder and refresher for every instructor and student of acting (not just voice), as I myself intend to refer back to it on a regular basis.

Another thing that should be said that the text and exercises make the whole warm-up purpose simple by breaking down the body-emotion-voice connection to its most basic level. If you pay half-attention, you'll learn more that you could possibly be prepared for about not just your voice, but more importantly about your body, and how common habits of tension and emotional restraint truly affect everything you are.

This book is about the deconstructing of the physical and mental self-made blocks that inhibit the natural voice and the natural body - seeking to instead rebuild a direct emotional impulse essential for great acting.

This new and expanded second edition is a gem. Hundreds of pages of clear, easy to follow exercises and commentary are presented in a step-by-step format that allows actors (and speakers in general) to progress at their own pace no matter what their level of experience. The vocal exploration is made even more enjoyable by the lighthearted and effective drawings found throughout. This is required reading for anyone interested in developing a more free and expressive vocal instrument.

As a teacher, I
find this new edition invaluable for students of all levels. It is complete, available and thorough. After working with many different books on voice, this book is the one I keep coming back to. My students love it.
The exercises are specific and continually return the student to the purpose of developing their voice- communication and the revelation of thought and feeling.

As a theatre director, I have read a lot of books about other directors and stagecraft, and far fewer about the intimate work of the actor. I never got around to making a close study of voice until now, and FTNV has been a wonderful revelation for me.

Not only is Linklater's work imagistically strong and physically clear, but the thoughtful and careful way she approaches "release" seems a metaphor that extends well beyond the borders of the voice. It has inspired me in all facets of my artistic work. Wonderful, insightful, highly recommended.

This has been a fantastic addition to my 6th grade Language Arts classroom! I'm amazed at how well my "reluctant" students are doing with it and surprised at the general enthusiasm to continue the "story" each day. It allows the students to have a consistant "bell ringer" that isn't just busywork. It is also a great way to interact with the students on an individual level and assess needs as far as GUM (grammar, usage, mechanics) goes. I love the CD--I put the daily Caught 'Ya it on a Power Point and have a seperate slide for each period so I an correct in each period without having to rewrite.

This was a great buy and I can't wait to see how it works through the year!

I have used another Caught Ya for several year, but have moved from high school to middle school. I am really enjoying the Caught Ya specifically for middle school. I can tell a difference in my students' writing, especially in the area of punctuation and more varied sentence formation.

Sara Sherrill
Hurricane Middle School

My gifted class will not sit still for a traditional (boring) grammar lesson, but their writing skills aren't keeping pace with their creative ideas. The "Caught'yas" in this book keep my kids focused on doing their grammar...everyday! The lessons help them with their writing and introduce $100 words into their vocabularies. With the included CD, I don't even need to type or write the "Caught'yas." I just copy and paste into a powerpoint and put the daily work on the projector. Truly a great find!

The service I received was excellent. I received the book within 3 days in perfect condition.

This is the third "Caught 'Ya" book I've purchased - my kids LOVE this idea, and they are LEARNING!

Kate Bloomfield, a Canadian teenage girl, records her thoughts and feelings through a series of poems and vignettes. The very first page quickly sets the tone of Kate's story - she announces her arrival to the World, but when she gets no response, her Self celebrates with somersaults. The World had its chance, but now it's Kate's turn! Simple stories, like not being able to eat parsnips or being proud to be Canadian, are mixed with longer portraits of Kate, her friends and family. Kate struggles with becoming a teenager and learning more about her parents and neighbors. The reader gets an intimate portrait of Kate and may discover a kindred spirit.

Kate has already appeared in two book, Kate and Look Through My Window, but Hey World, Here I Am! certainly stands on its own. Little's writing style capture the teenage voice perfectly, without any of the angst or drama found in so many other books with a teen protagonist. Kate is caught between a world where she is old enough to have experience and reflect on her opinions, but still new to the world of adults. Truesdell's illustrations, wobbly black and white drawings, are both silly and sentimental. The drawings interact with the poems, somersaulting around the words. Not only will younger readers find a companion in Kate, they will be introduced to poetry and the short story format.

