Meet the Dog that Didn't Sh*t
101 Reflections on Words and Their Magic
by Gordon S. Jackson
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Pub Date 13 Jan 2022 | Archive Date 30 Jan 2022
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Description
This set of personal reflections on English words is based partly on the author's background as a South African who grew up immersed in British English. But his odd encounters with American English (one of which leads to the book's title) are only one aspect of this blog-like compilation.
Entries range from odd words, like the term for using cheese to predict the future, to problems with using spell check; from famous last words to tongue twisters; and from blunders caused by typos to a baby's first words.
This expansive collection is suffused with a quirky sense of humor and numerous personal reflections –on a pun heard in high school that resonates sixty years later and the author's stand on preserving the meaning of notorious.
Several jokes (including one about onomatopoeia) add to brightening the reader's journey, as does his introduction to the non-existent but intriguing Ms. Lillian Mountweazel. More seriously, he reflects on the pros and cons of politically correct language and offers concluding thoughts on the importance of choosing and using words carefully.
A Note From the Publisher
He received his undergraduate education in South Africa and his MA at Wheaton College, Illinois. He worked as a reporter and editor on a news magazine in Johannesburg before obtaining his PhD in mass communications at Indiana University. He then taught journalism at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, for 32 years before retiring in 2015.
He is the author or compiler of fourteen books (twelve commercially published), including two satirical novels. He is married to another South African, who he says helps keep his accent honest.
Advance Praise
"A joyful, light-hearted romp through a lifetime of collecting, exploring and sharing the wonderful world of wods." –Natasha Curry, medical copy editor, Cape Town
"With wit and thoroughness, Gordon Jackson takes readers on a journey through the looking glass of English words. This is an indulgent and fun exploration for loevers of language, readers and writers who understand that words do, indeed, matter." –Thomas Forese, Columnist, Hamilton Spectator, Ontario
"In this time of conflict, which is dividing this country, this book can be very helpful in making clear what we wish to communicate to others." –The Rev. Carol Kirkpatrick, Pastor, Presbuterian Church (USA)
"...Meet the Dog will inspire the reader to use words more effectively and creatively." –Marin McInelly, high school English Language Arts teacher, Kuna, Idaho
"Meet the Dog that Didn't Sh*t is a diverse compilation and examination of such language constructs as cliches, oxymorons, and politically correct language use." –Trish Morita-Mullaney, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Language and Literacy, Purdue University
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781684338627 |
| PRICE | US$20.95 (USD) |