This is my very favorite book. It was delivered in a very timely fashion and it is so great. The main character grew up in Canada and is Jewish and I'm Hispanic and in Southern California, but I so get her!!! The style that she writes with is so simple, understandable, and creative; it's poetic. It would be a great book to read at bedtime with your child or by yourself.

This is such a great book! It's perfect for any young girl. The book has short poems and stories told from Kate's point of view. It's fun, it's happy and it's sad. It talks about friendship,parents and life. I cannot recommend it enough! I read it when I was in middle school, probably. Rereading it reminds me of how much I enjoyed it. Really a great read for anyone at any age, but will speak to a young girl's inner voice. GET IT!

I was about eight years old when my mom first brought this book home for me. I was so thrilled because I shared the name of the character in the book, Kate. I absolutely devoured the book, enjoying it more for the humor Jean Little displays impeccably in her writing, and the utter appropriateness of Sue Truedell's wonderful illustrations. Later, when I was a teenager, I went back and read the poems again because they seemed to describe the utter tumult and solitude that I felt during such a trying time. Poems like "Today," "Alone," and "Yesterday" capture perfectly feelings and emotions that nobody ever thinks to capture, yet Ms. Little does it in such a fabulous way that one instantly understands just what kind of mood she is describing. Now that I am a young woman, near to having a family of my own, I treasure my battered old copy of this book, nearly worn to pieces from repeated readings. Even today I can still find wisdom in every poem and piece of prose. The writer, Jean Little, is blind; I can only say it has sharpened her other senses and her intuition of basic human emotion powerfully. Bravo!

I purchased this book at a library book fair in the second grade. After one reading, I fell in love with the goofy pictures (I like Kate's hair and messy bedroom) and poetry. It combined poetry and pictures, my two favorite things in a book at that time. Over many years, I have gotten rid of the old books of my childhood, but I have never parted with this one. I take it off the shelf about once a year and read it (since I was seven I've read it ten times). I can empathize with Kate and her love of books, spats with her mother, and her dislike of interpreting poetry. Even though I am not Jewish like Kate, after reading the Diary of Anne Frank like her friend, I felt Jewish too. I also write poetry, but they are usually about my cat and nature. After reading this book many times, my love for Hey World, Here I Am! has never faded.

This book was very easy to follow. Thanks to this, I have self-published my first book, with many more on the way.

I especially appreciated the step by step formatting.

When I first purchased this book I figured it was gonna be a waste of my time, but as soon as I began reading I was immediately relieved I had purchased it,some of the first information that was listed was about to save me from being embarrassed. I wanted to publish on my own since I had not made any real money on the first two books I had published without being involved in some of the choices made, so I decided I was going at it alone, and I thought since I had been published before I knew enough to go at it full force ( GONG!) boy was I wrong. If your gonna do it and want a place to start try this book it really is full of important information especially if you think you know enough, don't feel embarrassed to read it, it's got important facts that if you don't know and use you'll be embarrassed later for sure.

Mack and Sara Smith have created a down-to-earth, useful guide for anyone contemplating publishing. From the reality check on whether you should write and publish a book, to the resources to help your project succeed, you will find lots of useful information.

Two of the areas in which this book excels are the information on e-books and e-publishers and the extensive appendix of resources. Many of the resources, such as organizations, are of special interest to women and minority writers.

If you are thinking about publishing a book, start by investing in this book. It can save you time and money and help make your project successful.

This book covers a lot. It saved me time and money.

If you have no idea where to begin after your book is published, then this is a simple guide to use. Contains information on publicity, online marketing, book signings, conducting your own seminars, appearing as an expert even if you aren't.

I discovered the Over-50 Spelling Bee last year and rediscovered my love of words. I traveled to a local bee at the county level and our state bee and had lots of fun competing. I didn't go to Cheyenne for the National bee because I was busy with other things when it took place in June, but I'll get there one of these years. If you liked spelling when you were young, thought maybe you could win a bee or two but didn't have an opportunity, this is the time for you because after 50 there's no limit to how many times you can compete.

This book has been a great asset in learning word origins and the common spellings associated with the particular languages from which different words come. I've used this book a lot and continue to refer to it as I study my new hobby. I'd buy it again if I didn't already have it!

Was very informative and easy to read. Arrived in suggested time frame.

How to Spell Like a Champ is an excellent book and really helps students with spelling. My son read this book, and became very motivated. He decided to participate in the school spelling bee. He learned excellent study habits and how words with different language origins have different rules. This book includes word lists, stories of past spelling bee contestants at the national level, and includes a CD that puts you in the life of a student competing at the spelling bee from the class bee to the final round of the National Spelling Bee.

Three authors were involved in writing this book: Carolyn Andrew, Barrie Trinkle, and Paige Kimble. Carolyn Andrew's son won the national spelling bee in 1994, Barrie Trinkle won it in 1973, and Paige Kimble won it in 1981. My son was so motivated, and learned so much, he worked hard, and in result, won his school spelling bee, and got to compete in the regional spelling bee. In the regionals, he placed third. THIRD!!! I WAS SO HAPPY FOR HIM! I know he is excited about next year's spelling bee. You HAVE to buy this book. I would also highly recommend watching the movie Spellbound.

This book is an excellent, entertaining resource for children who may aspire to go to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It contains many helpful suggestions and is written in an interesting way. It's very readable and I'd recommend it to anyone with a child with that goal.

If you want to help your child win a spelling bee it is worth the investment. You cannot get by with out a Webster's third edition dictionary becuase you will have to provide pronunciation and definition to your child. Go more high tech and get the software version of the dictionary. It will save you hours of time looking words up.

This Champ book has a nice layout. You'll get to see previous national spellers, see what some spellers chose as careers, spelling rules, most common misspelled words and spelling games. I probably read the book more then my 5th grader did. However he did win his school bee, his district bee, and placed 5th at his regional bee.

The CD in nice too. Warning: The printer put a small slip of paper inside the book for words in the book that are misspelled accidently. Make sure you take an inkpen and change the spellings in the book before you hand it to your child. Chances are the little slip of paper will become lost.

If you're ready to make each word and sentence shine in your picture book this is an invaluable resource.

Eve Heidi Bine-Stock's HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK (VOLUMES I, II and III)is a constant companion and rich resource in the planning and revision of picture books. The deconstruction of picture books, and the detailed classification of crucial characteristics - using classic picture books to illustrate each detailed point - make these books invaluable. Although I particularly use Volume I and II in the planning stage of a new manuscript, all three volumes are again by my side during each revision, and each step of each revision. There is no question in my mind that these books are the biggest resource in pushing my writing to the next level. The volumes are not read-once-and-put-aside books; they are books you will want on your writing desk for constant reference.

I was having trouble with rhythm and beats in my picture book writing. This book really helped me learn the beat structure in picture book writing and how they create rhythm. My picture book writing seemed flat and lifeless and now, thanks to this book, it has the rhythm it was lacking. I would also suggest Volumes I and III for other parts of picture book writing. Definitely a must have for those writing picture books and those needing to learn the structure, rhythm and specific language used in those types of books.

The book takes popular children's book and breaks apart the beginning, middle and ending so that you get a very clear picture of how your story should progess. An excellent resource.

I have at least a dozen books on writing for children and I especially like this one. Not only does it focus exclusively on picture books, which few others do, it provides solid, concrete information that you can apply directly to your own writing. Too many other books offer vague tips that may be helpful in polishing an existing manuscript, but don't help with building your story from the ground up. I've been trying (sporadically) to sell picture book manuscripts for several years now, and I believe that what I've learned from this book will help get me closer to my goal of being a published author. Volumes II and III are on their way to me now and I can't wait to see what they have to offer!

No Doubt, Hong Kong is facing the Post Industrial Era since year 2000.

After the Rapid changes of Internet Age, Globalization is the next development in the coming decade. But it makes more competition and prices down in the Global markets. All the traditonal and industrial products are over supply than demand in these two years.

When you think back on the rapid development in Computer and Internet business since year 2000, they have over one time growth for every 18 months and the price is down for 50%. Thus, it makes the competition are so quicky and fast in year 2002 or even in the coming decade.

" Post Industrial Era " is coming now. It means that all the industrial products are over supply in the Global markets. Now we are needing the Elite people and knowledge workers to help all industries to re-fresh and re-build their new roads. High-tech skills and people are welcome in the developmet of Globalization.

New Business models and E-business structures are the only way for us to go and keep on running in the year 2003!

In order to keep your business in the rapid growth of the global markets, please try to absorb more Elite people in your Corporation in time.

No Doubt, Hong Kong is facing the Post Industrial Era since year 2000.

After the Rapid changes of Internet Age, Globalization is the next development in the coming decade. But it makes more competition and prices down in the Global markets. All the traditonal and industrial products are over supply than demand in these two years.

When you think back on the rapid development in Computer and Internet business since year 2000, they have over one time growth for every 18 months and the price is down for 50%. Thus, it makes the competition are so quicky and fast in year 2002 or even in the coming decade.

" Post Industrial Era " is coming now. It means that all the industrial products are over supply in the Global markets. Now we are needing the Elite people and knowledge workers to help all industries to re-fresh and re-build their new roads. High-tech skills and people are welcome in the developmet of Globalization.

New Business models and E-business structures are the only way for us to go and keep on running in the year 2003!

In order to keep your business in the rapid growth of the global markets, please try to absorb more Elite people in your Corporation in time.

No Doubt, Hong Kong is facing the Post Industrial Era since year 2000.

After the Rapid changes of Internet Age, Globalization is the next development in the coming decade. But it makes more competition and prices down in the Global markets. All the traditonal and industrial products are over supply than demand in these two years.

When you think back on the rapid development in Computer and Internet business since year 2000, they have over one time growth for every 18 months and the price is down for 50%. Thus, it makes the competition are so quicky and fast in year 2002 or even in the coming decade.

" Post Industrial Era " is coming now. It means that all the industrial products are over supply in the Global markets. Now we are needing the Elite people and knowledge workers to help all industries to re-fresh and re-build their new roads. High-tech skills and people are welcome in the developmet of Globalization.

New Business models and E-business structures are the only way for us to go and keep on running in the year 2003!

In order to keep your business in the rapid growth of the global markets, please try to absorb more Elite people in your Corporation in time.

No Doubt, Hong Kong is facing the Post Industrial Era since year 2000.

After the Rapid changes of Internet Age, Globalization is the next development in the coming decade. But it makes more competition and prices down in the Global markets. All the traditonal and industrial products are over supply than demand in these two years.

When you think back on the rapid development in Computer and Internet business since year 2000, they have over one time growth for every 18 months and the price is down for 50%. Thus, it makes the competition are so quicky and fast in year 2002 or even in the coming decade.

" Post Industrial Era " is coming now. It means that all the industrial products are over supply in the Global markets. Now we are needing the Elite people and knowledge workers to help all industries to re-fresh and re-build their new roads. High-tech skills and people are welcome in the developmet of Globalization.

New Business models and E-business structures are the only way for us to go and keep on running in the year 2003!

In order to keep your business in the rapid growth of the global markets, please try to absorb more Elite people in your Corporation in time.

No Doubt, Hong Kong is facing the Post Industrial Era since year 2000.

After the Rapid changes of Internet Age, Globalization is the next development in the coming decade. But it makes more competition and prices down in the Global markets. All the traditonal and industrial products are over supply than demand in these two years.

When you think back on the rapid development in Computer and Internet business since year 2000, they have over one time growth for every 18 months and the price is down for 50%. Thus, it makes the competition are so quicky and fast in year 2002 or even in the coming decade.

" Post Industrial Era " is coming now. It means that all the industrial products are over supply in the Global markets. Now we are needing the Elite people and knowledge workers to help all industries to re-fresh and re-build their new roads. High-tech skills and people are welcome in the developmet of Globalization.

New Business models and E-business structures are the only way for us to go and keep on running in the year 2003!

In order to keep your business in the rapid growth of the global markets, please try to absorb more Elite people in your Corporation in time.

Let me make this brief, in the best style of broadcast journalism: Wayne Freedman is one of the finest storytellers in the field, masterfully weaving video, sound and just the right words to tell stories that no one else seems to find. More importantly, he has found a way to tell OTHERS how to do this. As a professor of broadcast journalism, I can tell you that that is no small accomplishment. If you are a serious student of television journalism (and no, that is NOT an oxymoron), you need to have this book. You also need to read it.

Wayne Freedman is a video storyteller and a television survivor. Those traits alone are worth the price of this book. I looked to his work for inspiration during my years as television reporter and now I use this book as a broadcast news professor to show students the possibilities of video journalism, either online or on TV.

Since he is a great storyteller, Freedman's book doesn't read like a textbook. It reads like a good book. The insights, lessons, and tips are all in there, but they are woven within funny, interesting, and unforgettable stories from the field.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about a career in video journalism, or those who are already working and want to know how to push to the next level.

Landing a TV reporting job is not tough. Make a tape, be persistent and someone somewhere will put you on the air.

Leaning the craft of television news reporting is a different ballgame. In, It Takes More than Good Looks to Succeed at TV News Reporting, Wayne Freedman shows what it takes to become one of the very best.

This book offers practical, easy to use tips to anyone in the business. The challenges and frustrations Wayne describes will happen to you, count on it. Just as important, he explains ways to overcome those obstacles. Regardless of your experience level, this book is crammed full of useful tips that can improve your work.

But this is not only a collection of "how to" tips.

It Takes More than Good Looks to Succeed at TV News Reporting, inspired me. Those of us lucky enough to make a career of TV news have the best, most interesting jobs around. Thanks to Wayne we now have a playbook to make ourselves, and our work, even better!

Don't read this book just once. Read it twice, and then maybe even once more. Make sure the principles and teachings of Mr. Freedman are so ingrained in your mind, you apply them in the field, and during the writing process, with ease, despite any pressures or deadlines. Why? Because it takes more than good looks to succeed at television news reporting.

Wayne Freedman is a rare gift in television news reporting, a polished gem of a reporter with an amazing eye and ear and professional aesthetic. He's a wonderul storyeller with what may be the largest collection of Emmy awards for television reporting on the planet...deservedly so, he's that good at what he does, they should just mail them to him every year.

I'm a former television producer and news director and I've always greatly admired Wayne's work, and his ability to sweep the Emmy awards every time. He's consistently brilliant and can turn the most mundane topic into a memorable visual story. His book is required reading for my television journalism students and should be read and re-read by every aspiring or novice television journalist, along with many veterans. This book makes teaching 'basic training' to up-and-coming video journalists MUCH easier. Not only is this book useful and a peek into a bright creative mind, it's just a good read...entertaining and hard to put down, with lots of great stories and insight! It's a keeper.

I love this book.
I can't wait to finish so I can start my therapy.

I like the book very much. It is the type of book you read , put down to digest, and then pick up and read again. I love it!

This book is a great help if you are learning to journal or you are stuck in your process.

This is the greatest book I have read on journaling. Sandy Grayson gives an abundance of ideas to jumpstart the reader on the path to journaling. Sandy
makes journaling fun, easy, and healing! Thanks Sandy!

This is a great book to help you get started. The prompts are phenomenal...they'll get you thinking about yourself in ways you haven't before. The prompts will also give you new ways to think of your world and and your spirituality. If you're looking to discover yourself, the way you really think, feel, and who you truley are...not the way the world or media says you should think and feel, but what your true self says...then buy this book! Sandy is a wonderful writer and has an innate ability to help you discover and search the depths of your soul.